(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has launched a child welfare dashboard in an effort to increase transparency and accountability. The Illinois Child Welfare Insights Tool marks the first time that Illinois residents, child welfare advocates and the families receiving these services have near real-time access to information used by DCFS administrators, including the number of reports of abuse and neglect filed with the agency and how quickly DCFS staff responded. Data is updated daily and can be viewed at the county or state level.
(Undated-jm) – Today is Labor Day. That means government buildings and services are closed today. Banks and the stock market are also closed today. Most stores are open today however, Costco is closed and Hobby Lobby is closing early.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ new “Skip the Program '' is now in effect in Illinois’ busiest DMV’s. 44 facilities including those in Chicago, the suburbs and some in central and downstate Illinois now require people to make an appointment to get the real ID, a new driver’s license or ID card or to take a driving test. Secretary Giannoulias says it’s all about convenience and saving people time…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Additionally, all Illinois DMV’s are extending hours and are now open from 8 am to 5:30 pm. 15 facilities will be open six days a week, including a half a day on Saturday.
(Piper City-jm) – Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a fire in rural Piper City Saturday night. Cullom, Chatsworth and Gilman assisted Piper City with the structure fire north of town. No word on the cause of the fire.
(Rantoul-jm) – The arrival of Santa is still a few months away, but the reindeer are back in Central Illinois. Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened its doors in Rantoul on Friday, welcoming families to come see and feed reindeer through December. In the fall, the ranch offers a themed corn maze. This year channels a groovy “hippie” theme. This year marks the ranch’s 28th anniversary. They offer various activities including the corn maze, hay rides, pedal race carts and paintball. September hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
(Washington-jm) – USDA’s Market News Mobile App has advanced in what and how data is available to end users since its availability two years ago. Rod Bain reports…
(Undated-jm) – July unemployment numbers are up around the area. The rate in Champaign County rose from 4 percent to 5 percent. Ford Counties rose from 4.2 percent to 5.3 percent. Vermilion Counties rose from 4.9 percent to 6.6 percent. Iroquois Counties rose from 4 percent to 5 percent.
(Springfield-jm) – In an effort to build its ranks, the Illinois State Police is updating the pre-employment requirements for people applying to become a trooper. A new law makes changes to the Illinois State Police Act, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The new “Option Three” allows for current law enforcement officers with three years of continuous service at the same law enforcement agency to join the ranks of ISP quickly.
(Undated-jm) – Today is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. Banks, schools, mail delivery and government offices are closed today. The stock market is also closed today.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is warning about the dangers of drunk driving a boat. Just like on land, someone operating a boat who has had too much to drink can be cited for driving under the influence. And besides getting a costly ticket, the offense can be deadly, says Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner…
Illinois Liquor Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner. Gardner says drunk boating is one of the most common citations issued each year. The top offense is now following life jacket laws.
(Milford-jm) – A house fire Saturday left a Milford family displaced and their pets lost. The fire occurred near East Irving Street and North Grove Avenue around 12:30 p.m. Firefighters say the flames started on the first floor of their home. A neighbor walking by saw it and called 9-1-1. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council wants help picking key issues for them to address. Some said it is impossible to guess what is important to a population of 90,000. That’s why the City Council has brainstorming sessions every two years. A city-wide survey has already gone out and it only has two questions. All City Council members will see the responses and think about what to prioritize in this next season.
(Washington-jm) – What does USDA's latest Technology Use on Farms report reveal regarding use of precision agricultural practices and devices? Rod Bain reports…
(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced after being convicted of possession with intent to deliver meth. Artez Johnson was convicted after a traffic stop back in February in Rantoul uncovered 330 grams of meth. Johnson faces 10 years to life in prison.
