(Paxton–jc) Firefighters from Paxton, Buckey, and Loda were at the scene, early this morning, for a house fire in Paxton. Officials say the call to a home in the 400 block of West State Street came in around 1-30am today. No word on damage or injuries was provided.
(Springfield-jm) – According to new estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults and older teens had still not caught COVID-19 by the end of last year. Illinois had a higher prevalence of past infections at just over 80% than the U.S. average of 77%. Iowa had the largest share of residents with a prior infection at 90.6%. Vermont had the lowest percentage at just over 64%.
(Springfield-jm) – It was a derecho (deh-rey-show) that swept through the central part of the state last Thursday. The National Weather Service defines a derecho as a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Thursday’s storms left thousands without power, semi’s overturned on the highway and tree limbs strewn across yards and streets. State Climatologist Trent Ford says it took a toll on many areas…
State Climatologist Trent Ford. Some areas remain without power as the cleanup continues.
(Champaign-jm) – One man is dead in Champaign from a shooting, Champaign Police said. Champaign Police reported officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of W. Springfield Avenue at 7:06 p.m. on Monday, July 3, for a report of a shooting with injuries. Officers found 27-year-old Marcus A. Catchings Jr. of Champaign unresponsive inside an apartment from an apparent gunshot wound, police said.
(Champaign–jc) Recent rains were gladly accepted by area farmers over the past week. Crops are knee high here on the 4th of July, but more rain is needed for good numbers at harvest, says Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady…
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady.
(St. Joseph-jm) – The Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation is investigating an officer involved shooting in Champaign County. According to ISP, on July 3, 2023 at 7:47 p.m., Troopers assisted Danville Police Department officers, Vermilion County Sheriff’s deputies, and Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies in a pursuit throughout Vermilion and Champaign counties of a vehicle believed to be involved in a shooting in Clinton, Iowa. Police report after briefly losing sight of the vehicle, it was located again in the area of 2200 County Road 2250 East. While searching the area, an Illinois Department of Natural Resource officer located the suspect, identified as Randy Jackson, in a detached garage. Jackson engaged in a standoff and ISP SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team members were called to the location. An ISP trooper discharged their firearm, after Jackson refused to comply. He was struck and taken to a nearby hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. No officers were struck or injured during the incident.
(Washington-jm) – This fall's USDA agricultural trade mission to Chile will be led by the Department's Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois small businesses continue to struggle to recover from the pandemic, a survey shows a majority of them are facing higher rent payments.
The small business network Alignable reports that 55% are paying higher rent than six months ago, and 16% say their rent is over 20% higher than in January. 42% of Illinois small businesses could not make their rent payments in June, with lingering inflation and a lack of revenues also taking a toll on businesses nationwide. Illinois’ rent delinquency rates in June are the 5th highest in the country behind only New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and Ohio.
(Springfield-jm) – Dealing with downed tree limbs after Thursday’s storms? A horticulture expert at the University of Illinois Extension Office has some advice for cleaning up? Any limbs or trees near power lines should be dealt with by the utility company, and if you are using a chainsaw to reduce debris, the Extension’s Chris Enroth has these three safety tips…
University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist Chris Enroth. Enroth says you should call a certified arborist if broken limbs are stuck up high in a tree, but be sure the person is from a legit company. An arborist can also assess if a tree is still stable after a storm.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been arrested following an investigation into a June 30, 2023, traffic incident near the intersection of N. Neil and Maple Street. Officers found 20-year-old Treighton Puckett of Urbana and his wrecked motorcycle near the roadway. The investigation indicates that the motorcyclist was driving southbound on Neil Street when another vehicle entered his lane. This caused the bike to perform an unsuccessful evasive maneuver and resulted in the motorcycle crashing in the roadway. On July 4, 2023, Champaign Police arrested 51-year-old Ryan Chester from Champaign on charges including leaving the scene of an accident involving great bodily harm, and/or death.
(Champaign–jc) Recent rains were gladly accepted by area farmers over the past week. Crops are knee high here on the 4th of July, but more rain is needed for good numbers at harvest. Topics for farmers here in July have a wide range. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece has more…
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece
(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois police are investigating a report of sexual assault that occurred early Tuesday morning on University property. The News Gazette reports a campus safety notice was sent to students, faculty and staff informing that, UI police had received a report that a UI student was sexually assaulted at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, in an apartment on campus. Police said the student and the offender met on a dating app prior to the assault.
(Washington-jm) – How will the new USDA acreage data change the market prospects for corn and other crops? Analysts are working on the answer to that question right now. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN News Notes…
Rantoul first Freedom Friday of the year will be held this Friday from 6-9 pm in downtown Rantoul. Activities include live music by In Bloom Band, foam party, laser tag, bags tournament and more.
