(Undated--jc) Today is tax day. Today is the final day to file your taxes on time. Those needing more time can get an automatic extension.
(Springfield--jc) Illinois Department of Agriculture officials have given the go-ahead for a hog farm west of Sibley in Ford County. At stake is a 5 thousand 600 number hog operation. The Hartman Family Farm where the hog operation is set to be located is one and one half miles west of Sibley along State Route 165.
(Springfield--jc) -- A measure which would prohibit any public or private college or university in the state from asking about or considering an applicant’s criminal history during the admissions process was defeated in the Illinois House of Representatives Friday morning.The bill, sponsored by Chicago Democrat Mary Flowers, provided exceptions to comply with federal law and a state law that requires medical schools to check the criminal history of applicants, but that wasn’t assurance enough for many members, especially those who have colleges, universities, and community colleges in their districts. Local State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington was one who also opposed the measure…
Republican State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington
Several local community colleges and universities also opposed the measure.
CHICAGO (AP) — Wintry weather in northern Illinois has forced the cancellation of flights at Chicago's two major airports. By late Sunday afternoon, around 1,000 flights had been canceled at O'Hare International Airport. Delays at O'Hare averaged nearly an hour and about 30 minutes at Midway. Flights are back to near normal this morning.
(Undated--jc) Could Chicago become its own city-state? One downstate lawmaker wants that to happen. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Loda--jc) 4 Rantoul residents were injured in a van versus semi-tractor trailer accident on Saturday night, Police say that 37 year old Petana Meteo of Rantoul was traveling south along Interstate 57 near Loda when her vehicle was struck from behind by a semi driven by 58 year old Pamela Owens of Michigan. The impact of the crash caused both vehicles to cross over into the northbound lanes. Traffic was rerouted through Buckley and Paxton for several hours on Saturday night. Meteo, 40 year old Felipe Juan-Felipe of Rantoul and two juveniles in the van were all taken to a local hospital with injuries. State Police continue to investigate the accident this morning.
(Chicago--jc) For all of the outcry and political promises to help property taxes, Illinoisans still pay the second highest rates in the nation. A report from ATTOM Data Solutions says the state’s 3.2 million homeowners paid 2.2 percent of their home’s worth in local taxes in 2018. That’s higher than any other state in the nation except New Jersey. The average Illinois homeowner paid $5,000, but it’s still common for homes in some suburban counties and the Rockford area to see taxes be the majority of their monthly mortgage payments.Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government and low state investment in education often gets blamed for high property taxes.
(Rantoul--jc) Rantoul leaders are providing more information about a proposed 257 acre tract on the south east side of the village that would be used by a partnership of universities including the University of Illinois for automatic vehicle testing. The facility would use a near 2 mile test track and would involve students workers and also bring business to the village. WPXN news will have more on this issue all next week on our news casts.
SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Eastern Illinois University has launched a program that encourages students training to be teachers to consider looking for employment in rural communities.Doug Bower, dean of education at Eastern Illinois, says the program is called Teacher Corps. The (Decatur) Herald and Review reports that under the program, students are taken to rural districts to tour schools and talk to teachers about their experiences working there.
(Ludlow--jc) -- Ludlow village leaders want to hear from residents on a proposed water main and pump house replacement project. A public hearing is set for Tuesday April 23rd at 6pm, One proposal for the village is a 2 point 8 million dollar renovation project. Just under 70 percent would be paid for by the U S Department of Agriculture. The hearing is an informational meeting and public input is wanted.
(Urbana--jc) An overturned semi loaded with cows caused an issue with traffic on Sunday afternoon east of Urbana. Authorities say the driver lost control of his rig and several animals were roaming along Interstate 74. Traffic was slowed for several hours as the animals were gathered by authorities.
(Mahomet--jc) When the Mahomet Seymour School board meets tonight they will look to hire a Principal for the Middletown Prairie School in the district. School board members could also adjust the school calendar as only 2 winter days were used this year. The last day of school could be May 29th. The board will also honor outgoing board members at a reception at 6-30 Monday night at Middletown Prairie School before the 7pm meeting
(Undated--jc) April is National Donate Life Month, and all across the country agencies are mounting campaigns to educate people about organ and tissue donation and encourage them to sign as organ donors.In Illinois, the Life Goes On campaign is a project of Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. This year’s ads feature 11-year-old Sofia Sanchez, who was awaiting a heart transplant when the popular rap artist Drake visited her. Sanchez’s transplant was successful, and White says her charm and Drake’s popularity are bringing the message to a huge number of people.According to White, 4,700 people in Illinois are awaiting transplants, and each year 300 people die in the state because they don’t receive an organ transplant in time.
(Joliet--jc) --About 35 percent of inmates serving time in the Illinois Department of Corrections are mentally ill and up to 13 percent are considered seriously mentally ill. A new treatment center in Joliet wants to help these inmates get treated both inside and outside the corrections facility. The 180,000-square-foot inpatient treatment center is currently under construction and is expected to open its doors in 2021. The pricetag on the project is 150 million dollars.
(Springfield--jc) -- The state is getting some federal dollars to help fight the opioid crisis in Illinois. D-H-S Spokesperson Patrick Laughlin says the 15 million dollars in federal funding will be used to expand substance abuse treatment at jails and hospitals and also community outreach programs..
Department of Human Services Spokesperson Patrick Laughlin
(Springfield--jc) - The Illinois Senate is voting to lower the age that children have to start school. State Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood says the state has place so much emphasis on early childhood education, it’s important that kids are in school by age five…
State Senator Kimberly Lightford
(Gilman--jc) -- Iroquois West School District school board members will look at the vote on a failed referendum when they meet on Wednesday night in Gilman. Voters in the district voted down a 25 million dollar new school and athletic facility project. Among other items, the board will honor out-going Board Members – Domitila Garcia, Vicki Killus and Kyle Kraft. The Iroquois West School board meeting comes to order at 7 on Monday night at the high school in Gilman.
(Springfield--jc) -- Despite a law signed Friday to have the state dictate collective bargaining policy to local governments, the U.S. Supreme Court could take up the issue of so-called right-to-work zones. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court Case case from Illinois – Janus v. AFSCME – ruled public employees can’t be forced to pay union fees as a condition of employment. Before that, the village of Lincolnshire Illinois passed an ordinance giving that freedom to all workers, including in the private sector, in its jurisdiction. Lawmakers last session passed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, but former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the measure. Rauner said local jurisdictions should be allowed to pass such measures to help shore up costs.
(Rantoul--jc) -- It’s Easter Egg hunting time on Saturday in Rantoul. The Rantoul CORE group is hosting the event at noon on Saturday at Wabash Park. Some prizes will be awarded and the Easter Bunny will also be in attendance. The event is open to all children
