(Springfield--jc) -- Democrats stand to get more money for their legislative districts than Republicans under a proposed $45 billion infrastructure plan, a top state Democrat said. A Republican involved in the late-night negotiations said talks with Governor J.B. Pritzker's office resulted in more money for Republican districts, but said the spending was still lopsided at the end of the legislative session. Democrats have veto-proof majorities in both chambers. Once the new capital spending plan signed into law earlier this month is finalized, districts represented by Illinois’ Democratic lawmakers will, on average, get more than districts represented by Republicans by what a high-ranking Democrat described as a two-to-one margin.
(Melvin--jc) - Tonight at the Ford County Fair it’s Martin Xtreme Supercross Racing. The event begins at 7 tonight. There is also a gate reduction to 3 dollars and a 15 dollar armband night for the carnival will run from 6pm to 10pm. Kurt Blunier will be DJ'ing in the beer tent from 7-10:30.
WPXN continues Summer Fun Tour Stop number 5 over the noon hour today. Today’s guest is 20-19 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Evie Ellis.
(Undated--ba) Summer time is grilling time. It’s Safety time too. WPXN’s Braedon Arnett has some food safety tips....
(MATTOON, Ill. (AP) — A central Illinois teacher has been named a Carnegie hero after subduing a teen who opened fire at Mattoon High School in September 2017. The Carnegie Hero Fund announced this year's honorees including 40-year-old teacher Angela McQueen of Mattoon. The award is given to those who risk their lives to save others and includes a financial grant.
(Pontiac--jc) Bond for a Livingston County man was set at 250 thousand dollars on child pornagraphy charges. State Police say 37 year old Jay Pitchford, formerly of Pontiac was arrested in Arizona this week. Pitchford was arrested by the U. S Marshals Service.
(Melvin--jc) With the selection of a new Fair Queen at the Ford County Fair Monday night, also comes proud families, friends and parents. 17 year old Evie Ellis of Paxton is the new Miss Ford County Fair Queen. Her Mom, Sally Ellis of Paxton says this is a wonderful experience for her daughter…
Fair Queen Mom and proud parent Sally Ellis of Paxton.
(Ludlow--jc) Paxton Buckley Loda Teacher and coach Jeff Graham is set to begin a new job in a nearby district on Monday. Graham will be taking over for Dru Lobmaster as Superintendent and Principal in Ludlow on July First. One of the first agenda items for the new Superintendent will be to take care of a new contract with teachers. That issue has been agreed upon and will be a subject at the July meeting of the Ludlow School district.
(Watseka--jc) -- The Watseka Wednesday farmers’ market is available to the general public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Old Courthouse Museum in Watseka. The market is open to anyone who would like to set up a table or booth area to offer their wares, which can include garden produce, baked goods, to craft items More information about the free farmers’ market, call the museum office at 815-432-2215. On Saturday, the annual Garden Faire will take place on the grounds of the museum. Vendors will offer similar items. The Red Barn, located on the museum grounds, will offer food and drinks.
(Paxton--jc) The First Methodist Church in Paxton is the venue for choir practices for the city’s 4th of July Community Choir. The next rehearsal is tonight at 7pm If you love church and love to sing you are invited to attend. The choir will sing several patriotic tunes at 9-30 a m Thursday July 4th at Pells Park in Paxton.
(Springfield--ba)-- Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible select a one-year contract extension. USDA’s Farm Service Agency also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest conversation programs. FSA’s 52nd signup for CRP runs from June 3 to August 23.
(Springfield--ba) --Illinois has approved the most stringent laws in the nation for the use of a cancer-causing sterilization agent commonly used to clean medical equipment.Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Matt Haller Act – named after one of the local residents who died of cancer believed to be from ethylene oxide – on Friday. It sets strict emissions requirements. Companies in Illinois have six months to comply with the emissions requirements or face being shut down by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(Crescent City--jc) -- One fair continues this week and another is set for mid-July. At the Ford County Fair today at the Ford County Fair its Martin Xtreme Supercross Racing. The event begins at 7 tonight. There is also a gate reduction to 3 dollars and a 15 dollar armband night for the carnival will run from 6pm to 10pm Kurt Blunier will be DJ'ing in the beer tent from 7-10:30. Soon it will be time for the Iroquois County Fair. WPXN’s Braedon Arnett has that story.
(Springfield--ba)-Adults in Illinois will be able to enjoy recreational marijuana come January first. Governor JB pritzker signed the new law…letting Illinois residents 21 and older possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, five grams of cannabis concentrate and edibles with up to 500 milligrams of THC. He says it's the right thing to do.
Illinois Governor JB pritzker
(Washington--ba)-USDA has released the names of 40 funding recipients under its Community Facilities program, which still has two billion dollars available for projects this year. USDA’s Stephanie Ho has that story.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — An advocacy group for Mississippi River communities says this year's prolonged flooding has created more than $2 billion in damage. Mayors from river communities agreed Tuesday that this year's flood has been particularly damaging because of how long it has stuck around. Colin Wellenkamp of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative says the river has been above flood stage at some southern towns for more than 200 days.
(Springfield--jc) --Members of the state's largest employee union ratified a new contract, but just how much the four-year deal will cost remains unclear. The contract includes more than 11.5 percent in raises over four years for nearly 40,000 employees, a $625 stipend for every year an employee worked without a contract during the four years of former Governor. Bruce Rauner's administration, and other benefits. The position of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council is this is a fair contract for all. The cost though remains unclear..Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said that’s a disservice to the people who will pay for the new contract. The new fiscal year 20-20 budget will be enacted on Monday. No factors for higher employee costs were not totaled for the new budget.
CHICAGO (AP) — Bloomington officials say the owner of an exotic cat that escaped and scratched two people before being killed by police is facing a fine. City attorney Jeff Jurgens says the owner of the caracal cat is facing a $1,000 fine for not registering her animal and a $100 fine for permitting the cat to run at large. Police spokesman John Fermon says after attacking a 32-year-old woman and her daughter Sunday, the cat also tried to attack a medium-sized dog. The caracal is native to Africa.
(Melvin--jc) -- The Ford County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds in Melvin. Ford County Fair Officer Dallas Meyer says the local fair has a long history of bringing in national acts to Melvin…
Ford County Fair Officer Dallas Meyer.
(Paxton--jc) There is still time to donate items for a garage sale and bake sale in Paxton set for Saturday. Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living will be hosting a community garage sale and bake sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the nursing home on Fulton Street in the city.
