2020-09-02 E-Edition

PBL JH cross country runners earn first-place finishes

PAXTON — The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High School cross country boys’ team finished second in a meet held Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Panthers scored a 29 while Tri-Point finished first with a score of 26. “Hats off to that Tri-Point team, because I think they have a great chance to win their sectional in Class 1A,” PBL head coach Rob Pacey […]

Thirty Illinois counties reach a warning level for coronavirus

From Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett: Over the weekend Illinois surpassed 8000 coronavirus deaths. There have been well over 200,000 cases confirmed in the state. Over the course of the summer we saw case numbers decline and then start to rise again. Businesses and other public places have been able to re-open with safety precautions, but as the numbers have […]

Midwestern states form transportation diversity committee

Goal is more contracting opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women By REBECCA ANZELCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — A coalition of 10 state transportation agencies, including Illinois’, announced the creation of a diversity panel last week to develop “fairness and inclusion” at work sites, the group’s president said. The committee has not yet held a meeting, a spokesperson for the […]

Virus deaths, positivity rate spike amid low reported testing output

39 deaths highest in one day since June 26 By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — The number of COVID-19-related deaths and the single-day test positivity rate spiked Tuesday as the Illinois Department of Public Health announced an abnormally small number of tests results over the previous 24 hours. The health department reported 39 deaths related to the virus, the […]

Tourism decline could put state on hook for McCormick Place bonds

Chicago area sees 85% drop in tourism tax collections in August By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – A drastic drop in tourism and convention revenues in the Chicago area brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic could put the state on the hook for making bond payments on behalf of the operators of the McCormick Place convention center, according to […]

State announces further mitigations in Metro East area

Positivity rate has not declined after two weeks of previous restrictions By REBECCA ANZELCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — State officials Tuesday announced additional efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Metro East area along the Missouri border as the first wave of restrictions yielded no effect on the region’s virus positivity rate. The Illinois Department of Public Health […]

Legislative Black Caucus unveils anti-racism agenda

Criminal justice reform, police accountability, community violence at forefront By RAYMON TRONCOSOCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus released its agenda of “sweeping reforms” meant to address systemic racism in the state at a news conference Tuesday. The agenda is focused on four pillars of policy: Criminal justice reform, violence and police accountability; education and workforce development; economic […]

Obituary: Margaret Louise Trowbridge Cox

RANTOUL — Margaret Louise Trowbridge Cox, 86, of Rantoul formerly of Paxton passed away Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at her home. There will be no services. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements. Margaret was born Dec. 5, 1933, in Saybrook the daughter of Wilbur and Nora Badger Trowbridge. She married Clifford O. Cox in […]

Ford County sheriff’s deputies issue 14 tickets in August

PAXTON — The Ford County Sheriff’s Office issued 14 traffic citations in August, including seven for speeding. There were also two tickets issued each for disobeying a traffic-control device and illegal transportation of alcohol, as well as one ticket issued each for operating an uninsured vehicle, squealing/screeching of tires and failure to wear a seat belt. Also, sheriff’s deputies responded […]