June 11, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Severe storms on Wednesday caused damage in many areas around Illinois, including the state fairgrounds in Springfield. The Illinois Department of Agriculture said several buildings were closed due to power outages. Several fairgrounds-area events were cancelled, including harness racing and the farmers market.

Another round of severe weather was forecast for Thursday evening. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for 18 counties in northern and central Illinois, five counties in northwest Indiana and parts of Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

RURAL KING BREAKS GROUND IN MATTOON

Following an agreement that includes state tax incentives, Rural King has broken ground on a $75 million store support center in Coles County. According to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Transportation is working with the city of Mattoon on grant funding for a road that would provide access to the new campus. Later this year, IDOT is expected to break ground on an $82 million reconstruction of the nearby Interstate 57 interchange with Illinois 16.

The Rural King project is expected to create 100 new full-time jobs and retain 719 existing jobs. The farm and home supply retailer was founded in Mattoon in 1960.

ICC OFFERS FORUM ON PROPOSED WATER RATE HIKE

Illinois American Water customers are invited to comment on the utility’s proposed rate increase at a public forum in Bolingbrook on July 14. Illinois American requested a $142.4 million rate hike from the Illinois Commerce Commission earlier this year and estimated the typical residential customer would pay an extra $14 per month.

The forum is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on July 14 at the Village of Bolingbrook Community Center. Impacted customers unable to attend may submit comments via the ICC website or by calling 1-800-524-0795.

NEW CFO APPOINTED IN COOK COUNTY

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has appointed Angela Manning-Hardimon as chief financial officer of the county’s finance bureau. Manning-Hardimon previously served as a CFO at Fermilab and at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Completes $498,279 Housing Rehabilitation Grant Project

The City of Casey successfully completed a nearly half-million dollar housing rehabilitation program that brought nine homes up to code and assisted 19 low-to-moderate income residents, officials announced during a...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Grant Administration Success: The Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission successfully administered the $498,279 housing rehabilitation grant with 100% of funds reaching qualifying low-to-moderate income households. No Resident Displacement:...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $100,000+ in Technology and Facility Upgrades

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved more than $100,000 in technology purchases and facility improvements during Monday's meeting, while also addressing administrative cost limitations and preparing for new board member transitions....
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic competitions, community service, and educational experiences, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. High school students showcased academic excellence through multiple...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Funds Secured: The Series 2025 HLS Bonds closed April 15 with proceeds deposited at Casey State Bank and fully collateralized, advancing facility improvement projects. Board Transition Pending: New board...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Major Equipment Purchase, Awards Tree Removal Contracts

The Casey City Council authorized the purchase of a $191,537.50 hydro-vac truck and awarded contracts totaling more than $40,000 for tree and stump removal projects during Monday's meeting, while also...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Committee Maintains Chicken Ban, Advances Planning Initiatives

Casey city committees addressed livestock regulations and economic development planning during meetings held before Monday's council session, with decisions that will affect both residential regulations and long-term community growth. The...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Pond Project Installation: The valve structure for the park pond project arrived Tuesday with installation work beginning this week, continuing progress on the recreational facility enhancement. Sidewalk Bids Scheduled: Contractor...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Union Contract, Issues Historic Founding Day Proclamation

The Casey City Council approved a tentative agreement with the ICOP Union and signed a proclamation commemorating the city's founding during Monday's meeting, while also advancing several business and infrastructure...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update

Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks

The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Legislative Concerns and Athletic Policy Changes Address School Operations

Casey-Westfield school officials are monitoring state legislative developments that could affect district operations, while also adapting to new athletic association policies for private school competition. Superintendent Mike Shackelford alerted board...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Technology Infrastructure Critical: The 9-year-old junior/senior high server replacement was urgently needed due to memory loss, 95% capacity usage, and daily error codes threatening system failure. Local Banking Partnership: Three...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Historical Society Parade, Adds Employee Medical Benefits

The Casey City Council formally approved the Casey Historical Society Parade for May 10th and enhanced employee benefits by adding AirMedCare membership during Monday's meeting, while also advancing comprehensive planning...