(Springfield-jm) – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Illinois Department of Labor are visiting and inspecting haunted houses to make sure they are safe before opening. Haunted houses in Illinois are required to be inspected prior to operation, though haunted houses operated by not-for-profit religious, educational, or charitable organizations can apply for an exemption from the department of labor inspection. These haunted houses, however, must still be inspected by local authorities and/or the State Fire Marshal's office. State law also requires a criminal background check and sex offender registry check for all amusement attraction workers and a written substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
(Springfield-jm) – A new look at clean-energy jobs in the U.S. shows growth in Illinois and the prospect of greater gains in the future. Brett Peveto reports…
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is getting new equipment to give them a bird’s-eye view. Five new drones are flying for the department, and officers are excited about the new help. They have been using drones for a wide variety of tasks, mostly flying over parades and public events. Police said they see the program expanding once more officers get trained on the technology. However, there are limits to when and where they can use them, according to state law.
(Gibson City–jc) The public has only one more chance to see the “Courage to Remember” Holocaust Exhibit in Gibson City. The traveling exhibit has been at the American Lutheran Church in Gibson City this month. University of Illinois at Springfield Teacher Brian Kahn says everyone needs to learn about this history…
U of I at Springfield Teacher Brian Kahn. The exhibit is open to the public today from 4pm to 7pm. The exhibit then will travel to Vermilion County in early October at the Vermilion County Museum in Danville. The exhibit is free to attend.
(Charleston-jm) – Eastern Illinois University is suspending its men’s swimming and diving program due to reports of hazing within the program. University officials announced the suspension on Thursday, saying the team will not be competing anymore in the fall 2023 semester. The hazing reports were disclosed to the team’s head coach and officials said they are credible.
(Buckley–jc) One area village is planning a Halloween Festival in late October. The Buckley Community Committee says the “Lakeside Falloween Festival” will be on Saturday October 28th starting at 9am The event will be held at Buckley Lake. A decorating scarecrow contest, flea market and craft show, kids games, a pumpkin sweep and truck or treat are planned throughout the day. Music and food trucks will also be part of the Falloween Festival in Buckley on Saturday October 28th.
(Washington-jm) – Food shoppers in 2024 may see food price inflation fall to levels not seen in about four years. Gary Crawford reports…
(Paxton–jc) Renovation on the former legion building and lot continues in downtown Paxton. The area just south of the Paxton Post Office will be the site of a new fall event next month in the city. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says work on the buildings and grounds continues…
Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper.
(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Cadillac Event Center in downtown Paxton. The business has its grand opening today and tonight will host their first concert with Country Music Artist Chris Cagle. Co-Owner Scott Harden says the business model started as office space for GrandStand Concerts soon turned into a venue for concerts and more…
Harden says along with concerts, the venue will host birthdays, weddings and upcoming, glo bingo…
The Cadillac Event Center Co Owner Scott Harden
Upcoming concerts include Chris Cagle tonight at 8pm, Saliva and Drowning Pool on Sunday and Jerrod Niemann on October 7th. Paxton Native Gina Miles, winner of the national show, The Voice, is set to come to the venue in October. The Cadillac downtown Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois health care professionals are calling for system upgrades as they experience licensing delays from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Applicants say it's taken up to 3 months to receive their license. The agency blames their technology saying it dates back to the 1990’s. Lawmakers have set aside $10 million for the agency to upgrade their technology.
(Champaign–jc) Champaign Firefighters are on the scene of a building fire along Springfield Avenue. The apartment fire started early this morning. No other details are available at this time.
(Chicago–jc) Illinois Governor J B Pritzker was in Chicago this week attending the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, The group looks at the investing in cannabis companies and the branding of the industry. Governor Priztker says 50 sites for retail cannabis have been set up in the state…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
(Urbana-jm) – The 19th edition of an annual Down syndrome walk in Champaign is scheduled for this weekend. The Buddy Walk supports the local Down syndrome community. The event will take place Saturday on the Champaign County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers are expecting anywhere from 350 to 400 people to show up. It is open to the public.
(Springfield-jm) – Volunteer fire departments around the state are encouraged to apply for grants from the state fire marshal’s office. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Pesotum-jm) – Illinois State Police K9 Loki has received a bullet and stab protective vest donated by non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,156 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million.
(Gibson City–jc) – Gibson City leaders are set to meet in a special session on Monday at 6pm. City leaders are expected to discuss the issuance of General Obligation Bonds for capital improvement projects in Gibson City. The amount is 2 million 3 Hundred Thousand Dollars. A litigation issue is also on Monday’s agenda. The meeting takes place at city hall on East 8th Street in Gibson City.
(Washington-jm) – What factors could shape trends regarding projected prices for commodities in the foreseeable future? Rod Bain reports…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Parkland College Career and Technical Education will host a free 3D modeling for 3D print on Saturday from 9-1.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Loda Methodist Men on Saturday from 10-2.
