MAHOMET, Ill. (AP) — A second lawsuit has been filed against a gas supplier in connection with a 2016 gas leak in central Illinois that contained private wells. The lawsuit filed in Champaign County Circuit Court accuses Peoples Gas of contaminating drinking water when a large amount of natural gas was leaked into the Mahomet Aquifer. The action Monday by 21 residents brings to 38 the number of people who are suing Peoples Gas because of the leak from Manlove Field, an underground natural-gas storage facility.
CHICAGO (AP) — The agency that licenses and inspects health care facilities in Illinois has started an investigation of a hospital where doctors treated a baby brought in by a woman claiming to be his mother but was later charged with killing the actual mother and cutting the child from her womb. Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold would not provide any details on Tuesday about the investigation of Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
(New York--ba) -- Nearly two dozen states and municipalities are suing the federal government to stop a new rule letting health care clinicians object to providing abortions and other services that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs. WPXN’s Braedon Arnett has the story.
PESOTUM – Illinois State Police District 10 Commander, Captain Louis Kink, announces the results of Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols in Champaign County on May 18. These sTEPs allowed the ISP to provide increased enforcement for impaired driving, occupant restraint, speeding, and distracted driving violations during the National “Click It or Ticket” Campaign. State Police handed out 25 speeding citations and warnings during the patrol.
(URbana--jc) A ticket against an East Lynn resident was dismissed in Champaign County Court. The incident in question is a fatal crash along Route 45 between Thomasboro and Urbana. The News Gazette says that authorities view this as a tragic accident that claimed the life of 23 year old Shana Outlaw in 2018
WATSEKA, IL – Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials joined members of the Watseka City Council, other local and state officials and community representatives in a ceremony commemorating the start of the Watseka Flood Mitigation Project last night. The project includes the planned acquisition and demolition of 65 structures located in floodplain, along with the clearing of the property. The acquisition and clearing of the floodplain property will reduce the need for future federal and state disaster assistance to affected residents in Watseka. By removing these structures, the project will also reduce the need for public rescues and emergency services during flood conditions within the watershed. The project will also allow the City of Watseka to expand its public open space.The IDNR is providing more than $5.3 million in flood mitigation funding for the project.
(Springfield--jc) -- While the Illinois House Revenue Committee passed a progressive tax measure along party lines and the issue is in the hands of the entire Illinois House today, one Republican leader says property tax relief needs to be address. Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs says property tax relief needs to be addressed, but no property tax relief is on the horizon…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs
(Gifford--jc) -- Gifford School Board members were updated on the gym project at the school. The masonry work has been completed. The next steps to paint the entire gym. School leaders in Gifford also were informed that one summer project is on the calendar and that is the parking lot at the school.
PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Officials of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria say their counterparts in the Archdiocese of New York are trying to halt the transfer of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's remains to Illinois. Earlier this month, New York's Court of Appeals rejected the archdiocese's argument that lower courts erred in giving permission to a Sheen relative to transfer his remains to Peoria, where he was ordained 100 years ago. The Peoria diocese wants to inter Sheen's remains this year in St. Mary's Cathedral.
(Paxton--jc) -- Monday is Memorial Day. The Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church is hosting their 37th annual cookout Cookout spokesperson Andy Schaumburg talks about the event..
Evangelical Covenant Church Memorial Day Cookout Spokesperson Andy
Schaumburg
(Rantoul-jc) -- Business owners and professionals are invited to a Community Coffee this morning at 7:30. at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bring your business cards, ideas, and network with other business owners and professionals or members in downtown Rantoul.
(Washington--ba)-Both corn and soybean plantings and development are far behind the usual pace. USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois lawmakers are one step closer to putting Governor J.B. Pritzker's signature campaign promise on the 2020 ballot: A proposed change to the Illinois constitution that would allow for higher income tax rates on higher levels of income. The House Revenue Committee passed the measure along party lines with Republicans, who are a super-minority in the chamber, unanimous in their opposition. Reaction to the bill from 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City
(Springfield--jc) Earlier this month the Illinois Senate passed the bill, which was crafted through discussions among environmental groups, power plant owners and other stakeholders. The House Energy and Environment committee passed the bill on May 16, and it now needs to pass a full House vote before the session closes at the end of May. Senate Bill 9 orders the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop rules regarding the closure of coal ash repositories and creates a process for public input on individual closure plans that must be filed with the state. The bill is sponsored by 104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian…
104th District State Representative Mike Marron, Republican from Fithian
(Rantoul--jc) -- The pool is filled, the chemicals are ready and we await some warmer eather as the Rantoul Hap Parker Aquatic Center is set to open this weekend. It takes about 350 thousand gallons of water to fill the pool on Rantoul’s west side. Opening day is Saturday and those who bought passes during a recent sale will be able to enter the pool at 11-30 Saturday morning. The pool opens to the public at Noon.
(Champaign--jc) With the Spring semester complete, work on parking lots begins at Parkland College in Champaign. Summer long resurfacing is planned for the B-1 and B-7 parking lots at Parklands B wing starting on Tuesday May 28th. Those using the area the area are asked to use caution and look for alternative routes to classes and programs.
(Gilman--jc) -- The wet weather continues to hamper local planting efforts. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Director David Treece says there is still time for farmers to complete their original acreage plans
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Director David Treece
(Rantoul--jc) Among the schools with graduation services set for Friday night is Rantoul Township High School. School officials have announced that the commencement exercises will be held in doors this year. The Pomp and Circumstance ceremony begins at 7-30. You can hear the names of the Rantoul Graduates on our High School Senior salutes now on WPXN.
(Undated--jc) -- Do you want to serve Illinois as an Illinois State Trooper. Those interested have until the end of May to apply. Cadet Class 130 will start in October. Applications and more information is found online at illinois-trooper-dot-com
(Urbana--jc) -- Champaign County property tax bills were expected to be mailed out this week, but more delays have occurred. Now the bills are expected to be mailed out on Tuesday. The due date for the first installment, if the bills are mailed out on May 28th would be June 28th. Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers says bills are being delayed in his county. Ford County property taxes are also on the wait to mail list
(Paxton--jc) Among the Memorial Day observances in the area is one at Glen Cemetery in Paxton. The annual program begins at 11am on Monday Memorial Day. The Paxton Buckley Loda Marching Band will provide music and the parade begins at 10 Monday morning at Eastlawn School. The Paxton American Legion Honor Guard will lead the parade on Monday morning. This Saturday, legion members are asking the public’s help to place American Flags on the graves on veterans. Those interested in helping are asked to be at the Glen Cemetery gazebo at 9 Saturday morning
