CHICAGO (AP) — A county public guardian in Illinois is suing the state's Department of Children and Family Services over what it contends is the "immense harm" the agency is doing to mentally ill foster children that are kept in psychiatric hospitals beyond their medical discharge dates. The federal class-action lawsuit filed by Cook County's public guardian contends that keeping the children so long at the psychiatric hospitals is "inhumane" and costs taxpayers more than $125,000 a month.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has welcomed governors-elect from both parties to the White House. Among those in attendance on Thursday were Florida Republican Ron DeSantis, Georgia Republican Brian Kemp, Illinois Democrat J.B. Pritzker, Wisconsin Democrat Tony Evers and newly inaugurated Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican. The visitors also met with Cabinet members as part of a broader White House outreach effort to local officials.
(Springfield, IL--ba) -- New data out yesterday show the number of uninsured children in Illinois rose about eight percent last year, and advocates say they worry that federal policies could thwart future progress. Researchers with the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families found that for the first time in a decade, the number of children without health coverage in the U-S has gone up - with five percent of kids now uninsured. In Illinois, it's almost three percent. Kathy Waligora with EverThrive Illinois contends that with an improving economy and low unemployment, the backslide is the result of messages at the national level.
Ever-Thrive Illinois Spokesperson Kathy Waligora
CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — A former administrator may serve as interim chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale while the university conducts a search for the campus' next permanent leader. The Southern Illinoisan reports the SIU board of trustees will vote today to name John M. Dunn interim chancellor, a role he previously held from 2006 to 2007.
(Rantoul--jc) -- 52 Classes, 17 thousand participants. Those are the numbers the Lincoln Challenge Director Peter Thomas had been involved with the local program that began July First 1993. Thomas has been a leader, challenging and changing the lives of at-risk teens for the past 25 years. When the latest group graduates this month, Thomas has stated he will retire. The local program will name a new director in the very near future. Thomas will be missed by those with Lincoln’s Challenge, friends and the community of Rantoul and surrounding area.
(Undated--ab) Football safety is on the minds of a lot of government officials, Superintendents, Coaches, and parents. Matt Troha Assistant Executive Director of the IHSA says that the Illinois High School Association is making a lot of changes to make the game safer.
Assistant Executive Director of the IHSA Matt Troha
(Springfield--jc) -- As more cases of hepatitis A pop up in Illinois, State Public Health Officials urge those most at risk to get vaccinated. So far this year in Illinois there have been 75 cases of Hep-A, which can cause liver damage. The recent outbreak is concerning, says Illinois Public Health Department Director Doctor Nirav Shah…
Illinois Public Health Director Doctor Nirav Shah.
Gibson City--ab) a public hearing will be held by the City of Gibson City Planning Commission on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Villas of Hollybrook Dining Room located at 1400 N Melvin Street, Gibson City, Illinois. The hearing will involve the discussion of changes to the City of Gibson Zoning Ordinances for residential and commercial districts as they relate to wind and solar power energy.
(Rankin-dg)-Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin will be having it’s Annual Breakfast and Bazaar tomorrow from 6:30am-12:30 at the Rankin Lion’s Club. The Biscuit and Sausage Gravy Breakfast begins at 6:30 with a free will donation. Carry outs will be available. You’ll be able to find homemade baked goods, hand- crafted Farmhouse decor’ and other homemade items at the Bazaar.
(Undated--jc) -- Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial minute…
(Springfield--jc) -- You have until Saturday, but there is still time to check out your options for insurance in 20-19. Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Karin Zosel says the best place is the get-covered Illinois, website…
Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Karin Zosel.
(Paxton--jc) With the annual parade complete and a bag sale earlier this month, the city of Paxton has a lot to offer Christmas shoppers. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Tolley says it’s good to see the variety of shops in the city..
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Tolley
GRIDLEY, Ill. (AP) — A company that's the largest employer in the small central Illinois village of Gridley has closed because not enough people were buying the cereal it made. Kerry, Incorporated. closed its doors at the end of the day Wednesday. Company spokesman Gene Grabowski says that that Kerry remains hopeful that the plant will re-open someday but that the fact that "the demand for cereal has dropped" forced the move. Grobowski says that 115 employees were affected by the closure. He says they were offered severance packages and that some of them were offered positions at other Kerry facilities.Kerry Inc. is based in Ireland. Its United States headquarters is in Beloit, Wis.
(Watseka--jc_ -- A merger remains a possibility between Riverside Hospital in Kankakee and the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka The two facitlies have been in talks since October. Riverside Hospital officials announced yesterday that they will take over the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Ambulance service starting on January First. The announcement was made by both hospitals on Thursday and the two sides continue to look at merger possibilities.
(Springfield--ba)--The holiday season is ramping up, and while most people look forward to festivities with friends and family, for others this time of year can worsen stress, sadness and depression. Some people have increased anxiety due to travel obligations, or the expenses of gift-giving. Others neglect self-care trying to make the holidays special for family or loved ones. Nancy Molitor is a clinical psychologist with the Illinois Psychological Association. She explains the holidays can be especially tough for people who have experienced a recent loss or have struggled with depression. She adds this is not the time to cancel therapy sessions...
Illinois Pshcholigical Association Psychologist Nancy Molitor
(Paxton--jc) The “Grand Ole’ Flag” project continues to gain momentum in the city of Paxton. The efforts are being spearheaded by a group of citizens that represent the school, city government, chamber, fire department, Pride in Paxton and concerned citizens. The idea was started by local resident and Paxton Firefigher Denny Kingren. The city is looking into the feasibility and regulations of putting up a large flag on the city’s west side. School officials are looking at the possibility and regulations on placing the structure on school property. Fundraising for the Paxton Grand Ole Flag has started. Donations may be brought the the Frederick Community Bank. The goal is to raise 40 thousand dollars.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Rantoul Rudolf Retail Rally ends at the end of business hours today. The Chamber, through the 10 businesses, are offering a 500 dollar prize for those who have found the “rudolf” in each of the participating stores. Rantoul officials will give away the prize on Saturday .
(Paxton--jc) -- The Ford County Republican Central Committee will meet at 830 tomorrow morning at the Arcade Restaurant in Paxton. Among items on the meeting’s agenda are a discussion about 2019 activities, a look at the recent elections and updates on state and National issues. The public is welcome to attend.
Santa Claus will be meeting with children from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and again from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Santa Hut next to Majestic Park in downtown Paxton.
