(Springfield-jm) -- Here’s the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois. The latest daily total of new cases is 4,224. Wednesday, new cases hit over 5,000, the highest number since January 22nd. 51 additional people have died. There are 26 known outbreaks of COVID-19 in Illinois schools, on top of the many students who are in quarantine because of possible exposure, says Governor J-B Pritzker…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says another thing to watch is new hospital admissions. He says that number has been fairly steady but that it needs to go down. Locally, Vermilion County reported 85 new cases bringing their total to 11,702. Champaign County reported 104 new cases bringing their total to 24,466. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Thursday.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding parents that they may be able to claim some of their back to school expenses on their taxes. Save those receipts for things like tuition, books and lab fees, says Department Spokesperson Maura Kownacki (kuh-nacky)...
Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students in the family. More information is available online at tax dot illinois dot gov.
(Danville-jm) -- A Danville man who was convicted on all counts in the murder and dismemberment of Barbara Rose was sentenced to a total of 96 years in prison for his crimes.Ocheil Keys was sentenced to 60 years behind bars for one count of first degree murder, 30 years for two counts of dismembering a body, and six years for three counts of concealing a homicidal death. The sentences will run consecutively.
(Undated-jm) -- The U.S. Small Business Administration will provide recovery assistance to families and businesses impacted by the severe storms and flash flooding in Ford County that happened in August according to a release from State Senator Scott Bennett on Thursday. Officials said families in the surrounding counties including Champaign, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, McLean, and Vermilion are also eligible to apply.
(Pesotum-jm) -- Illinois State Police will be conducting roadside safety checks this weekend in Vermilion County. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Danville-jm) -- A Hoopeston man has been sentenced to five years in prison for possessing meth. Anthony Chandler was arrested in July 2020 after police observed a group of individuals arguing and fighting. While police were investigating the situation, an officer searched Chandler and found a bag of meth in his pocket.
(Undated-jm) -- Tax bills for Ford and Iroquois County residents have gone out. The second installment for Ford County residents is due September 10th. For Iroquois County residents the second installment is due September 7th.
(Washington-jm) -- USDA's latest Agricultural Prices Report reflects primarily lower prices received by producers in most categories compared to the previous month. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public not to drink and drive over the holiday weekend. Expect to see more police out on the roads as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel says it’s about keeping people safe as they enjoy Labor Day..
IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. According to the most recent data, more than a quarter of all fatal crashes in 2019 involved at least one drunk driver.
(Urbana-jm) -- It’s the second week of class for U of I students. In the last week, nearly 200 undergrads tested positive for the coronavirus. Many of those cases are breakthrough cases. Out of 257 positive cases, 214 are vaccinated.
(Springfield-jm) -- State lawmakers were in Springfield this week where they took up legislative maps. The General Assembly was in special session to take up the topic Tuesday. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington talks about the process…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Urbana-jm) -- For Hunger Action Month this September, Eastern Illinois Foodbank will join Feeding America and other network member food banks to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of people facing the impossible choice of hunger. Food banks around the country are working to make a real and lasting impact on food insecurity in their communities, and they are asking for the public’s support.
(Undated-jm) -- Farmland values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 8.54% on average from last year, according to the 2021 annual study of 20 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois appraisal department. The study has been ongoing since 1974. This is the third consecutive year of an increase in FCI’s 60-county territory.
(Washington-jm) -- This year is turning into a much better than expected income year for farmers. Gary Crawford reports…
Paxton IGA will be hosting their cookout benefiting the Loda Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 4th from 10 to 2.
The Central States Thresherman Reunion and antique tractor show in Pontiac continues through Monday.
