(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Labor is recognizing worker contributions and its ongoing efforts to uphold workers' rights statewide. In a September 1 press release, the group shared highlights from its 2025 Labor Day Report, which are as follows: they recovered nearly $3 million in back wage payments and got almost $5 million in fines/penalties from employers that violated labor laws, minimum wage in the state increased to $15 an hour January 1, department of Labor and the Attorney General's Office reached a child labor settlement addressing serious labor violations, resulting in a $4.5 million agreement to pay affected workers and improve compliance and mid-size and large employers became required to provide information about anticipated pay and benefits in job postings through the Pay Transparency Act. 

 

(Washington–jc)  – What are the eligibility requirements and sign up procedures for the U S D A Supplemental Disaster Relief Program?

Farm Production and Conservation Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton has some answers…

   

Farm Production and Conservation Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton 

 

(Piatt County-jm) – Part of Interstate 74 will be closed from Piatt County to Champaign County beginning Wednesday for pavement patching. Illinois Department of Transportation officials announced that the single lane closures in both directions will go from the Piatt County line to Duncan Road in Champaign County. The lane closures on I-74 are expected to last for up to two weeks. The westbound off-ramp and the eastbound on-ramp at Prairieview Road will be closed for 72 hours, and then the eastbound on-ramp at Illinois 47 will be closed for 12 hours, IDOT added. All of the closures are needed for the pavement patching work.

 

(Paxton–jc) – Another in the series of First Friday concerts is set for this Friday in downtown Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says “the Brat Pack” is coming to Veteran’s Square…

   

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The second installment of real estate taxes in Iroquois County comes due Monday, September 8.  County Treasurer Kurt Albers reminds taxpayers payments can be made at the Treasurer's Office at the Administrative Center in Watseka Monday thru Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  Payments can also be made at any bank in the County.

 

(Springfield-jm) – In Illinois, Ameren delivers the energy but you pick who supplies it. Usually, customers are choosing between their municipality’s generation, called basic generation service on their bill, or an alternative supplier. Ameren charges 12 cents a kilowatt hour but a new Illinois Commerce Commission Report is showing it can be even worse with the alternatives. That report found that in Ameren territory, some suppliers were charging as much as 29 cents a kilowatt hour. The numbers show that consumers have lost more than $2 billion to alternative retail electric suppliers in the state of Illinois. If you are with a third party supplier and want to switch generation services all you have to do is contact Ameren directly and ask to switch plans.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will create a task force to analyze how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted chronic absence of students. This group will identify strategies and approaches to help families, teachers, principals and superintendents address chronic absence for K-12 students. The state's previous attendance commission's work ended in December 2020, but lawmakers intended to bring a task force back to better understand the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Crime and crime rates and accurate reporting of statistics concerning crime have become a national, state and local issue. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, republican from Channahon, weighs in on the safety-act-law and how it has failed the citizens of the state of Illinois

 

 

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Public Library workers have announced their intent to form a union. In a letter signed by 26 library workers, they said they’re asking for living wages, increased benefits, fair hiring practices, and opportunities for advancement, among other requests. The workers plan to form a union with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul Area chamber of commerce has set Saturday September 13th as their 7th annual “Glow in the Dark” golf outing. The 9 hole event will take place at Willow Pond Golf Course. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos says sign ups continue…

 

 

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos

 

(The Center Square) – With businesses in Illinois now suffering on multiple levels, 107th District State representative Brad Halbrook argues it’s clear the state has become its own worst enemy when it comes to charting a clearer pathway.

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show only 5.6% of business applications across the state ultimately turned into establishments open for business within the first year, equating to the third-lowest conversion rate in the Midwest and falling well below the national average of 6.1%.The data comes despite the state ranking near the top across the region for approval to operate applications submitted.

 

(Iroquois County–jc)  Let the next major road project begin. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction is underway on Interstate 57 in Iroquois County. The work zone will be from the Buckley interchange at exit 272 to the Ford County line.  The project will patch and resurface the road, including the Main Line Station Rest Area parking lot. Also, repairs will be made to bridges carrying Iroquois County Highway 10 over I-57 and I-57 over Spring Creek and Louis Creek. Work started today in the northbound lanes and when completed, work in the southbound lanes will begin. . This 30-point 6 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. An alternate route is being set up from I-57 into Paxton and north to Buckley.

 

WPXN News notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile, today. 

 

9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Night Supper on Friday, September 5th from 4:30–7 pm.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family dinner on Friday, September 5th from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 and includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides.

 

The Upper Room Bible Church in Paxton will hold a neighborhood block party on Saturday, September 6th from noon to 4pm. Activities include food, live music and games.

 

The Paxton Church of Christ will hold a 140th anniversary open house on Saturday, September 6th with bounce houses and games at 3, BBQ supper at 5, past ministers speaking at 6 and a free gospel concert at 7.

 

The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Dennis Stroughmatt and Band on Saturday, September 6th at 7pm. Doors open at 5:30. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 12 and under are free.