(Springfield-jm) -- House Republicans are pushing legislation to limit the Governor's use of executive orders. All of the COVID-19 mandates and emergency orders issued during the pandemic have come from the Governor. That needs to change, says Geneva Representative Dan Ugaste (you-gas-tee)...
State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva. Ugaste says in times of emergency that last longer than 30 days, the legislature should be involved in any decision making. Governor J-B Pritzker has said in the past there was nothing preventing lawmakers from taking up any pandemic related issues during the session.
(Springfield-jm) -- Senate Republicans are calling for a series of public safety bills to be heard during the fall veto session. The legislation creates the 100 million dollar police grant fund for departments to hire more officers, purchase equipment and expand training. Other bills crack down on gun crimes and those who assault an officer, as well as deny bail to repeat gun offenders. Senator Neil Anderson of Moline says the proposals need to be voted on now…
State Senator Neil Anderson of Moline. Just three days remain in the veto session, next Tuesday through Thursday.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 2,447 new Coronavirus cases and 36 additional deaths. Locally, Champaign County reported 39 new cases. Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Wednesday.
(Gilman-tr)-- The Iroquois County Board passed a resolution in tandem with the sheriff's department to hire a new full-time officer for the Gilman area. Iroquois County Board Chairman John Shure has the details…
Iroquois County Board Chairman John Shure.
(Paxton--jm) --Paxton Masonic Lodge #416 is sponsoring the 2nd Annual “Get out of Dodge” Raffle. You can win a trip for 4 days and 3 nights to New Orleans. Experience the history, culture and beauty of the “Big Easy”. Tickets can be purchased $40 for 1, $75 for 2 or $100 for 3. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Additional prizes will also be awarded. Tickets can be purchased at Hudson Drug Shop, Paxton Public House, and Kirchner Building Center in Paxton. Proceeds from the raffle supports charitable causes and service projects within the community and college scholarships for PBL Students. Drawing will be held during the open house held 1-4 Saturday October 23rd, at the Paxton Masonic Lodge in Paxton.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County has served the Rantoul, Fisher, Gifford, Thomasboro and Ludlow areas for 50 years. Director Andy Kulczycki talks about some of the services they provide…
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County Director Andy Kulczycki.
(Paxton-jm) -- A Wisconsin man was sentenced to prison for committing early-morning break-ins at two Paxton restaurants in July. Tommy Branch of Milwaukee Wisconsin was sentenced to 6 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to one count of burglary. As part of the plea agreement, Branch was also ordered to obtain substance-abuse counseling and pay $985 in restitution, while prosecutors agreed to dismiss additional counts of burglary and possession of burglary tools. Branch was accused of breaking into the Paxton Subway and Monicals on July 26th.
(Springfield-jm) -- The state Senate Wednesday approved legislation licensing midwives in Illinois. This has been a long time coming, first proposed in 1986. Current bill sponsor Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin says this will be good for women all across the state…
State Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin. The bill sets up education standards midwives will have to meet. It now moves to the House for a vote.
(Springfield-jm) -- The state is launching a new school safety initiative, called safe-two-help-Illinois. The idea is to give students an easy way to report their concerns, whether they be a suicidal friend, bullying, sexual assault or threats of school violence says State Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Rebecca Clark…
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Rebecca Clark. Safe-two-help is available 24-7 and comes at no cost to school districts. Students can access the service via the website: safe-the-number two-help-il dot com. There they will also find information to phone, text, email and the mobile app.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 2,447 new Coronavirus cases and 36 additional deaths. Locally, Champaign County reported 39 new cases. Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Wednesday.
(Paxton-tr)-- The PBL school board is continuing to work with the state and local police departments to hire a School Resource Officer. PBL Schools Superintendent Cliff McClure has more…
PBL Superintendent Cliff McClure.
(Paxton-dg) Gibson Area Hospital is having 2 Glow Bingo Events to raise money for the foundation’s Medical Office Building. The first will be Friday October 22 at Pueblo Lindo Event center in Paxton. The second event will be Saturday October 23rd at the Kruse Center in Gibson City. Doors open at 4pm with Bingo starting at 6pm for both nights. Cost is $30 per person which includes 6 bingo cards. There will be a cash bar and Food trucks in the parking lot. There will be over one thousand dollars in cash prizes including raffles and a 50/50. Must be 18 years or older to attend.
(Springfield-jm) -- The latest report on state revenue had some good news and some bad news. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses the reports findings…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Ford County-jm) -- The Ford County Public Building Commission is lowering their tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. The commission is lowering the tax levy by $30 thousand to $466,768.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department will host a flu shot clinic on Thursday, October 21st from 2-2:30 at Creekside Terrace Cissna Park.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold an open house on Thursday, October 21st from 5-7 pm. Refreshments are available.
