(SPRINGFIELD) A bill on the Governor’s desk, if signed into law, would allow for electrified security fence construction without local government permission. House Bill 2154 prohibits local governments from requiring a permit before installing a battery-charged fence on nonresidential property. The bill would apply to both electrified fencing for agricultural use and electrified security fencing to prevent trespassing. Opponents say they worry the General Assembly is stepping on local government’s toes. The measure would also require warning signs on all electric fences. The Governor is expected to sign the bill into law.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services has unveiled a new interactive pretrial data “dashboard” that provides a summary of several initial decision points for criminal cases filed since the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act on September 18th last year. The dashboard provides data on the 75 counties in which the office provides pretrial services, including all of our downstate area counties in southeastern Illinois.
(SPRINGFIELD) The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the severe flooding that impacted the City of Litchfield in Montgomery County on May 24th this spring. The declaration will allow residents, homeowners, and businesses to apply for low-interest loans for damages not covered by insurance. The heavy rains caused flash flooding in Litchfield and the surrounding areas. Along with Montgomery County, the declaration covers the counties of Bond, Christian, Macoupin, Madison, Fayette, & Shelby.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, along with local officials and the IRONMAN leadership, have announced that Illinois and the City of Rockford will host the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon beginning next year through 2027. Supported by a $800,000 grant from the state’s Tourism Incentive Grant Program, this is the first time the IRONMAN competition will be held in Illinois. The race is expected to draw in nearly 3,000 total athletes and some 15,000 visitors during each particular race event.