(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the state’s financial condition is moving in the right direction despite a structural deficit, multi-billion dollar backlog of bills and one of the highest unfunded pension liabilities in the nation.
(Springfield-jm) -- Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is launching a new initiative to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers in Illinois. Beginning July 1st, auto insurance verification will be conducted electronically, says Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt…
Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt. Under the system, insurance will be verified randomly at least twice a year. Drivers that can’t be verified will be given a chance to prove they have car insurance. If they can’t, they face license plate suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee.
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(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 365 new cases and 11 additional deaths Tuesday. Iroquois County reported 4 more cases. Champaign County 11 new cases and 4 additional deaths. Vermilion County 13 new cases and 1 additional death. Ford County did not have a report.
(Paxton-jm) -- The Ford County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring an electronics recycling event in Paxton Saturday, June 19th. The group is accepting computer monitors, tvs printers, laptops and fax machines. Items not accepted include kitchen appliances, microwaves and vacuums. Sarah Earles with the conservation district says they are looking for more volunteers…
Ford County Soil and Water Conservation’s Sarah Earles. Again that number for Gene May is 217-379-3309.
(Iroquois County-jm) -- Iroquois County Sheriff's Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal accident. According to police, at approximately 4:54 p.m. on June 4, Donald R. Heisner of L'Erable was traveling north on County Road 1500 East. when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle left the roadway into the east side ditch. Police say Heisner continued to travel northbound for another 275 feet, striking two trees along the way. Heisner's vehicle then became airborne for a short time before striking a final tree and coming to a stop near 2530 North. He was taken to Riverside Medical Center where he later died.
(Undated-jm) -- One area state representative is encouraging people to get vaccinated as the state fully reopens this Friday. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there are several places to go to get your vaccine…
106th District State Representative Tom Benentt of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) -- OSF is seeking volunteers for their peace meals program. Drivers are needed in Rantoul, Monticello, Champaign and Farmer City. Volunteers must be able to possess a valid driver's license and auto insurance. Volunteers must also be able to give 1.5 to 10 hours a week during the lunch hours. Those interested can call Erin Kennedy at 309-661-5153.
(Undated-jm) -- Tax bills for Ford and Iroquois County residents have gone out. The first installment for Ford County residents is due July 2nd with the 2nd installment due September 10th. For Iroquois County residents the first installment is due July 7th with the 2nd installment due September 7th.
(Washington-jm) -- USDA Outlook Board analysts are taking another look at crop export prospects for this next marketing year. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- A former state lawmaker is suing the state comptroller for salary increases he claims he was entitled to while serving in the Illinois General Assembly for 12 years, even though he voted against those raises as a lawmaker. Former Representative Mike Fortner joins two other former state senators in filing separate lawsuits against Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza over pay raises that they argue are mandated by the state constitution. Fortner’s class-action lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court claims that the automatic cost of living increases to lawmakers’ salaries were eliminated in violation of the Illinois Constitution. The total cost of withheld cost-of-living pay raises for lawmakers between 2010 and 2019 is estimated at $14.4 million.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Labor is warning about the dangers of heat on the job. Employers and workers should be aware of the warning signs of heat stroke as temperatures rise, says Department Assistant Director Jason Keller…
Illinois Department of Labor Assistant Director Jason Keller. Keller says it’s vital for workers to stay hydrated outside, and notes that those with underlying medical conditions, seniors and those who are overweight are most susceptible to heat related illness.
(Melvin-jm) -- The Ford County Fair gets underway Sunday in Melvin. One of the hi-lites of the fair is this year’s concert lineup says President Kirk Miller…
Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller. WXPN will be broadcasting live at this year’s event as part of our Summer Fun tour 20-21
(Vermilion County-jm) -- Some changes could be in store for wind-energy projects in Vermilion County. The changes will be considered during a meeting of the Executive and Legislation Committee. All wind turbines would be required to be at a distance of at least 1,200 feet, or three times the tower height, away from existing buildings. The current ordinance only specifies the 1,200-foot setback. Underground utilities would be required to be five feet below ground, an increase from the current three feet. Wind farm applicants would have to complete a soil study and send it to a county committee for approval, and they would also be required to pay for a noise level study if a resident complains about it.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police have released their recent activity report. On June 7th Brendon Davis was arrested for aggravated domestic battery and criminal damage to property. On June 6th, Katrina Knox was arrested for driving on a suspended license and ticketed for improper use of registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle following a traffic stop at State and Railroad. A passenger, Eric Loy was arrested on two outstanding warrants. On June 4th, Lindsay Platz was arrested for driving on a revoked license following a traffic stop at Dawn and Railroad. On June 2nd, Elizabeth Campbell was arrested for retail theft for allegedly stealing items from the Dollar General. She also had five outstanding warrants. On June 1st, Patrick Howell of Chicago was arrested for violating the sex offender registry.
(Champaign-jm) -- Parkland College and Walgreens will be hosting another COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 10. Walgreens is utilizing a tent in the M-4 parking lot to administer vaccinations.
(Washington-jm) -- What are the chances that USDA in its June supply and demand estimates will change the crop yield and production forecasts it made in May? Gary Crawford reports…
