(Springfield-jm) – Firearm deer season opens today in Illinois. It’s time for hunters to get out in the fields for the seven day firearm season. It’s the most popular of the year, says State Conservation Police Officer Zach Williams…
State Conservation Police Officer Zach Williams. Successful hunters must report their harvest on the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s website or by calling 1-866-il-check. Hunters in some northern Illinois counties will need to register their deer at CWD check stations. This first weekend of firearm deer hunting runs through Sunday.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 33 attorneys general to call on the Federal Trade Commission to consider the harms of commercial surveillance on consumers. In a comment letter to the FTC, the AGs urged the FTC to acknowledge how much sensitive data is collected from consumers and what happens to that data. Sensitive data includes medical information, biometric data, and location data.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is launching the annual Operation Rising Spirit Campaign. The effort encourages the public to write to the residents of state Veteran’s Homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy says Agency Director Terry Prince…
State Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince. You can send your letters to the Department’s Springfield office or electronically, Visit Illinois dot gov slash veterans to get started.
(Urbana-jm) – As the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact has changed over the years, becoming less deadly from the first to second year, U of I researchers have found new information regarding a shift in affected age groups. Graduate student Ian Ludden, computer science professor Sheldon H. Jacobson and Janet A. Jokela, the interim executive associate dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, published their recent findings in the journal Health Care Management Science.
The new study gives insights into the trends in death rates among various demographic groups year to year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers said the second-year surge in death numbers were among the middle age brackets, with the biggest increase in mortality among both males and females aged 25 to 54. They pointed to several likely contributing factors.
(Rantoul-jc) – The Rantoul Sports Complex is completing its second year in the village. More events are being added for next year, says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Mahomet-jm) – People in Champaign County will see an interesting sight in the skies over the next few weeks. Starting Saturday, a helicopter will be flying over the area while carrying a large coil frame beneath it. It’s all part of a geological imaging project by the Illinois State Geological Survey. The ISGS chapter at the University of Illinois is using the coil frame to create a 3D picture of the Mahomet aquifer. The magnetic exposure from the equipment can penetrate the ground up to 1,000 feet below the surface. There will be no safety risks to people. The helicopter is planned to fly in parallel lines at approximately 100 to 250 feet above the ground. The helicopter will fly over the rural areas of the county only.
(Washington-jm) – Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year? How big a turkey do you really need? Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – October marked the 17th month in a row for job growth in Illinois. The state unemployment rate increased slightly last month from four point five percent to four point six percent, but 36 hundred jobs were added, says Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Kristin Richards…
Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Kristin Richards. Industries with the biggest job grains include trade, transportation and utilities as well as leisure and hospitality. The Government sector lost 81 hundred jobs oer the last month.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House Public Safety and Violence Prevention Task Force met with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Education Association, Illinois Association of School Social Workers, and the Illinois Safe School Alliance Thursday. Administrators who attended the meeting said there has been an increase in school violence since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They cited nationwide surveys that showed 37% of administrators have experienced verbal abuse or threatening behavior.
(Springfield-jm) – A group of Native Americans visited Springfield this week, to raise awareness and advocate for legislation. The Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative discussed their agenda, including getting rid of all Indian-related school mascots. Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs says she will be introducing a bill prompted by a student in her area who wasn’t allowed to walk for graduation because of his beaded cap and eagle feather…
State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton. The group is also calling for more American Indian history to be taught in Illinois schools.
(Urbana-jm) – Police departments work every day to keep you safe, but when they’re short-staffed, it presents more challenges. Urbana is trying to fix that and fill nine vacancies. The mayor said they’re starting a retention and recruitment program. It will cost about $1.34 million dollars over the next four years from their general fund.
(Paxton–jc) – Paxton City leaders purchased a piece of equipment to help with pot holes street repair. The Hot Box will be used year around to keep the streets smooth says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Tolono-jm) – Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies said a person was shot in Tolono Thursday morning when they were involved in a domestic dispute as the aggressor. Officials with the Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the area of Washington Street and Central Avenue around 11 a.m. for a report of a shooting. When the deputies arrived at that location, they found a 34-year-old person with non-life-threatening injuries. That person was taken to Carle Hospital in Urbana for treatment. Deputies and detectives said their initial investigation indicated that a domestic dispute was happening between two members of the same family prior to the shooting. When the situation turned violent, deputies said a third family member grabbed a gun and shot the aggressor to prevent further harm.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA has just unveiled a package of proposed changes to its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as the WIC Program. Gary Crawford reports…
The Buckley Lion’s Club will host a Bingo night at the Buckley American Legion on Friday at 6pm. Food will be available. Prizes are Hams and Turkeys.
The GCMS after prom committee is having Sleigh the Santa 5K Run/walk on Saturday November 19th at Railside Golf Course in Gibson City. Cost is $35 per participant. You can register at gcmsk12.org. Christmas snacks, water and hot chocolate for all finishers. Christmas music will be played on the course. Dress up in holiday fashion and have some fun with your friends.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Loda Legion on Saturday, from 10-2.
The Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday from 8 to 5 and Sunday from 9-3 at Gordyville USA.
Gibson City’s lighted Christmas parade will take place on Saturday 6:30 pm.
Farmer City will host their annual Christmas parade on Sunday at 2pm. The theme is Christmas in Who-ville.
