(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff says a man is dead after apparently shooting himself inside an Urbana motel room. Deputies were assisting the U.S. Marshals with an arrest warrant Wednesday afternoon at the Courtesy Motel. Authorities say they knocked on a motel room door, and a person inside the room said they had a gun. Shortly after, authorities heard a gunshot come from inside the room. Authorities were then able to get inside, and they found a man’s body with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Schools will be able to teach students about proper gun storage under a new state law. The measure was sponsored by Representative Maura Hischauer of Batavia…

 

 

State Representative Maura Hischauer of Batavia. Supporters say this will help prevent gun accidents at home. Schools can already teach kids about hunting safety. The new law takes effect in January.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launched a new program that trains law enforcement officers and social workers. According to U of I police, the one-week academy may be the first of its kind. The course puts an emphasis on clinical assessment of people experiencing mental health related emergencies, with a heavy focus on suicide risk assessment. A large part of the academy involves scenario-based training.

 

(Danville-jm) – A man who used to live in Danville will spend 11 years behind bars for delivery of methamphetamine. Jeffery Pate pleaded guilty to a charge of delivering between five and 15 grams of meth. Approximately one year ago, Pate was the subject of an investigation conducted by the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and was recorded on video delivering 14 grams of meth to an undercover operative.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The latest unemployment numbers are out. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses what they mean…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Danville-jm) – New technology is already being used in courtrooms at the Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse.  And more is expected to be installed soon.  Judges have requested the county upgrade technology in four courtrooms.  The request includes a new sound system, installing a courtroom evidence presentation system in each courtroom, and upgrading the fiber in the courthouse for better connectivity and speed. Members of the Vermilion County Board’s Finance and Personnel Committee heard the plans for the upgrade.   The County was able to secure a grant totaling over $275-thousand dollars earlier to upgrade some equipment in the Circuit Clerk’s Office.  Other improvements would cost $312,000 under a bid that was received.

 

(Washington-jm) – Traders will very shortly have a much better idea about the size of the upcoming U.S. wheat crop and the market situation for that crop.  Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – June is Pet Preparedness Month. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency reminds to include your dogs, cats and other pets in any disaster preparations, says Spokesperson Kevin Sur…

 

 

Illinois Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Kevin Sur. Sur says you should also include a toy for your pet and any other comforting items, as well as a few photos of you with your pet. IEMA says it’s also a good idea to think about where you would go if you had to evacuate your home since not all hotels or shelters accept animals.

 

(Guthrie-jm) – New automatic warning devices will be installed at the 750N grade crossing of the Illinois Central Railroad Company’s track, located near Guthrie in Ford County.  The Illinois Commerce Commission granted approval of the Stipulated Agreement, the project estimated cost to install the safety improvements is $327,927.

 

(Gifford-jm) – One area community won’t be holding their annual 4th of July celebration this year. Organizers of the Gifford Celebration canceled this year’s event. They hope to bring it back next year.

 

(Watseka-jm) – The Illinois primary is coming up on June 28th. Early voting is already underway. Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver talks about how early voting is going so far in Iroquois County…

 

 

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign tech firm is expanding. Starline Industries is moving into a larger building. The cost of the move and renovations of the new facility are expected to cost $9.4 million.

 

(Washington-jm) –  U.S. agricultural export sales values continue to break records, but what about actual sales volumes? Gary Crawford reports…