(Springfield-jm) – Illinois will soon require water bottle filling stations inside most public buildings. The change will only apply to any new public buildings with an occupancy of over 100 people and properties that are 5,000 square feet or larger. State law currently requires water fountains in public buildings. Although, Democratic lawmakers and advocates said their plan could encourage more people to use personal reusable water bottles instead of adding plastic to landfills. The new law takes effect on January 1. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health must file rules to properly implement this change to the Illinois Plumbing License Law by July 1, 2026.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing the largest construction program in Illinois history. The six year, 41 billion dollar program will improve all modes of transportation across the state, says the Governor…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says projects are located in all 102 Illinois counties. This record level investment is part of the state’s Rebuild Illinois program. WPXN News will hi-lite the projects in the WPXN listening area in the following days.

 

(Paxton-jm) – American Legion Women’s Auxiliary is the latest Paxton IGA roundup recipient. The group received a check for $5,612 from Paxton IGA. The Round Up program provides opportunities for customers to give back to the community and helps non-profits and charities earn money. Customers are asked if they'd like to "round up" their bill to the next dollar and donate the difference to the designated charity. IGA also picks one week during the month-long drive to match all customer donations. They matched the fourth week of the promotion and contributed $1,076. Since the inception of round up the store match has been $23,535 and the total amount customers contributed, plus store match is $90,737.

 

(Springfield-jm) – There are two new laws for new motorcycle drivers. Both new laws are sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett. Senator Bennett talks about the legislation…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police arrested two people who are alleged to have used a pellet gun to shoot several people in the campus area. Police say the two adults arrested for aggravated battery and mob action were Justin Jimenez Diaz, 19, and Lorenzo Vasquez,19, of Rantoul, Illinois. Police say a third person who is under 18 years old was identified and issued a no-trespassing notice for all U. of I. property before being picked up by a parent.

 

(Gilman–jc)  The Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau continues to monitor crops in the two county area, but they will be busy with seminars, fairs and more, says Ford Iroquois CountyFarm Bureau Manager David Treece…

 

 

Ford Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager David Treece

 

(Savoy-jm) – A private airplane has made an emergency landing at Willard Airport in Savoy. The flight originated in Nashville Friday morning and made a stop in Effingham. Less than an hour later, the plane had to make another landing due to engine troubles.

 

(Washington-jm) – How much has drought coverage grown in major corn and bean growing areas of the country over the past month? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – You may have used IDOT's Getting Around Illinois website to avoid traffic jams over the holiday weekend. The department will now be tasked with developing a mobile application to let drivers know about road conditions. A bill signed into law states that the app must help drivers stay informed about accidents, construction zones, lane closures, and weather conditions.

 

(Springfield-jm) – An initiative through the University of Illinois can help farmers get the mental healthcare they need. The Illinois Agricultural Mental Health voucher program connects farmers with local mental health professionals. Producers and their family members can request vouchers for three free behavioral health says U of I Assistant Professor Josie Rudolphi…

 

 

U of I Assistant Professor Josie Rudolphi. Rudolphi says so far more than 40 mental health providers are participating in the program with more to come. Anyone in the agriculture industry who is interested can visit the website: go dot illinois dot edu slash farm stress voucher to sign up.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a working fire at 401 Ginger Bend Dr., Saturday, at 9:59 a.m.  Upon arrival on the scene, fire crews found smoke coming from the first floor of a center unit of this two-story apartment building. The fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm. Crews quickly deployed multiple hose lines and extinguished a fire in this unit. The fire was contained to the unit of origin with minor smoke damage to the unit above.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. All occupants had exited the house by the time responders arrived. One occupant sustained a minor injury but refused treatment by EMS.  No firefighter injuries were reported.

 

(Springfield-jm) – New state representative Jason Bunting got some good news this past week when Governor J-B Pritzker signed his first bill into law. Representative Bunting talks about the legislation…

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Tom Bennett continues work to help prioritize the safety of students, including students with disabilities. Legislation sponsored by Bennett will help improve access to critical and potentially life-saving oxygen for students at special education facilities. House Bill 3613 will allow school districts that provide special educational facilities for children with disabilities maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks in a secure location that is accessible before, during, and after school. The legislation was recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The one percent grocery tax is back after the Governor suspended the tax for six months. 52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci says he wishes they would have made it permanent…

 

 

52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci of Champaign.

 

(Philo-jm) – A Philo woman is unharmed after she escaped her car just before it was hit by a freight train. The collision happened Thursday night at a railroad crossing at County Roads 1700 E and 900 N, just outside of Philo. The woman’s car became disabled on the tracks around 9:30 p.m. She called 911 to report the situation, but a train arrived at the crossing before deputies could. The woman left the car behind when the crossing’s warning system activated. The train subsequently hit the car, which became engulfed in flames. The train’s engineers were not hurt either.

 

(Washington-jm) – New USDA crop supply and demand forecasts are coming soon. These will be revised using new acreage information. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

WPXN News notes…

Today is Day 2 of the Fisher Fair. It’s the Hog Show at 10 am with the Queen/ Jr Miss and Little Miss Pageant is tonight at 6. Entry is $5 per person or free with boxed food donation to the Fisher Food pantry.

 

The City of Paxton will hold brush pickup this week.