SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner blamed Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday for the city's gun violence, saying the mayor has "failed horribly" on public safety after gunfire last weekend injured more than 70 people and killed 11 . The Republican governor said Chicago police lack sufficient officers and cutting-edge equipment. A spokesman for Emanuel, a Democrat, dismissed the claims and pointed at Rauner's rejection of legislation to license firearms dealers. Speaking at a state Capitol news conference, Rauner for the second straight day said he had no plans to send the National Guard to patrol Chicago's South and West Sides, where many of last weekend's shootings occurred.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
Hundreds of more officers will be deployed to crime areas of Chicago this weekend.
POTOMAC — Lola’s Bar and Grill in Potomac will host a fundraiser beginning at noon one week from tomorrow for a Potomac man battling a serious illness. The event is for John Reardon, a longtime Potomac resident and U.S. Army veteran. The fundraiser will see music food and auction items at Lola’s Bar and Grill in Potomac starting at mid-day on the 18th and running into the evening hours.
(Springfield--jc) Gaining support for growing the economy and the fiscal health of Illinois remains on the agenda for Republicans in Illinois. 53rd District State Representative Jason Barickman of Bloomington says the party continues to push the idea of a growing economy…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington
(Champaign County--jc) -- Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking information about a Rantoul man wanted on violation of bail bond. Authorities are seeking 38 year old Lance Bufford, whose last known address is in the 400 Block of Sheldon Avenue in Rantoul. Bufford is described as a black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 190 pounds. If you have any information, you are asked to call Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.
(Washington-- ab) Corn and Soybean crops are far ahead of normal development. Gary Crawford has the story...
(Gilman--jc) Those traveling along a busy road in Gilman will have to take a different route starting later this month. Illinois Department of Transportation officials say work on the railroad tracks along Route 24 in Gilman will close on the 20th of August and remain closed for the duration of the project. That work is expected to last around 10 days
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Republican leaders are disavowing a congressional candidate over contentious views he's promoted. The state GOP chairman and other party officials say they're withdrawing support for candidate Bill Fawell after reviewing conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the 2012 Sandy Hook mass school shooting that he posted to social media. Fawell is the GOP challenger to Democratic Rep. Cheri Bustos.
OREGON, Ill. (AP) — Organizers say repair work could begin next spring on the century-old Black Hawk statue in northern Illinois as they are less than $90,000 short of their fundraising goal. Repairs on the 48-foot-tall concrete statute in Lowden State Park are estimated to cost $600,000. The Black Hawk Restoration Team says it has $210,000 of the $300,000 needed for contracts to be signed. The state has provided a $350,000 grant.
(Springfield--jc) - A new law signed by Governor Bruce Rauner aims to bring more jobs back to Springfield. The measure was sponsored by State Representative Sara-Wojcicki-Jimenez (woe-jisky him-men-ez), who says it makes Springfield the default location for state positions…
State Representative Sara-Wojcicki-Jimenez
No current employees will have to move. The new law applies to new jobs and vacancies.
(Paxton--jc) - A Ford County committee says the full county board should look at costs for its annual required audit. The cost for the audit by Kemper C-P-A Group of Champaign has risen over the last couple of years from around 27 thousand to just over 45 thousand this past year. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick will look to get bids for the audit and the full board is expected to look at the issue in the very near future.
(Springfield--jc) -- The smell of mini donuts and corn dogs to the sounds of kids on carnival rides is in the air in Springfield as the 20-18 Illinois State Fair has begun. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner urges everyone to come out and enjoy …
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
(Undated--jc) Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial Minute…
(Paxton--jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Teachers Union is expected to vote on a proposed new contract for teachers in the school when they meet next week. The Paxton Buckley Loda School board and negotiators for the local teachers have worked on a tentative new three year deal. If approved by the local teachers union, the P-B-L school board is expected to give their o-k to the new deal. Contract details will be released after a new deal is reach.
(Springfield--jc) The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding families to make sure everyone is up to date on recommended vaccinations. Vaccines protect babies from 14 diseases by the time they reach two years of age. Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold says getting immunized is not just about protecting yourself…
Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold
(Paxton--jc) -- Could an extra quarter of a cent tax be coming to Ford County. The purpose of the tax would be for a specific purpose...public safety. The Ford County board could hear about the issue next week when they meet. A Ford County board committee is making a recommendation to pursue the quarter of a cent tax increase. Any issue before Ford County voters this fall is expected to be an advisory type vote.
(Springfield--jc) Rural Cissna Park resident and current Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Samantha Hasselbring started her duties at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday. Hasselbring says serving as the state’s fair queen is a blessing…
Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Samantha Hasselbring.
(Farmer City--jc) Event organizers with an annual September event in DeWitt county want you to mark your calendars. The annual Fabulous Farmer City Extravaganza is set for September 9th. The event is set for the Farmer City raceway and one hilite will be Cozair Harley Davidson and their Jumpstart Trailer. If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle, this is an safe opportunity to experience what it’s like. The event is very affordable with a usual five dollar charge to enter a vehicle in the show, a five dollar registration for the 50 yard bike drag races. Trophies will be given to the top 5 finishers in each class.
(Rantoul--jc) - Those in the Rantoul school system needing assistance with school supplies to school clothes have an opportunity on Saturday to fill those needs. The Community Service Center is hosting its “Back to school-clothing event on Saturday from 8 until noon. Those wanting to receive clothes and supplies must contact the Community Service Center in the village to register for the program. The referral must be brought on Saturday t receive the items.
BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. (AP) — Two new exotic zooplankton species have crept into the Great Lakes, according to researchers.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Cornell University researchers confirmed the species are in Lake Erie. The findings are part of the EPA's biology monitoring program in the Great Lakes. The species are Diaphanosoma fluviatile, which is from Central and South America and the Caribbean, and Mesocyclops pehpeiensis, which is native to tropical and temperate areas of Asia.
(Springfield--jc) -- Harness racing, fried food to livestock shows. The 20-18 Illinois State Fair has them all says Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner…
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
(Gibson City--jc)- A benefit for a Ford County man who died in a house fire is set for Gibson City American Legion on Saturday. Money raised goes to the Jeremy “Hillbilly” Turner family for funeral expenses and more. Cover charge for the event is 10 dollars per person or 15 dollars per couple. A dinner and silent auction along with music are also event activities.
(Gibson City--jc) -- The Ford County Corn Belt Shrine Club will host its’ annual Friends of the Shriners Golf Cart run starting at 2 on Saturday afternoon. Registration begins at 1pm. The cost is 70 dollars per couple. Proceeds to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for children
(Paxton--jc) -- Paxton IGa’s cookout on Saturday will feature pork chop sandwiches chips and soda. This weeks service group that will benefit from the efforts is the Gibson City Masonic Lodge.
