Negotiations with Iran’s nuclear program needs a scientific component that only an Illinois congressman has. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville) said his background as a physicist with a Ph.D in science gives him a unique perspective on the negotiations, which he had plenty of involvement and oversight in technically, which matters a lot in this…… MORE
Tie vote causes continued Wind Farm discussion
A tie vote in the motion to deny the Pleasant Ridge Wind Farm special use permit application at last night’s Livingston County Board meeting caused some confusion in the well-attended meeting. Board Chairman Marty Fannin explained a new motion was made was to forward it to the board chairman and attorneys to discuss special considerations…… MORE
Johns, Kimpling elected state FFA officers
Two Livingston County FFA members were elected state officers yesterday during their state convention in Springfield. Jordan Johns of Pontiac was named the new state treasurer. She said she is looking forward to the new job and has had a lot of great experiences in FFA in the past. “I had the privilege of starting…… MORE
Munz Scholarship winners announced
The sixth annual Brian J. Munz Scholarship was awarded at a recent Fairbury City Council meeting, which gave six students $800 to put toward their education. The scholarship is in memory of Munz, a firefighter who passed away in 2008. His parents, Jim and Jeanne Munz, said though his death was tragic, many good things,…… MORE
Madigan and Rauner bring news conferences public
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News We’re now at the part of the program in which the governor and speaker are having dueling news conferences. In the back yard of the governor’s mansion, Gov. Bruce Rauner acted as if he did not mind people protesting him around the state. “The insiders in government,” Rauner said with a…… MORE
IHSA replaces executive director
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News Illinois High School Association executive director Marty Hickman has taken issue with a Chicago Sun- Times report which details a 24 percent rise in compensation he received during the 2013-24 school year. “That is not money that I received. That’s the problem with this. People read the headline and go ‘Oh…… MORE
Illinois comptroller threatens to stop paying its bills
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News The Illinois comptroller is warning that without a budget by the end of the month, the state will stop paying its bills. State Comptroller Leslie G. Munger said some things will be paid: Debt service payments, pension contributions, pension benefits to retirees, temporary assistance for needy families and some other programs…… MORE
Jontry hopeful for budget favoring education
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News Area school officials are waiting for Springfield to make decisions before a lot of the budgeting process can wrap up before the new school year begins in the fall. Mark Jontry, Regional Superintendent of Schools for Livingston, McLean and DeWitt counties, with the addition of Logan County July 1, weighed in…… MORE
“Investigate Illinois” coming June 29
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News “Investigate Illinois” Summer Ag Institute is planned for June 29 through July 2, and spots are still available for pre-k through junior high educators looking to earn graduate credits or continuing education credits. Debbie Ruff, Ag Education Literacy Coordinator for Livingston County, said the institute will bring in educators from all…… MORE
National accolades for Pontiac’s water
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News Illinois American Water Pontiac Water Treatment Plant recently gained national recognition for its water quality. The plant and its water team earned the Director’s Award of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water for maintaining Phase III certification for 15 years. Karen Cotton, external affairs manager for Illinois American Water, said…… MORE
