(Springfield-jm) – As not only tradition but federal law, soon it will be time for Illinois residents to spring their clocks forward to take advantage of more daylight hours. Daylight saving time officially returns at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10, an annual ritual that for many is bittersweet. That’s because along with gaining sunlight daily, Illinoisans will lose an hour of sleep. One of those calling for an end to this system, state Rep. Bob Morgan stressed the consequences of sleep loss especially for children and senior citizens. A federal change is needed to make daylight saving time permanent.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that it is adopting updated guidance from the CDC that streamline and simplify recommendations for dealing with a range of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. The new guidance focuses on protecting those most at risk of serious illness. The new CDC guidance no longer requires that those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of five days before returning to work or other activities and instead focuses on isolation until symptoms improve, which could be shorter or longer than five days.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Friday said plans are for a meeting later this month between ag leaders within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton Buckley Loda Junior High Principal Josh Didier has been named one of Horace Mann/Illinois Principal Association principals of the year. Champaign Centennials Sara Sanders, Mahomet Lincoln Trails Megan Hunter and Salt Fork Junior Highs Brian Allensworth were also recipients of the award.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Coroner has confirmed the identity of the crash victim who died on westbound Interstate 74 Saturday night. 22-year-old Dylan L. Clark of Mattoon died after an accident involving his Chevrolet and subsequently a Lexus, Coroner Jane McFadden said. An autopsy is scheduled for today. The Vermilion County Coroner’s Office is working with Illinois State Police on this ongoing investigation.

 

(Rantoul–jc) –  VIllage of Rantoul leaders continue to look at the electricity and power needs of residents, businesses and manufacturers as they continue to grow. The prospect power sub-station is one project and Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says leaders continue to evaluate the power needs for the village as it changes for the future…

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Community College Board announced $3 million in state grants to community colleges to expand access to its Dual Credit Program that allows students the ability to earn college-level credits while still in high school. The Dual Credit Program has become a progressively popular option for Illinois high school students with enrollment in the program increasing by 29% cumulatively over the last five years and 65% cumulatively over the last decade. Parkland College is set to get just over $149 thousand.

 

(Ford County–jc)  One question on the primary election ballot for Gibson City residents is a tax infrastructure question. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick says it is a yes-or-no question…

 

 

A yes vote gives authorities of the City of Gibson the authorization to levy a Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax at a rate of 1% for expenditures for some municipal operations. The primary election is set for March 19th in Illinois.

 

(Chicago-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is cautioning residents to remain vigilant against repair scammers in the wake of severe storms that hit northern Illinois last week. According to Raoul, scammers often exploit in the aftermath of storms, preying on people who have incurred property damage to their homes or businesses. The National Weather Service reported 11 tornadoes touched down around the Chicago area.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced that applications for Round 2 of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program are open. With the program, $12 million is available through Direct Forgivable Loans fully financed by taxpayer funds. Loan amounts, up to $240,000, will be provided to qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries. Applicants will be selected based on factors including social equity status, financial need and progress toward becoming operational.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary acknowledges the complexity of the U.S. relationship with China, particularly in the context of agriculture and ag trade. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – One person was injured, and a dog died in a Champaign house fire Saturday. The Champaign Fire Department was called to the 1300 block of N. Walnut St. at 6:28 a.m. Heavy smoke and fire was coming from the single-story home when crews arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation. One occupant was taken to the hospital. A dog died in the fire.

 

(Watseka-jm) – The Watseka Fire Department is investigating a house fire at a vacant residence over the weekend. Crews from Watseka and Crescent City battled the blaze near North 2nd and West Sheridan Streets. The house was a total loss.

 

(Ford County–dm) Ford County residents will soon have the opportunity to vote on a 1% school facilities sales tax referendum.  Paxton Buckley Loda Superintendent Travis Duley tells us how the new funds have to be spent, and how PBL is planning to use the money,

 

 

Paxton Buckley Loda Superintendent Travis Duley.  The upcoming election is Tuesday March 19th.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The U.S. Postal Service has set a date for a public-input meeting as it continues to review the northwest Champaign post office and considers transferring some of the site’s mail-processing operations to other offices. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 12 at the University YMCA, 1001 Wright St., Champaign. The Postal Service is conducting a facility review of the Champaign Processing and Distribution Center at 2001 N. Mattis Ave. According to a public notice from the agency, a summary of the review will be posted at about.usps.com at least one week prior to the event. The Postal Service’s meeting notice states that its initial findings support keeping the Mattis Avenue post office open and modernizing it as a local processing center “with simplified processes and standardized layouts.” It’s possible the distribution center could be closed and services moved to the Chicago suburbs.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois' efforts are all over the map in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use. Terri Dee reports…