(Springfield-jm) – The state’s minimum wage is set for another increase at the first of the year. Beginning January 1, 2022, employers will have to pay at least $12 an hour, up from $11. A dollar per year increase ends in 2025 at $15 an hour. Also starting January 1, tipped employees go from $6.60 an hour to $7.20. Youth workers less than 650 hours per year get $9.25 an hour, up from $8.50.

 

(Springfield-jm) – More people are getting tested for COVID-19 than ever before. The number of tests run has soared this month, hitting a pandemic high of nearly 234 thousand on Saturday. Testing, social distancing, getting vaccinated and continuing to wear a mask is still vitally important as cases rise, says Governor J-B Pritzker…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The latest daily totals include 7,390 new cases and 28 additional deaths. Over 36 hundred COVID patients are currently in the hospital. Locally, Champaign County reported 197 new cases and 2 additional deaths. Vermilion County reported 19 new cases and 4 additional deaths. Ford County reported 157 new cases. Iroquois County did not have a report.

 

(Roberts-jm) – Water is once again flowing in Roberts. The village issued an emergency order after the well quit working Monday. A company fixed the issue Tuesday and the village is under a boil water order until further notice.

 

(Springfield-jm) – As you wrap up your online holiday shopping, a consumer economics educator with the University of Illinois Extension Office has some tips for protecting yourself and your wallet. One thing you can do is use a credit card to make your purchases, instead of a debit card, says the U of I Extension’s Kathy Sweedler. That way you can cancel or put a hold on any suspicious charges, and your financial liability is much lower…

 

 

U of I Extension’s Kathy Sweedler. Sweedler also advises only buying online from trusted retailers and making sure the bar on top has the lock symbol or the web address starts with https, signaling that the connection is secure.

 

Illinoisans are getting a good view of the best meteor showers of the year.The Geminid meteor shower started last month, but its peak was expected early Tuesday, producing up to 120 meteors per hour. NASA said the best time to see shooting stars will be when the radiant is highest in the sky around 2 a.m. The meteor shower is expected to continue until Dec. 24.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, December 16th from 5-7 pm at their building located at 134 W. State Street. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread dessert and drink for $10.

 

Chatsworth’s Lighted Christmas parade will take place on Thursday, December 16th starting at 6 pm.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ unfunded public employee pension obligations have increased by more than $120 billion in 25 years. And while a recent report shows strong returns on investment, the unfunded ratio is between 42 and 46 percent. Actuaries recommend funding pensions 100 percent over several years. Pritzker’s administration said in a letter the state’s goal of 90 percent must be sufficient because of ongoing fiscal constraints.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A Rantoul man will serve 10 years behind bars for trading child ponography images online. Prosecutors said Alan Dodd, traded images of child pornography depicting prepubescent children on multiple social media applications. Dodd pleaded guilty on August 12th to charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Dodd faces federal supervised release for 10 years and must register as a sex offender. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public about fire safety over the holidays. As you deck the halls, you should also consider any potential hazards, says Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz. He has this advice…

 

 

State Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz. Another big area of concern is candles says Fultz. The top days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, December 16th from 5-7 pm at their building located at 134 W. State Street. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread dessert and drink for $10.

 

Chatsworth’s Lighted Christmas parade will take place on Thursday, December 16th starting at 6 pm.