(Undated-jm) -- Illinois topped over 900 thousand Coronavirus cases of the weekend. The statewide total now stands at 900,370 cases and 15,202 deaths. The seven day positivity rate is down to 9.6 percent. 4,389 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 991 patients were in the ICU and 546 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. Locally on Friday, McLean County reported 117 new cases bringing their total number of cases to 10,539. Champaign County reported 85 new cases bringing their total to 12,820. Livingston County reported 12 new cases bringing their total number of cases to 2,835. Vermilion County reported 104 new cases bringing their total to 4,525. Iroquois County reported 25 new cases bringing their total to 2,158. Ford County reported 18 new cases bringing their total to 1,079. Kankakee County reported 66 new cases bringing their total to 10,210.
(Springfield-jm) -- On Friday’s the Illinois Department of Public Health updates cases at long term care facilities around the state. Locally, in Ford County 287 cases and 24 deaths have been linked to long term care facilities. In Iroquois County 269 cases and 27 deaths. In Champaign County 443 cases and 36 deaths. In Vermilion County 235 cases and 31 deaths. In McLean County 516 cases and 45 deaths. In Livingston County 176 cases and 24 deaths and Kankakee County 1,011 cases and 65 deaths.
(Paxon-cf)-- The Paxton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Eat, Drink, and Shop Local Bingo contest. Andy Hudson of Hudson’s Drug and Hallmark shop has the details…
Andy Hudson owner of Hudsons Drug and Hallmark Shop.
(Fisher-jm) -- A garage in Fisher was destroyed following an explosion Saturday night. Fire crews were called to the fire in the 400 block of N. Third Street just before 10 pm. Windows were blown out of a nearby home. The blast was heard several miles from the site. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
(Rural Paxton-jm) -- Paxton first responders were called to a single vehicle rollover accident Friday evening. The accident occurred at Route 115 and 600 East around 6pm. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Springfield-jm) -- Voters overwhelming rejected the progressive income tax proposal in the November election. While the implications of what will happen remains to be seen, 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says voters sent the Governor a strong message…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The village of Rantoul along with the University of Illinois and the Champaign Urbana Public Health Department will be offering free COVID-19 testing and flu vaccination. The testing and vaccination will take place today from 3 to 7pm at the Rantoul Youth Center parking lot. No insurance or appointment is needed.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois topped over 900 thousand Coronavirus cases of the weekend. The statewide total now stands at 900,370 cases and 15,202 deaths. The seven day positivity rate is down to 9.6 percent. 4,389 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 991 patients were in the ICU and 546 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. As for local active and recovered cases, McLean County reported 9,313 have recovered, 1117 are in isolation and 24 are hospitalized. Champaign County reported 11,944 have recovered, 798 are in isolation and 18 are hospitalized. Livingston County reported 2,640 have been released from isolation and 160 cases are active. Vermilion County reported 337 active cases. Iroquois County reported 1955 have been released from isolation, 144 remain in isolation and 7 are hospitalized. Kankakee County reported 4,937 have recovered and 5,130 cases are active.
(Undated-jm) -- Several area counties reported additional deaths Friday. McLean County reported 4 new deaths bringing their total to 85. Livingston County reported 3 new deaths bringing their total to 53. Vermilion County also reported 3 new deaths bringing their total to 59. Iroquois County reported 1 additional death bringing their total to 48. Ford County reported 4 additional deaths bringing their total to 32. Kankakee County reported 1 additional death bringing their total to 143.
(Springfield-jm) -- The frustration over the backlog of FOID card renewals continues to rise. Some state lawmakers are calling for legislative action to reduce the backlog. 104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian says many are tired of trying to get answers…
104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.
(Ludlow-jm) -- A Ludlow house was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Fire crews were called to the fire on S. Orange Street around noon Saturday. No word on the cause of the fire.
(Undated-jm) -- Ceremonies honoring fallen veterans were held around the country including at several cemeteries locally Saturday. Nationally 1.7 million wreaths were placed as part of Wreaths Across America Day. Locally, ceremonies were held in Onarga, Cissna Park, Buckley and at the National Cemetery in Danville.
(Champaign-jm) -- Hundreds of small business owners and employees gathered outside the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District on Saturday to protest what the health department has been enforcing. The health department has been taking away health licenses and issuing warnings to businesses that have continued to stay open despite state mitigations. Supporters made an argument that Champaign county has been in a better spot in recent weeks. The county has one of the lowest positivity rates in the state and remains one of eight counties off the state warning list.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton’s ordinance on animals at large was revised at their December meeting. Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the revisions…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Vermilion County-jm) -- District 10 Illinois State Police are releasing results of recent roadside safety checks conducted in Vermilion County. During the enforcement, 1 was arrested for DUI, 2 were cited for drug or alcohol related offenses, 1 for occupant restraint, 1 for registration offense, 6 for driver’s license offenses and 14 for insurance violations.
