Undated--jc) -- Today is Primary Election Day in Illinois. The polls are open, but some changes to polling places have been made due to the coronavirus pandemic. Polls will remain open until 7pm, Voters will elect party representatives from County offices, congressional seats to U.S Presidents. WPXN will have a full report on the elections as the information becomes available
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritkzer is banning gatherings of more than 50 people in Illinois in response to the Coronavirus. The Governor says the latest update from President Trump and health officials recommends people avoid crowds of more than 10 people…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritkzer. The state Department of Public Health is confirming 105 cases of COVID-19 in 15 Illinois counties.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has ordered all of the state’s driver services facilities to close for the rest of the month starting today. During the closure, White’s office said driver licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations, and other deadlines will be extended 30 days through an emergency rule. White’s office is also calling on the federal government to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for REAL IDs to be required to fly domestically.
SPRINGFIELD – As store shelves across Illinois empty of key products during the COVID-19 pandemic, public and private-sector leaders are urging shoppers to put less stress on the supply chain by not hoarding items. Since the pandemic intensified in Illinois last week, customers have been panic-buying and hoarding products like toilet paper, tissues, hand sanitizer, bread and pasta. Signs posted on cleaned-out shelves ask customers to limit their purchases of such high-demand items to a few or even one. But perceived shortages of products are being caused not by a lack of supply, but by a panicked demand.
(Undated-jm) -- Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of operation each day to seniors in response to concerns about COVID-19. The company announced this new plan will be active beginning today. The idea is to allow seniors - the most vulnerable population to the spreading virus - the chance to buy things they need and avoid busier crowds.
(Springfield-jm) -- Despite the Coronavirus outbreak, the primary election will be held today. Governor J-B Pritzker says the elections must go on and that the primary is an important part of democracy. He says polling places are taking precautions to protect voters…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritkzer. Polls are open until 7pm.
(Undated-jm) -- Spring dates for college placement tests are being pushed back amid fears of the COVID-19 spread. High school seniors may be allowed to take Advanced Placement exams to earn college credit from home. The announcement was made Monday. The April 4 ACT test has been rescheduled for June 13. The May 2 SAT has been canceled.
(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois is suspending face to face instruction for the rest of the semester. Instruction will resume March 23rd using alternative delivery methods. University Housing officials said students who live in residence halls, Private Certified and Greek housing are asked to begin making plans to move out.
(Paxton-jm) -- The City of Paxton is calling a special meeting this week. The council will discuss the recent COVID-19 outbreak and discussing creating an ordinance for special emergency powers. The meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 6pm.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The village of Rantoul is closing all village offices to the public until further order. Mayor Chuck Smith made the announcement Monday afternoon. Mayor Smith says staff will still be in the office and can be reached by phone, email or mail. Those who make utility payments in person can do so by dropping off at the nightbox at village hall or at the Bank of Rantoul main branch. The Rantoul Public Library also announced they will be closed until the end of the month starting today.
(Springfield-jm) -- Public health officials say it’s important to protect yourself from COVID-19 and take steps not to spread the virus. Cases of Coronavirus are increasing in Illinois and State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike says you should assume it’s in your community…
Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. Ezike advises cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often. You should also stay six feet away from people you’re talking with and sneeze or cough into a tissue.
(Gifford-jm) -- Gifford is moving forward with their water main project. During their meeting, the project manager provided an update to village trustees. The manager said the next step is getting a construction schedule together and notifying neighbors that will be affected.
(Washington-jm) -- USDA's budget was the subject of a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing this week. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police will begin looking for ordinance violations again this spring. Officers will be looking for abandoned or unused vehicles, tires, debris, furniture or trash accumulation in general. Verbal warnings will be given through March 20th with residents having until April 17th to take care of the issue. A second verbal warning will be given and residents will have until May 15th to take care of the issue or they could be taken to court.
(Paxton-cf)-- The March Primary will be taking place today. Ford County Circuit Clerk Amy Fredrick lets Ford County Residents know what will be on the ballot for local positions…
Ford County Circuit Clerk Amy Fredrick.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois National Guard has been activated to help in the state’s response to COVID-19. On Monday in Springfield at the State Emergency Operations Center, the governor said some in the National Guard members have medical backgrounds and can help expand triage if needed.
(Springfield-jm) -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his office is working with the Illinois Department of Revenue to find a way to provide relief for businesses that have tax payments coming due, especially as they face an uncertain economic future amid growing concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic. He said he’s focused on working with the federal government to assist in finding relief.
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker used his emergency powers to waive a portion of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to allow local governments and other public bodies to hold “remote” meetings to help control the spread of COVID-19. The order waives a portion of the Open Meetings Act that requires a quorum of members of a public body be “physically present” at the meeting location. It applies to city councils, county boards, school boards and all other public bodies of state and local government.
(McLean County-jm) -- The McLean County jail is ending inmate visits due to COVID-19. All jail programs conducted by outside volunteers have been suspended. Inmates brought in will undergo intense medical screenings. The changes will be in effect until April 10th.
(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton Park District has announced they are closing their facility due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In an announcement on facebook, the park district announced the civic center and all activities are canceled through March 31st. The civic center will be open until 1pm on weekdays for Peace Meal recipients to pick up meals. The 2020 Paxton Community Sale has also been canceled.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City is closing their city buildings. In a statement yesterday on the city’s facebook page they said, Starting at 430 pm today all city buildings will be closed until further notice. We can still be reached at (217) 784-8666, in case of emergency please call 911. All officers will still be providing 24/7 service to the community. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police have released their recent activity report. On February 28th, James Tovey, 29, of Paxton was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and retail theft after he was arrested for stealing a Red Bull at Caseys. On March 1st, Wyatt Roberts, 29, was arrested for driving under the influence after police responded to a person passed out in their vehicle at the intersection of I-57 and Route 9. Also on March 1st, Shane Anderson, 28, of Danville was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal trespassing, resisting a peace officer and a Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear. On March 5th, Pharron Gray, 21, of Paxton was arrested for burglary, possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful use of a credit card after he used unlawfully a credit card at Caseys. On March 9th, Bradley Hildebrand, 29, Chicago was arrested for fleeing and resisting a police officer, driving on a revoked license, no valid registration and an outstanding warrant out of Coles County.
(Paxton-cf)-- The Clara Pete Carnival hosted by the PBL PIT crew will be held on May 16 of this year. There will be many normal carnival style events, like the ring toss, splash ball, and one very unique event. Kids have the opportunity to sign their name on demolition derby car that will be run this summer says PIT Crew President Julie Foster…
PIT Crew President Julie Foster.
(Ashkum-jm) -- District 21 Illinois State Police in Ashkum have released February enforcement numbers. Troopers issued 373 citations including 10 DUIs and 17 seatbelt violations. Troopers also made 15 criminal arrests and responded to 82 traffic accidents.
(Gibson City-cf)-- The COVID-19 pandemic has similar symptoms to that of the flu or the common cold, either way if you feel sick or unwell you should stay home says CEO of Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Rob Schmidt…
Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services CEO Rob Schmidt.
