(Springfield-jm) – Illinois row crop farmers have until the end of the month to apply for cover crop incentives for fields that were planted with cover crops in 2023. The incentives are designed to help farmers offset the start-up costs of planting cover crops. The signup process for the Farmers for Soil Health Program is simple with a smaller administrative burden than most other programs. The application at FarmersForSoilHealth.com/enrollment should be filed by the end of February 2024. Farmers for Soil Health is a collaborative partnership between the National Corn Association, the National Soybean Association and the National Pork Producers. Signing up for the Farmers for Soil Health Program does not preclude farmers from participating in other cover crop programs.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican senators are calling out the state’s democratic majority on their handling of the migrant healthcare program. State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris…

 

 

State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris.

 

(Paxton-jm) – An iconic piece of Paxton history is being restored. Crews removed the firetruck from Pells Park. The firetruck will be restored and returned to the park as part of upgrades coming to the city’s largest park this summer.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A dog died in a house fire in Champaign on Tuesday. The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1400 block of Briarwood Drive. Firefighters responded to a report from a passerby of a fire in this split-level residence. Once on the scene, fire crews reported fire coming from an upper-level window. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire that originated in the bedroom. The cause of this fire has not been determined.

 

(Washington-jm) – The latest USDA Census of Agriculture offers new categories of information to glean and what has changed regarding farm operations since 2017. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign 18-year-old was sentenced to probation for spray-painting swastikas and racial slurs targeting Black people and Jewish people on gravestones. Dominic Koca got two years of probation for spray-painting the racist in November. The News Gazette reports he will also have to participate in an educational program that discourages hate crimes, comply with treatment recommended by a forensic psychiatrist, conduct 200 hours of public-service work within 20 months and refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabis or illicit drugs.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, along with the District’s Justice Coalition committee, is proud to announce, “Black Health, Wealth, and Wellness,” a panel discussion in celebration of Black History Month. Scheduled for February 22 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:30 pm for light refreshments, this event promises to be an empowering gathering of local Black community leaders highlighting the vital intersections of health, wealth, and wellness within the Black community.

 

(The Center Square) – A former state legislator has formed a group that is launching a statewide effort to put parents' rights on Illinois' November 2024 ballot. Former State Representative Jean Ives says they are gathering signatures from Illinois voters to put the question of parental notification concerning medical procedures on their children. Ives says their goal is to gather a half million signatures by the end of March…

 

 

Parents Matter Coalition Spokesperson Jeane Ives. Those that want to learn more about the issue or sign their petition can find the group…parents Matter Coalition, on line.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is searching for a missing woman. Police say April Jocelyn,44, has not been seen by or in contact with friends or family since 5:15 a.m. yesterday. Jocelyn was last seen in a pink hoodie. She is described as 5 foot 11 inches, has hazel eyes, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown hair. Jocelyn also has a tattoo of a floral pattern on her neck and a tattoo on her left hand. If you have any information on Jocelyn contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the notable data points regarding the 2022 Census of Agriculture’s study of farm products and value? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Fire Department was called out for an early morning house fire Tuesday. Crews responded to the 600 block of W. Elm just after 1 a.m.  Light smoke was showing from a 2-story home. A fire was located in the attic. The fire was brought under control less than ten minutes after first arrival. The occupant was able to get out of the house before the Fire Department arrived.  No injuries were reported. The damage was minor, and the house was habitable. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

(Savoy-jm) – Willard Airport officials are looking for help to secure funding for new leisure flight service, they’re headed to city halls across Champaign County.  They are looking for the cities to contribute to a minimum revenue guarantee to attract flight service to the airport. Willard has proposed budget leisure flights to Las Vegas, Arizona, and Florida. The University of Illinois has already promised $500,000 towards the MRG and is looking for community organizations to match that amount.