Illinois asks for FEMA help after August storms

Trump administration denied state’s last request for help after 2025 storms

By BEN SZALINSKI
Capitol News Illinois
bszalinski@captiolnewsillinois.com

Article Summary

• Illinois is asking for federal disaster relief for eight counties hit by storms in August. 

• The storms brought damaging winds and tornadoes to the south suburbs and McLean County while other central Illinois communities were hit hard by flooding.

• Gov. JB Pritzker’s request follows a state disaster declaration and signals the events require more help than the state can provide.

• The Trump administration denied Illinois’ two most recent requests for disaster help last year. 

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

Illinois is asking the federal government for help recovering from August storms that left a trail of destruction through Chicago’s south suburbs and several central Illinois counties.

Gov. JB Pritzker requested a presidential major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday for eight counties hit by tornadoes, high winds and flooding in mid-August. He also extended the state’s disaster proclamation for another month to continue making extra resources available to impacted communities. 

“I will always fight to secure all available federal resources needed most by our communities, especially when the evidence gathered through the damage assessment is clear to pursue it,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Given the scale and severity of destruction in communities across our state, I fully expect our request for FEMA aid to be granted.” 

The governor’s request covers Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion and Will counties. It comes after the state completed a preliminary damage assessment and determined the areas should meet the threshold for federal assistance and the damage is beyond the state’s ability to handle by itself. 

Read more: Pritzker tours storm damage, signs flood relief bill expanding local Chicago programs

On Aug. 11, a storm produced tornadoes and wind gusts approaching 100 mph in southern Cook County and Will County, according to the National Weather Service. Many of those same communities were slammed by tornadoes and high winds on July 27 and were still recovering.

More storms on Aug. 13 brought significant wind damage to McLean County, where the Normal Fire Department said it set a new record for most calls during a 24-hour shift. Many communities in central Illinois reported flooding from another round of storms on Aug. 14.

If FEMA approves Pritzker’s request, the agency’s individual assistance program would be available to residents in counties impacted by the storms. The program provides grants for temporary housing or home repairs, loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other help for business owners. Local governments would also be able to use FEMA’s public assistance program to repair infrastructure and receive reimbursements for debris removal and emergency responses to the storms. 

No guarantee 

It’s no sure thing the federal government will approve Illinois’ request. 

A Politico analysis earlier this year found Democrat-led states saw just 23% of their disaster requests granted in the first year of Trump’s second term, compared to 89% for their Republican counterparts. Under the past six administrations — including Trump’s first term — states led by either party saw similar rates of approval, between 70% and 90%. The analysis also found the administration takes twice as long to issue decisions on requests from blue states.

The federal government denied Illinois’ most recent requests for FEMA assistance in 2025 after parts of Chicago and the suburbs were hit hard by storms and flooding. The agency determined that both of these events did not qualify for federal aid. 

Illinois also leads the nation in tornadoes, with 210 confirmed so far this year. Though many communities have been hard hit, the state has not asked FEMA for help until now. Instead, Pritzker asked for and received help from the U.S. Small Business Administration after six storm events this year. 

President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to raise the threshold for events to qualify for FEMA disaster assistance. A review council recommended earlier this year that the agency raise the threshold for events to qualify as a federal disaster by 50%, which would’ve saved the federal government $1.5 billion in disaster relief between 2012 and 2025, according to NPR.

August’s storms also ushered in some political hot air. Pritzker’s Republican opponent, Darren Bailey, quickly visited communities impacted by the storms to declare Pritzker abdicated his duty by attending State Fair festivities on the same day instead. The governor visited storm-impacted residents in Lansing later that week, but Bailey said Pritzker should’ve already asked for FEMA’s help. 

A state disaster declaration is “the kickoff of our attempt to get federal money,” Pritzker said at an Aug. 14 news conference. “That’s the signal. We take that document, that disaster declaration, and essentially present it to the federal government, saying, ‘We’ve declared a disaster, it’s time for you to deliver.’ And so it doesn’t need to happen on Day 1.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Storm damage can be seen throughout Lansing on Aug. 14, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Maggie Dougherty)

New MCPD Officer Introduced At City Council Meeting

The Mt. Carmel Police Department introduced its newest officer during Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting.

Police Chief Erin Peach introduced Officer Joseph Wood, who recently graduated from the police academy.

Wood is a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and completed his academy training near the top of his class.

Mayor Joe Judge said Wood performed well academically, finishing among the top four members of his academy class. Judge said instructors spoke highly of the graduating class during its recent ceremony.

The mayor said city officials are proud to welcome Wood to the Mt. Carmel Police Department and look forward to watching him grow throughout his law-enforcement career.

Wood began his service with the department as a cadet and has now advanced to the position of police officer following the completion of his academy training.

Members of the City Council welcomed Wood and congratulated him on his graduation and new position with the Mt. Carmel Police Department.

MCPD Chief Erin Peach with new officer Joseph Wood.

New Aquatic Center Taking Shape

Mayor Joe Judge says construction on Mt. Carmel’s new city pool continues to make steady progress.

During Friday’s “Ask the Mayor” segment on WSJD, Judge said crews have finished the bathhouse structure and have begun applying an insulation barrier. Spray foam has also been installed inside the concrete blocks, with roof trusses expected to go up soon.

Crews have also been digging a large trench for water lines that will connect the main pool shell to the bathhouse and chemical room.

Judge said the pool will be filled with water this fall so its systems can be tested. The water will remain in the pool throughout the winter.

Installation of the pool’s dual slides is expected in early December. Judge said the manufacturer, believed to be Oasis, is running behind schedule and is not expected to deliver the slides until mid-November.

Most of the construction work is expected to be completed by the first week of December. Crews will then return in April to conduct final testing ahead of the pool’s opening.

Wabash County Health Board Moves Forward With Solar Project Development

The Wabash County Board of Health Wednesday afternoon approved a project development agreement with Tick Tock Energy of Effingham, taking the first step toward a possible solar energy project at the Wabash County Health Department.

The action followed a presentation from Eric Pals of Tick Tock Energy, who outlined the proposed rooftop solar system, projected costs, available incentives and potential long-term savings.

Pals said the preliminary design calls for an 18.88-kilowatt DC solar array consisting of 32 solar panels. The system is projected to produce approximately 26,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

According to figures presented to the board, the Health Department currently has an annual electric bill of approximately $13,085. Pals estimated solar could reduce that expense by about 34 percent, with projected cumulative savings of approximately $92,000 over 15 years.

The preliminary project budget is $68,752. Pals said federal and state solar incentives could significantly reduce the Health Department's ultimate cost. He estimated approximately 68 percent of the basic project cost could be covered through incentives, although additional fees would reduce that percentage somewhat.

Wednesday's approval does not represent final authorization to purchase and install the solar system.

Under the project development agreement, Tick Tock Energy will develop construction plans, examine the building's electrical system and structure, and submit the proposed system to Mt. Carmel Public Utility for engineering review and approval. The proposed system could be adjusted depending on the results of that work.

Once that process is completed, Tick Tock Energy would return with a final construction contract and price. The Health Board would then have another opportunity to decide whether to proceed with installation.

Board members discussed the projected return as well as possible future maintenance expenses before indicating support for moving ahead with the development phase. One member said the maintenance estimates may be somewhat low but still described the project as a good idea.

Eric Pals of Tick Tock Energy makes a presentation to the Wabash County Health Board Wednesday.

Mt. Carmel Man Sentenced to Three Years on Methamphetamine Charge

A Mt. Carmel man has been sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a methamphetamine conviction in Wabash County.

Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman announced that 40-year-old Brandon Siverly was sentenced August 31st by Circuit Judge William Hudson in Wabash County Circuit Court.

Siverly was sentenced for Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, stemming from an offense that occurred on June 21st of this year.

Judge Hudson sentenced Siverly to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Following his release from prison, Siverly will also be required to serve six months of mandatory supervised release.

Covalt Resentenced to 120 Years

A former Mt. Carmel man has again been sentenced to 120 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following an appellate court ruling in his child pornography case.

Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman announced Wednesday that Chad Covalt was resentenced Tuesday by Judge William Hudson.

Covalt was originally convicted following a 2022 trial in Wabash County on 28 counts of child pornography and sentenced to a total of 120 years in prison.

Covalt appealed his convictions and sentence. During that review, the appellate court determined that a single child pornography video depicting multiple victims could support only one conviction rather than separate convictions for each victim shown in the video.

As a result, two of Covalt’s convictions were vacated, leaving 26 counts for resentencing.

On Tuesday, Judge Hudson resentenced Covalt on the remaining convictions, again imposing a combined sentence of 120 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The investigation that resulted in the charges against Covalt was conducted by Mt. Carmel Police Department Detective Sergeant Eddie Johnson.

The Wabash County State’s Attorney’s Office says it remains committed to pursuing cases involving the protection of children and upholding the results of the judicial process.

Mayor Judge Updates Council on New Illinois Laws

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says city officials are keeping an eye on new state laws and legislation that could impact the community.

During the recent Mt. Carmel City Council meeting, Judge reported that he recently attended a Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting, where local leaders discussed upcoming legislation and other issues affecting communities throughout the region.

Judge said mayors are also reviewing new Illinois laws that took effect July 1st, along with additional changes scheduled to take effect January 1st.

One issue receiving particular attention involves laws and regulations surrounding electric bicycles and scooters.

Judge called e-bikes and scooters a “hot item” among municipal officials and encouraged residents to make themselves aware of changes that will take effect at the beginning of the new year.

Judge said there is currently a lot happening at the state level, with recently approved legislation creating changes that municipalities will need to follow and address locally.

Wabash County Commissioners Hold Brief Monday Meeting

Not much business was transacted during Monday afternoon’s Wabash County Board of Commissioners meeting, which lasted just six minutes.

Board Chairman Tim Hocking reported there has been no new word from Bellwether concerning amended solar applications submitted to the county.

Hocking said work continues on the county budget, with meetings planned later this month with department heads to review their individual budgets.

The county has also heard from the state concerning its Energy Transition Community Grant. Hocking said that process continues to move forward, with the county leaning toward seeking reimbursement for individual projects rather than receiving grant money upfront.

Wabash County Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting reported crews have been busy with road work while keeping up despite the recent heat and the start of harvest.

The department recently tried using hot-mix asphalt for patching on County Road 400, south of Lake Prairie Church toward Wabash 12 Avenue. Bunting said the cost is comparable to cold mix, but hot mix is considered a better product. The county purchased approximately 25 tons for the trial and will monitor how the repairs hold up.

Bunting also reported that delayed road striping work has now been completed.

Sheriff Derek Morgan gave a brief report, telling commissioners his department has been busy and that the county jail is full.

Under new business, commissioners approved moving forward with a preliminary renewal of the county’s employee health insurance. Hocking said the county may still consider changing plans in an effort to reduce costs, with the Health Insurance Committee expected to review available options.

Commissioners had also planned to consider bids on surplus property, but those bids were not available at Monday’s meeting. The matter will be placed under old business for a future meeting.

County Clerk Janet Will reported her office is working on tax reports and preparations connected with the upcoming consolidated election.

Animal Control Warden Sam Osman’s August report showed six dogs, 19 skunks, 20 raccoons, three groundhogs and one snake were picked up during the month. Osman traveled 1,633 miles.

The meeting adjourned after approximately six minutes.

Vehicle Strikes Multiple People at Mesa Lake; Driver Arrested

On September 5, 2026, at approximately 6:35 p.m., the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle striking multiple people at a cabin located at 21155 East Point Lane near Mesa Lake.

Witnesses reported hearing screaming and yelling and initially believed the disturbance was an argument. Shortly thereafter, witnesses observed a red passenger vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed and discovered two individuals lying on the ground.

The preliminary investigation determined that Jagger O. T. Gourley, 20, of Mt. Carmel, had become involved in an altercation at the residence. During the incident, Gourley reportedly drove away while passengers were exiting the vehicle and standing nearby. According to witnesses, the vehicle subsequently stopped, backed up, and struck additional individuals who were in the area.

Gourley then left the area. A short time later, he contacted the owner of the vehicle and provided information regarding where the vehicle had been parked.

One individual was transported to Wabash General Hospital by a private party and treated for injuries. Two additional individuals reported sustaining injuries but did not immediately seek medical treatment.

Following the investigation, Gourley was charged with Reckless Driving, Failure to Remain at the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, Failure to Report a Personal Injury Accident, and Vehicular Hijacking.

Gourley was initially held at the Wabash County Jail. He was subsequently released on a Notice to Appear, on September 7, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mt. Carmel Commissioners Provide Department Updates

Mt. Carmel City Commissioners provided updates on street, financial, utility, fire and garbage operations during last Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting.

Streets and Parks Commissioner Tyson Meador reported that work continues on the Park Road sidewalk project. Crews also repaired a sinkhole on Division Street and replaced three stop signs that had been damaged or run over, with one additional sign still needing replacement.

Meador said crews have also continued cutting trees and brush away from roadways and assisted with a couple of water leaks.

Finance Commissioner Eric Ikemire reported the city’s General Fund brought in just over $45,000 in revenue during the past two weeks, primarily from utility taxes and miscellaneous revenue. General Fund revenue for the fiscal year now stands at just under $2.2 million, or approximately 43 percent of the budget. Ikemire said that puts the city ahead of schedule. Expenses over the two-week period totaled approximately $447,400.

Water and Sewer Commissioner Tom Meeks reported crews dealt with a water main break over the weekend and repaired or replaced four service lines. Employees also continued servicing equipment at the wastewater and water treatment plants along with regular day-to-day operations.

Fire and Garbage Commissioner Susan Zimmerman reported the Mt. Carmel Fire Department responded to six incidents over the past two weeks.

With another stretch of hot weather expected, Zimmerman reminded residents to be careful when using multiple fans or other electrical equipment. She cautioned against overloading electrical outlets, which could create a fire hazard.

Zimmerman also reminded residents that Mt. Carmel’s Fall Clean Up will run October 2nd through the 17th. Community-wide yard sales are planned for October 2nd and 3rd.

Unlike some previous clean-up events, there will be no curbside collection. Residents will be responsible for taking unwanted items to the Brush Arbor Recycling Center and are asked not to leave items along the curb.

The recycling center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the clean-up period, with extended hours until 7 p.m. on October 6th and October 16th.