(Undated--jc) --- Farmers continue to bear the brunt of trade wars. That’s according to the Illinois Farm Bureau. In a statement Monday, the I-F-B said corn and soybean prices are depressed already and with a huge grain inventory, they are worried export markets will be further diminished. U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods are expected to be met with similar tariffs from China on U.S. goods, including agricultural products.
(Urbana--jc) -- An Urbana High School student was arrested on Monday for allegedly threatening another student on social media. School officials called Urbana police about the situation. The student was arrested and taken to the Champaign County Youth Detention Center on a disorderly conduct and illegal possession of ammunition charge
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — An 18-year prison sentence has been handed a central Illinois man found guilty but mentally ill of attempted murder and child abduction. Thomas Boitnott of St. Joseph was accused of taking his then-6-month-old daughter from her home in 2015 and abandoning her in a soybean field in a rural part of town. In handing down an 18-year sentence on Monday, Champaign reports Judge Jason Bohm said Boitnott's daughter, now 4, should be an adult when he gets out of prison and can decide if her father is a part of her life.
(Washinton--ba) -- What are the details from the latest National Interagency Fire Center wildfire outlook for this May. U-S-D-A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest..
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Gibson City--jc) More reaction coming from some state lawmakers over the 1 point 6 Billion dollar surplus of funds into the state’s coffers in April. The consensus of Republican Party leaders is that Illinois is showing the ability to get to a balanced budget without a progressive tax or other additional tax on Illinoisans. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the two sides need to work together for the budget…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Springfield--jc) -- State lawmakers are back Today for the final two weeks of legislative session. In addition to a proposed $39 billion spending plan and tax and fee increases proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, lawmakers may also deliberate legalizing cannabis for recreational adult use, expanding gambling to include sports betting and a gas tax hike to pay for statewide infrastructure projects.Session ends May 31.
(Cissna Park-- jc) -- Some road construction in Southern Iroquois County began on Monday. The area is Route 49 just south of Cissna Park . Illinois Department of Transportation officials says to expect delays in the area. The construction on Route 49 will run from the second curve to the Vermilion County line. Work is expected to be completed in late June.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The A-trel group, associated with the University of Illinois, continues to work on a 47 acre tract on the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. In the first part of a three part series, WPXN News looks at the economic development benefits for the village and area. Officials with the U of I College of Engineering are using the facilities to seek better roadways, airports and rail systems. Rantoul Village leaders are hoping to expand with work on autonomous vehicles. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says one reason Rantoul works for the proposed project is all the weather for all the seasons…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
WPXN News will have more on the subject on Wednesday’s am news.
(Rantoul--jc) -- A member of local State Senator Scott Bennetts office will be at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office today from noon til 1. They will answer questions and hear concerns of constituents.
(Vermilion County--jc) -- A Williamsport Indiana man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for molesting a child in Vermilion COunty last year. The News Gazette reports that 29 year old Johnathon Trammell plead guilty to the class x felony on Monday. Under the truth in sentencing law, he must serve 85 percent of the sentence.
(Springfield--ba)-- Over 600 Illinois farmers have applied for hemp licenses as a crop. WPXNs Braedon Arnett looks at the history of hemp and its practical purposes in the marketplace today...
(Springfield--jc) -- Wet conditions continue to plague Illinois farm fields. In updating the weekly crop report, corn planting advanced by just one point last week, to 11 percent complete. No progress on soybean planting in Illinois over the past 7 days. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 35 percent of winter wheat has headed…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener.
Just a few fields in Champaign, Vermilion, Ford and Iroquois Counties have been planted. The consensus of area farmers is that several more days need to be warm and dry before planting can begin. Some farm field prep work continues today in the WPXN listening area.
(Undated--jc) Maybe some good news are area farmers, some sun and somewhat warmer weather this week as the planting season continues to stall. Illinois Water Survey Spokesperson Brian Kerschner says some mostly dry weather is here…
Illinois Water Survey in Champaign Spokesperson Brian Kerschner
(Rantoul--jc) -- Rantoul Village leaders are expected to give their o-k to purchasing two transformers for the village at a cost of around 111 thousand dollars when they meet in monthly session tonight. Local leaders are also ready to approve an investment in body cameras for the Rantoul Police department. Local leaders will be asked to approve 28 Axon body cameras at a cost of 21 thousand 447 dollars. An agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, and a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are also agenda items. The Rantoul Village Board meeting comes to order at 6 Tonight in the meeting room on Tanner Street.
(Rantoul--jc) Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Rantoul and Ford County Director Kristian Hopkins says the program is seeking additional “Bigs” to help with area kids. Hopkins says the process takes a little time, but it is worth it…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rantoul and Ford County Director Kristian Hopkins. Big Brothers-Big Sisters plans a fundraiser golf outing on June 21st at Lake of Woods Golf Course in Mahomet
(Springfield--jc) The Illinois Department of Revenue is offering some relief to flood victims struggling with their state taxes. Taxpayers in 34 flood ravaged counties can request a waiver from penalties and interest for income taxes, withholding, sales, specialty and excise taxes. Department of Revenue spokesperson Sam Salustro says those seeking a waiver should e-mail Rev-dot-disaster-relief-at-Illinois-dot-gov…
Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Sam Salustro
(Watseka--jc) -- A flood mitigation meeting is set for the Iroquois County town of Watseka later this month. The meeting is set for Trinity Church in Watseka on May 21st.The meeting starts at 7pm. The city of Watseka is also receiving some federal funds to use for flood prevention.
(undated--- Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Louisville, Tulsa, Austin and Ft. Worth are among the stops planned for the fall continuation of the “Imagine Nation Tour.” Multi-platinum selling MercyMe will spearhead the run alongside fellow GRAMMY® nominee Crowder and GMA Dove nominee Micah Tyler. They all will perform at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Tickets go on sale on Friday
