(Chicago-jm) – An Illinois public health official is warning of a surge in flu cases this winter. Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the flu picture has dramatically changed in the past week. She said the southeastern part of the country is getting hit and Illinois is not far behind. Arwady advises to get a flu shot as soon as possible because it takes some time for the protection to kick in and she is concerned that it will spread as families gather for Thanksgiving.
(Chicago-jm) – Another Illinois State Police squad car was hit this week. In Cook County Tuesday night, a trooper was parked in the left lane with emergency lights flashing when a truck struck the right side of the squad car. The 19-year-old driver was cited for a Scott’s Law violation and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. There have been 23 Move Over Law crashes this year and eight troopers have been injured.
(Paxton–jc) – With phase one of the City of Paxton Streetscape program completed in December, what is the timeline for phase two of the project in downtown Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says his hope is that planning will happen over the next month so the project can proceed in 20-23..
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield-jm) – Supporters of the Safe-T Act say they don’t expect any major changes to the law before the no-cash bail provision takes effect January 1st. The measure includes the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, and Senator Robert Peters of Chicago says any tweaks will be technical in nature…
State Senator Robert Peters of Chicago. Advocates say its unfair that only rich people can bond out while others languish in jail before their trial. Opponents say offenders may be released and re-commit their crimes and call for the act to be repealed. A group of about 60 state’s attorneys in Illinois has filed a lawsuit against the act, saying it’s unconstitutional. That lawsuit is expected to go to a Kankakee County court in December.
(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois student has been arrested and charged after U of I Police officials said he broke into his neighbors’ apartment over the weekend and stole several items. Souvik Ghosh, 19, was arrested, accused of entering an unlocked apartment and taking a number of items, all while the occupants were sleeping. One of the items that was taken was a credit card, which was later used to place a $200 food order.
(Kankakee–jc) – Clove Alliance’ is celebrating their 35th Anniversary of providing hope and healing at “A Night at the Museum “on Thursday, December 1st from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Kankakee County Museum The public is invited to view Clove Alliance’s interactive history timeline, learn how to support survivors of sexual violence, and enjoy hors d’oeuvers, raffle baskets, and live music. The Kankakee Museum’s “Gallery of Trees: Family Holiday Traditions'' will also be on display. Clove Alliance is excited to partner with the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce to host this event Clove Alliance has offices in Kankakee, Watseka and Paxton.
(Mahomet–jc) With a referendum turned down by voters in the Mahomet Seymour School district. What is the next step, next idea to address the growing school district. Mahomet Seymour School Superintendent Kenny Lee says the school board meets next week and more of future plans will be an ongoing subject for the district…
MahometSeymour School Superintendent Kenny Lee
(Paxton-jm) – The City of Paxton is looking at a community mapping program. The program is through Western Illinois University and helps the city plan for the future over the next 5 to 10 years. Paxton City Council Alderman Rob Pacey talks about the program…
Paxton City Council Alderman Rob Pacey.
(Urbana-jm) – Urbana High School was put on lockdown Wednesday following another threat. The district says they are looking into the credibility of the threat. The district says they received a threat earlier this morning however, just before 11 another threat was made and a hard lockdown was implemented.Multiple law enforcement agencies were on the scene.
(Urbana-jm) – Carle Foundation Hospital is adding more pediatric beds to its facility, due to the ongoing surge of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV among children. According to the hospital the overflow of beds will be added to an area of the hospital formerly set aside for adults with COVID-19. The hospital in Urbana has a 22-bed pediatric unit that includes a dozen pediatric intensive-care beds and has added 11 more pediatric beds in the overflow area. The beds will not only help cover local cases, but potentially be able to help individuals with RSV outside the area where pediatric intensive-care beds aren’t available.
(Chicago-jm) – After weeks of speculation, former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will soon unveil his plans for the 2023 Chicago election. Quinn, who led the state from 2009 to 2015, is expected to hold a news conference today in Chicago. Political experts say Quinn’s announcement is most likely regarding a potential run for Chicago mayor.
(Springfield-jm) – Top officials from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and Aetna insurance company were forced to answer to state lawmakers at the State Capitol. In the midst of pressing for an explanation as to why CMS cut health benefits for state retirees down to one new Aetna plan and how both parties planned to fill gaps in coverage, testimony to state senators and representatives on the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability revealed a growing number of medical providers are telling retirees that they won’t accept their insurance come January.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House and Senate will have new Republican leaders. House GOP lawmakers voted to elect Representative Tony McCombie of Savanna as the chamber’s minority leader. Her top priority…
State Representative Tony McCombie. McCombie will be replacing Jim Durkin in the role. Senate Republicans chose John Curran of Downers Grove to lead their caucus. He replaces Senator Dan McConchie.
(Danville-jm) – Domestic violence survivors in Vermilion County received a helping hand from the state's attorney's office after a supply drive. The Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office collected items for donation to survivors for Domestic Violence Awareness month. The fifth annual supply drive was hosted by Crosspoint at the Y Domestic Violence and Transitional Center.
(Rantoul–jc) The Village of Rantoul Sports complex is in its second year of operation on Rantoul’s west side. The Sports Complex is a major contributor to economic success says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Champaign-jm) – The Parkland College Board of Trustees has approved the fiscal year 2023 property tax levy. Parkland College's requested levy is $32.2 million, about a 12.51 percent increase over last year's extension. The new amount would support the school's educational, operational and maintenance, protection, health, and safety, and tort liability funds, among other expenses.
(Hoopeston–jc) Authorities in the city of Hoopeston are looking for the cause of a fire that destroyed the former Firestone Building along Route 1 in the city. In updating our story, Hoopeston Firefighters were called to the scene on Tuesday afternoon. Once on the scene, authorities say the building was engulfed by the blaze. The building did have one business located there. No word was given on damages as investigators continue to look at the cause of Tuesday’s fire.
(Bloomington-jm) – A McLean County correctional officer has been arrested after an investigation showed that he misused leave time and allegedly committed fraud with worker’s compensation claims. Ryan Hitch, 48, made false statements when claiming worker’s compensation by falsely misrepresenting the severity of an injury, and attempted to obtain over $10,000 as part of that claim, authorities said.
(Gordyville-jc) – It’s time for a Gifford State Bank Christmas craft show at Gordyville USA near Gifford this weekend. Gifford State Bank Spokesperson Stacy Huls talks about what you can find at this year’s show…
Gifford State Bank Spokesperson Stacy Huls
The 39th annual event is set for Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 3pm at Gordyville USA.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper tonight from 5-7 pm at their station at 134 W. State Street. Cost is $10 and includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink.
