ILLINOIS — Farmers started planting corn and soybeans last week with the warm weather. Illinois Corn Growers Association executive director Rodney Weinzierl says some farmers were busy, especially south of I-70. According to this week’s USDA crop report, five percent of Illinois corn acres have now been planted, which is ahead of last year and…… Read more…
IDNR reminding of boating safety
ILLINOIS (RFD) — The boating season is nearly upon us and after a spike in interest last year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is promoting safety. Rachel Torbert notes the spike in interest last year very well may continue into the 2021 boating season and to that end, there are lots of safety measures…… Read more…
As residents continue to wait for firearm permits, Illinois State Police propose ‘modernization’ bill
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Republicans and Democrats at the Illinois statehouse acknowledge something has to be done about the state’s Firearm Owner Identification card and Illinois State Police officials say they have the answer. The state’s FOID card has been around since the 1960s. Illinois is the only state in the region that requires residents to…… Read more…
Illinois public lands are now open for the spring season for wild turkey hunting
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Wild turkey hunting season in Illinois is underway through May 4, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) said public lands are open for hunting. Luke Garver, Illinois’ wild turkey project manager at the IDNR, said that in spite of the harsh winter, there are plenty of wild turkeys waiting to…… Read more…
Illinois lawmakers continue redistricting hearings as GOP calls for commission approach
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois statehouse Democrats and Republicans continue to go back-and-forth about how to best draw political boundaries. House and Senate committees for weeks have held hearings around the state about how to draw political boundaries following the ten-year Census. One was held both in-person and virtually in Springfield. State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield,…… Read more…
Ameren Illinois Reminding Customers to Keep Mylar Balloons Away From Power Lines
COLLINSVILLE, IL — Balloons are a common part of outdoor summer parties, but Ameren is warning residents if those mylar balloons get away, they can be a major risk to the electrical system. Mylar balloons are metallic and conduct electricity, which can result in surges, shorts, and damage to the power grid. Kevin Young with…… Read more…
DNR Deputy Director Highlights New Land Management Information Guide
ILLINOIS (RFD) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is touting a new program, CICADA – not the invasive bug whose shell is left behind on trees and other hard surfaces, but rather a program aimed at better land and wildlife management. DNR Deputy Director Rachel Torbert says the online resource engages the public and…… Read more…
Illinois to open COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone 16 and older
As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Illinois, the state will soon expand eligibility to allow more people to make appointments to get vaccinated. Starting Monday, people 16 and older are now eligible to get a shot. Chicago will wait until April 19 to expand eligibility. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said if vaccination totals go…… Read more…
Just an impossibility’ to provide date for relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, Pritzker says
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Illinois’ business community is looking for clarity, or even for a date certain, of when they can get their operations back up and running more fully, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker says COVID-19 won’t let him do that. Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson Thursday told Illinois state lawmakers the industry…… Read more…
Illinois’ economy among most affected by pandemic
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Illinois’ economy was among the most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic decimated state economies after restrictions were placed on businesses, but some states were in a better position to deal with the crisis than others. According to the financial website WalletHub, Illinois ranked 15th in state economies most affected by…… Read more…
DNR Deputy Director Highlights New Land Management Information Guide
ILLINOIS (RFD) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources touting a new program, CICADA – not the invasive bug whose shell is left behind on trees and other hard surfaces, but rather a program aimed a better land and wildlife management. DNR Deputy Director Rachel Torbert says the online resource aims to engage the public…… Read more…
Some Illinois employers report problems bringing employees back, disputing unemployment claims
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Part of the process of certifying unemployment benefits includes Illinois employers appealing claims, but more than a year into the pandemic one employer says that’s not happening. More than a year into the pandemic, with more open and warmer months ahead, employers are having problems finding employees to come back to work.…… Read more…
Pritzker downplays chief of staff comments about fully reopening this summer
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker clarified statements from his chief of staff on Wednesday, a day after she said the state was headed for a full reopening this summer. Illinois has been in Phase 4 of the governor’s 5-phased reopening plan for months. Restrictions include capacity limits for restaurants and sporting events. On Tuesday, Anne…… Read more…
U of I Extension expert talks well testing
ILLINOIS (RFD) — If you have a well on your property, this is the time of year to think about water testing. Duane Friend is a University of Illinois Extension Educator in Energy and Environmental Stewardship. The Illinois State Water Survey public service lab number is 217-300-7420.… Read more…
Pritzker downplays chief of staff comments about fully reopening this summer
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker clarified statements from his chief of staff on Wednesday, a day after she said the state was headed for a full reopening this summer. Illinois has been in Phase 4 of the governor’s 5-phased reopening plan for months. Restrictions include capacity limits for restaurants and sporting events. On Tuesday, Anne…… Read more…