Johnsonville facility closing in Momence
Nearly 300 people are out of work after Johnsonville Foods announced the sudden closure of its Momence facility.
The sausage manufacturer notified its workers this week that it was closing immediately. Momence’s mayor said he only received a 15 minute heads up from the company, which said it planned to demolish the factory by the end of the year.
Momence is located in Kankakee County and has a population of about 3,000.
Charged for voting twice
A Peoria attorney faces up to five years in prison after being accused of voting more than once.
Thorn Smith, 67, is accused of voting more than once in the April 1 general election.
According to prosecutors, when Smith arrived at his polling place, an election judge said he had already received a mail-in ballot. Smith is accused of signing a form stating he had not previously voted and proceeded to submit a second ballot.
State Police get new command vehicle
Illinois State Police have deployed a new command vehicle designed to improve emergency response situations.
The vehicle, a 2025 Freightliner, replaces an 18-year-old vehicle with outdated technology. It is equipped with high-definition cameras and state-of-the-art communications technology.
The vehicle was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.
