(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois’ chief fiscal officer has a clear duty to pay lost wages to all members of the General Assembly affected by two statutes a Cook County judge ruled were unconstitutional, the attorney for two former Democratic state senators wrote in a court filing. One law freezing cost of living increases and another implementing furlough days violated Illinois’ governing document because they altered legislators’ wagers during terms for which their were elected a circuit court judge decided in July. Now, two former lawmakers who voted in favor of both statutes are asking the judge to compel Comptroller Susana Mendoza to issue back bay. If successful, the order could cost Illinois just under $13 million.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois government agencies are being advised to prepare for budget cuts in 2020. Illinois’ budget office sent a memo signed by Deputy Governor Dan Hynes and Budget Director Alexis Sturm noting the current budget is balanced however, it orders agencies to prepare a scenario in which 6.5 percent of current year funding would go away. The memo also directs agencies to review their boards and commissions with potentially cutting them by 10 percent.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois motorists can now get their driving records online. Instead of having to go to a local driver’s services facility, you can quickly download a copy of your driving record via Secretary of State Jesse White’s website. Spokesperson Henry Haupt says people need the record for a variety of reasons…

 

 

Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt. Visit: cyber drive illinois dot com any time of day to get your record. You’ll be asked to provide information from your driver’s license. The charge is 12 dollars, plus a one dollar credit card processing fee.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The City of Paxton will be flushing hydrants later this month. Water department employees will be flushing hydrants September 23rd through the 27th starting on the west side of town. Residents may notice discoloration and/or loss of water pressure. Those with questions are asked to call the water department at 379-2425.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Those hoping to ask questions about VA healthcare can do so in Rantoul. VA Illiana Health Care Systems will be hosting a town hall on September 19th from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Rantoul Business Center. Staff will be present to provide updates and answer questions on care, programs and services offered by the VA. For more information, call 217-554-3000 extension 45073.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The City of Paxton will hold an open house later this month on the upcoming streetscape project. Mayor Bill Ingold says the open house allows community members to learn more about the project and get their questions answered…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. Ingold says work is expected to begin in the spring.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton Park District is eyeing several thousand dollars in repairs to the community’s pool. Among the issues is a pump and a vacuum for the pool. It’s estimated to cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to repair the pump, while getting a new pump would cost between $5,000 and $8,000. A new vacuum would cost between $2,000 and $3,000. The park district is also looking at an estimated $500 to paint the pool gutters and $240 each for new deck chairs.

 

(Watseka-jm) -- Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers is reminding residents the deadline for the 2nd installment of real estate taxes is quickly approaching. The deadline to pay the installment without penalty is today. After that date a one and a half percent interest rate will be added.

 

 

(Washington-jm) --  There's been some encouraging news for U.S. pork and soybean producers concerning trade with China. Gary Crawford has the details…

 

 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The University of Illinois has recognized five professors at the Urbana-Champaign campus for their excellence in teaching and service. The University Scholars program started in 1985. Recipients receive $15,000 a year for three years to use toward scholarly work, including for travel, research assistants and books. Applicants are nominated from each campus of the university system.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A coalition of advocacy groups and lawmakers from both parties unveiled a bill Friday that would phase out emissions of a cancer-causing gas in densely populated areas and near schools or daycares by 2022. House Bill 3888 is the latest step in a highly publicized series of legislative and advocacy efforts to regulate or ban the use of ethylene oxide in Illinois. The bill states that by 2021 no sterilization company can use ethylene oxide within five miles of a region with a population density of at least 10 residents per square mile, or within the same distance from a school or daycare. Hospitals that use the gas in sterilization processes would have to meet the same requirements by January 2022, while critical access hospitals have until 2025. Ethylene oxide is a gas used in sterilization and manufacturing processes that has been linked to higher cancer rates. 

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- A popular heartburn medication may have cancer causing carcinogens in it according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA announced Friday that low levels of nitrosodimethlamine, a known substance that could cause cancer is found in Zantac. The substance was found in both the name brand and generic versions of the pill that are sold at major pharmacies like Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. The FDA says the levels found in the medicine barely exceeds the amount found in common foods so the drug hasn’t been recalled.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- What are the price prospects for the upcoming U.S. soybean crop? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Loda-jm) -- A Loda church is celebrating a major milestone in October. Immanuel Lutheran Church will be celebrating 70 years with a special service on October 13th at 10:30 am. The first service was held in 1948 by the Reverend E.M.  Goltermann in a local funeral home. In 1949 the church was renamed Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 

 

(Danville-jm) -- The Vermilion County Farm Bureau Foundation is hosting a rifle raffle. The foundation is raffling off a Henry Golden Boy and a Ruger Mini 14. Tickets are $20 a piece or 6 for $100. Proceeds benefit Ag in the Classroom. The drawing will be held on December 3rd. For more information or to get your tickets call the Vermilion County Farm Bureau office at 217-442-8713.

 

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Two area health care systems are combining some of their services later this year. Carle Hospital and Christie Clinic have announced a plan to begin sharing medical records beginning in October. Currently, its estimated about 80 percent of patients who use Carle physicians also see a physician at Christie. Both systems would be able to securely access the records of mutual patients. For patients they would be able to access their medical information for both places through the mycarle portal.

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Work on a stretch of road in Champaign County is expected to begin today. I-DOT announced Leverett Road between Route 45 and Market Street will be resurfaced. One lane will remain open during the project. Work is expected to be completed by the end of November.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Keep your receipts parents, your children’s education expenses may entitle you to an income tax credit. Families paying more than 250 dollars for school costs in grades kindergarten through high school may be able to take the credit. Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Sam Salustro says eligible expenses include tuition, lab fees and book fees….

 

Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Sam Salustro. The credit is available to parents of kids in both public and private schools.