(Rural Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City first responders were called to a car versus train accident Wednesday night. The accident happened around 9:30 pm near 300 north 100 east. There’s no word on if there were any injuries.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Statistics show that Illinois is one of the most dangerous states for fatal crashes at high speeds. The ranking used data from the National Highway Safety Administration on vehicles involved in fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021 where speed was recorded. Illinois was third in the nation with 16.3% of vehicles traveling at speeds of 80 mph or more before a fatal crash. Montana topped the list.

 

(Washington-jm) – Markets are awaiting USDA's new forecasts for crop supply, demand and prices. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana opened their very own pharmacy. The new CarleRx pharmacy is located in the hospital, allowing easy access to pharmacy resources and healthcare for both patients and Carle Health team members alike. CarleRx patients can also visit the full-service CarleRx at Carle Champaign on Curtis. The new pharmacy at Carle Foundation Hospital is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a half-hour closure from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  – Voters in Gibson City have a “home rule” question on the March 19th Primary election ballot. Voters there will be asked to allow  corporate authorities of the City of Gibson to be authorized to levy a Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax at a rate of one percent. Money raised would go to expenditures on municipal operations and infrastructure says Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick…

 

 

Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick. Voters in Illinois go to the polls on Tuesday March 19th

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County was formally recognized for its StormReady accreditation. The National Weather Service representatives presented county officials with a plaque and ceremony at the Courthouse in Watseka.  The County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Scott Anderson initiated the effort and application process to earn the StormReady designation. The StormReady program uses a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to handle all types of extreme weather -- from tornadoes to winter storms. The program encourages communities to take a new, proactive approach to improving hazardous weather operations. Iroquois County is the 39th county in Illinois to receive the prestigious accreditation.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Several businesses are expanding, or moving in the village of Rantoul and also a “tiny home” project is a possibility, locally. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says several lots have been purchased and more are in the works in the village…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

(Springfield-jm) – Health officials are warning that just because the winter season is almost over, it doesn't mean that respiratory illness season is going with it. They said respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and the flu are still possible to get after the winter season. Right now, Illinois is at a moderate level for respiratory illnesses.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is surveying thousands of farmers about their planting plans. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Normal-jm) – Rivian Motors has announced it will be eliminating a third shift at its plant in Normal. A company spokesperson said the plant will start operating with two shifts on April 28, when workers return after the factory’s planned April shutdown. Production lines will come to a halt in April so that the company can implement new technologies to make production more efficient. Rivian plans to unveil later this week the smaller and less-expensive R2 sport utility vehicle. The R2 will be manufactured at Rivian’s new Georgia factory starting in 2026.

 

(Springfield-jm) – State officials are warning about potential tax scams this tax season. The Illinois Comptroller’s Office along with 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett shares some tips to keep you safe…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. You can follow your state tax refund at my refund dot illinois comptroller dot gov.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois has received a $5.75 million gift from Gies College of Business alumnus Anthony J. Petullo and his wife Bev. The investment will be divided between Gies College of Business, the School of Art and Design, and the Krannert Art Museum. Nearly half of the gift, $2.5 million, will create the Petullo Impact Fund at Gies College of Business. The Fund will invest in faculty at Gies supporting professorships, fellowships, chairs, PhD and postdoc support, and faculty research support. Petullo will also invest $1.75 million to create the Anthony J. Petullo School of Art and Design Scholarship and Fellowship Endowment Fund, which will support undergraduate and graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

 

(Buckley–jc)   Farm commodity prices are a concern for all farmers, as we head into the 20-24 growing season. Edge Insurance of Buckley Agency Owner Dylan Reetz says this year is a challenge for area farmers…

 

 

Edge Insurance Agency of Buckley Owner Dylan Reetz.  Farmers have until March 15th to get registered for Federal Crop Insurance