(Springfield-jm) – Recent rulings across the country against different states’ gun owner permit laws are fueling hope among Illinois’ gun rights community that the days are numbered for the state’s Firearm Owner’s ID card. The Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals week ruled that Maryland’s permit to buy and own a handgun is unconstitutional. In Illinois, gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde compared Maryland’s law that requires fingerprints with Illinois’ FOID card. Several years ago, Illinois legislators attempted to require fingerprints for the more than 2.4 million FOID card holders in Illinois. That failed to get enough support. Instead, fingerprints are optional for quicker FOID application turnaround time in Illinois. In Oregon, a state circuit court judge found that the state's gun owner ID law violated the state’s constitution, enjoining implementation of the voter-approved referendum.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois' highest court is considering arguments over whether the state should be able to place lifetime restrictions on when and where a sex offender can and cannot live. The case recently heard by the Illinois Supreme Court involves Martin Kopf, an Illinois resident who went to prison after being convicted of having improper relations with a 15-year-old boy in 2003. Kopf is seeking to remain living in his house, even though there is a children's care center within 500 feet. Kopf had been living there for a few weeks after getting the property approved by local police. Kopf argued that he is being punished even after serving his time in prison and registering as a sex offender.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Some City leaders in Paxton are proposing an “amusement tax” as Paxton has several new locations for music and entertainment events. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the issue is in the discussion phase, but would likely be a three percent tax on tickets sold. This is the same type of tax buyers receive at other venues. Ingold says he would like to see the money raised go to streets and city property maintenance around the Cadillac and the Prairie City Wine Room…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Cissna Park-jm) – The Carle Cissna Park Clinic will be returning to full operation on December 4. Shelby Robinson, is accredited through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and she will be leading care at the Carle Cissna facility located at 141 W. Garfield Ave.  Robinson grew up in Cissna Park, graduated from Cissna Park High School and currently lives in the Iroquois County community. Robinson’s previous work at Carle Health includes cardiovascular nursing at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana and as an advanced practice registered nurse at the Carle Watseka location. Operations at the Cissna Park clinic were reduced to Wednesday morning pediatric visits several weeks ago. Pediatrician hours will continue in addition to Robinson’s hours. Hours at the Carle Cissna clinic will now be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday. More location information can be found at Carle.org.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The Rantoul based Community Service Center continues to gather toys and monetary donations for its annual Holiday Bureau. The event helps those needing new toys for kids at Christmas and also vouchers for food items. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says hundreds of families are supported each year…

 

 

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford

 

(Springfield-jm) – Republican and Democratic candidates for the March 19 primary are preparing to begin turning in their nominating petitions today. Candidates for 118 state House and 23 state Senate seats, 17 seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and 77 judicial vacancies are up for consideration. The window to turn in petitions for consideration closes December 4.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are some cons and scams consumers should watch out for as they shop or provide charity this holiday season? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Jewelry, collectible coins, sports memorabilia and historic souvenirs are among the more than 450 unclaimed property items to be auctioned online. The Illinois State Treasurer's Office will be holding the virtual auction from November 27 through December 1. Items to be auctioned include a man’s 14-karat brushed white gold ring with blue Lindy star sapphire, as well as Michael Jordan comic books and basketball cards featuring Jordan and other NBA stars, including Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley. A total of 100 lots will be auctioned, with each lot consisting of a single item or multiple items.

 

(Undated-jm) – As a mysterious and potentially fatal illness continues to sicken dogs across the country, including Illinois, researchers are investigating the cause. The respiratory illness is largely resistant to antibiotics and has led to some fatalities. The American Veterinary Medical Association said it is not clear what is causing the virus so far. Labs across the country have been sharing their findings as they try to pinpoint the culprit.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Ford County Veterans Assistance Office in Paxton is spearheading a local toy drive for “Toys for Tots” in the area. Ford County Veterans Assistance Director Rebecca Rutledge says stop by the State Street Mall to donate new toys…

 

Ford County Veterans Assistance Director Rebecca Rutledge

 

(St. Joseph-jm) – The Kickapoo Rail Trail will finally be completed. The idea was to create a shared use path between Urbana and Kickapoo State Park in Danville. Part of the trail has already been completed with the rest to be completed over the next couple of years.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Thanksgiving holiday weekend also brought out the Christmas Lights Decorating projects. Be safe when putting up those lights. Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen says ladder stabilizers can help…

 

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.

 

(Rantoul-jc) – Rantoul will hold their Christmas parade this Friday at 6pm. To register, registrations must be into the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce by 5pm Wednesday. The route will start on Congress Avenue and end on Sangamon Avenue in downtown Rantoul. Lineup begins at the high school at 5pm.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is only hours away from releasing its last weekly Crop Progress Report for the 2023 growing season. The report will resume next spring. Gary Crawford reports…