(Paxton--jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda School Board is set to begin the search for a new high School football coach. The reason is that current football coach and Director of Student Services Jeff Graham will be the new Superintendent and Principal at Ludlow Grade School. The school board is expected to address the open position next month and Graham starts his new job on July First of this year. Graham is replacing popular school superintendent Dru  Lobmaster.

 

(Paxton--jc)  A fire last night in Paxton caused damage to a shed. Paxton Firefighters were called to a building at the corner of Vermilion and Holmes street in the city. The fire started around 7pm. The building was home to several antique cars. No word on damage to the building or its content was made available. WPXN News will update this story as more official news becomes available.

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- One local golf course has a new buddy system approach. Lakeview Golf Course and Country Club is a public golf course in Loda. Lakeview Golf Course Manager Doug McCoy says one to become a member is joining with a “buddy”...

 

 

Lakeview Golf and Country Club Course Manager Doug McCoy

There will be an informational meeting tonight at 6pm for anyone looking to join a Wednesday night league. If you can't make tonight's meeting, there will be another one on Saturday March 30th at 3pm. Both meetings will take place at the Golf Course in Loda.

 

 

(Springfield--ba)-Illinois’ spring trout season kicks off on Saturday, April sixth. It’s the time of year many anglers have been waiting for says State Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Ed Cross.

 

 

State Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Ed Cross.

 

(Bloomington--jc) As an Illinois taxpayer, would  you favor a plan to make it harder to pass tax hikes or new taxes?  Ray Watt reports…

 

 

 

CHICAGO (AP) — Fox Television, which produces "Empire," says it is "gratified" that all charges against actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped. In one-sentence statement, Fox says: "Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified that all charges against him have been dismissed."

 

 

CHICAGO (AP) — The NCAA is being sued by the parents of a suburban Chicago Christian college freshman who was struck and killed in 2017 by an errant hammer throw at a track and field meet. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of Ethan Roser in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges the NCAA was negligent by failing to enact minimum size requirements for safety cages and failing to require trained officials at track and field events. NCAA officials did not immediately respond to a call for comment.

 

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois lawmakers are considering a proposal that would raise the state's gas tax by 19 cents a gallon to pay for transportation infrastructure repairs. The Chicago Tribune reports that Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval of Chicago introduced the measure last week. It could raise an additional $2 billion in revenue annually and would be the state's first gas tax increase since 1990. The bill also proposes raising fees for driver's licenses and vehicle registration.

 

 (Springfield--jc)  -- Illinois lawmakers are working on creating a harsher penalty for people who cause a serious injury to another person while texting and driving.Under the proposal, a driver who causes great bodily harm to another while distracted by using a phone or other electronic device would face a $1,000 fine and a year without a license. Currently, the penalty is $75, along with other punishments for dangerous driving.The bill, sponsored by Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Macomb, came after a constituent in her district that lost his leg in a crash where the other driver was texting while behind the wheel.

 

(Springfield--jc)  SNAP benefits will be issued to all recipients between April 1 and April 10th. Kim Howard has the details…

 

 

 

(AP) — A federal judge has ordered the arrest of two allies of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan for failing to appear for depositions in a lawsuit filed by Madigan's opponent in the 2016 election.  Joseph Nasella and Michael Kuba were subpoenaed by Jason Gonzales, who ran against Madigan. Gonzales claims the speaker's team stacked the ballot with phony candidates with Latino-sounding last names to confuse voters. The two men last year were no-shows for depositions.

 

(Gibson City--jc)  Those with the Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Foundation are hosting a donor recognition event in April.  Gibson Area Hospital officials will be making a major announcement during the event. C-E-O Rob Schmitt will update the group on the new Medical Office Building Project. The event will serve as the official launch for the capital campaign for this project.

 

(Washington-jc)  -- What's ahead over the next ten years for the U.S. beef, pork and broiler sectors? Gary Crawford has the story…

 

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  -Spring is here and soon area pools will be open for the summer. Officials with the Rantoul Rec Department are  offering an Early Bird Special on ALL pool passes. This sale will run from May 1-May 8. Added to the seasonal pass include a  30 min early entrance on weekends and a VIP pool party on August Second for all pass holders Individual passes can be purchased online at myrantoul.com, family passes will need to be purchased over the phone or in the office.