Illinois Quick Hits: Aqua seeks water rate hike

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Another Illinois utility wants to raise rates on consumers.

The Citizens Utility Board said a proposed $26.5 million hike by Aqua Illinois could increase average water bills by more than $23 a month.

CUB said in a statement that its legal team is now challenging more than $955 million in proposed increases from ComEd, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, Illinois American Water, MidAmerican Energy, and Aqua Illinois.

FIREWORKS MORTAR REPORTEDLY STRUCK PLANE AT MIDWAY

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate after a Delta Airlines flight reportedly made contact with a fireworks mortar just before landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport.

Delta Flight 1076 from Atlanta landed safely at Midway at 8:33 p.m. on July 4 after the pilot reported the incident.

A Delta spokesperson told The Center Square that the aircraft was inspected by mechanics and no damage was found.

Fifth-two passengers and six crew members were on board.

EFFINGHAM CHURCH SHOOTING UNDER INVESTIGATION

Illinois State Police are investigating after a man was gravely injured when a gun went off during an incident at an Effingham church.

Local police and Effingham County sheriff’s officers responded to a report of a suspicious man wishing to speak with the pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Sunday.

During a struggle, the man allegedly produced a firearm and was struck when it discharged. The man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, but police said no one else was injured.

MAN DIES AFTER ALLEGEDLY FIRING AT DEPUTIES

An Ottawa, Illinois man is dead after he allegedly fired at LaSalle County deputies while trying to evade arrest.

Police say Jacob Williamson, 49, had an active arrest warrant when deputies attempted to apprehend him after he pulled into his driveway on Saturday. Police say Williamson got out of his vehicle and shot at the two deputies, who returned fire.

Williamson was pronounced dead at the scene. State police are investigating.

IDNR ASKS PUBLIC TO REPORT TURKEY SIGHTINGS

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters, landowners, conservation professionals, and other members of the public to help monitor wild turkey reproduction by reporting wild turkey sightings through the Illinois Wild Turkey Survey.

The reports help IDNR track annual reproduction, poult survival, and broad population trends across the state. The survey is open through August.