Quantcast

McLean County Times

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Latest News

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

$5 billion in unclaimed property waiting to be reunited with owners

By McLean County Times | Apr 17, 2024

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has revealed that the state is currently holding over $5 billion in unclaimed property, with a strong desire to reunite it with its rightful owners. According to a recent announcement from the office, the unclaimed cash and property are part of the state’s I-Cash program, which safeguards various types of unclaimed assets.The State Treasurer’s Office stated, "The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office announced last week the state has more than $5 billion in unclaimed property and wants to reunite it with its owners." The program is designed...

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

National Work Zone Awareness Week Urges Drivers to Move Over and Slow Down

By McLean County Times | Apr 15, 2024

This National Work Zone Awareness Week, the call for drivers to prioritize safety on the roads is louder than ever. The message is clear: "Move over and slow down!" as echoed by the organizers of the awareness week.As construction projects gear up for the summer season, it is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits when passing through work zones. The reminder to "move over and slow down when approaching work zones" is not only a suggestion but a vital safety measure for construction workers on-site.The emphasis on responsible driving during...

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Honoring Public Safety Telecommunicators During National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

By McLean County Times | Apr 15, 2024

Public safety telecommunicators are being recognized and thanked for their hard work and dedication during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. This week-long event aims to honor those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep communities safe.In a statement, an anonymous source expressed gratitude to public safety telecommunicators, saying, "Thank you for all that you do!"These professionals play a crucial role in emergency response systems, working around the clock to coordinate and dispatch resources to those in need. Their commitment to public safety...

Medium david harris 3

Local Government

Livingston County collects $65,559 in County Sales Tax in January

By McLean County Times | Apr 12, 2024

In January, Livingston County saw an increase in County Sales Tax collection compared to the previous month.

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Cashless Bail Fail, Ethics Reform, Revenue Growth, and More

By McLean County Times | Apr 12, 2024

In recent news from Illinois, a tragic incident has sparked a call for action within the law enforcement community. Following the reckless homicide death of DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of current legislation. Expressing frustration and grief, an unidentified individual highlighted the impact of the loss, stating, "An officer is dead. She will never return to her family. Their lives have ALL been shattered and others in the community have been endangered. When will enough be enough?"Furthermore,...

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

After 6 Months of SAFE-T Act, Illinois Families LESS Safe

By McLean County Times | Apr 12, 2024

Illinois residents are feeling the negative impacts of the SAFE-T Act, as highlighted by Rep. Tipsword in a recent discussion with the Center Square. The legislation, which includes cashless bail provisions, has left families in the state feeling anything but safe. In response to this, Rep. Tipsword and other House Republicans are pushing for new legislation to address the issues caused by the implementation of the SAFE-T Act.

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for April 12

By McLean County Times | Apr 12, 2024

Rep. Bunting's Springfield news update for April 12In the latest update from Rep. Bunting on April 12, several key issues affecting the state of Illinois were addressed.Regarding the state budget development, Rep. Bunting emphasized the importance of passing a balanced budget that meets the needs of state residents while spending taxpayer money responsibly. A report to the House Revenue and Finance Committee highlighted that Illinois' revenue growth was primarily driven by federal funds and personal income taxes, resulting in an overall increase in revenue compared to...

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Grants Available for Police Vehicle, Officer Body Cameras

By McLean County Times | Apr 12, 2024

Illinois police agencies are being offered a valuable opportunity to enhance their law enforcement capabilities through grants for police vehicle and officer body cameras. The North Central Illinois Council of Governments has announced the availability of grants for various law enforcement equipment and training, with an application deadline of May 3, 2024.The grants are intended for municipalities, counties, park districts, public universities, and all units of Illinois local government. Eligible purchases include in-car video cameras for use in law enforcement vehicles,...

Medium david harris 3

Local Government

Normal residents paid 16th-largest sum in sales taxes in Illinois during January

By McLean County Times | Apr 9, 2024

Normal residents paid $3.6 million in sales taxes, the 16th highest total paid per municipality in January.

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Current Safe-T-Act Provisions Responsible for Release of Man Charged with Reckless Homicide in Deputy’s Death

By McLean County Times | Apr 9, 2024

Rep. Dennis Tipsword expressed grave concerns today regarding the release of an individual charged with reckless homicide and DUI in the tragic death of Dekalb County Sheriff’s Deputy Christina Musil. Tipsword, a 30-year law enforcement officer, highlighted that the man in question was released under the provisions of the current “Safe-T-Act”.“An officer is dead. She will never return to her family. Their lives have ALL been shattered; because Illinois law currently dictates disastrous release without bail policies, the person charged in her death is already back out on...

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

DCFS Director Heidi Mueller Tours Nexus-Onarga Family Healing

By McLean County Times | Apr 9, 2024

Heidi Mueller, the new Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), recently visited Nexus-Onarga Family Healing along with other legislators. The visit took place on Monday afternoon, providing an opportunity for Mueller and the officials to tour the facility and engage with the staff and residents.The day concluded at the Cornerstone Café & Gallery, where Mueller and the legislators enjoyed a casual conversation over coffee and freshly baked cookies. It was a pleasant conclusion to a day filled with meaningful interactions and insights...

Medium david harris 4

Local Government

McLean County responsible for 21st-highest sales tax revenue in Illinois during January

By McLean County Times | Apr 8, 2024

McLean County residents paid $974,469 in sales taxes, the 21st highest total paid per county in January.

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

National Library Week Celebrates the Importance of Libraries Across the Country

By McLean County Times | Apr 8, 2024

In a statement released on April 8, 2024, it was highlighted that "National Library Week celebrates the importance of libraries across the country." This week is dedicated to acknowledging the vital role that libraries play in communities nationwide.According to the same source, it was emphasized that "Libraries offer more than books and are a great resource for research, technology, internet access, and more." Libraries serve as hubs of knowledge, providing access to a wide range of resources and services beyond traditional books.As part of the celebrations,...

Medium david harris 2

Local Government

McLean County taxpayers give $108,703 in County Sales Tax in January

By McLean County Times | Apr 7, 2024

In January, McLean County saw an increase in County Sales Tax collection compared to the previous month.

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Illinois House Republicans Express Frustration Over Committee Deadlines and Blocked Bills

By McLean County Times | Apr 5, 2024

Illinois House Republicans expressed frustration over committee deadlines and blocked bills this week. The scheduled deadline for House members to move bills out of House Committees was met with disappointment as the Democrats who control the chamber decided to take the day off, canceling the session.An unnamed Republican House member voiced their frustration, stating, "I know the majority party routinely advances large numbers of their own bills out of committee while ensuring our bills are blocked from consideration. I know it…but I will never get used to the...

Medium mhozgb0extce9rc67ez9g5suij48

Local Government

Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for April 5

By McLean County Times | Apr 5, 2024

Rep. Bunting's 2024 Legislative Survey is set to be distributed to the people of the 106th District soon, giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns directly. According to Rep. Bunting, "This is another way for me to find out what is on the minds of the people of the 106th District." The survey will include a section for additional comments or questions and can be returned via mail or filled out online on RepBunting.com.A recent study by MoneyGeek has revealed that Illinois ranks as the least tax-friendly state in the United States. The study found...

Medium david harris 3

Local Government

Bloomington responsible for 8th-highest sales tax revenue in Illinois during January

By McLean County Times | Apr 4, 2024

Bloomington residents paid $5.2 million in sales taxes, the eighth highest total paid per municipality in January.

Medium david harris 1

Local Government

Livingston County residents paid 33rd-largest sum in sales taxes in Illinois during January

By McLean County Times | Apr 3, 2024

Livingston County residents paid $617,499 in sales taxes, the 33rd highest total paid per county in January.

Medium f3m6qzao7nptns8sz5c3a3jy2cdl

Local Government

Springfield Action Live: Stay Updated with House Bills Debate

By McLean County Times | Apr 3, 2024

Springfield, Apr 3 2024 - The bustling city of Springfield is set to see a flurry of activities this week as the committee deadline for substantive House Bills approaches. In a statement, an official confirmed, "We are back in Springfield this week and expecting a busy few days ahead as we approach the committee deadline for substantive House Bills."For those eager to stay informed and witness the legislative process in action, an official announcement declared, "You can follow along live with floor debate and committee action all week at:...

Medium cory staley 1

Local Government

$422,580 in County School Facility Tax collected in January for Livingston County

By McLean County Times | Apr 2, 2024

In January, Livingston County saw a decrease in County School Facility Tax collection compared to the previous month.