Jersey County Journal
Intoxicating hemp remains unregulated in Illinois following legislative inaction
By Isabella Schoonover, Simon Carr Medill Illinois News Bureau Justin and Anna Ward of Stoney Branch Farms were anxiously awaiting action on legislation to regulate intoxicating hemp products this spring in Illinois, which would have determined the future of their family-run hemp business in Rushville. But it never came. Hemp farming has been legal and…
Read MoreIDHS preserves LGBTQIA+ youth support on 988 Lifeline amid federal cuts
Last Thursday, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Illinois will continue to provide mental health support services for LGBTQIA+ youth, after the federal government ended funding last month for specific support on the 988 Lifeline. “The Trump Administration’s decision to end these specialized services is…
Read MoreJERSEY: Helen Gubser’s get an unimaginable surprise with dedication of new bench
By Steven Spencer If you’ve been to the Jerseyville Public Library lately you may have noticed the new bronze bench outside that has quite a story to it. Longtime Library Board Member and volunteer, Helen Gubser, received an unimaginable surprise a couple weeks ago with the unveiling of the bench outside the entrance of the…
Read MoreNumber of Grafton liquor licenses still on the table
By Steven Spencer Grafton City Council left ordinance 782 on the table following their Tuesday, July 15, meeting. The ordinance would increase the number of Class A liquor licenses from 17 to 18 and was tabled at the last regular council meeting on June 17. Council made a motion to take the item off the…
Read MorePlanning and Zoning approves rezoning for two new restaurants and welcomes new Director of Building and Zoning
By Steven Spencer The Jerseyville Planning and Zoning Board approved two rezoning items at their meeting on Thursday, July 17. A petition to rezone the future site of Joe’s Pizza and Pasta from B-3 to B-3 with special use for alcohol was approved by the board and sent to the city council for final approval.…
Read MoreBuilding Stronger Communities: U of I Extension Offers Dynamic Programs for Personal and Professional Growth
By Valerie Belusko University of Illinois Extension community and economic development educator Whether you’re a business owner, educator, government official, or community volunteer, University of Illinois Extension has powerful programs designed to help you lead, connect, and thrive. Led by Community and Economic Development Educator Valerie Belusko, these workshops offer practical tools for improving communication,…
Read MoreMembers Exhibit Success at 4-H Shows
Jersey County 4-H members exhibited over 390 projects at the summer 4-H shows July 3-7 at the Jersey County Fairgrounds. Members finished preparations for the 4-H shows by pledging their hands to larger service at fair clean-up on July 3 at the fairgrounds. Youth assisted in preparing livestock stalls, cleaning in the exhibit hall and…
Read MoreIllinois Unemployment Falls as Payroll Jobs Set Another Record High
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls totals reached a record high in June, increasing over-the-month up +9,400 to 6,175,200. June’s record payroll job total surpassed the previous high set in March, marking another milestone in Illinois’ record-setting year for total payroll employment. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised…
Read MoreApproved megabill provides tax certainty for farmers
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The recently signed federal budget reconciliation bill includes key safety net and tax provisions that help farmers, but the legislation doesn’t replace a comprehensive five-year farm bill. President Donald Trump signed the nearly 900-page bill into law on July 4. Hundreds of provisions are included in the legislation, including updates to…
Read MorePritzker seeks more regulatory authority over homeowners insurance business
By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is asking state lawmakers for more authority to regulate the homeowners insurance market in Illinois. His comments came after the Bloomington-based State Farm Fire and Casualty Company notified the Illinois Department of Insurance that it was raising premiums for residential property casualty insurance in Illinois by…
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