(Undated-jm) – Temperatures are warming up, but starting in June Ameren electricity customers will now have to pay more to keep the lights on and their homes cooled. A $580 a year price hike will lead some Ameren customers to conserve energy to offset costs. Customers can expect to pay around $48 more every month on the supply side of their bill. The power company said they're not the ones who set supply prices and they won't be profiting from it either.
(Kankakee County-jm) – A few state lawmakers were on hand for President Biden’s visit to a Kankakee family farm. The President discussed the challenges farmers are facing, gas prices and the war in Ukraine. Senator Patrick Joyce of Essex attended the event and was pleased to hear the Biden Administration is looking to extend crop insurance to help out farmers opting for double cropping…
State Senator Patrick Joyce of Essex. Double cropping is where farmers plant two crops in a year on the same land, but it can be risky because of weather and other factors.
(Champaign-jm) – Firefighters in Champaign responded to a hazardous materials incident after the intense heat caused several containers containing aluminum powder to overheat. Crews were called to 3200 Farber Drive at 12:41 p.m. When they arrived, they found three 55-gallon drums being stored outside. The drums contained water and an aluminum powder; the heat caused the water’s temperature to rise and the aluminum started to react as a result. The heat from this reaction raised the water’s temperature further to the point that it started to boil. Firefighters deployed a single, unmanned hose line to cool the drums and prevent the aluminum from being released. The incident did not pose a threat to the environment or the surrounding community and no evacuation was carried out.
(Urbana-jm) – A student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign said he was recently scammed out of nearly $3,000. According to officers, the student received a phone call from a number, which appeared to originate from a local police department. The caller said the student was wanted on warrants and needed to pay the caller to avoid arrest. The student complied with instructions to visit a local retail store, purchase gift cards and give the gift card information to the caller.
(Rantoul-tr) – The Rantoul Exchange Club will be putting up flags in honor of Memorial Day. Past President of the Rantoul Exchange Club Janet Brotherton says if you're considering sponsorship, a key date to remember is May 16th…
Past President of the Rantoul Exchange Club Janet Brotherton.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $182 million for wastewater and drinking water projects around the state. Local communities receiving a portion of those funds include Cissna Park, Milford and Potomac. Cissna Park will receive $414,000 to replace water mains. Milford will receive $560,000 to replace a water line under Sugar Creek and install new hydrants. Potomac will receive $369,000 to replace 301 water meters.
(Washington-jm) – USDA analysts are brainstorming right now, trying to forecast yield, production, exports and prices for the crops that are just now being planted. It's a hard job due to so many uncertainties. Gary Crawford reports…
(Undated-jm) – Illinois residents continue to feel the pain at the pump. The average gasoline price in the state is up 19.4 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy. The average cost is approximately $4.60 per gallon. Compared to a month ago, prices are 23.3 centers per gallon higher. The price of a gallon of gas is $1.46 higher than at this time last year. The national average price of gasoline has risen 13.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.31 per gallon
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is urging Congress to act quickly to protect women’s reproductive rights. Illinois has done its part to make sure women can choose health care options for themselves and now federal lawmakers must do the same, says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor made his remarks at a planned parenthood clinic in the metro east area, where 75 percent of patients seeking care are from out of state.
(Champaign-jm) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration announced that the Champaign Park District is a finalist for the 2022 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Champaign Park District has been awarded the gold medal award three times in the past in 1979,1990 and 1998.
(Watseka-jm) – County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, has announced that the 2021 payable 2022 real estate tax statements have been mailed to the taxpayers of Iroquois County. The first installment is due June 9th and the second installment is due September 9th
(Springfield-jm) – A few state lawmakers were on hand for President Biden’s visit to a Kankakee family farm. During the visit the President discussed some of his plans to help farmers including doubling funding for domestic fertilizer production. Area Representative Jackie Haas says she’s pleased President Biden made the trip…
State Representative Jackie Haas. The Biden Administration is also looking to increase crop insurance for double cropping and to provide more technical support and nutrient management to farmers.
(St. Joe-tr) – A tribute to two community members of St. Joe will take place this weekend. St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling shares who will be honored and when…
St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling
(Undated-jm) – Metro unemployment numbers fell in March 2022 compared to the same time last year. In Champaign County, the rate fell from 5.3 percent to 3.8 percent. In Ford County, the rate fell from 5.1 percent to 4.1 percent. Iroquois County fell from 5.8 percent to 4.9 percent. Vermilion County’s fell from 7.3 percent to 5.6 percent.
(Washington-jm) – During a visit to an Illinois farm President Biden announced some actions to help producers. Gary Crawford reports…
