(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order yesterday creating a new state position within the Illinois Department on Aging. The Chief Planning Officer will lead the development and implementation of a multi-year, multi-sector plan for the IDOA. The plan will serve as a decade-long blueprint to support healthy aging in Illinois with clear objectives for public and private sector progress. There’s no word as to when the Governor will make an appointment to the position or as to when the job will begin.
(SPRINGFIELD) Legislation dealing with “farmer’s markets” in Illinois, sponsored by State Representative Blaine Wilhour has been signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Senate Bill 2617 provides that if a county government does not have a local health department, or if a county health department does not provide such a license, the county government can enter into an agreement or contract with an adjacent local health department to register a cottage food operation in the county’s jurisdiction. This deals specifically with home-based food businesses that produce food or drinks in a person’s domestic and/or farm residence.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois National Guard has mobilized a special unit for deployment to the African Republic of Djibouti. While the seven soldiers that comprise the Sixth Battalion 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade have all been in past leadership and command roles, they will spend the six month stay advising the Djibouti military. Based at the Rock Island Arsenal, the unit is specifically trained to engage with foreign military partners.
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2024 Illinois State Fair continues in Springfield. Today is Governor’s Day with the Sale of Champions featuring livestock from throughout the state, plus more harness racing, tractor & truck pulls, and on stage, Lil Wayne with Chanel West Coast. Tomorrow is Republican Day with more livestock shows, harness racing, and the Jonas Brothers on the grandstand stage that night. Friday is First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day with free admission for all police officers, firefighters, EMTs, & Healthcare Workers who show their badge at the gates, plus more livestock shows, special activities, a circus, and The Smashing Pumpkins on stage that night. Everyday activities includes various shows at Conservation World, plus all the great fair food stands, other entertainment, carnival rides, & more running through Sunday. Go to the statefair.illinois.gov website.