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The Illinois State Police Have Seen a Slow But Steady Decline in Their Numbers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie has been named to the Pollution Control Board by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Currie, who is replacing board member U-Jung Choe, who was appointed by Bruce Rauner in 2018. Currie, who was appointed to the board on Friday by Pritzker, will be paid $117,000 annually. The five-member Pollution Control Board is an independent state agency that establishes environmental control standards for Illinois. Currie's appointment requires Senate approval.

 

CHICAGO (AP) — An official says the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reviewing unproven allegations of child abuse or neglect after the death this week of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund. Anne Gold is DCFS associate deputy for child protection. She told a House committee Friday that agency administrators are reviewing unfounded cases for any child three years old or younger.

 

(Washington--ba) Taiwan is a diverse market for US ag products, and this can provide many opportunities for the ag economy to grow. USDA’s Stephanie Ho Reports.

 

 

(Champaign--jc--  Parkland College commencement Exercises is set for Thursday May 16th at 8pm. The location is the Krannert Center in Urbana. This year’s keynote speaker is Seth Fein. Fein is an event curator and publisher.

 

(Champaign--jc)  -- Another kids clothing store is leaving Market Place Mall in Champaign. The Children’s Place is closing next month. The chain is closing several hundred of its stores, nationwide. The move was also prompted by the building of a new Costco store on the west side of the property. Two other stores in that area of the mall will be relocating at MarketPlace.

 

(Watseka--jc)  -- Iroquois County Treasurer, Kurt Albers has  announced that the deadline to pay mobile home taxes without penalty is Wednesday May 1st. A penalty is assessed after that date. The Iroquois County Treasurer’s Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in Watseka. There is also a drop box at the  Administrative Center during non-office hours.

 

(Fisher--jc)  -- Plans continue for the village of Fisher  Lucky Foot Festival. Among the activities  are Little League baseball, bouncy houses, face painting,  softball, and a car show. This year’s show is in honor of Ranae Helpingstine. The Ranae Helpingstine Memorial Car Show is set for Saturday June 8th in Fisher. Registration begins at 10 that morning with awards at 3.

 

(Paxton--jc)  Congratulations to the Max-D Monster Jam team on their win in the 20-19 Stadium Championship Series. Next, for the team based in Paxton, is the World Championship Series in Orlando Florida from May 10th through 12th. Several of the drivers on the team will be competing at the various events.

 

CHICAGO (AP) — The Illinois State Police have seen a slow but steady decline in their numbers, leaving many to wonder if there are enough troopers to patrol roads, investigate highway shootings or oversee the concealed-carry gun program. Data from the state police shows the number of troopers has dropped by almost 20% over the past 20 years. Spending cuts, retirements, new responsibilities and a recent Illinois budget stalemate have been factors. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is proposing $7 million to train new cadets.

 

CHICAGO (AP) — A photographic memorial honoring service members who have died since the 9/11 terrorist attacks will stop in Chicago. "Remembering Our Fallen" will be displayed at the Gallagher Way entertainment center now through Wednesday. It features 31 "Tribute Towers" with photos of more than 5,000 service members. There's a separate display to recognize service members who died in training or on military bases.

 

BATAVIA, Ill. (AP) — The first bison of the spring has been born at the U.S. Energy Department's Fermilab facility, west of Chicago. Officials say the calf was born on April 20, one of 12 to 14 expected this spring. The public is welcome to photograph and see the herd at the lab in Batavia, about 35 miles west of downtown Chicago. Admission is free.

 

(Springfield--jc)  --Sports gambling is a topic in Springfield this week as lawmakers get back to work on the budget and other issues. Potential new revenue for the state to local cities is one positive on sports gambling. Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons says he is worried that college students would gamble on college sports…

 

 

Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is calling on lawmakers to approve sports wagering in the state.

 

(Fisher--jc)  -- The volunteers were ready and the equipment purchased and ready, but Mother Nature intervened with a park playground project in Fisher on Saturday. Among those volunteering to help with the project were Officials from Illinois American Water, the Fisher High School Football team and others. The plan is to come back this Saturday at 8am to finish the installation at Lammle Park.

 

 

(Washington--ba)-What are some ways to store and prepare asparagus for enjoyment throughout the Spring? USDA’s Rod Bain Reports.

 

 

 

(Gibson City--jc)  Gibson City hosted opening ceremonies for its baseball and softball leagues on Sunday. West Park has a new name for its ball diamond. It is named Roy Roemer Field. Roemer is remembered as the town’s best fan. He passed away in October of 2017, City officials are planning a dedication ceremony at the field this Spring.

 

(Mahomet--jc)  -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois has a fundraiser coming in June. The golf fundraiser is called  Golf for Kids Sake. Big Brothers Big Sisters Director Kristian Hopkins says one way to help is to sponsor a hole for the golf scramble…

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Director Kristian Hopkins.

To register to play, call the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.

 

 

(Champaign--jc)  A memorial site was dedicated on Sunday in Champaign. The memorial stands at the west entrance to Parkland College. The memorial is dedicated to Champaign  County workers lost while working in the county.

 

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