Elle Johnson Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Livingston County Treasurer's Office accepting pre-payments for the 2020 payable in 2021 real estate taxes

By Elle Johnson | Feb 1, 2021

The 2020 payable in 2021 real estate taxes are being accepted by the Livingston County Treasurer’s Office in pre-payments, according to a press release from Livingston County. "Pre-payments are accepted from Dec.1, 2020 through April 30, 2021.

McLean County administers vaccines as fast as possible

By Elle Johnson | Jan 23, 2021

While McLean County hospitals are administering the COVID-19 vaccine as fast as possible, a county board member said the state is inconsistent.

Bloomington establishments cited for violating governor's COVID-19 shutdown

By Elle Johnson | Jan 2, 2021

During the first week of December, bars and restaurants in Bloomington received five citations for being in violation of executive orders issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Bloomington City Council members approve property tax, funding for zoo

By Elle Johnson | Dec 26, 2020

Bloomington City Council members have approved a property tax rate for the city and library, which won't change from 2019's rates.

Pritzker planned to merge IDES with another agency, leading to staffing crisis when COVID-19 pandemic hit

By Elle Johnson | Nov 12, 2020

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was holding off on filling top vacancies because he was planning on merging the Illinois' unemployment office with another department.

Normal Town Hall votes to use state gas tax on Constitution Trail extension

By Elle Johnson | Nov 11, 2020

The Town of Normal is willing to spend $241,000 from its state gasoline tax revenue for a proposed extension to the Constitution Trail.

Cadillac Jack's to pay $1,500 fine for violating COVID-19 regulations

By Elle Johnson | Nov 8, 2020

After violating COVID-19 pandemic rules and regulations that were put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Cadillac Jacks in Bloomington will be paying a $1,500 fine.

Bloomington mayor apologizes after video shows him dancing in restaurant without a face mask

By Elle Johnson | Oct 7, 2020

After a video came forward showing Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner dancing at a local establishment without a protective face mask on, the mayor apologized to the city and said the incident had taken place "a few weeks ago."

Brady calls for full reopening of Illinois in the foreseeable future

By Elle Johnson | Aug 25, 2020

Rep. Dan Brady (R-Normal) wrote an op-ed for the Pantagraph in July, claiming there is no total reopening in sight for Illinois in the foreseeable future, especially in Gov. J.B. Pritzker's plan.

Nonprofit grant program available for Illinois food and housing organizations

By Elle Johnson | Aug 3, 2020

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund is offering grants to nonprofits struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Pliura opens antibody testing clinic in Central Illinois

By Elle Johnson | Jul 5, 2020

Antibody testing for COVID-19 is available in Central Illinois as Dr. Tom Pliura has opened a clinic in Bloomington.

Normal Mayor Koos is nominated to serve on Amtrak's board of directors

By Elle Johnson | Jun 27, 2020

Normal Mayor Chris Koos has been nominated by President Donald Trump, as recommended by Sen. Dick Durbin, to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors.

NPR claims Pritzker gave inaccurate reasons for closing Bloomington COVID-19 testing site

By Elle Johnson | Jun 21, 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave inaccurate information on why a Bloomington COVID-19 testing site is closing, according to WBCU.

Illinois State University leadership proposed no increase in tuition

By Elle Johnson | May 31, 2020

Illinois State University proposed not to increase tuition or room and board fees for the 2020-21 school year, with trustees being expected to vote on the plan in May.

Normal Town Council approves over $500,000 for Jersey Avenue water main project

By Elle Johnson | May 20, 2020

The Town of Normal has approved a $512,433 bid for the proposed Jersey Avenue water main replacement project.

New survey shows farmland stability and values from 2019

By Elle Johnson | Apr 2, 2020

Values on farmland in Illinois have stayed stable throughout the majority of 2019 regardless of some extreme changes in the market, a survey released from the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers found.

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