(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing one point six billion dollars in federal aid to improve access to high quality early childhood education and care. The money will help fund initiatives to get more kids ready for kindergarten, creating a new division of early childhood at the Department of Human Services to coordinate efforts. 140 million will go to childcare providers over the next three weeks says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Additionally, a network of early childhood councils will be launched over the next 18 months which will work with local leaders, schools and families to make sure each community has the services it needs.
(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul firefighters were busy with 3 house fires in a half hour Saturday afternoon. Crews were called to a house fire in the 400 block of West Champaign Avenue just after 5:30. While fighting that fire, a house directly behind in the 400 block of Broadmeadow also caught fire. The third fire occurred just before 6 on Hobson Drive. Firefighters believe the first fire started in the basement. There’s no word on the cause of the other fires.
(Rantoul-cf)-- The hangers at Chanute Air Force Base have been sitting empty for 27 years, since the base closed. The Village of Rantoul now owns those hangers. The village has already sold one, and is looking at potentially selling two more says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Paxton-jm) -- The Ford County Public Health Department hosted a COVID vaccine clinic yesterday. The vaccination clinic was held at the health department in Paxton. If you missed it, they will hold another one May 8th from 8:30 to 4:30.
(Loda-jm) -- Lakeview Country Club hosted the first Kindness Kannonball Saturday. The event was organized by Amy Swan and Cara Tweedy to help raise money for area non profits…
Lakeview Country Club Manage Cara Tweedy.
Organizer Amy Swan talks about a donation she received…
Kindness Kannonball Organizer Amy Swan. About 200 people signed up to participate in the event.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois public school students would be taught about the dangers of sexting under legislation passed by the House. The measure would apply to grades six through 12, and is needed now more than ever says Representative Maurice West of Rockford…
State Representative Maurice West of Rockford. West says the age appropriate lessons would be a part of current sex education curriculum cover things like the consequences of sexting and related harassment and bullying. The bill still must be approved by the Senate.
(Gilman-jm) -- The Iroquois West School District could do some indoor air quality work. Superintendent Angelo Lekkas says they are exploring their options…
Iroquois West Schools Superintendent Angelo Lekkas.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The first games were played at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex over the weekend. Over 1,000 athletes hit the field for the first tournament at the $20 million complex. Work to finish the complex will continue until complete, which is expected to be in June.
(Undated-jm) -- The Gibson City Melvin Sibley and Mahomet Seymour School Boards along with the Ford County Board all meet tonight. GCMS leaders are expected to meet at 6:15 where they are expected to approve a bus bid with North America Central school bus. At 7 in Mahomet, Mahomet-Seymour school board members are expected to approve a school resource officer agreement and bus lease. In Paxton at 7, Ford County board members are expected to approve a pair of bids from Iroquois Paving and Cross Construction.
