(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one of a dozen states in the country that are at risk of eliminating or scaling back programs when the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus package expires in two years. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were handed out to states, cities and counties that saw tax revenues plummet during the pandemic due to government-imposed lockdowns that shut down businesses deemed to be "nonessential." As detailed in a report by the Volcker Alliance and authored by Beverly Bunch, states must confront the fiscal cliffs they could face if they allocated the recovery aid to recurring programs rather than one-time costs stemming from the pandemic. The report notes that 38 states primarily used the federal money for one-time or short-term purposes, such as capital projects, repaying federal loans to their depleted unemployment trust funds and providing short-term assistance to businesses and households. But 12 states, including Illinois, were flagged for using the federal funds to cover recurring costs that were equivalent to a significant 2.5% or more of their fiscal 2022 general fund expenditures. As a result, the report said Illinois faces a moderate to elevated risk of encountering that fiscal cliff if it doesn't find money to replace those federal dollars.
(Washington-jm) – USDA’s annual look at trends in rural America indicates a trend of increased overall rural population. Rod Bain reports…
(Gibson City-jm) – People living in Gibson City can rest a little easier when it comes to flooding. This week, the town heard the results of a study that was done on the city’s sewer system. In 2021, Gibson City got hit with severe flooding that damaged the drains. It’s still causing issues. It will cost about $3 million to $4 million to fix everything. They plan on using grants to pay for the upgrades.
(Undated-jm) – Today is the Great American Smokeout. The goal is to help smokers quit smoking or using tobacco. The American Cancer Society along with the Iroquois County Public Health Department says there are resources available for those who want to quit.
(Paxton-jm) – The 5 mapping sessions planning the future of Paxton over the next 10-30 years are over. The sessions were put on by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. Program Manager Gisela Hamm recaps the fourth session…
Mapping Program Manager Gisela Hamm. Tomorrow we will recap the final session
(Ford County-jm) – The superintendents of the three school districts in Ford County are considering a 1 percent sales tax referendum in 2024 that would go towards hiring school resource officers and mental health providers. PBL, GCMS and Tri-Point school district superintendents hope to have a decision on whether to proceed with the referendum by the end of the year or early in 2024.
(Paxton–jc) Businesses in the State Street Mall in Paxton are planning A Christmas Open House on December 2nd. Spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge says
State Street Mall spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge. The toys for tots drive is on-going at the Veterans Center in the Mall now through mid December. Just drop off the new toys to any business in the State Street Mall.
(Paxton–jc) –The date for the 20-24 Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Toy Show has been set. The date is Saturday February 10th at the high school says P-B-L F F A Advisor Kirsten Wyatt…
Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor Kirsten Wyatt
(Springfield-jm) – Challenges against Illinois’ gun ban continue in courts up and down the federal judiciary. Governor J.B. Pritzker enacted the ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities on January 10. Lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts shortly after the measure was enacted. Outcomes since then range from a preliminary injunction against the law being issued in federal court being stayed, thousands of temporary restraining orders being issued in state courts being vacated, and continued filings challenging the law on Second and 14th amendment grounds among other issues. On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court docketed a case brought by Illinois state Representative Dan Caulkins, of Decatur, challenging the state’s gun and magazine ban. Separately in the Southern District of Illinois federal court Tuesday, a judge denied the state’s motion to delay responding to plaintiffs seeking an injunction against the Jan. 1 registry deadline. Also this week, a second separate motion was filed by plaintiffs out of Naperville to have the entire Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals review the case.
(Washington-jm) – Food price inflation is continuing to abate. Gary Crawford reports…
(Danville-jm) – A man is dead after a house fire took place in Danville on November 10. According to the Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden, a house fire in the 70 block of Kist Street claimed the life of Kenneth R. McQueen, 77, of Danville. The fire is still under investigation.
(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson Area Music Foundation invites all to attend Celebrate the Season, formerly The Messiah, on Sunday, December 3, 2023. The musical event featuring local singing talent will start at 3 pm and be held at the Gibson City Bible Church, Route 47, Gibson City.
(Ford County-jm) – Impacting Farm Legacy will once again be holding a session this fall to focus on farm legacy. The session will be held this evening at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton. Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell talks about the team you should have when planning your farm's future…
Impacting Farm Legacy Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell. Again the session will be held this evening at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton.
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Rantoul woman was arrested in Hoopeston for passing counterfeit money. Kristin Hewerdine was arrested after police were called to the Hoopeston McDonalds for a person passing the counterfeit bills. Hewerdine was taken to the Vermilion County jail.
WPXN News Notes…
Clove Alliance Cosmic Bingo will take place today at the Expo Center at the Kankakee Fairgrounds. Doors open at 4:30 with Bingo at 6:30. Tickets are $35.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper tonight from 5-7 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a fish fry on Friday from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park. Cost is $12 and includes fish, fries, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw.
The Cadillac in Paxton will make a special concert announcement at 8am Friday morning.
