(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican state legislators continue to push for policy changes to address what they see as a poor business climate. The credit rating assigned to Illinois by Fitch Ratings, A- in November 2023, is far below the ratings given to most of the 50 states. As of early 2024, most states have AA or AAA credit ratings, and can borrow money at much lower expense to taxpayers than can Illinois. In a news conference at the state capitol in Springfield, state Rep. Dan Ugaste, said Democrats are promoting a narrative that "all is well." He wants a property tax relief plan. Illinoisans pay the second highest property taxes in the nation. Illinois is tied for the worst credit rating in the nation.
(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for more transparency when it comes to state spending on the migrant crisis. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is one of the Republicans calling for transparency…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Savoy-jm) – A Savoy man was sentenced to 15 years in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and registration as a sex offender, for the sexual exploitation of a minor. David Berry brought a minor to his home, sexually assaulted her, and recorded the acts on video in October of 2021. Berry was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty in September of 2023.
(Paxton–jc) – The local Pheasant’s Forever Group received a donation from the city of Paxton this week. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says Pheasants’ Forever helps with the airport grounds and making a donation to the local group was an easy decision for the city council…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Kankakee-jm) – Clove Alliance, a leading nonprofit organization that serves Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties in providing hope and healing to survivors of sexual violence, has launched its new strategic plan. Clove Alliance collaborated with stakeholders, team members, and community partners to build a comprehensive roadmap for the next three years that reflects the organization's dedication to advancing its mission and fostering positive change within the community. The plan sets out three primary goals: Strengthening Workforce and Employee Retention, Enhancing Community Outreach and Visibility, and Optimizing Services for Underserved Communities. The full plan can be viewed at clovealliance.org/strategicplan.
(Gilman–dm)--The City of Gilman has several projects going on now and in the future, including street widening and sanitary sewer work. Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield tells us about a downtown project that has been completed.
Gilman mayor Rick Theesfield
(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing a stolen handgun during a traffic stop. Benjamin Mason received the sentence in Champaign County court. In exchange for his guilty plea one count of armed violence, one count of possessing a weapon as a felon and one count of the manufacture and delivery of more than 500 grams of cannabis were dismissed.
(Paxton–jc) A restoration project gets underway in Paxton. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $20 million in missing money during February, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced. The total includes more than $17.1 million in cash and interest and nearly $2.5 million in stock value. All told, 19,046 claims were paid in February. Illinois’ missing money program — also known as I-CASH — is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives.
(Watseka–jc) The Iroquois County Economic Development Association is applauding the new businesses coming to the County this Spring and Summer. They include the Blue Barn Market in Ashkum, The Cluck Bucket in Watseka, Wallace Automotive in Milford and So Fetch-dog Grooming in Milford.Iroquois County Economic Development Association Executive Director Angel Crawford says it’s important for businesses and local government officials to know the grant process to see if any help is available…
Iroquois County Economic Development Association Executive Director Angel Crawford. Those wanting more information may contact Crawford’s office in Watseka.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign is working on being even more bike-friendly. The City Council voted to build more bike lanes. The goal is to create a safer infrastructure so bicyclists can ride to stores, parks, restaurants, or anywhere they need to go. The plan includes 16 different projects the city will focus on, all bringing new cycling lanes to Champaign.
(Ford County–dm) The Ford County Schools are asking for a 1% sales tax increase at this year’s primary election. Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly explains that even with the 1% increase, Ford County will still have one of the lowest tax rates in the area.
Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly. The funds from the increase will be used for facility improvement, school resource officers and mental health support. The election is Tuesday March 19th.
(Springfield-jm) – Spring enrollment at Illinois Community Colleges increased for the second straight year system-wide. Opening Spring 2024 enrollment increased by 5.1 percent from the previous spring according to the Illinois Community College Board’s Spring 2024 Enrollment Report.
(Elliott-jc) The Elliot Amvets are hosting a Spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday at the Amvets in Elliot on Saturday. Elliot Amvets Spokesperson Karon Seib (s-eye-b) says its to help with the funeral expenses of member John York…
Elliott Amvets spokesperson Karon Seib. The event starts at 5pm on Saturday.
(Paxton–jc) You can look for the City of Paxton playground “firetruck” to make its return to Pells Park. Paxton leaders say new playground equipment is on its way to the city and will be placed at Pells Park soon. The Firetruck, a mainstay at Pells Park, has been refurbished and will be a part of the park, again.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in northern Champaign County this morning from 9-10 at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home Park basketball court and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Building.
The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry tonight from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.
The Cadillac in Paxton has DJ Big James playing all the dance hits from the 90’s and 2000’s tonight. No cover charge. Doors open at 5pm. DJ starts at 8pm.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Rainbow Girls on Saturday from 10-2.
The Elliott Amvets will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the funeral expenses of member John York on Saturday from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host The Feudin Hillbillys on Saturday. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 8.
