(Undated-jm) – A winter storm will impact parts of Illinois late tonight into Wednesday with between 2 and 9 inches of snow. The National Weather Service in Lincoln reports heavy snow accumulation appears most likely east of Interstate 55 with a Winter Storm Watch in effect. Snow totals could make for driving disruptions and possible road closures. Officials recommend having your vehicle emergency kit stocked and ready to include a full tank of gas.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $13 at the beginning of the year and businesses are feeling it. In 2019, after no increases in the minimum wage since 2010, the legislature agreed to a gradual increase that will top off at $15 an hour in 2025. The passage fulfilled a campaign pledge from Governor J.B. Pritzker. In step with the ramp-up, the Illinois minimum wage will increase to $14 an hour on January 1, 2024, and on January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will reach $15. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce says most employers will opt to trim jobs and cut hiring rather than raise prices.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Vanity license plates can be a fun way to express yourself, but Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says some are just too inappropriate to be approved. More than 54 thousand vanity plates were requested last year, and 383 were rejected for various reasons, says Secretary Giannoulias…

 

 

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Among those nixed were: cocaine with a k, hail no and kiss ash.

 

(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson City Melvin Sibley school district will be holding a series of roundtable discussions in the coming months. The first roundtable discussion will be on Wednesday, January 25th at 8 pm with the discussion being facilities management: use, maintenance and security. The second roundtable discussion will be on Wednesday, February 22nd at 8 pm with the discussion on strategy and enrichment: the philosophy and mission of the district. Both roundtable discussions will be held in the GCMS Elementary School library.

 

(Paxton-jm) – Two committee meetings for the Paxton city council will be held tonight. The first committee meeting is the economic development committee where they will hear a presentation from the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission at 6. Following that meeting, at 6:45, the finance and budget committee will meet to discuss future bond payments and funding for future improvement projects.

 

(Washington-jm) – Egg production is still running below year-ago levels. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston woman is facing drug and theft charges. Hoopeston Police arrested Courtney St. Clair after police were called to the Dollar General in regards to a retail theft. St. Clair was located and found to be in possession of the stolen items as well as meth and items from a previous burglary.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department says police responded to a report of shots fired around 7:45 pm at the intersection of Stonegate Drive and South Mattis Avenue on Saturday. Police say they found evidence of gunfire as well as a vehicle that struck a pole. The occupants of the vehicle were gone by the time police arrived. No injuries have been reported at this time.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker signed three bills the Illinois legislature recently sent his way. One amends the state’s procurement and construction capabilities for public utilities. Another amends the state’s elections laws about vacancies at county offices. A third amends the current budget to pay off the state’s remaining unemployment insurance trust fund debt. Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced she immediately began payment of the $1.37 billion bill, saying it saves taxpayers $20 million in interest.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Another challenge to Illinois’ gun ban from attorney Thomas DeVore has been filed, and this one has twice the number of plaintiffs. Monday, DeVore announced the second case was filed in White County where he has 1,690 plaintiffs, 62 of which are gun stores, spanning across 92 counties. An Effingham County judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order preventing the state from enforcing the gun ban on 866 plaintiffs who sued, including several gun stores. A separate state-level case out of Crawford County challenges the gun ban and registry on several grounds, including the Second, Fifth and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. That has yet to have a hearing scheduled. A federal case from the Illinois State Rifle Association has sent out summonses, but a hearing date has yet to be set. A separate federal court case is expected to be filed soon.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new law in Illinois ensures free menstrual products are available at state prisons. Access to feminine hygiene products is sometimes limited behind bars, but this law will make sure inmates at Department of Corrections Facilities have what they need, says Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago…

 

 

State Senator Celina Villanueva. The law requires these products to be offered free of charge.

 

(Ford County-jm) – The Ford County Public Health Department is informing the community of some slight changes to their COVID-19 testing and vaccine procedures. The health department is still offering COVID-19 rapid and PCR testing available by appointment. To schedule a testing appointment, please call (217) 379-9281 and select option #3.  COVID-19 vaccine appointments will also be offered by appointment only, in replace of theTuesday morning walk-in clinic. 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in locating a Rantoul man wanted on domestic battery charges. Crime Stoppers officials said Drayon Parker is wanted for aggravated domestic battery, violating an order of protection and for failing to appear in court. Bond was set at a cumulative $162,500 for these offenses. Parker is described as being Black, 5 feet, 8 inches in height, and 155 pounds in weight. He has black hair and brown eyes.

 

(Washington-jm) – As labor costs for fruit and vegetable growers continue to increase, what are some strategies available for improved management and increased production? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden stated that the death of a 3-year-old child is currently being investigated by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office. The victim has been identified as Kanari M. Miller of Danville. The investigation is on-going.

 

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. James Meyer was arrested for an in state warrant, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Eddie Sutton was arrested and cited for driving on a suspended or revoked license. Kody Rangel was arrested on an in state warrant.