(Springfield-jm) – A new analysis shows the federal tax dollars sent to Illinois and other states since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were used to support public health, education and to temporarily aid Illinois’ financial condition. According to Pew Charitable Trusts, of the $5.2 trillion that the U.S. government has committed in taxpayer funds to respond to the pandemic since early 2020, about one-sixth went to state governments to use at their discretion. Illinois’ share is estimated to be around $14 billion.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging families to help protect loved ones from COVID-19 and other illnesses over the Thanksgiving holiday. Besides the basics of covering your cough and sneezes and staying home if you’re sick, State Chief Medical Officer Dr Arti Barnes suggests improving ventilation in your home during large family gatherings. That includes opening windows if possible and using fans to circulate the air. She also recommends a HEPA air cleaner…

 

 

State Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arti Barnes. Barnes stresses the importance of getting your annual flu shot and latest COVID booster, citing a potential surge in cases this winter.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police have updated rules to allow broader use of clear and present danger reports for people applying for a Firearm Owners Identification Card. On Monday, ISP announced the rule was approved by a legislative oversight committee. Before the updated rule, reports had to be “impending” or “imminent,” an issue that arose with the alleged Highland Park shooter getting a FOID card despite local police filing clear and present danger reports in 2019.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Conservation Police are busy this fall hunting season and are letting the public know about some of the most common violations they encounter. Conservation Police check many hunters during the season, making sure laws and rules are followed. Officer Zach Williams says one of the biggest problems is hunters not having the proper paperwork…

 

 

Illinois Conservation Police Officer Zach Williams. Williams says other common violations include not wearing the required blaze orange or pink out in the field, using an unplugged shotgun and failing to tag the deer immediately after harvest.

 

(Washington-jm) – What will the next year hold in store for hog producers? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Tuesday is the final day local elections officials have to count ballots in Illinois. While election day was November 8, hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots had up to two weeks to get to local elections officials. The official certified results will be listed December 5.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation says Thanksgiving enforcement is underway across the state. State and local police are beefing up patrols in anticipation of increased traffic through next Monday, says IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

 

 

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. 12 people died during the Thanksgiving weekend last year in Illinois.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The extension for Illinois drivers with expired dates on their driver’s license ends December 1. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary of State Jesse White extended the date for those with expired documents several times. His office has expanded online renewals for eligible applicants.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Fair Mega and Jumbo passes are on sale now. The passes cover rides in the carnival midway and adventure village at the state fair and make a great holiday gift says Spokesperson Krista Lisser…

 

 

State Fair Spokesperson Krista Lisser. These are the lowest prices that will be offered for the passes. You can order online at: illinois state fair dot info.

 

(Washington-jm) – A Turkish bath is fine, but NOT a Turkey bath. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

 

The City of Paxton will hold their annual tree lighting on Friday, November 25th at 7 pm.

 

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Rantoul Masonic Lodge on Saturday, November 26th from 10-2.

 

The 2022 Paxton Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, November 26th at 1:30 pm. The theme is Home for the Holidays.

 

The Parkland College Theatre will perform A Christmas Story December 1st-4th and 9th-11th.

 

The Cissna Park FFA Scholarship Auction will take place on Friday, December 2nd.

 

The 2022 Light Up Rantoul Christmas parade will take place on Friday, December 2nd at 6 pm.