(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced the start of the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a statewide effort to compile data on the current state of health and wellness and areas where public health can be improved. Under Illinois law, IDPH is required to administer an annual survey to obtain data from every county and zip code in the state, establishing a baseline of public health information to allow for progress to be tracked and measured each year. Health officials hope to reach as many as 55,000 households this year.
(Washington-jm) – USDA’s April forecasts for milk reveals lower production and in turn lower prices despite strong demand. Rod Bain reports…
(Paxton-jm) – Weather permitting, The City of Paxton will be flushing hydrants starting Monday, April 29th through Friday, May 3rd beginning on the West side of town. You may notice some discoloration or loss of water pressure during this time.
(Rantoul–jc) It’s spring and that means time to look at village streets that need repair. Village of Rantoul leaders are compiling a list of streets and the village board will look at how to spend the allotted dollars, says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Undated-jm) – Anti Semitism is on the rise in Illinois, with college campuses being some of the hardest hit. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a new report stating anti-Semitic incidents have risen 74 percent in Illinois from 2022 to 2023. Recording over 200 anti-Semitic incidents across the state last year, with 11 occurring in Champaign-Urbana. According to the ADL, nearly 70 percent of all anti-Semitic incidents took place in Illinois after the October 7th attacks. University of Illinois Police says since October 7th there has been an increase in vandalism and graffiti that contain pro-Palestinian messaging and images, as well as some property damage that could be considered anti-Semitic.
(Paxton–dm)-If you have a bird feeder and can’t remember the last time it’s been cleaned, it’s probably time to clean it up. Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental has these suggestions to clean your bird feeder.
Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental, Scott suggests cleaning your bird feeder every 2-4 weeks.
(Gilman–jc) Today’s WPXN business of the Day is The Gathering in Gilman. A unique shopping experience store carries clothing, to candles, antiques to one of a kind items. The Gathering Co-Owner Kathy Perzee says the “Junk in the Trunk” flea markets start on Saturday April 27th…
Kathy Perzee says there is something new in the store, daily…it always changes
The Gathering in Gilman Co-Owner Kathy Perzee. The Gathering in Gilman is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. An interview with Cathy Perzee is set during the noon news today.
(Springfield-jm) – Sportsbooks are fighting back against a proposed sports betting tax hike in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is proposing increasing the tax for sportsbook companies from 15% to 35%. Companies like DraftKings and FanDuel have formed the Sports Betting Alliance in opposition to the tax hike. If approved, they warn it may drive some sportsbooks out of Illinois. Bettors are receiving messages on their apps urging them to write to Illinois lawmakers and oppose the governor’s proposed tax increase.
(Macon County–jc) Three crashes along Interstate 72 in Macon County slowed traffic last night for several hours. State Police report only property damage in the accidents, Rescue personnel and clean up crews were on the scene from 8pm to 10pm.
(Washington-jm) – Hearings with lawmakers this week provided the U.S. Trade Representative opportunity to discuss recent and continuing ag trade efforts. Rod Bain reports…
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Edward Jones and other local organizations to educate seniors on the dangers of fraud and scams. The Sheriff’s Office sees over 200 fraud cases a year. The conference will take place at the I Hotel conference room in Champaign on April 23rd. There will be two sessions that those interested can attend, one from 10 AM to noon, and another from 2 PM to 4 PM. Those who wish to attend must sign up to do so. To reserve yourself a space you can email Tanya Flannery at tanya.flannery@edwardjones.com or call 217-442-8158.
(Paxton–dm)- The city of Paxton is proud to announce that it is now a Designated Main Street Community. Donna Pepper executive director of Paxton Main Street explains.
Donna Pepper, Executive Director of the Paxton Main S.street.
(Rantoul–jc) The Community Service Center of Rantoul has a golf scramble coming up in July as a fundraiser. Community Service Executive Director Cindy Crawford says Willow Pond Golf Course is hosting the event on July 19th…
Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in Ford County today from 9-9:30 across from the Piper City Community Building, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 across from the Melvin Convenient Store, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and 2-2:30 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.
The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry this evening from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.
The Elliott Amvets will hold a spaghetti dinner this evening from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate and includes spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.
The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Ford Iroquois Master Gardeners on Saturday from 10-2.
The Thawville Community Sale will take place Saturday starting at 10 am.
The Melvin Women’s Club will hold their inaugural Spring Fling on Saturday from 11-1 at the Melvin Community Hall. Activities include door prizes, kids games, cake walk and a presentation by the Melvin Public Library.
The Cissna Park FFA Awards Banquet will take place on Saturday at 6pm at the Cissna Park High School Gym.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host A Night of ZZ and Zeppelin on Saturday. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.
