(Springfield-jm) -- An Illinois lawmaker wants to prohibit the state or school districts from requiring minors to wear masks or get vaccinated. Representative David Welter filed the Parental Medical Choice Act last week. The bill would make it so the State, schools, and people couldn't require a minor to get a health care service or take a health-related precaution. That would include mandating masks or vaccinations. If approved, a parent could sue for damages of up to $1,000 a day for violations.

 

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(Springfield-jm) -- State officials are clarifying the power school districts have to send your child home due to COVID concerns. Governor J-B Pritzker filed an executive order that states schools have to "exclude" staff or students with confirmed or probable infections from school grounds and extracurricular activities, instead of relying on local health departments or court orders. It specifies "exclusion from a School shall not be considered isolation or quarantine." The order also says state agencies can file emergency rules to implement these changes.

 

(Paxton -tr) -- A fallen State Trooper will be honored today. Marvin Archer will be honored this morning at 10am at the Paxton Fire House with a road being dedicated in his name in Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold shares the story of the fallen State trooper…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Kankakee-jm) -- A man who stole $2 million from Kankakee and a regional wastewater agency has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison and two years of home confinement. Richard Simms was accused of diverting money through a fraudulent software invoicing scheme. Simms served as director of the Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency and superintendent of Kankakee’s Environmental Services Utility.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Several Champaign County communities are looking at water projects. Ludlow is considering connecting to Rantoul’s sewer system but that will come with a $5 million price tag. Thomasboro is considering drainage work on the northwest side of the community that would cost up to $400,000.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will  hold their pork burger and brat supper tonight from 5-7:30 at their station located at 134 W. State Street. Cost is $7.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Twelve Illinois schools are still unrecognized or on probation for not complying with Governor JB Pritzker's mask mandate. The executive order says all students in both public and private schools are required to wear masks, and there could be consequences for districts who say they won't be following that. Public school districts have 60 days from when the Illinois State Board of Education sends them a notice they are not in compliance with the mask mandate to change their policy.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Human Services in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology are notifying the public of an incident within the State of Illinois Integrated Eligibility System. On November 24, 2020, the State discovered an issue, which is the eligibility system of record for State-funded medical benefits programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. An investigation revealed that household members who were once on a case and had their access removed could still see information even after they were no longer part of that case. 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign School District officials said they are investigating a social media threat that was believed to have been directed at Centennial High School. The district is working with the Champaign Police Department on the issue.

 

 

(Loda-jm) -- Loda’s new water tower will cost over $900,000. The village board approved a contract with Schomburg and Schomburg Construction at a cost of $975,160. $550,000 of the project will be covered by a grant and the other portion by a 30 year loan at 1 percent interest. Work is expected to begin in April 2022.

 

 

(Springfield---jc)  --  Whether it be Covid or the flu, the symptoms are similar. While the fear of getting covid is still present, it could just be the flu, says Illinois Public Health Department Spokesperson Melaney Arnold…

 

 

I-D-P-H Spokesperson Melaney Arnold