(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing a new Bridge Phase to move Illinois from Phase Four to Phase Five of the state’s reopening plan. The change aims to bridge the gap between the current restrictions in Phase Four to going back to normal in Phase Five. When this new phase kicks in depends on the data says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. That number is currently 58 percent. Under the Bridge Phase, health clubs, offices, salons, museums and retailers can operate at 60 percent capacity. Gatherings of up to 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors will be allowed.
(Springfield-jm) -- So, when Illinois hits the bridge phase, what’s next? Once enough seniors are vaccinated to get us to the new bridge phase, two additional metrics will have to be met before moving to Phase Five and a return to normalcy says Governor J-B Pritzker…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. That number is currently 28 percent. All regions of Illinois will move through these steps together based on statewide data.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,325 new cases Thursday and 34 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,216,690 and deaths to 21,022. Champaign County reported 57 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 18,553 and deaths to 135. Iroquois County reported no new cases leaving their total at 2,813. Ford and Vermilion Counties had no report.
(Springfield-jm) -- What issues will take precedence for the spring legislative session? 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington hi-lites some issues he thinks will be considered…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Champaign County-jm) -- Two people were taken to the hospital following a crash on I-74 between Urbana and St. Joseph Thursday. State police say a semi traveling westbound went into the center median and the trailer struck a bridge beam causing it to lose its load of soybeans. An eastbound vehicle was struck by a sand filled barrel that went airborne when it was struck by the semi. Both are expected to be ok.
(Undated-jm) -- State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City is re-introducing legislation that extends the statute of limitations for a prosecution for perjury. Representative Bennett introduced the legislation last year but the bill stalled after the session was put on hold because of the pandemic. That legislation would have extended the statute of limitations for a prosecution for perjury from 3 years to 7 years. The new legislation would extend it to 5 years says Representative Bennett…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Ford County-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing another round of $250 million in Rebuild Illinois funds have been released for transportation projects around the state. Looking at funds coming to Ford County and communities within the county...Ford County is receiving $95,809. As for communities...Elliott is receiving $3,240, Gibson City $37,422, Melvin $4,964, Paxton $49,131, Piper City $9,072, Roberts $3,976 and Sibley $2,987.
(Urbana-jm) -- Bond has been set at $150,000 for a Rantoul man who allegedly forced his way into a woman’s home armed with a gun and hitting her. Troy Stewart is charged with home invasion while armed with a gun and unlawful use of weapons. Police say Stewart allegedly forced his way into the home of a woman he knew on Falcon Drive, displayed a handgun and struck her. If convicted of the most serious charge he faces 21-45 years in prison. He is due back in Champaign County court March 30th.
The Onarga American Legion is hosting their fish fry tonight from 4:30-7:30 pm
Paxton IGA will kick off their cookouts tomorrow from 10 to 2 benefiting the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree.
(Springfield-jm) -- All Illinoisans will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday, April 12th. Governor J-B Pritzker says thanks to the increase in doses sent by the federal government, the state’s vaccination program will soon be open to everyone…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Vaccinations will continue to be by appointment only, and those becoming eligible April 12th will have to wait until then to schedule their shot. More information is available online at: coronavirus dot illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,325 new cases Thursday and 34 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,216,690 and deaths to 21,022. As for local active and recovered cases, Champaign County reported 18,174 have recovered, 244 are in isolation and 10 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 2,742 have been released, 11 are in isolation and 1 is hospitalized. Ford and Vermilion Counties had no report.
(Undated-jm) -- The consolidated election will take place April 6th but several area races are taking shape. WPXN’s Jason Madden takes a look at who is on the ballot for Rantoul schools…
(Urbana-jm) -- After 23 years, a new organization will be in charge of the Festival of Trees in Champaign County. OSF HealthCare says the festival is being transitioned over to Balloons Over Vermilion, a local not-for-profit. While Balloons Over Vermilions organizers and volunteers have always been involved in Festival of Trees in some capacity, the group will now be taking the lead.
(Champaign-cf)-- The Champaign Urbana Public Health District will be hosting a virtual Women's Health Expo. The event will cover topics for mothers with young children, and expecting mothers…
Champaign Urbana Public Health District Women's Health Expo Spokesperson Sheila Raila.
(Gibson City-jm) -- A public hearing on a wind farms building permit will be held in Gibson City coming up later this month. The hearing between Apex Clean Energy and the Ford County Zoning Board of Appeals will take place Thursday, March 25th at the Kruse Center in Gibson City at 5pm. The move comes after the county’s zoning officer rejected the developers permit request for the Ford Ridge Wind Farm near Sibley. If built, the wind farm is expected to generate $33.25 million in revenue for the county over 30 years.
(Undated-jm) -- Spring starts this Saturday but that isn’t the only season changing. With the warmer temperatures starts road construction. Crews will be resurfacing Route 9 between Route 115 and Gibson City this year along with Route 45 between Loda and Onarga. Other projects around the area include work around the I-57/I-74 interchange in Champaign, crack sealing along I-57 from Champaign County line to Iroquois County line, resurfacing Route 24 between the Ford County line and Gilman, pavement preservation of Route 9 between the Ford County line and Route 1 in Hoopeston.
