Winter Blast Continues

Vander Tuuk 2-12-19

(Waukegan, IL) Another day, another mixed bag as far as Lake County weather is concerned. The area remains under a winter weather advisory until midnight tonight, as another round of snow, and freezing rain have once again hampered the area. The National Weather Service says winds that kick up later today, could lead to an increase in power outages, especially in areas that have iced over power lines. As for river flooding, the Des Plaines River remains the main threat with both locations near Russell and Gurnee remaining near the moderate flood stage. The river near Lincolnshire is expected to briefly move into flood stage before retreating. The Fox River in Lake County as well as the Chain o’ Lakes are reporting no flooding problems.

Illinois governor announces justice reform initiative

Associated Press 2-12-19

CHICAGO (AP) Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued an executive order creating a new office that will address what he says is a broken justice system. The Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative announced Monday will be headed by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and is expected to look at criminal sentencing, education, poverty and the link among the three. Stratton said the JEO Initiative will move Illinois justice from a punitive system to one that examines the root causes of the issues the state faces. Pritzker noted the state spends roughly $1.3 billion a year for the Department of Corrections, which houses about 43,000 inmates in a system made for about 32,000. Stratton said part of the initiative will focus on the legalization of marijuana. She says the initiative will examine how to repair the harm the effort to combat illegal drug has had on communities, especially communities of color.

Illinois adds 30 sites to national historic register

Associated Press 2-12-19

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Illinois officials say the state had 30 properties added to the National Register of Historic Places last year. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the number shows efforts paid off from historic preservation advocates across the state. The 30 sites were added throughout last year, including the Buffalo Creek Bridge in Long Grove that was added last June. The bridge was built in 1906, and IDOT says it’s one of only 2 remaining Steel Pratt Pony Truss bridges in the Chicago Metro area and one of only 33 remaining in the state. The National Park Service added places to the register based on recommendations from the State Historic Preservation Office, which is part of the agency. Properties must be more than 50 years old to be eligible for the register.