(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security is borrowing money from the federal government to continue to meet unemployment benefit payment obligations to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IDES anticipates borrowing $300 million through the end of June. The state was approved to borrow $3.8 billion through September. Illinois joins 8 other states using the program. The state used the program during the Great Depression in 2008, borrowing $1.4 billion and paying it back in 5 years.
(Springfield-jm) -- Republicans, who don't have enough votes to block legislation in either of the state's legislative chambers, recently held a virtual convention with plans to focus on the November election. Party Chairman Tim Schneider has declared that Donald Trump is a “man for our time” and cited former President Barack Obama’s recipe for victory. Schneider said the main obstacle Republicans face this fall is the money Gov. J.B. Pritzker has at his disposal. Pritzker has an estimated net worth of more than $3 billion. The party faithful plan to gather Sept. 19 to ratify a party platform and rally for the fall.
(Springfield-jm) -- There will be more help for people struggling to pay their utility bills under a new agreement approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The agreement covers eight of the state’s major utilities including Ameren and Com-Ed, assisting both qualifying residential and small business customers during the pandemic. ICC Chairwoman Carrie Zalewski says that includes flexible payment plans and reconnecting those who have lost service because of nonpayment at no charge. There’s also help for customers drowning in debt…
Illinois Commerce Commission Chairwoman Carrie Zalewski. A similar agreement has been reached with smaller utility companies in Illinois. Zalewski says you should contact your utility and explain your situation to take advantage of those consumer protections. If you have any problems, contact the ICC for further help.
(Urbana-jm) -- The former director of a Rantoul assisted living facility has formally been charged with 5 felony offenses to the alleged theft of thousands of dollars from the facility. Kimberly Cross was charged Friday with one count of participating in a continuing financial crime enterprise, a Class 1 felony, and four counts of forgery, Class 3 felonies. Because the alleged victims are elderly, the penalties are enhanced. The charges stemmed from conduct she allegedly engaged in while she was employed for about a year at the Villas of Holly Brook in Rantoul. If convicted she faces up to 30 years in prison.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton firefighters were called to a vehicle fire Saturday morning. Firefighters were called to the fire at 1240 north Market behind the former Ford County nursing home just after 2:30. No word on the cause of the fire.
(Paxton-cf)-- The fire that broke out at the city building a few weeks ago did heavy damage to city equipment. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold gives us the details on some of the equipment as well as the building that was lost…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Rantoul-jm) -- The village of Rantoul is awarding over $291,000 to 26 local businesses to help offset the economic effects of COVID-19. The money comes through the Small Business Stabilization Program. The amounts given out ranged between $3,000 and $15,000.
(Onarga-jm) -- A street in Onarga will see some work this summer. Evergreen Street will get some repairs says Onarga Village President Shane Cultra…
Onarga Village President Shane Cultra. The grant is approximately $300,000. The whole project is expected to cost over a million dollars.
(Ford County-jm) -- The Ford County Board approved their health insurance contract for employees at their June meeting. The new contract calls for a minimal increase for the same coverage as the previous contract. The new contract takes effect July 1st.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor JB Pritzker recently announced a program that provides another way for Illinoisans with COVID-19 to receive care. The Illinois COVID-19 Virtual Care Program will provide for those infected with COVID-19 and allow them to recover from the safety of their homes. The program aims to reduce barriers to health services for those who do not have a primary care physician. It has a focus on underserved populations and those most at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.
(Springfield-jm) -- Sen. Napoleon Harris of Harvey has proposed legislation that would make Juneteenth a state holiday. Harris filed Senate Bill 4001 on Friday, which would treat Juneteenth as any other state holiday. If June 19 falls on a Sunday, the following Monday would be considered a holiday. As the result, most state employees and school employees would be given paid leave, but granting time off for Juneteenth would be optional for private employers.
(Springfield-jm) -- No need to wait, the State Board of Elections says you can request a mail in ballot for the November election now. The election is months away but Board of Elections Spokesperson Matt Dietrich says you can plan ahead to vote safely…
State Board of Elections Spokesperson Matt Dietrich. Dietrich says from there the site will walk you through the application. Ballots will be mailed out starting September 24, when early voting begins. Visit elections dot il dot gov for more information.
(Gilman-jm) -- A Gilman man has been arrested on sex assault charges. Iroquois County Sheriff’s police arrested 57 year old Jorge Casas on charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual assault. Casas was taken to the Iroquois County Jail.
(Champaign-cf)-- Last planting season for farmers was very challenging. There were still farmers looking to get into fields for the first time compared to this year when farmers are working on replants. There is however another set of challenges that farmers are going to have to deal with this year, prices, says Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken….
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken
(Crescent City-jm) -- 50 years ago yesterday was the Crescent City train derailment and explosion. On June 21, 1970 16 train cars on an eastbound Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad line derailed in downtown Crescent City about 6:30 am. 10 of those cars contained 34,000 gallons of liquid propane. 32 fire departments and 234 firefighters fought the fire that damaged several buildings. No one was killed.
(Gilman-jm) -- The Gilman city council approved liquor licenses at their June meeting. Mayor Rick Theesfield says the city voted to provide some relief to those establishments…
Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield.
(Danville-jm) -- Danville Area Community College will be offering drivers education this summer. The course, for those 15 and over, will be offered July 13-August 13 on Monday through Thursdays from 2:15-4:15 with behind the wheel training also available.
