Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures
(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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Manhattan School District Approves Tax Abatement and Fund Transfers
Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director
Manhattan-Elwood Library Officially Adopts “Library of Things” Policies and Patron Waivers
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Ad-Hoc Committee: Liquor Ordinance Stalls Over Drafting Errors; Debates License Cap Policy
Board Approves New Chief of Staff and Dean Roles; Trustees Clash Over Hiring Transparency
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Library Board Proposes Land-for-Services Swap with Village of Elwood for Mississippi Lot
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for January 14, 2026
Winter Benchmark Data Highlights Growth in Reading and Math Across Manhattan District 114
Board Approves $479,000 Wireless Network Overhaul to Replace Aging Tech
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
