(Springfield-jm) – One good reason to get the COVID-19 booster shot, the Omicron variant, says the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you’ve had both your shots but aren’t really concerned about getting the booster as well, the new variant should make you reconsider, says State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike…

 

 

State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Ezike says early reports show that once boosted, the vaccine still gives about 80 percent protection against the Omicron variant. The latest count of new COVID-19 cases in Illinois is 11,858. That’s the highest daily total in over a  year. Champaign County reported 248 new cases and 2 additional deaths. Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Thursday.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a new law that sets up a state licensing system for midwives in Illinois. The Governor says reproductive health is not a one size fits all, and that expectant mothers deserve options…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The new law takes effect next fall, establishing standards a person must meet before being licensed as a certified professional midwife in Illinois.

 

(Ford County-tr) – Many small towns throughout Ford County are getting a dose of holiday cheer this year. The 2021 Santa Road Rally just might be coming through your town tomorrow. From Paxton to Roberts to Stelle, the 2021 Santa Road Rally is about helping small towns celebrate Christmas this year. 2021 Santa Road Rally spokesperson Tim Nuss explains what the rally means to him.. 

 

 

Ford County Santa Road Rally Spokesperson Tim Nuss.

 

 

(DeWitt County-jm) – All are cordially invited to begin New Year's Eve at the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum in Clinton. The mansion will be beautifully staged to welcome the new year, light refreshments will be served, festive music will fill the rooms, and clippings of DeWitt County's New Year's Eve celebrations of the past will be displayed throughout the mansion. This special event will take place December 31, 5-7pm at the C.H. Moore Homestead and  DeWitt County Museum  Admission of $5 per person will be collected at the door.

 

 

(Onarga-tr) -- The Onarga Christmas parade will end with a special presentation at the Onarga Theater from 6-8pm this Saturday. Santa’s Winter Wonderland will come alive again for all the kids to enjoy, as well as Santa himself says Onarga parade spokesperson Fred Walraven...

 

 

Onarga Christmas Parade Spokesperson Fred Walraven.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is launching FOID card kiosks. There are now three manned kiosks around the state, at the State Police office in Lockport, Springfield and DuQuoin. Trooper Josh Robinson says they will serve as another option for those who don’t want to go through the FOID application or renewal process online…

 

 

Illinois State Trooper Josh Robinson. The kiosks are open Monday through Friday from either 8 to 4 or 8:30 to 4:30 but will be closed over the lunch hour.

 

(Georgetown-jm) – A Vermilion County man has been sentenced to five years in prison for possessing child pornography. Cory Taylor pleaded guilty to a single count of possession of child pornography and received the sentence in Vermilion County court.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers return to the state capitol next month for the spring session. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City previews the session…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Champaign-jm) -- The Developmental Services Center in Champaign announced its annual Tree of Hope and Recognition Event. The annual Tree of Hope event is the DSC's largest fundraiser each year. Donations from the local community provide support for more than 1,100 children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or delays in Champaign and Ford counties. The Tree of Hope is located on the corner of Prospect Avenue and Marketview Drive in Champaign. A bulb is lit with every $50 in donations between now and January 21, 2022.

 

(Onarga-tr) -- The Onarga Christmas parade will end with a special presentation at the Onarga Theater from 6-8pm this Saturday. Onarga parade spokesperson Fred Walraven would like to extend an invitation to all residents who wish to enter…

 

 

Onarga Christmas Parade Spokesperson Fred Walraven.