SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois has issued about 300,000 state driver’s licenses that are compliant with a 2005 law aimed at strengthening rules for identification at airports and federal facilities. The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports that after long delays, the Illinois Secretary of State is now processing thousands of the documents daily. The licenses that are compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005 have a small gold circle with a white star in the middle. Those applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses need to show additional paperwork to prove their identity. Starting in October 2020, Illinois residents over 18 who fly or visit military bases will need a REAL ID-compliant document. Along with the new drivers’ licenses, passports can also be used.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Those wanting to get the best rates for holiday travel should do so next week. Triple A’s flight booking data shows September 25th is the start of the best booking window for air travel around both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Flying Monday of Thanksgiving week has the lowest average ticket price prior to the holiday while the lowest average price per ticket is on Thanksgiving Day itself. For the Christmas holiday, Triple A says Christmas Eve has the lowest average price per ticket and is the lightest travel day of the week.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- The September first inventory in cattle feedlots dipped below year earlier levels for the first time in years. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- A Rantoul man has been sentenced to three years in prison for violating his probation. Tyheam Williams received the sentence Friday after he admitted to failing to show up to appointments for counseling and probation after he pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse and burglary in January. 

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The public is invited to provide their input on the city of Paxton’s streetscape plan this evening. The city will hold an open house in the city council chambers from 4 to 6 pm.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton officials have approved the purchase of a new stump grinder for the public works department. Mayor Bill Ingold says the department has been busy cutting down trees…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Plans to combine Champaign County’s two jails could cost more than expected. Currently, the county has a jail in downtown Urbana, which is deteriorating and a satellite jail on the east side of Urbana that is unable to handle the capacity of both. Its estimated it could cost as much as $47 million to build a new jail. County board members could reach a decision on what to do as early as next month.

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Home sales in Champaign County were lower in August compared to a year ago, while the median home price rose. According to the Champaign County Realtors Association, home sales decreased 12.75 percent with 260 homes sold compared to 298 in August 2018. The median home price rose 14 percent to $165,500 compared to $145,000 a year ago.

(Paxton--jc)  -- It was a cool moment, Friday night at Jerry Zimmerman Field at I-57 Stadium. The Make A Wish Foundation made a presentation to a Paxton Youth who serves as the Paxton Buckley Loda Football team Manager. P-B-L High School student Braden Mutchmore was provided with his very own A-T-V.  The delivery of the vehicle to Mutchmore was provided by Paxton’s own Tom Meents.

 

(Undated--jc)  -- Its National Railroad Crossing safety week. Illinois State police will be out in full force this week enforcing all crossing laws. State police officials remind the motoring public to follow the law especially when crossing train tracks.

 

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois lawmakers this fall will consider banning most flavored vaping products, following recent restrictions that some other states have enacted amid concerns about the safety of vaping and its allure to young people. The legislation sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Deb Conroy, a Villa Park Democrat, would bar all vaping flavors except menthol, The Chicago Tribune reported. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he supports banning flavored vaping products, which critics contend are marketed at children.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Food and Drug Administration is launching a criminal probe looking into the link between vaping and lung disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 530 confirmed or probable vaping related lung diseases in 36 states. Seven people have died so far, including one in Illinois. U-S Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois says he will introduce a federal tax on e-cigarettes and vaping products putting tougher restrictions on retailers and sellers.

 

 

(Dekalb-jm) -- The Environmental Protection Agency says it will revoke California’s authority to set higher standards for tailpipe emissions than those of the federal government-a move that will affect other states’ ability to set higher standards as well. Eric Tegethoff reports…

 

 

 

(Fisher-jm) -- The Fisher Community Building is getting cleaned up following a sprinkler malfunction last month. A sprinkler in the mayor's office broke, causing water to flood his office and the adjacent hallway. Village leaders believe most of the repair work will be covered by insurance.

 

 

Have you ever been interested in seeing the 9/11 Memorial, attending a Broadway play, or visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty? Stacy Johnson is organizing an adult trip to New York City for the Summer of 2020. There will be an informational meeting for anyone that is interested at the Moyer Library in Gibson City tonight at 6:30pm.

 

 

(Roberts-jm) -- The Roberts Library could be sold soon. The village is trying to sell the former library building after structural issues forced the building to be closed. Mayor Rick Flessner says the sale could happen as early as next month…

 

Roberts Mayor Rick Flessner.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- An inmate and a correctional officer at the Champaign County Jail were taken to the hospital following an altercation. Champaign County authorities say the inmate tried to overtake the officer while leaving his cell. The two struggled until the inmate was subdued by other officers. Both are expected to be ok. Illinois State Police is handling the investigation.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign Police are warning shoppers and businesses about counterfeit money circulating in the community. Police say a person gives the cashier a $100 bill while making a small purchase in order to get the most money back. Your asked to call Champaign Police if you have any information.

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- The 8th annual Paxton Swine N Dine is now complete for another year. Officials with the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a huge success. Keith Schladenhauffen of Fairbury and Rick Hardesty of Wilmington were grand prize winners in the annual Barbeque contest..