(Springfield-jm) – Tax season is underway and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is warning Illinois residents to be vigilant of scammers. Some common scams are disguised to look like official communication from the Internal Revenue Service in an attempt to steal personal information from taxpayers. Mendoza warns of ghost tax return preparers who do not sign the tax return. If they don't sign, preparers can overpromise the size of the refund, charge you or deposit funds to their own bank account.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Cuts to developmentally disabled services are on hold. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he wants to see the cuts permanently held…

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services announced Monday that it ranks #2 in Illinois for Orthopedic Surgery, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement, along with the various other orthopedic awards, reflect Gibson Area Hospital and Health Service’s commitment to delivering the best care possible and distinguish the organization as one of Illinois’ leading hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul Sports Complex is set to open next month. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried says a few February Parkland College baseball games will start the season, then in March its softball baseball and more and the activities in the village have grown too…

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – On January 26, 2024, at approximately 7:45 PM, the Rantoul Police Department responded to the area of the 300 block of S. Garrard St., for a report of shots being fired. When officers arrived, they located spent shell casings in the area. As a result of this investigation, Dylan Kisantear, 19 of Rantoul was arrested on January 27, 2024. Kisantear was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he was being held for the offenses of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

 

(Springfield–jc)  A petition is circulating concerning the rights of parents. Organizers with the Parents Matter Coalition want an advisory question on the November ballot. The question asked voters would be…Shall the written consent from a minor’s  parents be required before any person, school or clinic provide any gender modification or gender therapy. Parent’s Matter Coalition Spokesperson Jeane Ives says those who want to help  circulate the petition can do so, on-line…

Parents Matter Coalition Spokesperson Jeane Ives.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Illini District Dental Society will sponsor Give Kids A Smile® Day on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic located at 2400 W. Bradley in Champaign. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association®, which provides free oral healthcare services to children of low-income families.

(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Elections will consider taking former President Donald Trump’s name off the March 19 primary ballot. They’ll also consider separate objections to incumbent President Joe Biden’s candidacy, but a hearing officer recommends those objections be denied. Hearings from an array of challenges against Trump and Biden were in front of elections board staff Friday.  Attorney Matthew Piers represented those who want Trump off the ballot and said his attempt to overthrow the last election is grounds enough.In the more than 700-page agenda for today’s meeting of the Illinois State Board of Elections, a hearing officer recommends Trump’s name be removed.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A joint committee of the Illinois Senate and House heard about a behavioral health workforce shortage in the state during a hearing with health-care officials. According to the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, Illinois has 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents, leading lawmakers to seek a solution to what they said is a severe shortage. Dr. Sonja Leathers of Behavioral Health Workforce Center spoke with lawmakers and said the amount of Illinoisans dealing with these issues is growing…

 

Dr. Sonja Leathers.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign residents can expect to see police, fire, and emergency vehicles out in force around First Christian Church this morning. First responders will be holding a joint training exercise at the church on Staley Road. The training will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is meant to help first responders prepare for rapid response emergency scenarios and mutual aid needs that may occur. Training firearms with non-projectile “blank” rounds will be used inside the building but may be heard by residents in the surrounding area. 

 

(Hoopeston–jc)  The Hoopeston F F A held another successful auction on Saturday. Hoopeston Area High School F F A Member Nolan Lee says some of the money goes to scholarships…

 

Hoopeston Area High School F F A Member Nolan Lee

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a shooting. On December 17th, 2023, at approximately 12:55 a.m., police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Marcia Drive in Rantoul for a report of a shooting victim. When officers arrived, they located a 25-year-old male with non-life-threatening injuries sustained from gunfire. Officers learned a subject had been observed jumping a fence and running from the area after the shooting. A search of the scene led to the discovery of spent shell casings in a neighboring yard. Video surveillance identified a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area with no headlights.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – In order to retire a gas service at 205 N. Neil Street, Ameren Illinois will close one southbound lane of Neil Street between Church Street and Park Street. Southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area.

The closure will occur on Wednesday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

 

WPXN News Notes…

 

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish fry on Friday from 4-6:30. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. 

 

Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold their spaghetti lunch on Sunday from 11-1. Cost is a freewill donation.

 

The St. Mary’s St Joseph's Knights of Columbus annual free throw contest for kids ages 9-14 will take place on Sunday at PBL High School. Doors open at noon with the competition beginning at 12:30. More information is available by contacting Trent Eshleman at 217-841-5621.