(Chicago-jm) – Watchdog groups are calling on regulators to reject $178 million, or 80 percent of a $220.8 million rate hike requested by Nicor Gas earlier this year, citing wasteful capital spending, excessive shareholder profits and “lavish” executive bonuses. Consumer advocate groups including the Citizens Utility Board say the requested hike is about five times higher than it should be.
(Springfield–jc) – The Illinois Department of Labor reached a settlement with Metz Culinary Management, following an investigation into alleged violations of the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003. That included unlawful requests for job applicants’ salary history and retaliation against an employee who raised concerns about those practices. Metz, a dining services provider with multi-state operations, was awarded a contract to operate dining services at an Illinois college. Workers were asked to provide pay stub information. Metz agreed to pay an 18 thousand dollar fine.
(Paxton–jc) Motor Fuel Tax dollars will help with several city road projects in Paxton this spring and summer. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold provides an overview of those projects…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Undated-jm) – It’s National EMS Week. The theme for this year is “Improving Outcomes Together”. It highlights both patient care and the well-being of first responders. First responders from around the area are thanking EMS workers for their dedication and commitment to helping people during emergencies.
(Rantoul–jc) –The pool is opening on Saturday. The Rantoul Recreation Department says they are so excited for another wonderful summer at the Hap Parker Aquatic Center. The Early Bird Pass Sale is still taking place through Friday. The public can purchase pool passes for a discounted rate. The Rantoul Recreation Department is hosting an Open House on Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm.
(Rantoul–jc) 8th grade graduation at one area Christian school was last night. St Malachy held the pomp and circumstance at the school in Rantoul. St Malachy Director of Stewardship Vanessa Martinez says enrollment for next year has already started…
St Malachy School of Rantoul Director of Stewardship Vanessa Martinez
(Fisher–jc) It was orange with large black letters spelling out the town's name. Fisher’s old water tower is being dismantled in the Champaign County town today. The structure was sold to the Illinois American Water Company and workers started the demolition process earlier yesterday.
(Sprignfield–jc) Gas prices have spiked across Illinois, ranging from around 4-75 per gallon in southern Illinois to over 5-30 per gallon for regular unleaded in parts of the city of Chicago and suburbs. The state also imposes a 48-point-3 cents per gallon tax on every gallon of gasoline and an additional 5 percent tax on top of that figure. There is also a scheduled increase set for July First. Republicans in Springfield are calling for some relief. Reaction from 106th district State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington
(Normal–jc) –Yesterday, Governor J-B Pritzker joined Rivian and local leaders to highlight how Illinois’ investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, and workforce development are helping drive continued growth in the state’s electric vehicle ecosystem. As Rivian expands production of its R-2 vehicle, the company’s growing footprint in Normal continues creating jobs and strengthening Illinois’ position as a leader in the future of manufacturing. Rivian is rapidly hiring employees to support production.
(The Center Square) – A new challenge to Illinois’ requirement for gun owners to have a state police-issued license has been filed in federal court.
The New Civil Liberties Alliance announced the lawsuit Tuesday against Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke, challenging the constitutionality of the Illinois Firearms Owner’s Identification Card.
(Springfield-jm) – State senators passed a bill Tuesday to include railroad safety information in student handbooks. Sponsors say people have been concerned about schools near railroads and ensuring students know the protocols in place to keep them safe. This plan will allow schools to opt out of the requirement if their school board finds railroad safety is covered in their curriculum. It now heads to the governor to sign.
(Springfield–jc) The Morton Salt Company is moving out of the state of Illinois and to the state of Kansas. One Republican representative says this is another example of bad leadership policies by the Democrats in Illinois. Reaction from 69th District State Representative Joe Sosnowski, Republican from Rockford…
69th district State Representative Joe Sosnowski, Republican from Rockford
(Hoopeston-jm) – Hoopeston Area High School has been recognized for its commitment to preparing students for life after graduation, earning the Career Choices Gold Medal for the 7th consecutive year. The award, presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, honors schools nationwide that demonstrate excellence in helping students prepare for college, careers and life.
(Urbana-jm) – A van struck an OSF building in Urbana Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of the facility. Urbana fire officials say the van hit a gas meter and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center around 1:30. No structural damage was reported to the building.
(Rantoul–jc) The investment into Rantoul from the Combe Laboratory Company continues to be a positive for the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the company will have 100 jobs continuing, with the potential for around 30 more jobs in Rantoul…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Paxton–jc) Another “No Kings’ rally is set for Sunday June 14th in Paxton. Several similar marches have occurred in Paxton and several other locations in East Central Illinois including Champaign Urbana and Bloomington Normal This event is set for Noon on Sunday June 14th at the corner of Pells and Market in downtown Paxton.
Champaign–jc) –At a special board meeting Tuesday, the Parkland College Board of Trustees voted to enact a phased closure of the Parkland Child Development Center. The board action follows an administrative recommendation to close the center due to ongoing operational challenges, staffing shortages, and budget deficits. The center will end operations by June 30th.
(The Center Square) – Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has filed legislation she says will make the vehicle registration process more efficient and accessible. McCombie said House Bill 5767 would provide residents the option to renew a two-year registration sticker online…
89th District State Representative and Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie of Savannah
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is now offering a directory of breweries, brew pubs, distilleries and wineries on its website, www.ilcc.illinois.gov. The commission says it is offering the directory to support and promote those businesses.
(Springfield–jc0 –A prayer gathering titled “One Nation Under God” is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m.today at the Illinois Capitol Complex Visitors Center.
The event is sponsored by local state Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network and the Illinois Family Institute.
WPXN News notes…
The Onarga American Legion Auxiliary will hold their poppy 5k on Saturday, May 23rd starting at 9 am.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve will hold Fishing for Beginners on Saturday, May 23rd from 9-11 am at Middlefork Forest Preserve.
Living Word Church of Roberts will hold a craft and vendor show on Monday, May 25th from 9-3 at the Paxton Civic Center.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 25th leaving from the Onarga Methodist Church at 9:45 and going to the cemetery for a 10:30 service.
Country Line Dancing with DJ Maggie B will take place on Friday, May 29th from 8-11 pm at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, May 30th from 9-2.
