(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced a new program Wednesday that would provide individuals with a state ID card upon prison release. The Illinois Secretary of State office partnered with the Illinois Department of Corrections to unroll this program. The partnership began with a pilot in December 2020 and an expanded pilot in April 2021. The expanded pilot program has been rolled out to 18 IDOC facilities, as of Wednesday.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Will the state lift the mask mandate in time for the holidays? Governor J-B Pritzker had signaled that the mandate could be lifted in time for the holidays; however, that may not happen now…

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,746 new Coronavirus cases Wednesday and 40 additional deaths. Vermilion County reported 82 new cases. Champaign County reported 55 new cases. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Wednesday.

 

 

(Champaign-tr)--Parkland College and Birkey's Farm Store announce the launch of a new, nationally recognized apprenticeship program to train agriculture and construction equipment technicians. Derrick Baker, dean of Parkland's Career and Technical Education division said its an expansion of Parkland and Birkey's decade-long partnership, the new Birkey's CNH Service Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program pairs formalized on-the-job training with technical coursework to help Birkey's develop more highly skilled employees.The program began this fall with 11 first-year apprentices and six second-year apprentices.

 

(St. Joseph-jm) -- Downtown St. Joseph is seeing some upgrades with the Kickapoo Rail Trail. St Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges (Vo-gus) talks about the work…

 

 

St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling.

 

(Ford County-jm) -- Ford County Sheriff’s police responded to 10 traffic accidents and issued 16 citations for speeding. Deputies also issued 3 citations for driving with no license and 1 each for driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Deputies also responded to 11 domestic issues, 7 reports of theft, 2 each of police pursuit and trespassing and 1 each for vandalism and custody dispute.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Agriculture leaders from both the U.S. and European Union announced a new transatlantic collaboration agreement centering on agriculture's role in sustainability and climate change. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The board overseeing objections to concealed carry license applications in Illinois is providing more insight into why some delays persist. During a Senate Executive Appointments Committee, Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board members said the delays stem from law enforcement agencies objecting to applications not providing enough information. They urged lawmakers to get the agencies to provide better data when filing objections. Average delays exceed the time allotted by law.

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Children dealing with distressing and traumatic calls for service will receive some extra bit of comfort from the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. They've teamed up with the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association to offer "Bear Comfort Kits." Each kit includes a teddy bear, a coloring book, and a frisbee.

 

 

(Paxton-tr)-- Ruby Jewels Antiques and Gifts in Paxton will be having an Open House November 5th and 6th. The Open House will showcase new fall items and holiday decor that can only be found at Ruby Jewels in Paxton. Ruby Jewels Spokesperson Melody Heneger has more…

 

 

Ruby Jewels Operator Melody Heneger.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Local unemployment rates continue to fall compared to one year ago. Champaign County’s rate fell from 5.7% to 4.1%. Ford County’s fell from 5.1% to 3.7%. Vermilion County’s fell from 7.8% to 5.6%. Iroquois County’s fell from 5.2% to 3.9%.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Producers now can make their elections for either Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage for the upcoming crop year. Rod Bain reports…