State invests in replacing troubled West Grand rail crossing in Elmwood Park

An Elmwood Park rail crossing that was the site of the horrific, day-before-Thanksgiving 2005 Metra crash will get $3.1 million to continue planning its eventual replacement, state officials announced.

More than a dozen people were injured in that 2005 collision when a Metra train travelling nearly 70 mph plowed into vehicles on the tracks at West Grand Avenue sending them careening into surrounding traffic.

“To this day I remain amazed and thankful that no one was killed in that horrific 2005 crash,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, who represents the area. “This investment is a long time coming and vital to the safety of the thousands of people who make this crossing daily by car and train. This investment will make our community safer.”

Read more: State invests in replacing troubled West Grand rail crossing in Elmwood Park

Stadelman: $4.5 million in state funding invested in the Rockford Airport

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport on Wednesday.

“The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community,” Stadelman said. “The funding to help maintain and upgrade sections of the airport is an investment in our residents to help our area thrive after such a tough year.”

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Full implementation of CHW certification program signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A bill introduced by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act are fully implemented was signed into law Tuesday.

“With this follow-up legislation to the health care pillar, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers,” Hunter said. “I am happy that we could further address the needs of community health workers."

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Connor seeks small businesses to feature ahead of the holidays

LOCKPORT – In an effort to support and promote small businesses ahead of the holiday season, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) is launching a social media campaign to feature local small businesses.

“Small businesses bring so much life to our communities,” Connor said. “Through the challenges of the pandemic, they worked to provide necessary services to keep our economy running.”

Connor encourages small business owners interested in being featured on his social media pages to provide information about their businesses by filling out the form found here. Businesses invited to participate include restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons.

Read more: Connor seeks small businesses to feature ahead of the holidays