(Chicago-jm) – A Chicago state representative has called on the state to refuse to host the Democratic National Convention until the city receives federal funding for migrant care. Mayor Brandon Johnson is not on board with that idea, however. The DNC will be hosted in downtown Chicago in August as the city deals with more than 35,000 migrant arrivals from the southern border. State officials have been calling on President Joe Biden to provide extra federal funding for the issue. The DNC is scheduled to take place Aug. 19-22 at the United Center.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A proposed cut to service hours for workers of group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been paused by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Many Republicans are calling for the cuts to be thrown out altogether. The plan, which was put on pause by the governor, was to cut 2.5 million service hours for direct support professional workers in group homes where approximately 10,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live. The pushback was led by state Senator Chapin Rose, of Mahomet, who penned a letter to Pritzker demanding the governor not cut the hours. Rose told The Center Square that he is glad the plan was paused but is still pushing to remove the cuts for good. Nineteen lawmakers have signed a letter calling for the governor to abolish the cuts.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is sharing what he calls a successful 2023. The Governor recently spoke to a group of business leaders in Chicago about the state's financial status. He talked about some of the investments the state has made…

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) – The PBL food pantry received a check for $5226 from Paxton IGA. 

The “Round Up” program provides opportunities for customers to give back to the community and helps non-profits and charities  earn money. Customers are asked if they'd like to "round up" their bill to the next dollar and donate the difference to the designated charity. IGA also picks one week during the month long drive to match all customer donations. They matched the first week of the promotion this time and contributed $958. Since the inception of round up the store match has been $25,514 and the total amount customers contributed plus store match is $100,357.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Farmers Merchants Bank is  now officially The Bank of Pontiac. . Bank of Pontiac has acquired the Paxton, Melvin and Piper City locations. Bank of Pontiac Officer John Marshall says Bank of Pontiac has  been in operation since 1947…

 

Bank of Pontiac Officer John Marshall.

 

(Champaign-jm) – In order to retire a gas service at 205 N. Neil Street, Ameren Illinois will close one southbound lane of Neil Street between Church Street and Park Street. Southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area. The closure will occur on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Filing for federal and state taxes officially begins today.  Shaffer Tax and Accounting of Paxton owner Jeff Shaffer says his office has been busy already preparing taxes for clients. Shaffer says there is also a way on-lne to follow your tax return…

 

Shaffer Tax and Accounting of Paxton Owner Jeff Shaffer. Shaffer Tax and Accounting of Paxton is available for tax help by phoning 217-379-4308.

 

(Mahomet–jc)  –There is still time for ag families to sign up for a farm legacy workshop that is set for Wednesday in Mahomet. Workshop Organizer Cheryl Mitchell says the topic of the future of the family farm will be discussed…

Farm Legacy Family Workshop Program Organizer Cheryl Mitchell

The Three hour program is set for Wednesday at 5-30pm at the Cornbelt Fire Protection District Building in Mahomet.

 

 

(Kankakee–jc)  A boil advisory has been issued for areas of Kankakee County including Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, Grant Park, Manteno, Aroma Park, Limestone, University Park and Green Garden. A “Boil Advisory” is a notice issued to water consumers to boil all drinking and culinary water for at least five minutes before use. A boil advisory is issued by proper drinking water authorities to the consumers of a public water supply whenever analysis results indicate the water being supplied may have or has become  contaminated.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The debate over whether presidential candidates can be excluded from the state's primary election ballots is playing out in Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Elections conducted petition objection hearings Friday in Chicago and Springfield for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The hearing officer will now forward recommendations to the board’s general counsel. The board is expected to meet Tuesday to consider the objections. The Illinois primary election is March 19.

 

(Springfield-jm) – As the popularity of Delta-8 cannabis products grows, some are calling for more oversight in Illinois. Delta-8 THC is legal in Illinois and 21 other states, but unlike marijuana, which is regulated, taxed and can only be sold in licensed dispensaries, Delta-8 can be sold in convenience stores and online. Aaron Smith, CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association, said Delta-8 hemp products should face the same regulations as regular cannabis.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The impacts of the state’s decision to not renew the Invest in Kids program is starting to be felt. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he will fight to bring back the program…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Momence-jm) – Momence High School freshman Amari Crite died Thursday evening after collapsing during a girls basketball game against Tri-Point. The girl’s death is under investigation. The cause of death is pending while officials await toxicology results. Momence School District said grief counselors are available for students, staff and the community to help deal with the tragic loss.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Democrat Illinois Governor J B Prizker continues to blame Republican Governor Greg Abbott for the illegal migrant crisis in Illinois. The governor says Texas officials are making the issue, more political…

 

 

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. Some Republicans in Illinois want to see  more transparency on how Illinois taxpayer money is being used to deal with the crisis. Texas officials maintain President Biden is the main cause of the “open”  Southern border. 

 

(Undated-jm) – Local unemployment numbers for December are in. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate in Champaign County rose from 3.1 percent in December 2022 to 4 percent in December 2023. Ford County’s rose from 3.6 percent to 3.9 percent. Vermilion County’s rose from 4.4 percent to 5.4 percent. Iroquois County’s rose from 4 percent to 4.8 percent.

 

(Gifford–jc)  With good attendance numbers, the 20-24 Midwest Ag Expo is complete for this year. The upcoming planting season, purchasing equipment to finance and insurance were some of the topics for event goers this year. United Prairie Sales Agronomist Rob Litwiller (‘Lit-w-eye-lr) says farm equipment technology continues to advance and change…

 

 

United Prairie Sales Agronomist Rob Litwiller.