ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (03/21/2024)

(PADUCAH) The National Weather Service in Paducah has now confirmed two tornado touchdowns from a week ago tonight in Jefferson and Wayne Counties. The NWS says both twisters were EF-1 tornadoes, each with peak winds of 90 miles-per-hour. The first was at around 7:32 that night about two miles north of Mt. Vernon, on the ground for a half mile with a maximum width of 150 yards. The second tornado touched down at around 8:15 four miles northeast of Fairfield, on the ground for nearly three miles with a maximum width of 75 yards. While there were no injuries, there was considerable damage to trees, buildings, utility poles, and more from the I-64 corridor extending north to the I-70 corridor as well.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is preparing for its Annual Vehicle Show, set for Saturday, September 7th, in Springfield. This year’s highlighted vehicle will be the 60th anniversary of Ford’s iconic 1964 Mustang, which will be featured with a limited number of commemorative license plates now available for $32 per pair until May 10th. For more on the show and registration forms, go to the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov.

(CHARLESTON) Eastern Illinois University says that plans are in the works to modernize some of the older buildings on the Charleston campus, with feedback received from staff and students alike. In fact, some of the residence halls will be closed next semester so some of the work can begin, including work on air conditioning systems, bathrooms, roofs, and elevator safety. Some academic buildings could also see improvements as well. While there is no estimated cost or completion date available, the work is expected to take two years.