Illinois quick hits: United delays launch of service at Willard Airport

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

United delays launch of service at Willard Airport

United Airlines has pushed back its planned service between Chicago and Champaign-Urbana.

University of Illinois-Willard Airport issued a statement saying that the airline would not begin flights to O’Hare in October but promised it remains committed to serving the Champaign-Urbana community. American Airlines continues to provide service between Willard Airport and Chicago.

Suspect arrested in Crawford County cold case

A Crawford County man is facing murder charges in connection with a 12-year-old death investigation.

Police say 74-year-old Norman England of Freelandville, Indiana, was found dead of a gunshot wound inside his relative’s home in rural Flat Rock on August 21, 2014.

Illinois State Police picked up the investigation and arrested Matthew V. Miller, 46, of Flat Rock on Friday. Miller is charged with first-degree murder.

Accused Joliet sex offender turns himself in

A Joliet man has been arrested after the city’s police department asked Illinois State Police to investigate a sexual abuse allegation.

Kurt Johnson, 72, turned himself in on Thursday after the DuPage County state’s attorney approved an arrest warrant the day before. Johnson is charged with 44 criminal counts, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and child sex abuse material.

Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cybertip line.

South Holland tech company to expand

Fueled by an estimated $725,253 in state tax credits, a South Holland company is planning to expand its south suburban operation and also join the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago.

Ability Engineering Technology, Inc. is the second announced tenant of the IQMP FaQtory for quantum park suppliers. FaQtory is partially funded by the federal government through its Tech Hubs competition and partially funded by state quantum funds.

According to AET’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax-credit agreement with the state, the investment is expected to create five new full-time jobs.