Boone County Watchdog
Intended as a discussion group, the blog has evolved to be more of a reading list of current issues affecting our county, its government and people. All reasonable comments and submissions welcomed. Email us at: bill.pysson@gmail.com REMEMBER: To view our sister blog for education issues: www.district100watchdog.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Will Trump’s NSPM-7 end all controversial speech?
Here is a summary of NSPM—7”s effects;
Brennan Center for Justice says:
“Building on the Antifa executive order, which already targets a broad range of political speech, NSPM-7 directs federal agencies to prioritize investigations of a swath of identities and ideologies that it depicts as falling under “the umbrella of self-described ‘anti-fascism.’” These include “anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity; support for the overthrow of the United States government; extremism on migration, race, and gender; and hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.” This breathtakingly broad list easily encompasses everyone from labor organizers, socialists, many libertarians, those who criticize Christianity, pro-immigration groups, anti-ICE protesters, and racial justice and transgender activists, to anyone who holds views that the administration considers to be “anti-American.”
For more details go to: 'They Can Take Any Of Us': NJ Activists Rally Against NSPM-7, Criticize Trump Memo
Other references: How Trump’s National Security memo targets political dissent - Salon.com
The actual document: Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence – The White House
Friday, November 7, 2025
Illinois Dept of Human Service: Snap Benefits
Illinois Department of Human ServicesJB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary
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SNAP Federal Impact Center
As of Friday evening, the Trump Administration has not complied with court orders to provide full funding for November SNAP benefits. Without this federal funding, Illinois cannot distribute full benefits for November. IDHS stands ready to quickly issue full benefits as soon as the Trump Administration fulfills the courts' orders and transfers the required funds. Partial benefits are being paid. Those who are regularly scheduled to receive benefits Nov. 1 through Nov. 6 will receive partial benefits over the next six days, with Nov. 1 benefits loading on Nov. 7, Nov. 2 benefits loading on Nov. 8, etc. Customers who ordinarily would receive their SNAP benefits on Nov. 7 or later will receive a partial benefit on their regular date. Due to the USDA changing their guidance on partial benefits late on Nov. 5, some customers may receive an additional partial benefit payment after their first, scheduled dates. NOTE: For some customers, the federal administration's requirements will leave them with no benefit for November.
SNAP is 100% federally funded, and the Trump Administration delaying, reducing, or entirely eliminating payments affects all 1.9 million recipients in Illinois. The State does not have the budgetary ability to replace these vital resources. Benefits left on cards from previous months can still be used.
We understand that the uncertainty around SNAP benefits is deeply concerning for families across Illinois. IDHS is committed to keeping families informed and supported as this situation continues to evolve in the courts and at the federal level.
Above is from: IDHS: SNAP Federal Impact Center
Use above address for any updates.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
WIFR: Boone County Clerk is sentenced
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - Former Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss will spend time behind bars for stealing from the county.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Bliss pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property and two counts of official misconduct.
Bliss is sentenced to four years of probation and 180 days, or about six months, in the Boone County Jail.
Former Boone Co. Clerk Julie Bliss sentenced for theft of government property
The plea and sentence were negotiated by the Public Integrity Unit of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
In 2023, Bliss was accused of using a county credit card for personal purchases at Walmart, Farm and Fleet and Amazon; as well as using county funds to pay off personal debt and stole cash.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Bliss Case may finally be over
The felony case against Boone County Recorder and Clerk, Julie Bliss , may finally becoming to an end. The case against Bliss was initiates on August 31, 2023 A plea deal will be presented to Judge Paccagnini on September 2, 2025. Subject to the judge’s approval the case maybe finally concluded after two years.
For further details go to: Boone County, IL | Case Information