(Springfield-jm) -- New COVID-19 cases reached over 26 hundred for the eighth day in a row in Illinois. With more new cases, the statewide test positivity rate has risen to four point six percent. Governor J-B Pritzker says all 11 designated regions in Illinois have seen recent increases…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Stricter COVID safety rules remain in place and region one, the Rockford-Dixon-Galena area, and may soon be in place if numbers don’t improve in region five, located in southern Illinois.
(Undated-jm) -- Locally, Vermilion County reported 40 new cases bringing their total number to 1,152. Ford County reported 7 new cases and one additional death bringing their total number of cases to 226 and deaths to 7. Livingston County reported 6 new cases bringing their total number to 513. Iroquois County reported 9 new cases bringing their total to 472. McLean County reported 44 new cases bringing their total to 3,744. Kankakee County reported 21 new cases bringing their total to 3,036. Champaign County reported 28 new cases bringing their total to 5,359.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is offering guidance for getting through the holidays safely amidst the pandemic. The holidays are often a time for parties and getting together with family. But with the Coronavirus still going strong, this year is going to take some extra planning says State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike...
State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Dr Ezike advises everyone to wear a mask when not eating or drinking, hosting gatherings outside if the weather allows and increasing air flow inside by cracking the windows. She says it’s also a good idea to skip the buffet style dinner this year and have just one person serving the food.
(Springfield-jm) -- Secretary of State Jesse White’s Office is offering a new email service for those hoping to restore their driving privileges. If you’re looking to get your license back, you no longer have to go in and meet with an informal hearing officer to get the process started. Secretary of State Spokesperson Beth Kaufman says now you can just email their office…
Secretary of State Spokesperson Beth Kaufman. Once the email is received, customers can expect to hear back within three days. Several other services are also available online at: cyber drive illinois dot com.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson Area Hospital is announcing the passing of a popular doctor. Dr. Foellner passed away Tuesday night. He had been a doctor at the Paxton clinic for several decades. Dr. Foellner was 79 years old.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A holiday shop hop will take place this Saturday in downtown Rantoul. The shop hop will take place from 9 to 6 and is being put on by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce and local business owners says Chamber Director Amanda Vickery…
Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Vickery.
(Vermilion County-jm) -- Vermilion County residents with unwanted electronics will have the opportunity to get rid of them in October. The Vermilion County Public Health Department is hosting a free electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 17th from 9-11 am at Danville Area Community College.
(Paxton-jm) -- The Ford County Public Health Department is encouraging the public to get their flu vaccine this year. Flu season is just around the corner and with the COVID-19 pandemic many of the health departments flu clinics aren’t happening. Brandi Williams with the Ford County Public Health Department says they are offering them at the health department…
Ford County Public Health Department Spokesperson Brandi Williams. To schedule your appointment, call the Ford County Public Health Department at 217-379-9281.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police have released their recent activity report. On October 13th, Patrick Miller of Urbana was arrested for driving on a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at Ottawa and Vermilion. October 12th, Chase Hochrein of Paxton was arrested for driving on a suspended license after a traffic stop on S. Market St. Also on October 12th, Walter Achila DeLeon of Urbana was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with no valid drivers license and ticketed for improper lane usage following a traffic stop at Market and Franklin. On October 6th, Chad Matherne of Paxton, Sarah Hoover of Paxton and an unidentified 17 year old from Bloomington were arrested and charged with home invasion and battery for allegedly entering an apartment and battering the resident on September 29th. The 17 year old also faces additional charges of intimidation of a witness, criminal damage to property and obstruction of justice.
(Washington-jm) -- China has stepped up purchases of almost every U.S. agricultural product. Some of the percentage increases are huge. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- An Illinois Senate committee is tackling the issue of prison reform. The group met to hear from experts about racing disparities, reducing recidivism rates and inmate re-entry into society. That includes Victor Dickson, President of the Safer Foundation, who says people with records more frequently experience socio-economic issues…
Safer Foundation President Victor Dickson. Dickson says community based services for those who have recently been released are key to stopping the cycle of re-incarceration. Others discussed the need for more diversion programs, directing people in trouble with the law towards support programs instead of being sent behind bars.
(Springfield-jm) -- With just hours left until the deadline, Governor J-B Pritzker is making a final push for Illinoisans to fill out the 2020 census. The census is ending, but it’s more important than ever to be counted says Governor J-B Pritzker. He says he’s disappointed in the most recent court ruling bumping up the deadline…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says an accurate count is vital to ensuring Illinois gets its share of federal money and for representation in Congress. Visit: my 2020 census dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- Area fire departments were busy with fire calls yesterday. Dry weather combined with strong winds made yesterday ideal for field fires. Sibley and Cropsey fire were called to a combine fire on Route 165 near 100E. Paxton firefighters were called to a combine fire at 675 North 1600 East. Gibson City, Fisher and Rantoul responded to a field fire at Route 136 and Route 49. Gibson City and Elliott firefighters handled a field fire 1 mile west of Gibson City along Route 9. 13 departments were also called to several fields on fire near Danforth. Fire officials that fire stretched 4 miles before being contained.
(Urbana-cf)-- Now is the time to get your flu shot. It takes about two weeks after the time of your flu vaccine to take effect to build immunity to the virus Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde has the details…
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde.
(Pesotum-jm) -- District 10 Illinois State Police in Pesotum have announced they will be conducting occupant restraint enforcement patrols throughout the month of October. Patrols will take place at various locations and dates throughout the month. Troopers will be looking for those not wearing their seat belt.
(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign County voters listen up. There are some upcoming deadlines if you want to vote in the upcoming election says County Clerk Aaron Ammons…
Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A Rantoul hair salon looking to move, is not moving to where they originally thought about moving. Shear Excellence had intended to buy and renovate the former Logan’s Pub building. However, after an inspection, the company announced they are going to pursue the former Action Rents building instead. Shear Excellence requested revolving loan funds from the village of Rantoul.
(Washington-jm) -- What are some of the commodities China is currently purchasing from the U.S. as part of the Phase One Trade Agreement? Rod Bain reports…
