(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois prosecutors deal with provisions of the SAFE-T Act, including cashless bail, the long-term repercussions remain to be seen. State's attorneys already are voicing concerns about some people facing charges who are able to avoid jail and who could commit additional crimes or not show up for court. Illinois State Police made one of the largest drug busts in its 100-year history in September, when they seized over 5,000 pounds of illegal marijuana near the Quad Cities, a judge allowed two Texas men to go free on pretrial conditions. Another case involved the robbery of a high-end boutique in Hinsdale where a gang used a sledgehammer to shatter a window before making off with nearly $70,000 worth of merchandise. Blood was left at the scene, and DNA testing matched the DNA to an individual on parole who was convicted of armed robbery and aggravated battery. The man subsequently was able to walk free without posting bail.
(Undated-jm) – A national organization has redesignated OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville as primary stroke centers. The Joint Commission, a national health care accreditation organization, redesignated the medical centers after conducting thorough reviews of both locations. They ensured that their standards were met by surveying the facilities, including their radiology, Emergency Departments, inpatient units, and several other areas.
(Danville-jm) – Dozens of people gathered at Danville Area Community College Wednesday to honor the legacy of the late State Senator Scott Bennett. One of those honoring the late senator's memory is 53rd District State Senator and uncle to the late senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker also attended the dedication and talked about Bennett’s public service…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing cocaine. Demarco Gray received the sentence in Champaign County court. Prosecutors say Gray attempted to toss out 12 grams of cocaine when law enforcement was executing a search warrant at his home.
(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton IGA. The store is open 24 hours daily, provides a daily cut meat department, fresh produce, delicious bakery and home town professional service. Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt says he has been employed at the store for just over 10 years and learned a lot from the previous Meat Department Manager Tim Glazik…
Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt says his department prepares fresh cut meats, everyday…
Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt. Paxton IGA is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. We have a full interview with Jason during the noon news today.
(Springfield-jm) – While President Joe Biden said he tried but failed to stop border wall funding, Governor J.B. Pritzker says the wall set to be built is a sign to Republicans that it’s time to come to the table on “comprehensive immigration reform.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday announced it is waiving 26 federal laws to finish completing a wall in the Rio Grande Valley. That is an area where the federal agency halted construction of a physical barrier over two years ago. DHS announced the change in the Federal Register after receiving pressure from Democratic elected officials. Pritzker sent the White House a letter Monday saying the arrival of thousands of non-citizens to Chicago is overwhelming, uncoordinated and untenable. He asked for more resources. When asked Tuesday if the border was too open, Pritzker said border security is part of the overall need for “comprehensive immigration reform.”
(Gifford-jm) – A Gifford man is facing reckless discharge of a firearm charge after he allegedly fired a gun in his home. Benjamin Calhoun is facing the charge after police were called to his Gifford residence earlier this week after he allegedly fired a gun in his office after he had been drinking and got mad at his wife. Prosecutors are not seeking to keep Calhoun locked up and instead are asking for a mental health evaluation and ordering Calhoun to turn over any guns to the sheriff’s office while the case is pending. He is due back in court November 28th.
(Paxton–jc) The 5th Annual Paxton Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for tomorrow in the city. The Paxton Chamber is sponsoring the event and Chamber Vice President Dawn Stack says bringing in new customers, friends and shoppers is a good thing for Paxton…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack. Of the 250 tickets being sold for the event, only several dozen remain. You can get your tickets on line or by stopping by Hudson Drug and Hallmark or the Chamber office.
(Paxton-jm) – The first mapping session for the city of Paxton is in the books. City council members, business owners and the public were all in attendance with Western Illinois University’s Institute for Rural Affairs leading the discussion. Paxton Buckley Loda Schools Superintendent Travis Duley was present and discusses the district's role in the mapping project…
PBL Schools Superintendent Travis Duley. The program is through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm talks about what the group is doing…
Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm. The next session is Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. Additional upcoming sessions are October 17th, October 24th and November 2nd. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback.
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and weapon charges. Dontae Robbison received the sentence after pleading guilty to possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and possessing a stolen firearm.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Hudson Drug Shop will hold a flu shot clinic at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley this morning from 9-10:30. Cost is free with insurance or Medicare.
The 2023 Watseka Harvest Daze will take place today through Sunday.
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish fry tonight from 4-6:30 pm. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older, kids 12 and under are $5.
The Cissna Park FFA Pumpkins in the Park will take place on Saturday from 7-2. Activities include breakfast from 7-9:30, bounce houses from 9-2, lunch 11-2 as well as a car show, pumpkin painting and craft vendors.
The 2023 Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Chocolate Walk will take place on Saturday.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Prairie Champions 4-H on Saturday from 10-2.
Erica Neal will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.
The 2023 Back the Badge Fest will take place on Saturday at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton with country music artist Jerrod Niemann performing. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.
The 73rd Annual St. Malachy Fall Festival will be held on Sunday. Doors will open starting at 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Dinner Cost: $15.00 Adult, $12.00 Seniors and $10.00 Children 12 and under.
