Regional Media Podcast Network

Senate Bill Aims to Expand Physician Assistant Roles and Improve Health Care Access in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by health care providers, students, patients and the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates for a press conference on a new law that would modernize PA practice laws, improving health care access across the state.

“Last year, I was proud to sponsor legislation to begin the journey to allow physician assistants to practice to their full potential,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This year’s Senate Bill 3421 is critical as we face an access to health care crisis in Illinois.”

With similar training as nurses and doctors, PAs can provide high-quality health care, but have run into difficulties getting their license approved due to a long, tedious paperwork approval process. Senate Bill 3421 would remove outdated practice barriers for PAs, allowing them to deliver care more effectively and efficiently. The legislation allows PAs to obtain a license to prescribe and administer certain controlled substances without a written agreement from a doctor, as nurses are currently able to do.

“This legislation is vital because our healthcare system continues to face increasing strain. Recognizing and empowering PAs in our communities will make a significant impact,” said Timothy Kinsey, a PA in emergency medicine and executive director of IAPA. “They are highly trained professionals who can serve as the first line of defense against serious health issues.”

This legislation is crucial as it aligns with the growing demand for health care services while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

“Many communities, including my own, are experiencing medical deserts, and PAs are a vital part of the solution,” said Cervantes. “The federal government has initiated a Rural Health Transformation initiative, and Illinois risks leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table if we do not modernize our PA practice laws. The time to act is now.”

Senate Bill 3421 awaits assignment to a legislative committee.

Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Talks Heart Health Month, Dr. Ford Retirement, Insurance Navigators, and 12 Communities in 12 Months

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Heart Health Month, Dr. Ford's retirement, insurance navigators, the new WIC location in Kewanee, and 12 communities in 12 months. February marks American Heart Month, and area health officials are urging residents to prioritize heart health. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are now offering free access to automated blood pressure monitors in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Individuals can use these monitors and take home a printout of their results. A new loaner program also allows residents to track blood pressure at home. The new WIC offices in Kewanee are open at 109 South Burr Boulevard, offering expanded services for families. In other news, Dr. Donald Ford retires after nearly five decades of distinguished service. Details about insurance help, WIC applications, and health resources can be found at henrystarkhealth.com. Health insurance navigators are available at several local venues in February to help with coverage questions and enrollment.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Sara Billiet Talks February 2026 Events at the Kewanee Public Library

Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library District joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the new non-fiction adult book club, the Page Turners Book of the Month, the Virtual Alzheimer's program, Sesame Street story time, and the new Blind Date with a Book Club. The Kewanee Public Library is rolling out a busy February and spring for the community. This month, virtual programs with the Alzheimer’s Association shine a light on understanding dementia, starting February 17 at 3 PM. For book lovers, the longstanding Page Turners fiction club is joined by the new Curious Minds non-fiction club, set to debut with meetings on the last Wednesday of each month. Adults are invited to join a new tabletop gaming club starting March 4. For families, a Sesame Street-themed story time takes place on February 21 at 11:15 AM, complete with crafts and music. Details and updates are available on the library’s website and Facebook page.

Kaela from The YWCA of The Sauk Valley

Sam from Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce

Rotary Wednesday with Allen Przysucha from Sterling Noon

Wake Up Tri-Counties Katie Laleman Talks National Convention, Succession Planning Workshop, "Bushels for Hunger," Scholarships, and Contests

Katie Laleman with the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about young leaders at the national convention, the succession planning workshop, "Bushels for Hunger," scholarships, and contests.  The Farm Bureau has been bustling with activity, highlighted by recent successes at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in California, where young local leaders excelled in national competitions. Kate Huffman of Galva made Illinois proud with her strong showing. On the local front, farm families are encouraged to attend a succession planning workshop on February 20th, designed to help with the transition of family farms. Additionally, the Bushels for Hunger initiative continues its impactful run—over $354,000 and 1.77 million meals have been donated to local food banks over 16 years. Information on scholarships and contests is available on the Farm Bureau’s website.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Mayor Volkert Talks New Playground Equipment, Cemetery Cleanup, Warning for Tax Scams, and Grants for Trees

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss plans to replace playground equipment at Wiley Park, using funds from solar revenue, with city staff and volunteers slated to assist with installation this spring. The city council recently sold a surplus box truck for $1,550 and transferred ownership of a Northwest First Avenue property to a nearby resident. A new 20-year lease with Ameren will bring in $125,000 over its term for gas line use. Officials continue to evaluate options for a replacement street sweeper and remind residents about upcoming cemetery cleanup dates and the risks of tax-related scams. Grants were also discussed for maintaining and replanting the city’s trees.

Cemetery cleanup begins on March 29th. Items need to be removed from the cemetery before March 29th, and then things can be put back on after April 3rd.