Gibson City mayor declares existence of civil and local emergency

GIBSON CITY — Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey proclaimed and declared the existence of a civil emergency and local emergency in the City of Gibson, hereby engaging all of the powers and authorities provided therein. The sole purpose of this declaration, according to the proclamation of emergency issued on Monday, March 23, “is to pay accounts payable bills a and […]

Gibson City Police Blotter (March 23, 2020)

Due to changes in rules 3.6 and 3.8 trial publicity handed down from the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association and the Illinois Supreme Court this department will release only the following information with this disclaimer. The following information of charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 03/20/20​ Bryan L. Brandon, 211 N Lott […]

Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett: What is an ‘essential business?’

On Friday, March 20, Governor Pritzker issued an emergency “stay at home” order for all “non-essential” businesses throughout the state through Tuesday, April 7. Some businesses and other institutions have been exempted from the order, including gas stations, grocery stores, banks, hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and many more. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has established a helpline for […]

Ford County Jail and Courthouse open to essential personnel only

From Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran: Starting at noon today, March 23, 2020, and continuing until further notice, the Ford County Jail and Courthouse will be closed to essential personnel only. Courthouse security will allow essential Ford County personnel into the courthouse. Litigants and attorneys who have court ordered by the Judge will also be allowed. No other family members […]

PBL to join Illini Prairie Conference with ‘mixed emotions’

PAXTON — Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School received a unanimous vote to join the Illini Prairie Conference at the start of the 2021-22 school year. The vote was completed by the IPC principals on Monday, March 23. “I think it speaks volumes that the schools voted us in unanimously, even the schools that are going to have to travel to us,” PBL […]

Obituary: Marlin W. ‘Marlie’ Luhrsen

BUCKLEY — Marlin W. “Marlie” Luhrsen, 90, a lifelong Buckley resident, died at 10:08 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2020, at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services, Buckley is handling arrangements. Marlin was born April 24, 1929, in Buckley the son of Richard and Rosa Ecker Luhrsen. He married Evelyn “Evie” […]

Community health centers ask state for emergency funding

Illinois congressional delegation signs appeal letter to governor By REBECCA ANZELCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — The novel coronavirus could “create long-lasting, devastating damage” to Illinois health care facilities that serve vulnerable communities. Community health centers are treating fewer patients than normal after all 390 locations around the state canceled routine and preventative medical visits to slow the spread of COVID-19 […]

No firm plans yet for restarting legislative session

Hospitals among groups waiting on ‘must pass’ legislation By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly on Monday began its second week of shutdown due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, and officials said it is still uncertain when, or under what circumstances, the session will resume. Officials in the offices of Senate President […]

Pritzker details state efforts to stockpile COVID-19 supplies

236 new confirmed cases, 3 more deaths reported by health department By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker detailed the state’s efforts to stock up on personal protective equipment and said President Donald Trump was “responsive” to the state’s needs in a phone call Monday, one day after the pair feuded on Twitter. During his daily COVID-19 […]