(Springfield-jm) -- A new report found Illinois is among the worst states in the country when it comes to the tax burdens faced by businesses. The recent “Location Matters” study, published by the Tax Foundation, calculated and analyzed the tax costs of eight model firms in every state. Illinois' high-income tax rates contributed to their low ranking.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is announcing that roadside mowing is now underway across the state. In recent years, IDOT has revised its mowing schedule to better balance environmental needs with routine maintenance for driving safety. Crews are out mowing now says Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

 

 

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. Wappel says safety mowing is done right next to the roadway as needed, but other areas like ditches and culverts are mowed on a cycle to protect the habitats of Illinois pollinators like the monarch butterfly.

 

 

(Del Rey-jm) -- One person was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries following an accident on Route 45 near Del Rey Monday afternoon. State police say a motorcyclist was traveling southbound when two deer ran out into the road. The motorcyclist struck one of the deer causing them to lose control and was ejected from the bike. The bike struck a northbound vehicle, causing that driver to lose control and crash into the ditch. That driver was not hurt.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois General Assembly has a few days left to come up with a balanced state budget. Despite the COVID pandemic, 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says Illinois actually has a surplus of money…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) -- A Hoopeston man is facing multiple charges following an incident over the weekend. Police were called to the 400 block of East Seminary for a disturbance involving three individuals including one possibly armed with a handgun. Anthony Chandler was arrested and charged with 3 counts of unlawful use of a weapon, 3 counts of aggravated assault, theft, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

 

(Crescent City-jm) -- A former Iroquois County Fair Board President has been recognized by the state. The Illinois House passed a resolution marking May 20th as Marvin Perzee County Fair Day. The resolution was sponsored by State Representative Tom Bennett and recognizes Perzee, a long time Iroquois County Fair supporter who died in 2019.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Statewide rainfall waas about a half inch above normal this past week, but producers still found time to continue planting. An average of three point seven days were suitable for fieldwork and corn planting is now 90 percent complete says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…

 

 

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 80 percent of soybean acres have been planted with 60 percent emerged. 90 percent of winter wheat has headed and 84 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated as one percent very short, nine percent short, 73 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The state is receiving millions of dollars to offer mental health and addiction treatment services to Illinoisans. Illinois is receiving nearly $105 million from the American Rescue Plan. The Illinois Department of Human Services will get $54.7 million in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding, as well as $50.2 million in Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Illinois reported 933 new Coronavirus cases and 10 additional deaths Monday. Iroquois County reported 9 new cases. Ford County reported 10 new cases. Vermilion County reported 36 new cases. Champaign County reported 46 new cases and 1 additional death, a woman in her 70s.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of childhood drowning. Kids can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it’s a good  idea to secure toilet lids and hot tub covers and empty buckets and inflatable pools when not in use says DCFS Chief Nurse Pete Dykes. He also has this advice…

 

 

DCFS Chief Nurse Pete Dykes. Dykes recommends learning COR as well. Last year in Illinois, 20 children lost their lives to accidental drowning, including 9 in swimming pools, 4 in rivers, 2 in lakes, 1 in a pond and 1 in a cistern.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton firefighters were called to a garage fire Monday evening. Crews were called to the fire at the corner of Summer and Vermilion Streets around 5:15. No word on the cause of the fire.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- A park in Rantoul will be rededicated this weekend. A ribbon cutting and rededication of Rudzinski Park will take place at 11 am Saturday. The celebration will take place in front of the new playground. The public is invited to attend.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- AAA said gas prices are about to spike ahead of Memorial Day. The insurance company reports 1.7 million people in Illinois are going to be traveling by car for the holiday.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Statewide rainfall was about a half inch above normal this past week, but producers still found time to continue planting. 90 percent of corn acres are now planted, with 74 percent emerged and 71 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 80 percent of soybeans have been planted and 60 percent emerged…

 

 

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated as one percent very short, nine percent short, 73 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.