(Springfield-jm) -- A new report places Illinois among the states most reliant on property taxes for revenue. According to 2017 figures, the most recent data available, compiled by the Tax Foundation, Illinois ranks 11th in that category and no better in other areas. Illinois actually ranked No. 8 in the U.S. on property tax collections per capita in fiscal year 2017 and it was No. 1 in the Midwest. Another measure looked at property taxes paid as a percentage of housing value. On that one, Illinois is second in the nation at 2.05%.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker has released guidelines for businesses as the state moves into phase four starting Friday. Phase four allows meetings and events at a capacity of 50% or less than 50 people depending on size of the location, bowling alleys and clubhouses can reopen and 50% capacity or less than 50 people depending on the size of the location, indoor dining at 25% capacity, museums and zoos can open at 25% capacity with no interactive exhibits, theatres can open at overall theatre at 50% capacity and concessions are permitted with restrictions. Youth sports guidelines were revised to include games and tournaments with venues operating at 50% capacity and 20% capacity for seating. Gyms can also open at 50% capacity. Face coverings and social distancing will still be required.
(Springfield-jm) -- The deadline to file your taxes is fast approaching. With the Coronavirus pandemic, the IRS and State Department of Revenue gave a three month extension, to July 15th, to file your taxes. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the state Department of Revenue has several ways they can help you…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois reported 462 cases of Coronavirus and 26 additional deaths Monday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 137,224 and total number of deaths to 6,671. Locally, Ford County reported 4 new cases bringing their total number to 27. Champaign County reported 18 new cases bringing their total number to 779. McLean County reported 3 new cases bringing their total number to 253. Vermilion County reported 3 new cases bringing their total number to 49. Livingston County had 1 new case bringing their total number to 40. Kankakee County reported 6 new cases bringing their total number to 1,241. Iroquois County reported no new cases leaving their total number at 143.
(Undated-jm) -- Of the 2,532 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the WPXN listening area, 182 are in Rantoul, 23 in Mahomet, 14 in Watseka, 13 each in Onarga and Chebanse, 10 in Ashkum, 8 in Paxton, 7 in Crescent City, 6 each in Ludlow, St. Joseph, Gilman, Danforth and Beaverville, 3 in Fisher, 2 in Thomasboro and 1 each in Gifford and Penfield.
(Springfield-jm) -- Soybean planting is almost done as we hear in the weekly crop report. 97 percent of soybean acres have been planted says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Corn fell to 59 percent in good to excellent condition. 26 percent of winter wheat has been harvested and the first cutting of alfalfa is wrapping up. Average statewide topsoil moisture was drier and is rated at seven percent very short, 26 percent short, 63 percent adequate and four percent surplus.
(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul police are investigating a shooting in the village Monday afternoon. Police were called to the 1600 block of Harper Drive just after 1pm for a report of shots fired. When they arrived they found a 17 year old with gunshot wound to his lower body. He was taken to Carle Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to call Rantoul Police.
(Paxton-cf)-- The Grand Old Flag Project in Paxton, has a new date of when the flag will be displayed. The new date is scheduled for September 13, there will be a parade before the ceremony says organizer Denny Kingren…
Grand Old Flag Project Organizer Denny Kingren
(Champaign-cf)-- The COVID-19 has impacted the nation in a variety of ways. CU at Home Director Rob Dalhous says that the virus has caused a lot of anxiety, and that they are doing their best to get the right information to the patrons of CU at HOme…
CU at Home Director Rob Dalhaus(Dol-House)
(Paxton-jm) -- The City of Paxton will begin spraying for mosquitoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting today. City crews will be spraying between 7 and 9 pm through the summer.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois has been ranked as one of the least patriotic states in America, according to a new study. Illinois ranked at number 41. WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key dimensions, '"Military Engagement" and "Civic Engagement." New Hampshire was ranked the most patriotic state in the country. New Jersey was ranked the least patriotic.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois nursing homes can now allow visitors for residents as long as visits remain outdoors, according to new guidance released by the state. According to the rules released, residents are limited to two visitors each. The maximum number of residents and visitors allowed in an outdoor space at one time will depend on the size of the outdoor space. People will be required to keep a six foot distance while outdoors and wear face coverings. Each facility is required to screen and check temperatures of visitors as they arrive.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is urging boaters to stay safe and sober this summer. Kids under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times on boats less than 26 feet in length, and all ages need to wear one while jet skiing. Additionally, Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Rachel Torbert says your boat driver needs to stay sober…
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Rachel Torbert. Illinois Conservation Police have already made 17 arrests for driving a boat while drunk this summer. Officers will beef up patrols over the 4th of July holiday.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois reported 462 cases of Coronavirus and 26 additional deaths Monday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 137,224 and total number of deaths to 6,671. As for active and recovered cases locally, in McLean County, 225 have recovered with 15 in isolation. In Vermilion County 36 have been released from isolation, 10 remain in isolation with 1 hospitalized. In Livingston County, 36 have been removed from isolation with 2 active. In Ford County 21 have been released from isolation with 5 in isolation. In Kankakee County, 943 have recovered, 237 remain active with 8 hospitalized. In Champaign County 704 have recovered, 63 are active with 8 hospitalized. In Iroquois County 116 have recovered, 20 are in isolation with 2 hospitalized.
(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County reported another COVID-19 death Monday. That brings the counties total to 12.
(Springfield-jm) -- Soybean planting is almost done as we hear in the weekly crop report. 60 percent of the soybean crop is rated in good to excellent condition, with 97 percent of acres now planted. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 26 percent of winter wheat has been harvested…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 59 percent of corn is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to seven percent very short, 26 percent short 63 percent adequate and four percent surplus.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton firefighters were called to a house struck by lightning Monday evening. Firefighters received the call at 6:30 and were on scene for about a half hour. No injuries were reported.
(Gilman-jm) -- One area community's summer event is canceled but their fall event may still happen. Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield talks about the cancellation of this years’ Old Boys and Girls Reunion and the possibility of the Gilman Super Saturday taking place…
Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield.
(Gibson City-cf)-- A private committee on the Gibson City Council has raised over $200,000 to open a new skate park. The blueprint of the new skatepark has been released onto the City’s Facebook Page, and Mayor Dan Dickey says they are ready to move forward on the project…
Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey.
(Urbana-jm) -- An Urbana teen who admitted his role in an attempted drug related robbery in Rantoul has been sentenced to 2 years probation. The 17 year old was one of three teenagers charged in the incident that occurred January 11th in the 1200 block of Aspen Drive that resulted in one of the teenagers getting shot in the leg. Cases against the other two teenagers have not been resolved.
