(Springfield-jm) – A new study shows that Illinois saw a sharp increase in deaths from car crashes from 2012 to 2021. According to the study by the Atlanta-based law firm John Foy and Associates, Illinois saw over a 37% increase in deaths from automobile crashes, the third largest increase in the country. Only Indiana and Oregon saw a larger increase. The year with the highest rate of deadly crashes in Illinois was 2021, which had about 16 deadly crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers.
(Washington-jm) – Corn price prospects are down as growers harvest a record large crop, larger than many had expected. Gary Crawford reports…
(Vermilion County-jm) – Illinois Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a sock donation drive for Vermilion County shelters and organizations. Socks are the least-donated clothing item at homeless shelters, though they are often in high demand, especially throughout the cold. Donations are being accepted at Faraci's Danville office, Robinson Chiropractic in Danville and Westville village hall.
(Charleston-jm) – After suspending the men's swim team competition for the fall 2023 semester, Eastern Illinois University announced that members of the men's swimming team were involved in conduct that violates EIU's hazing policy. The university said that the initial report of hazing was made by coach Jonathan Jordan, who is in his second season as head coach. The investigation confirmed that Jordan had no prior or tacit awareness of the hazing. First-year student-athletes in the swim program were made to participate in activities characterized as "traditions." In addition, the investigation found that some swimmers created a team culture "promoting excessive and underage alcohol consumption that required a recent medical intervention for a first-year student-athlete." Men's swimming will immediately resume at the university with ongoing oversight from the department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Competition will resume in January after the team participates in anti-hazing and alcohol abuse workshops. Similar trainings will be held for all EIU intercollegiate athletic teams.
(Paxton-jm) – The mapping sessions for the city of Paxton are done but the work ahead isn’t over. The sessions were put on by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Program Manager Gisela Hamm recaps sessions two and three…
Mapping Program Manager Gisela Hamm. Tomorrow we will recap session four.
(Ford County-jm) – Rankin and Paxton firefighters were called to a field fire late Tuesday morning. Crews received the call near 2500 east and 200 north around 11:30.
(Springfield-jm) – The state is working to lift the moratorium on nuclear power. A new bill was brought forward during last week’s fall veto session says 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) – Thanksgiving is next week and Illinois consumers may find themselves spending more on meal staples for the third year in a row. A report from the Consumer Energy Alliance said consumers will have to dig deeper into their wallets to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with friends and family for the third time in a row. Prices for Thanksgiving meal staples have increased tremendously. Including ham, canned goods like cranberries, pumpkin, and green beans as well as russet and sweet potatoes. Consumer Energy Alliance president David Holt says the price of energy is the primary driver of food inflation. Saying that due to farmers having to spend more on energy, the price of food has gone up.
(Washington-jm) – U.S. wheat price prospects are continuing to fall. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign County-jm) – Voters in Champaign County will have another place to drop off their ballots next year. Champaign County Clerk & Recorder Aaron Ammons, with the help of the Champaign Park District, cut the ribbon Tuesday morning for a new ballot drop box at the Martens Center. The Champaign fitness center on the north side opened last year. The Martens Center joins 12 other places throughout the county with ballot drop-off boxes, including the Illini Union, Rantoul Village Hall, Savoy Recreation Center, and Mahomet Public Library.
(Danville-jm) – A man formerly from Danville has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography. Gilberto Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of Child Pornography, a class X felony. Following his incarceration, Sanchez will serve three years of mandatory supervised release. The Court heard evidence that a cyber tip was sent to the Illinois State Police regarding child pornography. After an investigation, Sanchez was located and interviewed by ISP agents. Sanchez told the agents he had received child pornography, but that he immediately deleted the images. Sanchez consented to a search of his phone, and the agents located several images of child pornography that included images of children under the age of 13.
(Paxton–jc) With the 20-23 “mapping meetings” complete the four main groups for Paxton Progress will meet and look at options, projects, and ideas to improve and plan for the future of the city of Paxton. Paxton City Alderman and Mapping Spokesperson Rob Pacey says that means to look for help from local, state and national agencies…
Paxton City Alderman and Mapping Spokesperson Rob Pacey
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Salvation Army has announced the start of their annual Red Kettle Campaign, raising funds for vital social programming in the community. This season’s funding goal is $470,000, and the proceeds will go to feeding the hungry, providing aid to the homeless shelter and to local veterans, providing Christmas gifts to families struggling to make ends meet and so much more. There will be a total of 90 red kettles in Champaign County.
(Ford County-jm) – Impacting Farm Legacy will once again be holding a session this fall to focus on farm legacy. The session will be held tomorrow at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton. Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell says this is an informational meeting to get farm families thinking about the future…
Impacting Farm Legacy Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell. Again the session will be held tomorrow night at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton.
WPXN News Notes…
Clove Alliance Cosmic Bingo will take place Thursday, November 16th at the Expo Center at the Kankakee Fairgrounds. Doors open at 4:30 with Bingo at 6:30. Tickets are $35.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, November 16th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a fish fry on Friday, November 17th from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park. Cost is $12 and includes fish, fries, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw.
