McHenry Times

Woodstock Willie, the famous groundhog, has predicted an early spring, bringing hope to residents and visitors of Woodstock Square. Joined by retiring WGN weatherman Tom Skilling, Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, indicating that warmer weather is just around the corner. This prediction aligns with Punxsutawney Phil's forecast on the same day.

Woodstock Willie's prognostication took place during the Groundhog Days event, which celebrates the filming of the iconic movie "Groundhog Day" in Woodstock Square. This community event attracts visitors from all over the state, country, and even the globe, who come to honor the movie and the spirit of Woodstock.

In other news, Senator Craig Wilcox is urging the community to participate in the Valentines for Seniors initiative. The deadline for dropping off Valentines that will be delivered to seniors in assisted living centers and nursing homes is approaching. Senator Wilcox emphasizes the importance of showing appreciation for seniors and making them feel valued.

Speaking about the initiative, Senator Wilcox said, "Please, if you are able, take a few minutes and make some Valentines so you can put a smile on the face of a senior. Let’s all make sure seniors know they are valued and that we are thinking of them!" Valentines can be dropped off at Senator Wilcox's Woodstock office or mailed to the office.

In a significant development, Governor JB Pritzker has finally allowed co-pays for undocumented healthcare in Illinois. The plan, which was initially put on hold, aims to implement mandatory co-pays for undocumented noncitizens receiving free healthcare. However, providers have the option to choose whether or not to implement the co-pays. This decision comes as an attempt to control the rising costs of the taxpayer-funded program.

Senator Wilcox expressed concerns about the program, stating, "The free healthcare illegal immigrants are getting is of a higher quality than what working families can afford." He also highlighted that the influx of asylum seekers in Chicago will further increase the costs of the program.

In tax-related news, the IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue have announced that tax filing season is underway. Illinois residents can file their state returns for free online through the MyTax Illinois website. It is advised to set up a direct deposit source to receive refunds quickly. The tax filing deadline this year is April 15.

Efforts to enhance outdoor recreation in Illinois are receiving a boost through the OSLAD grant program. The program, now in its 37th year, is providing $54.9 million in grant funding for 111 local park projects. Several communities in the 32nd Senate District, including Crystal Lake Park District, Lake Villa Public Library District, Lake Villa Township, and Lindenhurst Park District, have been awarded grants.

In an effort to protect national security and prevent potentially hostile entities from buying farmland, Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced a new bill. Senate Bill 2668 aims to prohibit purchases of land from countries categorized as hostile by the federal government. Violators may face fines and prison time, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture will establish an office of Agricultural Intelligence to monitor suspicious land purchases.

The Army Corps of Engineers is taking action to deter the spread of invasive carp in Illinois waterways and lakes. The Brandon Road Interbasin Project, with a cost of over $1.4 billion, aims to prevent invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan. If these fish make it into the Great Lakes, they have the potential to disrupt the natural food chain and impact the commercial and recreational fishing economy, which amounts to $7 billion per year.

Finally, Illinois has once again led the nation in soybean production. Despite facing challenges such as dry spells and heavy rains, Illinois farmers produced almost 649 million bushels of soybeans last year, maintaining the state's position as the top soybean-producing state.

While Illinois may have fallen to second place in corn production, the resilience and dedication of soybean farmers have secured their role as leaders in the industry.