(Springfield-jm) -- New models show Coronavirus cases may not peak until mid-June. Previous models predicted cases would peak in late April to early May. But new data suggests otherwise says Governor J-B Pritzker…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says the prolonged peak is a natural consequence of flattening the curve, leading to a slower rate of infections over a longer period.
(Paxton--jc) The Ford County Board approved a resolution that supports re opening some businesses ahead of Governor JB Pritzker's plans. The resolution says that business owners “should be given the go ahead to re-open their businesses, should they choose to do so, under modifications to protect the health and safety of patrons, employees, and the general public.WPXN News will continue to update this story on later newscasts
(Undated-jm) -- Cases of Coronavirus increased Monday around the area. Champaign County is reporting 32 new cases bringing their total to 298. Kankakee County is reporting 82 new cases bringing their total to 753. Iroquois County is reporting 6 new cases bringing their total to 99. Vermilion County has 3 new cases bringing their total to 31 cases. Livingston County has 1 new case bringing their total to 25. Ford and McLean Counties all reported no new cases.
(Undated-jm) -- Several area communities are reporting significant cases of the Coronavirus. In Champaign County, 88 of the 298 cases are in Rantoul, 3 are in Ludlow, 2 in Thomasboro, 11 in Mahomet and 4 in St. Joseph. Rantoul Foods is reporting 82 cases at their facility. Iroquois County also has a significant number of cases. 41 are reported in Clifton, 10 in Onarga, 8 in Watseka and 6 each in Crescent City and Beaverville.
(Springfield-jm) -- Planting continues well ahead of last year’s pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. Despite less than three days on average suitable for fieldwork this past week, corn planting is moving along at a steady pace says State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 43 percent of soybeans have been planted, compared to just three percent one year ago, and 10 percent has emerged. 41 percent of winter wheat has headed and 65 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition.
(Springfield-jm) -- An independent analysis of the state’s COVID-19 data found a significant difference in the numbers of COVID-19-related deaths in the Chicago area compared with the rest of the state. The analysis also showed more deaths in nursing homes than elsewhere. Public finance watchdogs at Wirepoints analyzed the state’s data and found that much of the state has been largely spared COVID-19 deaths. They report data as of May 1 showed the concentration of deaths, more than 2,200 lives lost, were in Cook County and the collar counties. 58 of the state’s 102 counties had zero deaths as of May 1, 2020. Another 16 counties had just one death each. A majority of those outside of Cook County and the collar counties were in nursing homes.
(Undated-jm) -- Several city council meetings will be held tonight around the area. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Champaign-jm) -- CDL driving tests will be resuming at three locations in the state. The locations are in Springfield, Chicago and Marion. The tests will be conducted by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 217-785-3013.
(Champaign-jm) -- Small business owners in the Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion County areas could receive some financial help. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission has received grants funding from the Department of Labor to help small businesses keep people employed. Economic Development Specialist Kathy Larson explains the application process and qualifications…
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission Economic Development Specialist Kathy Larson.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton Police have released their recent activity report. On May 9th, Gerald Holt, 46, of Paxton was arrested for aggravated driving while license revoked following a traffic stop at Larson and Vermilion. On May 8th, Angelina Giambrone, 19, of Paxton was arrested for driving while her license was suspended following a traffic stop at IGA. On May 5th, no injuries were reported and no tickets issued following a two vehicle accident at Railroad and Patton.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker says most of the state is on track to move to the next phase of reopening at the end of the month. Under his “Restore Illinois” program, the state is divided into four regions. Each region must meet certain benchmarks to move to the next phase of economic recovery says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. That exception is in the northeast region, which includes Chicago and suburbs. That area needs to see the rate of positive tests come down before moving to phase three. In phase three, barbershops, salons and retail stores can open with precautions.
(Melvin--jc) -- The Ford County Fair has been postponed. WPXN’s Joel CLuver has the latest…
(Undated-jm) -- 124 new cases of Coronavirus were reported in the WPXN listening area yesterday. There was also an increase in the number of recoveries and active cases. Livingston County is reporting 22 have been released from isolation and 2 are in isolation. Vermilion County is reporting 9 have been released, 20 in home isolation and 1 is hospitalized. Ford County is reporting 7 have been released and 6 are in isolation. Champaign County is reporting 146 active cases with 7 hospitalized and 146 have recovered. Kankakee County is reporting 150 recoveries. McLean County is reporting 90 recoveries, 4 hospitalized and 24 in home isolation. Iroquois County is reporting 29 recoveries, 7 hospitalized and 60 in isolation.
(Undated-jm) -- Sadly there were 2 new deaths reported in the area yesterday from COVID-19. Kankakee and Iroquois Counties each reported a new death. That brings the totals up to 33 deaths and 3 deaths respectively. Champaign County has 6 deaths. McLean County has 3 deaths. Livingston, Vermilion and Ford County each have 1 death.
(Springfield-jm) -- Planting continues well ahead of last year’s pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. 68 percent of corn has been planted, compared to 11 percent one year ago. 23 percent has emerged. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener turns to soybeans…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 41 percent of winter wheat has headed and 65 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated at one percent very short, three percent short, 74 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus.
(Springfield-jm) -- The group that represents local municipal governments in Illinois said many of its members have concerns and want changes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan to reopen the state’s economy. In a letter on Monday, the Illinois Municipal League said among the suggestions for modifications “is concern about the groupings of cities, counties and geographic areas within the regions.” Another concern the Illinois Municipal League raised was the time frame for how long a decrease of hospitalizations of COVID-19-like symptoms must occur before a region can advance to the next phase of the reopening plan.
(Buckley-jm) -- Area schools continue to make the best of the stay at home order with no in class teaching. Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz talks about how the school is handling the transition…
Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz.
(Champaign-jm) -- State Senator Scott Bennett is encouraging Champaign County residents to fill out their 2020 census. So far the response rate in the county is 60.7 percent. You can fill out the census online at 2020 census dot gov. The census determines funding for roads, schools, hospitals and fire departments as well as determining representation in Congress.
(Paxton-jm) -- The COVID-19 pandemic is having impacts on local businesses. With the stay at home order extended until the end of May, many small businesses will continue to either be shut down or operating minimally. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Alan Meyer talks about how you can support the small businesses in Paxton both now during the pandemic and once things begin to open up…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Alan Meyer.
(Pontiac-jm) -- The Livingston County Public Health Department will begin resuming family planning and immunization clinics in mid-May. The health department says there will be some changes. It will be by appointment only, a mask must be worn at all times in the building and access to the building will only be granted to the person with the appointment. To schedule your appointment, call the health department at 815-844-7174.
