Kevin McGuire for County Board -23

06/06/2022

Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Just sending out a reminder post for fundraiser this Wednesday at Carpenter Local 270 hall on Lawrence Ave. We will have barbecued pulled pork sandwiches with fries, variety of chicken wing options, chips, drinks, etc.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kevin-mcguire-1

02/02/2022

Stay Safe out there. If not completely necessary, keep off the roads to limit the burden on first responders.

Sangamon County Declares Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency

Sangamon County has declared a Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency, in effect at 6:00 p.m. this evening until further notice. The declaration applies only to county highways. Under a Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency, travel on County Highways is discouraged. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

Road conditions will be monitored throughout the evening and early morning hours. If necessary, the emergency level may be adjusted based upon those changing conditions. The media will be alerted of any changes, and notices will post to the Sangamon County Website (www.co.sangamon.il.us) and social media pages. In addition, motorists are encouraged to access the Sangamon County Website and click on the quick link "Winter Weather County Highway Road Condition Map" to see the latest driving conditions on Sangamon County highways. Given the large geographic size of Sangamon County, not all areas of the county may be experiencing the same winter weather conditions. The map can provide more localized conditions, especially as the roads are treated and cleared.

BACKGROUND: The Sangamon County Board has established a three level system as outlined below with the intention of more accurately defining what a winter weather emergency means;

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous. Drivers may encounter blowing and drifting snow and roadways may be icy. Drivers should use caution.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Travel on County Highways is discouraged. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

LEVEL 3: Weather conditions have fully closed the County Highways. No one should be out during these conditions. Emergency personnel will not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

The Chairman of the Sangamon County Board shall make the declaration of the Winter Weather Emergency Level after consulting with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management, the Sangamon County Highway Department and others departments or agencies if necessary.

Sangamon County Government buildings will remain open to the public; however, offices may have reduced staff due to the winter weather emergency. We encourage residents to call specific offices or check the Sangamon County Website before arriving.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Abandoned vehicles on County Highways that obstruct public safety and road clearing operations are subject to towing and ticketing by the County. If your vehicle becomes disabled on the roadway, please notify Sangamon County Central Dispatch at 753-6666. You should be prepared to provide your license plate number, vehicle description, vehicle location and a call back number. This is especially important if you abandon your vehicle. In addition, by notifying central dispatch of an abandoned vehicle, emergency crews will know that a motorist is safe if they come upon their vehicle.

Sangamon County, Illinois (Springfield, IL) website covers government departments, permits, request records, pay fines and more.

01/10/2022

Please get vaccinated and wear a mask in public. Stay home if you’re sick or have been directly exposed. These are simple actions we can take to protect those around us. Despite those who continue to make false claims or minimize the crisis, these are safe and effective tools we currently have to help decrease the need for hospitalization. Our community and dedicated hospital staff are in desperate need of a break.

The data (IDPH, national statistic as well as studies done abroad) shows us that the fully vaccinated (and boosted if qualified) are not the individuals overwhelming our community’s medical facilities. While breakthrough infections do occur, the need for hospitalization is dramatically decreased in vaccinated individuals. IDPH data reflects 0.078 % of current state wide hospitalizations as having been fully vaccinated individuals.

We need to put pettiness and political ideals aside, as this is not a political issue. Do what’s right for yourself, family, friends and neighbors. If you have concerns about the vaccine, consult your doctor. You can DM me and I will find a professional who can answer your questions.

01/10/2022

Sangamon County Community Resources Reminds Residents of Energy Assistance Program

Sangamon County Community Resources (SCCR) would like to remind residents that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.

The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP is based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The guidelines are as follows: 1 person-$2,147, 2-people $2,903, 3 people-$3,660, 4 people-4,417. Visit https://co.sangamon.il.us/communityresources for income limits for households with 5 people and more. Since September 1, 2021, SCCR has assisted over 2,900 households for a total of $2,700,000. Funds remain available, and households in need are encouraged to apply. Those seeking assistance are not required to be behind on energy bills but must meet the income requirements listed above.

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required: 1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application. 2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and Sangamon County Community Resources will advise accordingly. 3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days. 4. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office at 217-535-3120. 5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

Applications must be dropped off or mailed to Sangamon County Community Resources, 2833 S. Grand Ave. East, Suite C 100, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Residents may call Sangamon County Community Resources at 217-535-3120 with additional questions.

The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life of residents with low incomes in our county.

09/06/2021

Happy Labor Day everyone! Thanks to unions and the labor movement for paid holidays, weekends, 8 hour work day, overtime pay and all the other hard earned benefits men and women of labor have fought for over the years. Enjoy the time with your friends and families today.

08/27/2021

$200,000 in American Rescue Plan funds are still available for rental assistance to help landlords and tenants in Sangamon County who have been unable to pay/collect rent during this difficult time.

If you’re interested in applying for this funding, please call 217-535–3120 to have an application sent to you by mail. You can also stop into the Sangamon Community Resource Building at 2833 S Grand Ave, Springfield to complete and submit the application.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

07/28/2021

If you haven’t already, Get Vaccinated! Our community spread has not yet reached the levels we are seeing in other parts of the country and this is in part due to our rate of vaccination. Everyone needs to do their part to avoid another surge in cases and keep us on the right path.

07/03/2021

Walking in Jerome’s 4th of July parade was a great way to start this holiday weekend. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

06/19/2021

Grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with members of our community on this special year where we have finally declared it a holiday at both the federal and state level.

05/25/2021

Congratulations to Bill Houlihan on a long successful and selfless career in public service! Senator Durbin's remarks were touching and fitting for what he has done for the Democratic Party and people of Illinois. To a world class statesman, I wish the best in these coming years after the monumental milestone of retirement.

Senator Durbin's remarks on Monday, May 24, 2021

05/14/2021

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/springfield-no-longer-enforcing-mask-mandate?fbclid=IwAR0AO6xbX6kxeJ0CMJH6C7n5J088WNacYt3KHucsp9YnxDLzu43akLZmm1k

City of Springfield officials say they will no longer be enforcing the mask mandate starting immediately. The City of Springfield’s goal has always been to get our businesses fully and safely reopened, our workers safely back to their offices, and our children safe in the classroom for in-pers...

05/13/2021

Those seeking to receive the vaccine at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health's site in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds can sign up at scdph.org or call (217) 210-8801. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2021/05/12/illinois-ready-distribute-pfizer-12-15-year-olds/5063399001/

In Springfield, vaccinations will be available at the Orr Building, Memorial Health's South Sixth Street location and some CVS pharmacies