(Springfield-jm) – With the end of cash bail now law in Illinois, the back and forth over how it affects victims of crime continues. The state’s Pretrial Fairness Act is the first in the nation to end money bond statewide. Advocates say people are innocent until proven guilty and shouldn’t have to languish behind bars pending trial because they can’t afford to bail out.  First-time criminal defendants facing lower-level non-violent criminal charges will be processed and released from jail. Those facing more serious charges could be held pretrial without money bond. Republicans argue it could affect restitution to victims.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Local reaction is coming in following the first day of the elimination of cash bail in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a burglary. On July 2, at approximately 11:53 p.m., a female came into the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Clinic with an injured animal. The female left the building and returned moments later with a large bag. The female was then observed on camera stealing a donation box for the clinic that contained cash donations. The female placed the donation box in her bag and left the clinic. The suspect was described as a black female, heavy build, with long black hair. The female has a nose ring, and a tattoo on her left arm.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Habitat for Humanity set another family up for success over the weekend with their 127th home dedication in Champaign County. This year, Habitat volunteers had the chance to return to Rantoul for the first time in a decade for construction.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The 20-23 Paxton Swine and Dine is in the books for this year. Another great event was held in the downtown area of Paxton. The Paxton Swine and Dine group is now preparing for next year, with getting a great band on stage, says Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer…

 

 

Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer.

 

(Watseka-jm) – A special groundbreaking event was held in Watseka Sunday. Gold Star Military Families, local supporters, friends, and American Legion members joined local officials in a ceremonial groundbreaking at Legion Park.  It was the actual start of bringing a Gold Star Memorial Monument to Iroquois County—one of just two such monuments in Illinois. The granite-stone structure will be at the entrance to Legion Park. 

 

(Washington-jm) – Are current trends of shrinking cattle supplies and higher prices going to continue in 2024? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Paxton–jc) We are in the final days of summer, but Autumn is a time for pumpkins, apples, vendors and more in Paxton in October. The Paxton Main Street Group is hosting a new event called Paxton’s Fall Event and Vendor Show on Saturday October 14th. The event runs from 9am to 4pm. Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper says the day will be full of activities and vendors…

 

 

Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper.

 

(Paxton–jc)--  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton.  The Gene May family has served the area since 1979. May says the business continues to serve a wide area of East Central Illinois…

 

 

Gene May says the company also offers roll-off containers to collect waste from cleaning out the garage at a home, or for a major construction project.  May says they offer several sizes of roll-offs…

 

 

Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton Owner Gene May.

 

(Springfield-jm) – With Illinois State Police saying they’ve filed emergency rules for Illinois’ gun and magazine ban registry, the law still faces legal challenges in federal and state court. A ruling on the Second Amendment challenges is pending out of the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. A separate case challenging the law on vagueness grounds is in the Southern District of Illinois federal court next month. Despite that, Illinois State Police announced Monday they’ve filed rules for the gun registry that opens October 1 through the state’s Firearm Owner ID card portal. Critics have claimed the measure will only increase the crime rate in Chicago and throughout the state. Advocates for the Pretrial Fairness Act say criminal defendants are innocent until proven guilty and shouldn't have to languish behind bars pending trial simply for not being able to afford a money bond.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Republicans and law enforcement around the state continue to criticize the Safe-T Act including the provision that eliminates cash bail that went into effect yesterday. One of those is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating after a female student was drugged at a fraternity party over the weekend. Officials said this incident is considered an aggravated assault, and it was reported to them at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. The student was at a fraternity located at Gregory Drive and Euclid Street when she was handed two open drinks by other party attendees. Within minutes of consuming the drinks, officials said she began to feel physical effects that led her to believe a substance other than alcohol had been added to the drink. The student went home with friends and called police, after which she went to the hospital in an ambulance for medical evaluation.

 

(Watseka-jm) – Assistant Iroquois County States Attorney Michael Quinlan has announced that he will be running for Iroquois County states attorney in 2024. Current Iroquois County States Attorney James Devine has announced he will be retiring at the end of his current term and will not seek re-election in 2024. He has worked in the Iroquois County States Attorney’s Office since March of 2022. Quinlan previously worked in the states attorneys offices of Grundy, Kankakee, and LaSalle counties.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The Pumpkins in the park event is returning to Cissna Park in early October. The event is sponsored by the Cissna Park Development Board and the Cissna Park F F A.  FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton says the two groups are glad to have this community event…

 

 

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton.

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton native and The Voice winner Gina Miles will be returning to Paxton next month. Miles will perform at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton on October 28th and 29th. Tickets for the 28th are sold out however, tickets for the 29th are on sale now at the cadillac events dot com.

 

(Washington-jm) – Hog producers could see some better prices next year. Gary Crawford reports…