A new law in 2023 will remove a long-standing stigma for people that earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. Starting January 1, that certificate will become the State of Illinois High School Diploma to more accurately reflect the equal value of that diploma and traditional diplomas earned at high schools across Illinois. The change will help Illinois graduates establish reciprocity with educational requirements in other states. City of Fairfield – Trash Service Reminder...The City's trash contractor, Sunrise Sanitation, will be running their regular routes during the weeks of December 26 and January 2. Residents should have their totes set out for service on their regular pickup day – there are NO delays during this time. Residents are allowed three (3) extra 13-gallon size bags setting alongside the tote; otherwise, all trash should be contained inside the tote. Fairfield Upward Sports will be holding Registration and Evaluations for the Upward Basketball and Cheer Season for boys and girls enrolled in kindergarten through 6th grade. Evaluations will be held at Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, January 4th and Thursday, January 5th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Registration forms can be completed prior to the mandatory evaluations at https://registration.upward.org/UPW83684 or in person at evaluations. The Upward season will kick off with practices the week of January 29th. The first game day is February 11th and the season will conclude on March 11th. The registration fee for the Upward Season is $40. Basketball players have the option to add shorts for an additional $12.00. The Illinois State Police is asking the motoring public to stay off the roadways for the next couple of days during the severe winter weather expected to begin tomorrow. If travel is absolutely necessary, allow enough time for travel and remain focused on the hazardous road conditions. Slow down AND move over for those vehicles stranded on the side of the road and for those emergency vehicles and personnel assisting them. Scott's Law related crashes are 100% preventable. Coincidentally, Scott's Law Day is recognized on December 23rd of each year to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down AND move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. Huck's Market is all about family…. Especially the kids! A primary part of Huck's mission statement is our Karing for Kids program. This program is now in its 19th year and was crafted by Huck's to make Christmas special for those children who are less fortunate and to give back to the communities we live and work in. That's not all though! Karing for Kids also provides funds and relief for families with children undergoing medical treatments, disaster relief, scholarships, and other programs such as local charities, Special Olympics, and St. Jude. An impending winter storm in Illinois is expected to create dangerous travel conditions. The National Weather Service says blizzard conditions are possible. Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions, while widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect tomorrow morning through Saturday morning. Illinois lawmakers are hearing more testimony on the proposed ban on assault weapons. The Illinois House Judiciary Committee yesterday heard from law enforcement, gun control advocacy groups, rifle associations and gun rights organizations. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart warned that the number of assault weapons are increasing every year. Opponents of the proposed ban say it won't stop criminals from causing future gun violence. Democrats hope to pass the measure during next month's lame duck session. A group of prosecutors in Illinois are taking legal action to halt a law that will eliminate cash bail on January 1st. The Illinois state's attorneys asked a Kankakee County judge yesterday to stop the change from taking effect. The judge said he would issue a ruling before the end of the month. The cash bail measure was passed as part of a broader criminal justice reform law known as the SAFE-T Act. The prosecutors claim the measure is unconstitutional. The director of the Illinois Department of Revenue is getting a new title. David Harris has been elected to serve on the Federation of Tax Administrators Board of Trustees. FTA is a national organization that provides services to both state tax authorities and administrators. It serves as the principal tax collection agency of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia, and New York City. Illinois Attorney General is reminding Illinoisans to take precautions when shopping for or selling items online. He is warning that scammers may use fake websites, mobile apps and social media ads to trick consumers into giving up their personal information and paying for products that will either never be delivered or cost more than they are worth. Buyers should be careful when using peer-to-peer payment methods, like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo and Cash App. For the first time in the decades-long history of the ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau, the organization has been recognized as 'Best in Show' of all tourism bureaus in the state for its recent marketing efforts. ILLINOISouth promotes communities, attractions, businesses, and events in a 21-county region of Southern Illinois. Each year the Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism celebrates the accomplishments of all 37 tourism bureaus in the state during the 'Excellence in Tourism' awards ceremony. There are eight categories, as well as a ninth award for 'Best in Show' – which goes to the bureau with the highest score across all categories. ILLINOISouth was entered in five of the eight categories which included Best Printed Collateral, Best Social Media Marketing, Best Cooperative Partnership, Best PR Campaign, and Best Event or Festival. Illinois is signing head football coach Bret Bielema to a new six-year contract. The deal is through at least the 2028 season. The agreement is pending approval next month by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Bielema led Illini to an 8-and-4 overall record this season, the program's best season since 2007.