(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker once again has extended the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation another month, this time through Sept. 17. According to Pritzker, Illinois is still a disaster zone because of COVID-19, and he gave himself emergency powers that have continued since April 2020. Thirty-four states give their legislatures authority to limit the duration of emergency executive powers.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois saw a sharp increase in the number of people killed in vehicle crashes in the first three months of the year. According to a government report, the number of people killed reached the highest number in 20 years nationally. This year, 55 more people died in the first quarter in Illinois than last year, one of the largest increases in the country.
(Springfield-jm) – Crop conditions declined slightly over the past week. Last week’s temperatures were about two and a half degrees below normal and rainfall was a little above average. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 80 percent of the Illinois corn crop has reached the dough stage…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 95 percent of soybeans are blooming and 80 percent are setting pods. The condition of the soybean crop dropped to 68 percent in good to excellent shape. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is now more than halfway done. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated seven percent very short, 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate and five percent surplus.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers needs help finding more information about a shooting. Two people were hit, and they’re recovering in the hospital. A 19-year-old man and a 25-year-old man are both stable after they were shot earlier this month. Police responded to the intersection of White Oak Court and N. 3rd Street for a report of a large gathering and a fight. That was around 3:55 a.m. on Saturday August 13. Shortly after police arrived, officers heard dozens of gunshots and found the 19-year-old victim with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital to be treated. That’s when the second victim, a 25-year-old man, showed up to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois and the union representing its service workers reached a critical milestone in their negotiations for a new contract. Service Employees International Union Local 73 announced that after the resumption of negotiations on Friday, its bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement with the university on a new contract to replace the one that expired on Monday. Although the union celebrated the “massive victories at the negotiating table,” the proposed contract has yet to be ratified and a strike is still possible. The more-than-800 union members will be voting on the proposed contract between Aug. 24 and 29, with a simple majority needed to ratify it. Before that happens, however, the union will deliver a 15-day strike notice to the university as the previous contract expired without a new one ratified to replace it.
(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers are gearing up for the general election along with the fall veto session. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about how long they will be away from the capital…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Washington-jm) – Friday's USDA Cattle on Feed Report managed to surprise some industry analysts. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission has launched the application for a student loan repayment assistance program to support qualified mental health and substance abuse workers. Funded with proceeds from the state’s cannabis program, the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program will provide awards to eligible applicants who have outstanding balances on an educational loan, to help them repay their student loan debt.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police recently completed a firearm enforcement blitz, confiscating guns from over 1,000 people with revoked Firearm Owner's ID cards. Two-hundred enforcement details were conducted in every Illinois county from June 16 through July 31 to verify if those who had their firearm rights revoked are in compliance with the state’s FOID Card Act. ISP seized firearms from 1,014 residents and their FOID cards were surrendered.
(Springfield-jm) – Crop conditions declined slightly over the past week. 80 percent of corn has reached the dough stage and 37 percent has hit the dent stage. The condition of the Illinois corn crop dipped to 70 percent in good to excellent condition. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 95 percent of soybean acres are blooming…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Pasture conditions dropped to 49 percent in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture came in at seven percent very short, 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate and five percent surplus.
(Champaign-jm) – The Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club in Champaign is bringing back a familiar face to lead them. Sam Banks retired last year, but he’s returning temporarily as executive director. He replaced Charles Burton.
(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County War Museum in Danville will have a special program tonight. The museum is participating in “TAPS on Tuesday”. A brief program starts at 6 on the front lawn of the museum at 307 North Vermilion Avenue. After the program, TAPS will be played. The public is invited to attend.
(Paxton–jc) – The Paxton Swine and Dine event is set for Saturday September 17th in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer says those attending have the chance to enjoy samples and vote on ribs…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Monday announced a new initiative to support producers in making the transition to organic agriculture. Rod Bain reports…
WPXN News Notes…
First Lutheran Church of Paxton will host a blood drive today from 10-1:30. Mask and appointments are required. Contact Kevin Hanson by email e-m-t-coor at hotmail dot com to sign up.
Clove Alliance will host a sexual harassment prevention training on Wednesday, August 24th from 5-6 pm.
