(Springfield--jc) With the mid term elections coming up in November, some with the minority party in Springfield say they are pushing for reforms in workers comp, to property tax help. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman says those proposals have fallen on deaf ears from the Democratic majority…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that a central Illinois city is liable for a woman injured on its uneven sidewalks, a precedent that could affect cities across the state.The state’s high court said the city of Danville wasn’t immune from a lawsuit a woman filed after she tripped on an uneven seam in a sidewalk there. Barbara Monson tripped on the sidewalk in 2012 and sued the city for not fixing it. Lower courts ruled that the city wasn’t liable but the Illinois Supreme Court disagreed, saying laws that give Illinois municipalities immunity weren’t as important as the common law requirement for them to keep their property in working order. The Supreme Court said in its ruling that it is “the common-law duty of a local public entity to maintain its property in a reasonably safe condition.”
(Springfield--jc) -- A group of politically connected state employees are suing Governor Bruce Rauner to get their jobs. The eight employees were identified by an Executive Inspector General’s report as political patronage hires from the Rod Blagojevich and Pat Quinn administrations. Rauner fired them and others in 2017 in a push to the end practice at the Illinois Department of Transportation Rauner argued that the employees shouldn’t have union protections.
(Springfield--jc) 5 thousand people have already called in to the state’s opioid helpline.Most of the callers have either been someone that is addicted to opiates or are concerned about a family member. Illinois Department of human services Danielle Kirby says trained specialists answer questions and discuss treatment options and now offer follow-up calls…
Illinois Department of Human Services Spokesperson Danielle Kirby.
The helpline number is 833-2-FIND-HELP. On line at Helplin-dot-I-L-dot-org.
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois' attorney general is suing the operators of Trump International Hotel and Tower for removing water from and releasing water into the Chicago River in violation of federal environmental laws. The lawsuit claims the building sucks about 20 million gallons of water out of the Chicago River and returns the same amount 35 degrees hotter. The water is used to cool the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Trump Tower officials say the lawsuit was motivated by politics.
(Rantoul--jc) -- Rantoul Chamber officials are hosting a community coffee this morning at 7-30.The event takes place at the Rantoul Area Chamber or Commerce office in downtown Rantoul. Executive Director Belynda Allen says to bring your business cards, ideas, and network with other business owners and professionals or members of the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce or community and brainstorm thoughts and ideas.
The Paxton Buckley Loda Porkchop Kickoff will be Friday August 17th at the High School. The Volleyball Scrimmage will take place at 5:30 in the gym. The Freshman/JV Football Scrimmage will start at 6:45. The Cheerleaders will do their routine followed by the PBL Panther Regiment. The Varsity scrimmage will begin around 7:30.
(Springfield--jc) -- A new measure to foster increased rural broadband access is now law and the Governor Bruce Rauner's administration said that’s good for Illinoisans young and old. AARP’s Ryan Gruenenfelder said broadband internet access plays a critical role in the lives of aging Illinoisans delivering new technologies improve our quality of life. The measure also reduces some regulations to get more broadband in rural areas. Rauner said it’s not just for older generations.
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(Gibson City--jc) -- The Harvest Fest celebration is set for Friday September 7th and Saturday September 8th in Gibson City. The event is centered around a scarecrow theme and organizers says there is something for all ages. Gibson City leaders also approved several one day licenses for the “Elite Absurd Foottrace” event. The Gibson City American Legion, Railside Golf Club and Sammer’s 2. Music also hilites the two day event in Gibson City.
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(Undated--jc) Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial minute…
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation to better keep the public informed about pending actions of the Illinois Tollway Board.SB 2291 amends the Toll Highway Act to require that the board of directors post an agenda for each meeting at illinoistollway.com as well as at the authority’s headquarters building at 2700 Ogden Ave., Downer’s Grove, two business days (rather than 48 hours) in advance of the meetings. It also requires that specific details concerning contracts for projects over $100,000 shall be included, with Internet links to those details provided.
(Springfield--jc) -- With Ag Day Tuesday at the Illinois State Fair, there could be a lot of buzz about a possible trade deal coming together with the U.S. and Mexico lllinois farmers and manufacturers continue to hold out hope for an agreement to continue trade and avoid tariffs. .”Next to corn, Illinois exports a lot of pork south of the border. Hog producer Scott Behrmann from Albers said a deal will be a relief. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert said the prospects of a deal with Mexico are welcome because Mexico imports a lot of Illinois pork, corn and even cheeses.
(Buckley--jc) There is still time to get in on a brand new Toro lawnmower as the prize for a fundraiser for a local high school. Donation is 50 dollars per ticket for the mower valued at over 25 hundred dollars says fundraiser Larry Abbe…
C-L-H-S Auction and Dinner Spokesperson Larry Abbe. Tickets are available at Abbe’s office or by calling 217-394-2547.
(Rantoul--jc) -- A unique event is coming to Rantoul in early September. The game is called “Airsoft.” Similar to paintball, the game is played with B-B like plastic pellets and the two day event is set for Grissom Hall at the Rantoul Aviation Center. The event is private and only registered participants will be at the game site on the 8th and 9th in September.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and First Lady Diana Rauner are donating 1 million dollars towards the renovation of the state fair coliseum. The money will go to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation. The coliseum was built in 1901, but closed in 20-16 due to structural concerns. The governor wants school kids to choose a name for the building…
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
The next night for Draggin’ Main in Downtown Gibson City will be this Friday evening at 6pm. Several Businesses will be open for dining and shopping opportunities
Soybean growers may produce a record crop this season, but could suffer the price consequences. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign--jc) -- Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance regarding a report of shots fired earlier this month in Champaign near Centennial High School. The shots were fired on August 6th Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 Cash rewards of up to $1,000 are paid for information leading to an arrest.
(Gibson City--jc) Hot dogs, go cart rides, a cake walk, and a parade are some of the events set for the Corn Belt Shrine Club annual Kids Day in the park at North Park in Gibson City on Sunday. All games cost just 25 cents and there will also be face painting and go-cart rides. The Corn Belt Shrine Club annual Kids in the Park runs from noon til 3pm on the 19th.
(Cissna Park--jc) -- We are just one day away from the three day run of the Old Settlers Reunion in Cissna Park. The annual event is considered the longest running celebration in the state with its 131st celebration this weekend. Free entertainment nightly, Swyear Amusements and a car giveaway hilite the event. One popular event is the parade on Saturday at noon. Cash prizes are given in several categories. They include walking-bicycles and tricycles. Non-motorized floats, golf carts with a patriotic theme and Large floats. WPXN will broadcast the parade live at noon on Saturday.
