Rend Lake Resort still closed, IDNR hopes to reopen in 2018

December 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

WHITTINGTON – The Rend Lake Resort at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area remains closed more than a year after shutting down.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been looking for a new concessionaire to reopen the resort, but despite three calls for bids, not a single bid has come in.

“This will be job creation,” said state senator Dale Fowler at a press conference in June. “This resort’s been closed since December. This could create a couple hundred jobs right here in southern Illinois.”

Please click on the link for the full story and video from Nick Hausen of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37113781/rend-lake-resort-still-closed-idnr-hopes-to-reopen-in-2018

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Illinois drops from the fifth-largest state to No. 6

December 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Illinois lost about 33,700 residents, dropping the total population to 12,802,023, the greatest numeric population loss of any state. (Getty Images)

Illinois declined in population again in 2017, losing its spot as the fifth-largest state in the nation to Pennsylvania, according to census data released Wednesday.

Illinois lost about 33,700 residents, dropping the total population to 12,802,023, the greatest numeric population loss of any state. Pennsylvania saw a slight increase, and with a total population of 12,805,537, has outranked Illinois for the first time in years, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017.

This is the fourth year in a row that Illinois’ population decreased, a troubling trend, according to William Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution.

Please click on the link below to read the full story from Angie Leventis Lourgos of the Chicago Tribune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-census-illinois-drops-in-population-rank-20171220-story.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

U.S. Supreme Court sets date to hear Illinois right-to-work case

December 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Feb. 26 in an Illinois case that could change labor law across the country.

Janus vs. AFSCME challenges a 40-year-old precedent that has allowed state and local governments to require their employees to pay a portion of their salaries to a union whether they want to or not.

Attorneys for both sides will argue before the country’s highest court and answer questions from the justices at the hearing. A decision is expected this summer.

Please click the link below to read the full story form Illinois News Radio Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/justice/u-s-supreme-court-sets-date-to-hear-illinois-right/article_d3518b10-e5cf-11e7-afbf-57246ae24803.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

State rolls back LLC fees

December 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Governor signs SB 867, slashing filing costs for small businesses

CHICAGO — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation that substantially reduces startup, annual filing and other fees for limited liability companies (LLCs), the organizational structure preferred by many of Illinois’ 1.2 million small businesses.

The new law will encourage more businesses to form in Illinois rather than go to other states to escape high fees. Effective today, the filing fee for new LLCs drops to $150 from $500 and annual report fees drop to $75 from $250. Previously, Illinois charged fees that were among the highest in the nation.

“This is a step in the right direction for our small businesses,” Rauner said. “The new rates are more competitive with other states. By easing the fee burden for LLCs here, we are sending a message to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Illinois: Start here and stay here.”

The governor signed the bill in the presence of dozens of small business advocates gathered at Level Office, an LLC that provides shared office space for startups. Level Office began in Chicago and now has facilities across the country.

“This is a clear win for business in Illinois,” Rauner said as he penned the legislation into law to rounds of applause.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, our job creators who employ the majority of new workers in our state each year,” said Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, who chairs the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council. “We need to keep them here and help them grow, and this legislation will reduce their costs and make us more competitive with surrounding states. This is especially important for our small towns because we need more small businesses in rural Illinois to drive their economies and create jobs.”

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sean McCarthy said reducing LLC fees sends a positive signal.

“We support businesses that are looking to grow, invest and create new jobs in our state, regardless of their size,” McCarthy said. “SB 867 helps alleviate unnecessary burdens to allow Illinois businesses to thrive.”

“This bipartisan initiative is about much more than reducing some of the highest LLC fees in the nation,” agreed Small Business Advocacy Council CEO Elliot Richardson. “It is about leveling the playing field for small businesses, encouraging new businesses to form in our state, and growing our way toward economic stability.”

State legislators also hailed the action.

“As a small business owner myself, I know the challenges small businesses face to compete and grow,” said state Rep. Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, primary House sponsor of the bill. “Organizing and paying filing and renewal fees shouldn’t be so costly here, and now they won’t be.”

State Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, was the chief co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

“This new law displays our state’s commitment to stimulating and revitalizing Illinois’ economy,” he said. “Cutting startup fees will help new businesses get off the ground and set up roots here in Illinois. Encouraging economic development in our state will help create new jobs, increase the tax base and grow our economy.”

“It’s about time,” cheered Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, a chief co-sponsor in the House. “This should be just the first step of many to make Illinois a more business-friendly place.”

“This legislation provides some relief for the small business owners, who drive the Illinois economy,” added state Rep. David S. Olsen, R-Downers Grove. “It sends a clear message to those who provide jobs in our state that we want to ease their burden so they will remain and expand their businesses here. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to find more comprehensive measures that will provide tangible relief for business owners across our state.”

State Rep. Peter Breen, R-Lombard, said landing a more competitive stance with neighboring states on the LLC fee front is a key step for Illinois.

“We need further significant reform to our state’s business laws and regulations to help small businesses create more good-paying jobs in our state,” he added.

“The creation of new businesses is one of our best tools to help grow both jobs and our state economy,” said Sen. Chuck Weaver, a Peoria Republican who was among those sponsoring the legislation in the Senate. “This new law will help encourage our entrepreneurs to launch new businesses, which will create new opportunities for growth. This is a win for Illinois.”

Bill Bennet, founder of Level Office, also was enthusiastic.

“Level Office is thrilled to see this legislation enacted, as over 98 percent of employers in the state of Illinois are classified as small businesses,” he said. “We see this as a step to improving the business climate in our home state.”

Some of the fee changes include:

Item Before Now
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150
Reinstatement $500 $200
Reserved Name Application $300 $25
Annual Report $250 $75
Amendments $150 $50
Name Transfer $100 $25

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Bookmark ‘Getting Around Illinois’ for Latest Winter Road Conditions

December 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Responsive, mobile-friendly IDOT site keeps travelers informed

SPRINGFIELD — As the official start of winter approaches, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds travelers to visit and bookmark the newly redesigned GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions.

“The new-and-improved GettingAroundIllinois.com is a great resource any time of the year, but especially during winter when road conditions can quickly change,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Illinois has the third-largest highway system in the nation, so we know it is important to provide the public with a convenient way to access information they know they can trust.”

Available on your computer or mobile device, the website includes the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination. Road conditions are recorded by IDOT plow drivers out in the field and relayed through GettingAroundIllinois.com through a cloud-based system.

The site’s winter road conditions map averages more than 2 million visitors during snow-and-ice season. Recent updates to this map include more detailed reports of snow coverage and a color scheme that aligns with map technology used by surrounding states, creating a more seamless travel experience for motorists.

“Visit GettingAroundIllinois.com before making the decision to drive this winter,” Secretary Blankenhorn said. “By planning ahead before every trip and practicing safe driving habits on the road, we can make this the safest winter yet.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

December 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

State Troopers to Strictly Enforce DUI, Speeding, Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Leo P. Schmitz is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. ISP will be working to reduce fatal crashes and arrest impaired drivers.

The ISP will be doing their part in keeping the roadways safe for those traveling through the state. The ISP will be strictly enforcing the four most common causes of fatal traffic crashes. “The Fatal Four” includes: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving.

You can do your part to make travel safe this holiday season. If you are going to be at an event with alcohol, please make sure you designate a driver. Keep your eyes on the road away from cell phones, “Give Them Distance” when approaching flashing lights on the shoulder, watch your speed and buckle up every trip.

“DUI is one of the most preventable factors in holiday fatal traffic crashes,” stated Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Throughout the holidays, the ISP will conduct extra patrols and roadside safety checks with an emphasis on removing impaired drivers. Our goal is to make sure all Illinois motorists travel safely, with no tragedies this season. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

We are confident that voluntary compliance of Illinois traffic laws can lead to a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Be Prepared: Register Today for January 2nd Invest in Kids Launch

December 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – Taxpayers wishing to participate in Illinois’ income tax credit scholarship program, Invest in Kids, on January 2nd are strongly encouraged to register for a free MyTax Illinois account today.

The Invest in Kids (IIK) application process for taxpayers seeking to make a qualified contribution is only available online through MyTax Illinois.  Completion of MyTax Illinois registration requires security authentication via mail, so applicants should allow 7-10 days to complete setup of their MyTax Illinois account.

“We cannot stress it enough, if you do not have a MyTax Illinois account and want to participate in Invest in Kids on its opening day, don’t delay in setting one up,” said Connie Beard, Illinois Department of Revenue Director.  “It’s the only way to ensure you will be on the ground floor when this new program opens.”

Beginning January 2, 2018, MyTax Illinois will begin accepting applications from individuals and businesses who wish to obtain an income tax credit equal to 75% of their approved contribution.   To apply, individuals and businesses must report their intention to make an authorized contribution to an approved Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO).  The SGOs, in turn, provide scholarships for eligible Illinois students to attend qualified non-public schools in Illinois.  The application process ensures equal access to the $75 million in IIK tax credits available each year.

For more information on the IIK income tax credits, including bulletins, FAQs, and a list of approved SGO’s, please visit Investinkids.illinois.gov.  A YouTube video is available on the website to assist taxpayers with MyTax Illinois registration. Questions may be emailed to: REV.PRD@illinois.gov.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Make it Home for the Holidays: Drive Sober, Buckle Up

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

IDOT partnering with law enforcement to ensure safe holiday travel

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are working together to ensure motorists drive sober and buckle up this holiday season. Beginning Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, more than 150 police and sheriff’s departments will step up enforcement efforts to prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes and fatalities.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate and make memories with family and friends,” said Priscilla Tobias, Director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “By driving sober and buckling up, you are not only helping make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois, but also ensuring that this year’s memories are joyful.”

The enforcement campaign will be in effect around the clock, with heightened efforts during nighttime hours. Illinois motorists can expect to encounter DUI, speeding and distracted driving patrols as well as roadside safety checks and seatbelt enforcement zones throughout the state.

The holiday enforcement campaign comes as Illinois experiences its second consecutive year of more than 1,000 motor vehicle fatalities. In 2016, a total of 1,078 people lost their lives in a vehicle crash on Illinois roads; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 315 of these individuals died in an alcohol-impaired crash.

“Safe driving habits are essential to reducing fatalities in Illinois,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “The ISP continues to work to remove unsafe drivers from our roadways. We ask that you do your part to assist us in reducing fatal crashes. If you see an unsafe driver, please call 911 to report them.”

The Illinois Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket programs are funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by IDOT.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

State opts in to FirstNet advanced communications network

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Illinois partnership helps first responders do lifesaving work

WHEELING— A new partnership between Illinois and FirstNet will ensure that the lifesaving advantages of enhanced wireless broadband technology are available to public safety personnel statewide, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today.

“Communication is a life or death proposition in emergencies. Opting in to FirstNet’s dedicated network means first responders — fire, EMS, police — always have an open channel when it comes to doing their lifesaving work,” Rauner said against a backdrop of officials from numerous first responder agencies who gathered at the MABAS Readiness Center in Wheeling.

Illinois joins dozens of states opting in to the national First Responder Network, a communications network that is being built, operated and maintained at no cost to participating states through a public-private partnership between FirstNet and AT&T.

FirstNet participation will:

• Provide first responders with prioritized network access;
• Connect subscribing first responders with critical information needed in a highly secure manner, whether for day-to-day operations or large-scale emergencies;
• Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in jurisdictions across the state when responding to natural disasters;
• Enhance network coverage across the state’s diverse landscape, particularly benefitting those in rural areas;
• Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across Illinois; and,
• Usher in new lifesaving tools, including apps, specialized devices and technologies, with the potential for future integration with NextGen 911 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.

Joe Galvin, statewide interoperability coordinator for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said today’s opt-in letter signing culminates a years-long effort to ensure broad-based participation.

“Illinois has assembled a 100-member multidiscipline, multijurisdictional stakeholder group that has provided input on what emergency responders will require in a broadband network,” Galvin said. “All the information gathered has been provided to the First Responder Network Authority and has been incorporated in to the offering provided to Illinois.”

“FirstNet is a major step forward for law enforcement — and for all first responders,” added Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz. “Whether we’re heading toward the aftermath of a tornado or an incident involving an active shooter, public-safety workers need their communications devices to work, oftentimes in adverse conditions. This will give them the best possible chance to save lives and provide aid to the injured.”

FirstNet, short for First Responder Network Authority, is an independent authority established within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It grew from a key 9/11 Commission finding that clogged communication lines made it impossible to warn firefighters that the Twin Towers were collapsing, and generally hindered effective response.

“The ability to exchange data between public safety agencies and various other disciplines will be greatly enhanced with the development of the FirstNet network,” said Chief Jeff Macko, president of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. “Voice communications on FirstNet will be a significant supportive adjunct to the current land mobile radio systems.”

Alsip Fire Department Deputy Chief Robert Ricker agreed that FirstNet will be a blessing.

“This will provide enhanced communication capabilities for first responders from all levels of government, whether operating at a small local event or a larger regional disaster,” he said. “With FirstNet, we will have additional tools at our disposal to help with decision-making.”

Joseph Klinger, acting director for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, also welcomed today’s announcement.

“This decision is a culmination of a four-and-a-half-year effort leveraging input from first responders across all of Illinois,” he said. “It is essential for lifesaving activities that public safety has the ability to make cellular phone calls, access critical information and transmit video during an incident.”

And Kirk Lonbom, the acting secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), said the action demonstrates the governor’s vision to modernize state government.

“The decision to opt in to FirstNet will enable DoIT to provide enhanced services and innovative solutions in support of public safety and emergency management,” he said.

“Governor Rauner’s decision to join FirstNet demonstrates his strong support and dedication to public safety throughout the state,” added First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. “We are honored to serve Illinois’ first responders and deliver to them a reliable, broadband communications network that will help them save lives and protect communities.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Kankakee to eliminate class ranks

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

KANKAKEE — Kankakee High School will not have a valedictorian or salutatorian in the spring of 2021 or every year after that.

The Kankakee school board on Monday unanimously agreed to transition to the college-style Latin laude system starting with this year’s freshmen class.

Superintendent Genevra Walters said the move enables students to schedule classes based on their interests and career paths rather than taking certain courses to achieve a higher student rank.

Please click on the link from John Dykstra of the Kankakee Daily Journal.

http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/kankakee-to-eliminate-class-ranks/article_b0a1735a-888d-5a66-a7fc-26c2db75808e.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News