Justin Ritz

Plano

News Director at WCSJ-FM (Morris, IL)

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Illinois Legislators Pass $55 Billion State Budget, Local Lawmakers Share Reactions

5 days ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

Illinois lawmakers on Saturday passed the largest budget in state history. Capitol News Illinois reports the spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026 increases funding for safety net hospitals and federally qualified clinics in anticipation of Medicaid cuts. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting voted no on the budget and explains why. Your browser does not support the audio element. "Well, it's disappointing. Fifty five point two billion.
Local Lawmakers React To Controversial Physician-Assisted End of Life Bill

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

After a long debate, the Illinois House approved the controversial physician-assisted end of life bill on Thursday night. The measure was approved on a vote of 63 in favor, 42 against, 2 voting present, and 11 members not voting. State Representative Jason Buntingwas one of those members to vote against the measure and spoke against it during debate. Your browser does not support the audio element. "They speak as if they've worked on this for six years.
City of Morris Starting Up a Restaurant Incentive Program

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

The city of Morris is looking to start up a Restaurant Incentive Program. The Morris Judiciary and License Committee recently heard about the idea from Morris Business Development Director Julie Wilkinson. Your browser does not support the audio element. "Creating some sort of incentive program for restaurants that would entice them to want to be a part of our community or make upgrades for existing locations.
Dave Moran Appointed To Coal City Deputy Police Chief Position

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

The Coal City Village Board this week approved the appointment of Dave Moran to the Deputy Chief of Police position. Coal City Mayor David Spesia said Officer Moranâ€™s promotion, which was selected by Police Chief Mike Imhof, is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the Coal City community. Imhof was appointed to the Police Chief position earlier this month and replaced former Chief Chris Harseim, who retired.
Recent Seneca Village Council Meeting Recap

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

Crotty Park in Seneca will be getting new playground equipment. The Seneca Village Council recently approved the expenditure from NuToys Leisure Products in the amount of $75,000. Here is Seneca Mayor Jeff Olson. Your browser does not support the audio element. He said the council also approved the purchase of a $45,000 2025 new police vehicle from Terry’s Ford. Your browser does not support the audio element. The next village council meeting will be on June 2nd.
Surf Air Wireless Coming To Minooka

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

Surf Air Wireless is coming to the Village of Minooka. Minooka Village Administrator Dan Duffy said Trustees approved a right-of-way use agreement with the company at their meeting this week. Your browser does not support the audio element. "They've expanded to, Surf Wireless LLC and are now installing fiber throughout the, communities. Several communities are in the area already has it, including Coal City.
Seneca Mayor Provides Update on Newly Created Chicken Ordinance

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

Seneca Mayor Jeff Olson spoke with WCSJ about the village council recently passing a chicken ordinance. Your browser does not support the audio element. "Residents voted in the one of the previous elections to have chickens here in town. So it was a long process, and we do appreciate everybody's patience. We went through the planning commission and to the council and kind of bounced back and forth a few times. But we were able to get a solid ordinance that I think works for everybody.
House Adopts Bunting "Farm Safety Week in Illinois" Resolution

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

The Illinois House on Tuesday adopted House Resolution 29, sponsored by State Representative Jason Bunting. Your browser does not support the audio element. "House resolution twenty nine declares September fifteenth through September twenty first twenty twenty five Farm Safety Week. It's extremely important that we take that week to not only educate farmers, their families, and their employees about the importance of Farm Safety Week, but also all Illinoisans as we try to share the road.
Rep Haas Domestic Violence Legislation Given Senate Approval

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

State Representative Jackie Haasthis week saw her legislation, dealing with individuals experiencing domestic violence, given final approval in the Illinois Senate. Haas said there is currently a National Domestic Violence Hotline with advocates there to listen and help you begin to address what’s going on in your relationship. Their services are always free and available 24/7, either by Telephone, Live Chat, or Text. Your browser does not support the audio element.
Area Cop on a Rooftop Fundraiser Results

1 week ago | wcsjnews.com | Justin Ritz

Several local police agencies raised money during the annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser held at Dunkin Donuts earlier this month. Morris Police Officer Derek Zumbahlen was in our studios last week talking about the results. Your browser does not support the audio element. "Cop on the Rooftop is the Dunkin' Donuts fundraiser for Special Olympics. Kind of initiated that years back. Did that for a lot of years. And if you're familiar with the facility there, the building, it's a flat roof.