August, 2024 Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Coffey attends Ag Day at Illinois State Fair

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 13, 2024

Rep. Coffey attended Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair on August 13, 2024, where he engaged with the community and explored the significance of agriculture to Illinois. The state is a major producer of soybeans, corn, and swine, benefiting from its diverse climate and soil types which support various agricultural commodities such as cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum, hay, sheep, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, Illinois cultivates specialty crops including buckwheat, horseradish, ostriches, fish and Christmas trees.

Drivers urged to prioritize safety as schools reopen

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 13, 2024

As the back-to-school season begins, increased activity involving children, families, and buses is expected on daily commutes. Authorities urge drivers to prioritize safety by slowing down near bus stops and school zones.

City of Athens City Council Committee met August 8

By Corazon L. Gonzales | Aug 13, 2024

City of Athens City Council Committee met 7 p.m. Thursday, August 8.

Rep. Rosenthal participates in Agriculture Day at Illinois State Fair

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 13, 2024

The Illinois State Fair has special events for 10 days, including Agriculture Day. State Representative Wayne Rosenthal joined the community along with 4-H and FFA members this year.

Menard County residents pay $68,654 in County School Facility Tax in May

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 13, 2024

In May, Menard County saw an increase in County School Facility Tax collection compared to the previous month.

Cheapest E85 gas in cities across Sangamon County in week ending Aug. 3

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

The only price of E85 gas in cities throughout Sangamon County was found at a single gas station in the week ending Aug. 3, according to customer reports submitted to GasBuddy.com.

Top golf courses in Illinois offer diverse challenges

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

Golf is an important part of Illinois’ tourism economy. The state is home to some of the finest golfing destinations in the country. Illinois has also hosted many PGA, LPGA, and amateur golf tournaments over the years. The 1989 PGA Championship, the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, and the Ameritech/SBC Senior Open are notable examples.

Illinois College names Brunstein and Anderson as top athletes for academic year

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

Football's Collin Brunstein and track and field's Deja Anderson have been named the winners of the William J. Downer and Doris B. Hopper Awards, respectively, for the 2023-24 athletic year.

Illinois passes new laws impacting criminal justice terminology

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

Legislation changing “offender” to “justice-impacted individual” in some state statutes and providing free state IDs to individuals being released from Illinois jails became law during the week, highlighting the misplaced priorities of Illinois Democrats when it comes to combatting crime.

Illinois considers halving prison sentences amid rising unemployment rates

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

A proposed bill in Illinois could potentially reduce prison sentences by half, sparking debate over its fairness. House Bill 5219, sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez and co-sponsored by Kevin John Olickal and Lilian Jimenez, aims to allow inmates convicted of severe felonies, including first-degree murder and aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, to serve only half their imposed sentences.

Entertainment event this week in Springfield Metro: Aug. 11-17

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

Don't miss out on this entertainment event happening in Springfield Metro this week.

Where were the cheapest places to fill up on regular gas in cities in Logan County in week ending Aug. 3?

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

The lowest price of regular gas in cities throughout Logan County was found at four gas stations in the week ending Aug. 3, according to customer reports submitted to GasBuddy.com.

Where could drivers find the cheapest gas in cities within Menard County in week ending Aug. 3?

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 12, 2024

The only price of diesel in cities throughout Menard County was found at a single gas station in the week ending Aug. 3, according to customer reports submitted to GasBuddy.com.

How did home valuation prices perform in Sangamon County in June 2024, compared to June 2023?

By Sangamon Sun | Aug 11, 2024

In June, the median sale price of a home in Sangamon County rose by $11,000 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 1.2%.