(Undated--jc) With all the rain over the past several days, some flood watches and warnings continue this morning. Several areas of concern include Sugar Creek n the Milford area and the Iroquois River in the Watseka area. Other flood levels are being reported along the Sangamon River in the Monticello area and the Vermilion River around Pontiac. Some flood levels are expected through the weekend with others cresting by Monday. The covered bridge at Lake of the Woods is also closed due to high waters.
(Springfield--jc) --The Illinois House Executive Committee held a hearing Thursday morning on casino expansion in the state of Illinois. Vermilion County Board Chairman Larry Baughn addressed the committee on what casino gambling would mean for his area. Local State Representative Mike Marron, Republican from Fithian says the casino idea has been discussed for years…
104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian
(Washington--ba)-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue tells reporters in Washington that he has had no discussions about a new round of trade mitigation payments to farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois lawmakers are looking to nudge public investment funds in the state toward what they call “responsible investing.” The measure, which passed a Senate committee, would have any public entity in Illinois that invests taxpayer funds to establish guidelines that adhere to environmental, social and governance, or ESG, best practices.Specifically, it would require any public entity that has funds to invest to include in their best practices policy. That means corporate governance and leadership factors, environmental factors, social capital factors, human capital factors and business model and innovation factors.
(Rantoul--jc) With a community cleanup day coming on the 18th, work on entrance signs into the village, the addition of new businesses, Rantoul is looking to continue to put community pride as a top priority. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says that type of work will continue…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
UNDATED (AP) — More than half of Americans want major changes to the system of government, including about 1 in 10 who want a complete overhaul. That's according to a new survey by the University of Chicago Harris School for Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showing that dissatisfaction with the government system is closely tied with policy concerns. While 61% of Democrats want big changes, 52% of Republicans do as well.
(Washington--ba)-How would the U.S. economy be affected by bringing broadband to every rural citizen? A new report by USDA’s Gary Crawford has the answers.
(Saybrook--jc) A spaghetti dinner is set for the Saybrook Sons of the American Legion today. The menu is all you can eat Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. The dinner runs from 5 to 7. Carryout orders also available.
(Paxton--jc) -- A cookout for charity is set for the Paxton IGA on Saturday. On the menu is pork chop sandwiches, chips and soda. Profits go to the Ford-Iroquois Master Gardeners program.
(Undated--jc) Garage sale days today and tomorrow in Cissna Park.
Springfield--jc) -- The Illinois Senate approved an amendment to the constitution, replacing the current flat tax, with a graduated system, based on what you earn. Senator Don Harmon of Oakbrook argues that 97 percent of Illinoisans will pay for the same or less under the plan…
Illinois State Senator Don Harmon of Oakbrook
Republicans like Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon oppose the plan, saying this will lead to more tax increases…
Illinois State Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon.
The issue is in the hands of the Illinois House this afternoon. Illinois voters will have the final say if the amendment moves to a vote next fall.
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Construction work is set to resume five months after a central Illinois city was struck by a rare December tornado, officials said. The December First tornado injured more than 25 people in Taylorville. Over 700 buildings in the town of about 11,000 were damaged by the devastating twister, rated an EF-3 storm with winds between 136 and 165 mph. Mayor Bruce Barry said local ministerial alliances and fundraiser group Missions for Taylorville have raised $700,000 as recovery work continues. Barry added that their goal is to establish long-term reconstruction plans.
(Washington--ba)- How close might the U.S. and Japan be on an agreement on agricultural trade issues? USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.
(Paxton--jc) The Paxton Pool has some additional daily open hours after a vote during a special meeting last night. Park Board members voted to open the pool during the afternoons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The local pool will also be open Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evening. No weekend hours will be offered,
(Gibson City--jc) The Illinois House and Illinois Senate were back in session this week. Lawmakers are working on issues from a proposed graduated tax, to casino expansion to the budget. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he is back, but his recovery from a car accident continues…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City
(Cissna Park--jc) An open house and retirement party for a popular teacher and high school basketball coach is set for May 11th. Fans and Friends of the Cissna Park Timberwolves will honor Teacher and Coach Kevin Long on Saturday May 11th at 7pm. The event takes place at the Cissna Park American Legion Home. A program starts at 7-30 that evening.
(Paxton--jc) One local school has an arts festival set for Saturday. The Paxton Buckley Loda Fine Arts Festival takes place on Saturday starting at 4pm. A performance is set for 5. A donation of 5 dollars per person is requested.
(7am new--jc) Potomac residents, listen up, the village is reminding Potomac residents that the town clean up day is tomorrow from 7am until 10am. The cost is 20 dollars per load. Some restrictions apply.
(Melvin--jc) - Marvin Lee along with Dyke Corson and Maddie Flessner will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday night. The concert begins at 7. Food will be available from the Friends of the Melvin Library starting at 5-30.
