(Springfield-jm) – While Illinois’ gun ban and registry continues to face legal challenges, the governor continues pushing for a national ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Reacting to the mass shooting reported out of Maine, where a suspect killed 18 people and injured scores of others in different locations, Governor J.B. Pritzker said Illinois is doing what it can do by banning certain types of semi-automatic firearms. But Illinois’ ban is being challenged on several fronts with cases still pending. One plaintiffs' group is asking a federal judge to enjoin the state’s gun registry while a challenge to the entire Illinois law is pending in the appeals court. The state has until November 6 to reply to that motion in the Southern District of Illinois federal court brought by the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois housing market is pretty scary right now. With rising home prices and interest rates, many Illinois homeowners are staying put, keeping housing inventories low around the state. According to Illinois Realtors, there are nearly 30% fewer homes on the market in Illinois than this time last year. Doug Ressler, manager with the real estate website Point2Homes.com, said the inventory problem is not confined to Illinois. As a result of the contributing factors, home sales are lagging in the Land of Lincoln. In September 2023, a total of 11,483 homes sold was 17.4% lower than 13,900 sold in September 2022. That includes single-family homes and condominiums. Ressler said he expects the issues affecting the Illinois housing market to stay in place potentially into 2025.

(Washington-jm) – Corn and soybean growers picked up the pace of harvesting last week. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – A Springfield EMS worker charged with first degree murder will be released from jail. A judge ruled in favor of releasing Peter Cadigan from pretrial detention after a hearing Monday. Cadigan has been charged with first-degree murder for the death of Earl Moore Jr. Earl Moore Jr. died in December 2022 after Cadigan and his co-worker Peggy Finley took him to the hospital in their ambulance. Body camera footage shows the workers put Moore Jr. face down in the gurney. Finley was released from jail on money bond in June.

(Rantoul–jc)--  Shopping in your community or neighboring town and village are keys to keeping area downtowns and local businesses in operation. It’s also key for local roads, schools and more says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is announcing the establishment of the COVID-19 Recovery: Urbana Small Business Microloan Fund. This was done with the support of Justine Petersen, the City of Urbana, and Woodforest National Bank. The loan fund aims to help disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses in Urbana access affordable financial services. The City of Urbana committed $250,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish the microloan fund. Justine Petersen worked locally with Woodforest National Bank to leverage the dollars provided by the city. A total of $2,000,000 is available in the fund, which will continue to revolve. The loan fund aims to assist new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs in Urbana, focusing on those who do not qualify for traditional lending. Eligible businesses located in Urbana can access small business loans up to $50,000.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton. Owner Dawn Glad says when describing the store, you start with flowers and fresh floral arrangements…

Fresh flowers, floral arrangements, inspirational signs, to soup mixes  and holiday gifts are found in the store. Now is the time to order  grave blankets and clusters, says Owner Dawn Glad …

A Picket Fence Florist of Paxton Owner Dawn Glad

The store is gearing up for Christmas, and has a fall items sale going on now. The number for deliveries is 217-379-4245.  A Picket Fence Florist of Paxton, the WPXN Business of the Day, today.

(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois Republicans look to avoid any tax increases during veto session, a measure that could lead to local tax increases to fund mental health boards has passed the Senate.  Township mental health boards in Illinois levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. The boards focus on mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities and issue contracts to local agencies to provide services for its residents. Senate Bill 690 from state Senator Ann Gillespie, of Arlington Heights, would allow townships to ask local voters for increased taxes to fund these boards in certain townships. The measure passed along party lines. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Nurses Association has announced a contract agreement with the state of Illinois. The four-year contract was rati?ed on October 26 with a 97% vote. The contract includes pay increases totaling nearly 23% over the four-year term, and there will be $2,200 in bonuses throughout the life of the contract. INA members are now eligible for 12 weeks of parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents.

(Washington-jm) – Soybean planting in parts of Brazil is falling behind schedule. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is looking for a suspect in a shooting that left a teenager hospitalized over the weekend. According to police, a 17-year-old from Rantoul was shot in the jaw and wrist Friday night near the intersection of Florida Avenue and Curtiss Drive. Officials said the teenagers’ injuries are non-life threatening. Bullets also hit a nearby car and house. Police found 11 rifle casings near the scene.

(Paxton-jm) – The fourth mapping session for the city of Paxton took place last week with the final session this Thursday. The sessions are put on by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and brings community members together to map their vision for the future of Paxton over the next 10-30 years. Last week, members chose what action group they wanted to be a part of based off the four priority goals identified: housing, business support and development, infrastructure and parks and recreation and festivals and events. Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm explains what the action groups are and their responsibility in the process…

Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm. Again the final session is this Thursday when representatives from state and regional agencies will be present to meet with the groups to discuss implementing those priority goals. It will take place from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons area. The public is still invited to attend.

(Champaign-jm) – Police in Champaign are looking for three people after they said the three stole a credit card from a Campustown property and then used it. Officials said the burglary happened on October 21 in the area of Fourth and Healey Streets. At some point between 1:30 and 6:30 a.m., someone entered the victim’s home and took a wallet from the living room. A credit card inside that wallet was later used at a business the same morning. One is described as being a Black woman between 40 and 50 years old, with an average build and short- to medium-length blonde hair with black roots. The other two suspects are described as Black men around 50 years old with gray beards.

(Springfield-jm) – An assistant in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has resigned following questions over her salary. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Illinois taxpayers have been paying Amy Gentry $28,000 to $48,000 a month from February through August of this year, double the salary of her boss, Alicia Tate-Nadeau. This follows the resignation of three officials from the agency last July before they were fired for what was called “poor performance and misconduct.” 

(Paxton-jm) – A trunk or treat will take place in Paxton on Halloween night. Accolade Healthcare on Pells is hosting the event says Spokesperson Michelle Harmon…

Accolade Healthcare on Pells Spokesperson Michelle Harmon.

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Police are asking for help in their investigation of a shooting that left one U of I student hurt early Sunday morning. Around 4:20 a.m., several 911 calls were made in response to shots fired in the area of South Third Street and East Healey Street. A police investigation suggested that two men got in a fight at a large house party, which led to a shooting altercation between the two. One uninvolved U of I student was hurt in the conflict and was taken to a nearby hospital via ambulance. The student is expected to be okay. Witnesses described one of the suspects as a Hispanic man with short brown hair, a beard, and neck tattoos. He was wearing a brown trench coat at the time of the incident. The other suspect was described as a Hispanic man with braided hair who was wearing a blue shirt.

(Rural Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters had a busy weekend. Saturday afternoon firefighters were called to a residence on west State Street for the smell of gas, then that evening crews were called to a vehicle on fire near 600 north and 2100 east. Sunday morning alarm activation Clara Peterson.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton Main Street is proud to announce that the public wi-fi system has been installed, tested and is now ready for residents and visitors to CONNECT! The public wi-fi was completely provided by a generous award from T-Mobile  Hometown Grants-- no tax money was used for this project. T-Mobile is investing in rural towns to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Paxton's "Connect Paxton'' project was 1 of 25 awards chosen out of more than 600 applicants.  Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says its another positive for downtown Paxton…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper Providing public wi-fi will make it easier for downtown guests to access online accounts, social media and pertinent accounts for personal or business use. While in the 4 block downtown area of Market Street, between Orleans St. and Holmes St., guests will choose the network named "Paxton" then click the blue "Connect" button. 

(Champaign-jm) – A $250-million construction project is transforming a major interchange in Champaign County. About 40,000 cars and trucks drive through the I-57 and I-74 interchange every day. But the road wasn't built for that much traffic and has become dangerous for drivers. IDOT broke ground on the project in the summer of 2021. The project is expected to be done by 2025.

(Washington-jm) – If you or your kids go trick or treating, you are participating in a tradition that has evolved over many centuries. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  –The WPXN Business of the Day today is the Paxton Christmas Parade. The annual event is set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The parade starts at 1-30pm on November 25th says Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad…

Glad says the goal of the group is to make this the best parade to date in honor of Hancock…

Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad. 

The local group is looking for entries for this year's parade. Contact Dawn at Picket Fence Florist for more information.  This years Christmas Parade Theme is “Christmas Trees and Memories.”

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a new awareness campaign called “Tis The Sneezin” to remind residents to vaccinate against the fall and winter triple threat of the flu, COVID and RSV. The campaign showcases everyday moments interrupted by a common symptom of the flu, COVID and RSV, along with a call to vaccinate. The announcement comes as data indicates six counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. However, officials said the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state has been trending downward in recent weeks.

(Springfield-jm) – The fall veto session began last week. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the session…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Promise Healthcare announcing new staff members to their team at Promise Healthcare-Frances Nelson Clinic at 819 Bloomington Road in Champaign. The new staff members are Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tiffany Johnson-Bey and Licensed Social Worker Stacey Skeleton. Stacey Skelton will focus on seeing patients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, homelessness, crisis, and trauma. She sees clients of all ages including children as young as six up to senior adults. She provides dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Promise Healthcare is a Federally Funded Community Health Center that services all patients regardless of their ability to pay for services.

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana has been awarded nearly $3 million over the faulty construction of Windsor Road back in 2015. A jury awarded the city $2.9 million from Stark Excavating, the company hired to do the work. Shortly after the work was done, the road began to crack and fall apart.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Voice winner Gina Miles made it back to her hometown of Paxton this past weekend. Miles had two  sold out performances over the  weekend at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton.  Miles talks about the opportunity on the National T V Show, The Voice…

The Voice Show winner and Paxton Native Gina Miles.  Miles' music is available, on-line.

(Oakwood-jm) – The Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden stated that a motor vehicle accident involving a Pickup Truck and a passenger car Thursday night on I-74 eastbound in Oakwood claimed the life of a 32-year-old Danville woman and her 7 year old son. The victims have been identified as Monique Stanciel and Simir Stanciel.

(Washington-jm) – These days, more than ever, parents need to make sure their little trick or treaters have a happy, safe Halloween. Gary Crawford reports…

(Ogden–jc)  State Police were called to a serious accident along Interstate 74 in Champaign County last night. Police say the accident happened around 8pm in the east bound lanes of I-74 at mile marker 203. Traffic in the area was being diverted to route 49 for several hours. No word on the injuries sustained was given. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is home to some of the highest student loan payments in the country. The personal finance website WalletHub analyzed the latest consumer data and compared the median student loan payment amounts across 50 states. Illinois ranked 10th in the country with a median monthly student loan payment of $207. Maryland topped the list with an average student loan payment of $232, while West Virginia ranked 50th with a median payment of $139.

(Paxton-jm) – The final mapping session for the city of Paxton will take place next week. The group has met the last four weeks with representatives from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University to discuss and map their vision for the future of Paxton over the next 10-30 years. Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm talks about the final session…

Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm. The final session is Thursday from 5:30-8:30 pm in the Junior High Commons area. The public is invited to attend.

(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating after they said a Circle K employee was stabbed during a shoplifting incident Thursday. Police said that the theft-turned-stabbing happened at the Campustown gas station at First and Green Streets. The victim called police to report he tried to stop a man from stealing alcohol from the store. During a struggle, the employee was stabbed twice with an unknown sharp object. The offender ran away from the gas station and police were unable to find him during a search of the area.

(Springfield-jm) – The first week of the fall veto session is in the books. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about the session so far…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Danville-jm) – An Indiana woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing over a half million dollars from the vault of the Illinois credit union where she worked. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office reported that Laurie Allen, 55, must also pay $510,000 in restitution. According to prosecutors, between January 2014 and December 2020, Allen stole cash from the vault of Vibrant Credit Union in Danville, where she was employed as a branch manager.

(Paxton–jc) Paxton City leaders continue to work on zoning for businesses to homes in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the project has been ongoing for several years and once completed it will provide a useful picture of Paxton…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Paxton–jc) Today’s Business of the Day is Impacting Farm Legacy. The group is run by Cheryl Mitchell. They offer information on the family farm in the areas of selling, to family operation and legacy of the farm. Cheryl Mitchell explains what Impacing Farm Legacy is…

Mitchell says let the conversations begin……

Impacting Farm Legacy Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day taking place on Saturday. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and various local organizations are hosting events around the state to collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription medication that may be outdated or are no longer needed. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is receiving millions of dollars in federal energy funding. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign has some pipe work to be done after a water main break Thursday morning. The burst pipe caused a road closure and is affecting traffic around Marketplace Mall. Illinois American Water is working to repair the main break on North Market Street between Eisner Road and Wilbur Avenue. The pipe burst flooded the ground and roadways nearby, and caused the road to buckle and crack. It’s expected to take several days to fix.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday adopted House Resolution 409 which mourns the passing of former Illinois State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Bill Black of Danville.  State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian sponsored the resolution and spoke about his mentor on the House floor before its adoption…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a new phone scam making its rounds throughout the county. Officials said the scam involves people being told they missed jury duty and have a warrant out for their arrest. The callers have also claimed that call recipients are part of a class action-lawsuit due to improper jury summons and offered assistance to get to jury duty. Jury summonses in Champaign County are always sent by the U.S. Postal Service and people are never notified by phone of a warrant for their arrest, officials explained. None of the reports the Sheriff’s Office received involved people currently summoned for jury duty and there is no class-action lawsuit.

(Paxton-jm) – Accolade Healthcare on Pells is hosting a fall festival this Saturday. Activities include a bounce house, kids games and food. Spokesperson Michelle Harmon says everyone is welcome…

Accolade Healthcare on Pells Spokesperson Michelle Harmon. The event runs from 10-2 this Saturday.

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Iroquois County Genealogical Society will hold a Haunted Cemetery Walk tonight at 6pm.

Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will hold its Glo Bingo event tonight at the Cadillac in Paxton starting at 6:30pm. 

A Lakeside Falloween Festival at Buckley Lake will be held on Saturday with a flea market from 9-2, food trucks from 10-3, touch a truck from 12-3, kids crafts at 1, carnival games at 2, pumpkin sweep at 3 and trunk or treat at 4.

Accolade on Pells will hold a fall festival on Saturday from 10-2. Activities include bounce house, hot dogs, face painting, games and more.

The 2023 Flessner Fall Fest in Roberts will take place on Saturday.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Prairie State Church Camp on Saturday from 10-2.

Paxton native and “The Voice” winner Gina Miles will perform 2 sold out shows on Saturday Evening and Sunday afternoon at the Cadillac in Paxton.

(Springfield-jm) – A multistate salmonella outbreak has caused dozens of illnesses across 22 states, including Illinois. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  issued a food safety alert for certain diced onion products from Gills Onions that have been linked to the outbreak. Four people in Illinois have been sickened.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois State Trooper was shot Tuesday night in Springfield, allegedly by a man wanted in connection with a murder investigation out of Chicago. The trooper had pulled over a car driven by 37-year-old Cristobal Santana. Police said during the interaction between the trooper and Santana, shots were fired and the officer was struck in the leg. Santana ran from the scene but was taken into custody about three hours later, police said.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday adopted House Resolution 409 which mourns the passing of former Illinois State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Bill Black of Danville.  State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian sponsored the resolution and spoke about his mentor on the House floor before its adoption…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police responded to a car-versus-pedestrian accident on Wednesday afternoon. The crash happened at the intersection of West Bradley Avenue and North State Street. Upon arrival, officers were informed that a car on the road had struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian was cited for entering the roadway. The pedestrian was hurt in the incident and transported to a nearby hospital, but is expected to be okay.

(Kankakee-jm) – Over 80 emergency and school officials trained yesterday for proper protocol procedures when it comes to in-school emergencies. The training took place at Kankakee Community College. The Regional Office of Education for Kankakee – Iroquois Counties coordinated the training along with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Officials with the Village of Rantoul have made a new investment with the purchase of a dump truck. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the new dump truck will be used for projects to snow removal…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield–jc)  – With the regular waterfowl seasons about to open this fall, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to be aware that they could encounter highly pathogenic avian influenza. Department officials  will monitor for outbreaks of avian flu during the fall bird migration. Members of the public are encouraged to report large concentrations of 20 or more deceased birds found in one location. Reports can be made  online to your local I-D-N-R district Department officials also remind waterfowl hunters to take precautions by thoroughly cooking game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees . Hunters also should avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found in the field, and they should not allow dogs or other pets to consume waterfowl that died from unknown causes.

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will hold glo bingo in Paxton at the Cadillac on October 27th and the Kruse Center in Gibson City on October 28th. Spokesperson Bill Kirby says this is a fun fundraiser for the group…

Gibson Area Hospital Foundation Spokesperson Bill Kirby.

(Rantoul–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A House of Flowers downtown Rantoul. Owner Marlana Smith says they offer floral arrangements for the fall and also it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas for your holiday needs.Smith says give them a call or check out their website…

Smith says they have fresh flowers, to a wide variety of gifts ranging from inspirational signs,  Willow Tree Figurines and wine to Fannie Mae Candies……

A House of Flowers and Gifts downtown Rantoul Owner Marlana Smith

 A House of Flowers and Gifts downtown Rantoul, the WPXN Business of the Day, today. You can learn more about A House of Flowers with our interview with Marlana Smith over the Noon news, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate has passed a bill involving religious school lunches. Governor J.B. Pritzker vetoed a prior bill that would have required the state’s public schools and hospitals to offer kosher and other religious-based dietary options. Pritzker said local school districts, rather than the state board of education, have the understanding of local needs required to enter into food-service contracts. The new legislation addresses the governor’s concerns.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding deer hunters there are dozens of locations where deer can be tested for chronic wasting disease free of charge during the upcoming hunting season. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk. It was first detected in a suspect adult female deer from northwest Boone County in 2002. The disease is currently confined to a 19-county area in the northern third of Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – Deer hunting season is almost upon us. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says archery season has already begun…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Environmental Stewards are coming together to build a Household Hazardous Waste collection facility in Urbana. Organizers said the need for the $170,000 space located on 901 Saline Court is needed year-round, adding it will improve the health and safety of the community. The program will decrease risks of groundwater and surface water contamination, as well as accidental poisonings. It will also lessen exposure to hazardous chemicals and highly toxic smoke for first responders going to house fires. Fundraising for the project should start early 2024.

(Champaign-jm) – Busey Bank is going through a change in leadership after a mutually agreed-upon separation with its President and CEO Robin Elliott. The company said that Elliott has transitioned into a consultative role this week. This role will last for the remainder of the year, at which point his employment by Busey Bank will end. Van Dukeman, current Chairman of the Bank, has been appointed to serve as President and CEO alongside his current position.

(Paxton–jc)  With the 5 year new contract with the Flock Company for vehicle license plate readers in the city of Paxton, the initial impact has been a positive one. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the cameras are just used for crimes, not traffic violations…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield–jc)  The Illinois Pork Producers Association is represented by a Board of Directors from 6 regional districts and up to 12 at-large positions along other industry representatives. The Board of Directors is composed entirely of pork producers , and these producers serve on a variety of committees that plan association activities throughout the year. Producer delegates set policy and give direction to programs at the annual meeting. The Illinois Pork Producers Association is currently seeking to fill seat vacancies  in Districts One and Four as also several at-large positions. Deadline to apply is December 15th

(Roberts-jm) – The 2nd annual Flessner Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 28th in Roberts. The fest is a fundraiser for the Flessner family, who have two boys diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Spokesperson Daniel Flessner says there has been a lot of progress made in the fight against muscular dystrophy…

Flessner Fall Fest Spokesperson Daniel Flessner.

(Springfield-jm) – As the two week fall veto session gets underway in Springfield, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie says there are a number of issues that require fixing within our state agencies where we have seen continual cases of mismanagement and disarray, issues that are ongoing and need to be addressed…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that the state of Illinois has awarded $9.5 million in funding to 40 different applicants across the state to support post-pandemic child and adolescent health. The funding is primarily from the CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act plus $500,000 in state dollars. Sixty percent of the grants are going to schools, 20% to hospital or clinic-based programs, and the rest to local health departments and colleges.

(Paxton-jm) – The fourth mapping session for the city of Paxton was held last night. The sessions are through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University and focuses on what community members vision for the city over the next 10-30 years. Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm talks about the goals the groups are working on…

Hamm talks about where the group is at now…

Mapping Manager Gisela Hamm. The final session is next week Thursday from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. The public is invited.

(Urbana-jm) – The ILEAS, the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Training Center in Urbana is getting a facelift.. The group got a $3 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The money will allow them to renovate the building and maximize their space for public safety training.

(Rantoul–jc)  Work is set to smooth the runways at the Village of Rantoul Airport. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the project will help with usage and safety at the local facility…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(UIUC-jm) – A pair of University of Illinois police officers are being credited by their superiors with saving a man’s life on Saturday and then promptly going back to their normal routines for the Illini Homecoming game. U of I Police Department officials said the officers’ life-saving actions took place on Saturday in the area surrounding Memorial Stadium. Amidst the pregame festivities for the game against Wisconsin, officials said a man went into cardiac arrest two hours before kickoff. When first responders were notified, Officers Tara Hurless and Chris Williams were the closest to where the emergency was happening, and they responded immediately. Providing CPR and using a defibrillator, officials said the officers were able to get the man’s heart rate back into rhythm. Paramedics later took over and transported the man to the hospital. He was awake and alert when he arrived, officials said. Once the man was on his way to the hospital, Hurless and Williams went back to work. Police officials said that this was the fifth cardiac arrest on the U of I campus since 2018. Of those, four of the patients were awake and talking by the time they reached an ambulance

(Paxton-jm) – A Paxton nursing home will be celebrating the Halloween holiday this weekend. Accolade Healthcare on Pells is holding a fall festival. Spokesperson Michelle Harmon shares some of the day's activities…

Accolade Healthcare on Pells Spokesperson Michelle Harmon. They will also host a trunk or treat on Halloween night.

(Hoopeston–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day are the Brown Family businesses in Hoopeston. They are Bricks and Ivy Sports Collectibles, The 112 Wine and Coffee Shop and Bakery and Boxcar Books and Vinyl. Family spokesperson Emily Brown says it started with Bricks and Ivy over 6 years ago…

Brown talks about expanding the family businesses buy purchasing a building in the downtown area for a coffee and bakery shop…

Brown family Business Owner Emily Brown. Bricks and Ivy, The 112 Wine and Coffee Shop and Bakery and Boxcar Books and Vinyl are all located in the same area in downtown Hoopeston. They are the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police will be hosting three public hearings to address concerns about the firearms ban. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated–jc)  Reports are coming in this morning concerning an officer shooting in the state capitol. The shooting happened just before 11 last night along Toronto Road in Springfield. No word on the condition of the officer has been released.

Update-The person suspected of shooting a law enforcement officer in Springfield Tuesday night has been arrested. The Illinois State Police also confirmed that the officer is an Illinois State Trooper.

ISP officials said their preliminary investigation into the shooting indicated that the Trooper conducted a traffic stop on Toronto Road and interacted with the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Cristobal Santana of Chicago. Santana, officials added, was wanted in connection to a recent murder in Chicago.

During that traffic stop, officials said shots were fired and the Trooper was hit in the leg. Santana fled his car on foot, but was arrested at 2 a.m.

The Illinois State Police are still investigating.

(Springfield-jm) – Changes could soon be coming to Illinois' early childhood education and care programs as Governor J.B. Pritzker proposes housing all those functions under one roof with the creation of a new state agency. The new agency, which will be known as the Early Childhood Agency, will focus on the early childhood block grant, which funds preschool for all, the prevention initiative home-visiting program and the child care assistance program, home-visiting and early intervention services, according to a state news release. The plan includes an additional $250 million in taxpayer funding for the child care Smart Start program and an advisory board to oversee the agency, but the total taxpayer cost of creating a new state agency isn't known yet.

(Rantoul-jm) – The Department of the Air Force and the Village of Rantoul will mark the complete transfer of the former Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, to the community during a ceremony this afternoon at 2 p.m. at Rantoul Village Hall.

Air Force officials will join local and state representatives for a Whole Base Transfer celebration honoring the enduring civilian-military partnership that ensured the success of the 30-year effort to transfer the one-time Air Force technical training center to the community. Since Chanute’s closure in 1993, the Air Force has committed more than $200 million to environmental clean-up efforts closing out 276 sites with significant soil and groundwater contamination.

(Paxton–jc)  The City of Paxton now has a new Five year plan with the Flock Company for the four security cameras in the city. The cameras are used for safety and any major illegal activity in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the 5 year agreement locks in the current price…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Momence–jc)  – Illinois State Police are requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation surrounding the death of 52-year-old Bert N. Lawton of Grant Park  On August 27, at approximately 2:45 a.m., state police responded to a hit and run crash involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle on 4000 North Road near 14000 East Road in Momence. The driver of the motorcycle, Bert N. Lawton, was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The offending vehicle fled the scene westbound onto 4000 North Road into Momence and it is believed to be a black or dark colored Chevrolet Impala between the years of 2006 to 2011. The offending vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage and it is missing the front bumper grille.  Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the State Police at 815-209-6567. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can do so by calling Crime Stoppers at 815-932-7463. A Cash reward is being offered.

(Woodworth-jm) – The 12th annual Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation auction will take place Sunday, November 12th at St. Pauls School in Woodworth. Foundation President Nita Dubble talks about the reason behind the auction…

Ford Iroquois 4-H Foundation President Nita Dubble.

(Springfield-jm) – As the fall veto session begins today in Springfield, Illinois lawmakers will be in the spotlight as they deal with numerous controversial issues. 

Energy legislation, including the state’s nuclear construction moratorium, gun laws, and scholarship tax credits could be addressed during the session. The Invest in Kids tax credit program is set to expire on New Year’s Eve unless lawmakers take action. The program has faced opposition from teacher’s unions, such as the Illinois Education Association and the Chicago Teachers Union. Lawmakers could also address an amendatory veto by Pritzker that would give electric utilities like Ameren the right of first refusal on transmission line construction. Opponents say the bill would create a monopoly and drive up electric bills. Another energy-related matter involves a bill that would have lifted the 1987 ban on nuclear construction in Illinois. Last spring, a bill gained bipartisan support to allow the state to take advantage of carbon-free technologies and the construction of small modular reactors. There are many calling for the General Assembly to fix Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, which has led to hundreds of lawsuits. Lawmakers may also take up a bill that mandates that guns be taken away from an alleged domestic abuser once a domestic violence order of protection has been filed in the case.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission will be holding a Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit Wednesday. The online event is dedicated to educating and empowering young individuals about the dangers of alcohol consumption. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with expert speakers and network with like-minded individuals from around Illinois.

(Paxton-jm) – The fourth of five mapping sessions for the city of Paxton through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University is set for tonight. Program Manager Gisela Hamm says public input is still wanted and needed…

Mapping Program Manager Gisela Hamm. Again those four high priority goals are housing, infrastructure, business support and development and leisure around parks and recreation and festivals and events. The session is from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a retail theft. On October 2, 2023, three females entered Kohl’s in Champaign. The females split up briefly, then two of them met up and relocated to the jewelry department. One female had keys and unlocked a fine jewelry display case, and the females loaded numerous jewelry items into a purse. The two females then moved to the fragrance department, unlocked a drawer, and stole several bottles of perfume. The two females exited the store, then reentered and proceeded to the jewelry department where they met up with the third female. They again unlocked a jewelry display case, and the three females stole several more items. The trio fled in a silver sedan with merchandise valued at $24,053. The suspects were described as black females between 35-40 years old.

(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation glo bingo fundraiser will take place in Paxton October 27th and in Gibson City on October 28th. Spokesperson Bill Kirby says tickets are still available…

Gibson Area Hospital Foundation Spokesperson Bill Kirby.

Tickets remain available and you will be able to buy tickets for the event on Friday night at the Cadillac for Glo Bingo in Paxton. 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County residents, community leaders, business owners, area agencies and organizations now have an opportunity to share how severe weather events impact their property and lives. The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency is working with American Environmental Corporation from Springfield to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan assesses the natural hazards that pose risk to the county, such as tornadoes, straight line winds, ice storms, blizzards, wildfire, flooding, and extreme temperatures and identifies ways to minimize the damage of future events. The Iroquois County HMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that covers Iroquois County including all cities, villages, and communities within Iroquois County. This HMP also incorporates the concerns and needs of townships, drainage districts, school districts, and area agencies or organizations participating in the plan. When completed, the plan will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency for approval.

(Undated-jm) – AAA has reported that Illinois gas prices inched up two cents from a week ago. The state average for a regular gallon of gas is $3.63. The price of gas is 28 cents less than a month ago, and 60 cents less than this time last year. The U.S. price of oil logged a small 1% gain last week, amid ongoing concerns about the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In total, U.S. oil has risen $6 per barrel over the past two weeks. Gasoline futures also rose 11 cents per gallon last week, for a total increase of nearly 20 cents in two weeks.

(Washington-jm) – Soybean growers making big inroads in harvesting ahead of a big storm later this week. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc) –  Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. With autumn, Paxton Hardware and Rental has a full line of machines available for your projects from skidsteers, man-lifts, to trenchers, and more says owner Scott Allen…

Allen says they have the items you need to keep warm…

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen. 

The store slogan is buy what you want, rent what you need. Paxton Hardware and Rental, the WPXN Business of the Day, today.

(Chicago-jm) – Federal investigators are searching for a Chicago immigration attorney accused of helping his clients file immigration forms filled with sham marriages, fake jobs and false accusations of domestic abuse. Mohammad Reza Baniassadi, owner of The Law Offices of Reza Baniassadi, faces one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud and five counts of falsifying applications for immigration benefits. Each count of falsifying immigration applications is punishable by up to ten years in prison. The conspiracy count carries up to five years in prison. Prosecutors alleged Baniassadi and two employees gave false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of foreign national clients seeking U.S. immigration benefits. That included made-up jobs, sham marriages, cheating on civics tests and false accusations of domestic abuse.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fire Marshall is advising residents about the dangers of Halloween decorations and fires.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 9,200 fires were reported to fire departments nationwide over a 3-day period around Halloween. These fires caused an estimated annual average of 25 deaths, 100 injuries, and $117 million in property loss. Officials advise using a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns and teach children to stay away from open flames while wearing their costumes.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has been in the news lately. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses the controversies surrounding the agency…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin of Illinois, along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced two Illinois programs were selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs. The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s The Bloch: End-to-end Quantum Solutions at Scale and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub were selected and are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program, which will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 designated hubs.

(Roberts-jm) – The 2023 Flessner Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 28th in Roberts. It’s the 2nd annual event to raise money for the Flessner family, who have two boys diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Spokesperson Daniel Flessner talks about how you can donate…

Flessner Fall Fest Spokesperson Daniel Flessner.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois System’s Shield T3 LLC will wind down operations by the end of December, system President Tim Killeen announced Monday. Shield T3 is a for-profit entity founded in 2020 by the University of Illinois System and its Discovery Partners Institute to provide the SHIELD saliva-based testing for COVID-19 detection outside of the state of Illinois. SHIELD tests were developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign during the early months of the pandemic and were widely deployed at U of I System universities and, through a separate entity known as SHIELD Illinois. The wind-down of Shield T3 will require a vote of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, anticipated at the board’s next regular meeting in November.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton IGA presented a $1,000 check to the Paxton Church of Christ. The grocery store made the donation to the church through the store's Charitable Rebate program, which provides $1,000 to a nonprofit organization in return for the organization collecting $200,000 in IGA receipts. This represents the 59th organization that has qualified for a $1000 check since the program started in September 2009.

(Washington-jm) – The nation's corn growers are getting the crop harvested at a faster than normal pace. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will hold a wine tasting fundraiser for the Rantoul High School Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry tonight from 5:30-8 at ET’s in downtown Rantoul. Cost is $75 per person.

(Springfield-jm) – In the second week of Illinois’ gun ban registry, of more than 2.4 million Firearm Owner ID card holders, a total of 1,618 have disclosed they own an item banned by the state. Numbers Illinois State Police published for the first week of the registry that opened October 1 showed 1,050 individuals disclosing a total of 3,202 now banned items. For the second week, an additional 568 have filed for a total of 4,678 items, 3,053 of which were banned firearms. With a total of 1,618 individuals complying two weeks in, that would be about 0.07% of the 2.4 million FOID card holders in the state. The first week’s numbers showed 1,125 disclosures of .50 caliber ammunition registrations and only 17 reported accessory disclosures. The second week’s numbers had the totals for ammo at 31 and accessories at 1,594.

(Washington-jm) – Friday's USDA Cattle on Feed report has some surprises for the trade. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Coroner has finished his investigation into the death of an Urbana toddler, finding that the child died from natural causes. Two-year-old Jayce Griffin was pronounced dead on July 23 after he was found unresponsive by his father, who was caring for him at the time. After conducting an autopsy and a review of medical records, among other things, Coroner Duane Northrup said he found no foul play and confirmed Griffin died from natural causes. The cause of death was “Viral Myocarditis with Viral Meningitis, Laryngitis, Tracheitis, and Bronchitis.”

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Fire Department responded to a Sunday afternoon kitchen fire that left the occupants of a home displaced. Fire crews arrived at the home in the area of South Lynn Street and Crestwood Drive. The occupants were already outside their home when units arrived. Damage was estimated at around $50,000.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois General Assembly returns to the state capitol this week for the fall veto session. The session runs October 24-26th and November 7 -9th. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the session…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been sentenced to 4 years probation and over $60,000 in fines for drug dealing. Brandon Jackson pleaded guilty with possession with intent to deliver cannabis. The plea agreement was for a charge of having between 2,000 and 5,000 grams of cannabis instead of the more serious charge of possession with intent to deliver more than 5,000 grams. 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The wastewater project is underway for the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the upgrades are needed as the village continue to grow with industry and local businesses and housing…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing of Paxton. Manager Kody Haas says they service a wide area…

Haas says even though we have several warmer fall days ahead, now is the time to have your furnace checked……

Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing Manager Kody Haas

The phone number to remember is 217-841-4728

(Springfield-jm) – Just four months into the fiscal year, Illinois’ Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program will suspend accepting new enrollees starting November 6, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services said. In 2020, Illinois began subsidizing the health care of non-citizens in the state over the age of 65, estimating the cost to be $1.8 million. Two years later, the state started offering the taxpayer subsidized benefit to non-citizens over the age of 42. Cost projections for the 2024 fiscal year were at nearly $1 billion. For the fiscal year that started July 1, legislators budgeted $550 million for the benefit. An official from HFS told the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules the agency was not ready to implement cost saving co-pays for non-citizens enrolled in the program and that more than 16,100 enrollees are now in the system.

(Washington-jm) – New Farm Credit System rules will put more emphasis on young, beginning and small farmers. Gary Crawford reports…

(Rantoul-jm) – The Department of the Air Force and the Village of Rantoul will mark the complete transfer of the former Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, to the community during a ceremony Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Rantoul Village Hall.

Air Force officials will join local and state representatives for a Whole Base Transfer celebration honoring the enduring civilian-military partnership that ensured the success of the 30-year effort to transfer the one-time Air Force technical training center to the community. Since Chanute’s closure in 1993, the Air Force has committed more than $200 million to environmental clean-up efforts closing out 276 sites with significant soil and groundwater contamination.

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois State Police conducted a crime enforcement detail October 16-19 in Douglas and Logan counties and seized nine firearms from a driver who confessed to transporting them to a known gang member in the Chicagoland area, and 50 kilos of cocaine hidden in a semi-trailer.

(Paxton–jc)  Upgrades to several pump stations are set to be completed in November in the city of Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the pumps are aging and need to be replaced in the Vermilion and Chesnut lift stations…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

(Champaign-jm) – A new building broke ground that will prepare Parkland College students for work in a skilled trade. The building will be called the Parkland-AGCO Agricultural Education Building. It’ll be a training center for students that want to develop their technician skills. AGCO is a growing agriculture company that now is partnering with Parkland College to add a new building on campus. The building cost $6 million, with AGCO donating $5 million. The goal is to get college freshmen and companies to collaborate and understand the value of being a technician.

(Paxton–jc)  – The Paxton Service Club is on the look-out for the 20-23 city of Paxton Christmas tree.  Paxton Service Club spokesperson Judy Ondercho says the group is building a new list of possibilities for the holiday tree…

Paxton Service Club  Spokesperson Judy Ondercho. The 20-23 City of Paxton Christmas parade is set for 1-30pm on Saturday November 25th. WPXN will be broadcasting the parade live again this year. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the unemployment rate increased to 4.4% in September. The August unemployment rate was 4.1%. Based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payrolls increased 9,500 last month. The national unemployment rate was 3.8% in September, unchanged from the previous month.

(Paxton-jm) – The third mapping session for the city of Paxton is complete. The mapping sessions are hosted by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and get feedback from community members about what they want to see in the community in the next 10-30 years. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th. Program Manager Gisela Hamm talks about Tuesday's session…

Mapping Program Manager Gisela Hamm. The four high priority goals are housing, infrastructure, business support and development and leisure around parks and recreation and festivals and events. The session runs from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. The public is invited.

(Rantoul-jm) – Flex-N-Gate Group has agreed to acquire Rantoul-based Eagle Wings Industries. The facility will be rebranded Flex-N-Gate Rantoul and will offer employment to Eagle Wings’ associates when the business transfer occurs later this year.

(Urbana-jm) – A new clinical trial at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital may improve the quality of life for dogs that need limb amputations. The hospital will be using two different surgical techniques: monopolar electro-surgery and ultrasonic scalpel. This is the first clinical trial in veterinary medicine to compare the two methods. Veterinarians said the goal is finding the best way to minimize pain, inflammation, and tissue damage for the animals by comparing results. The trial is open to dogs that require amputation for any reason and will cover some of the costs for procedures.

(Washington–jc)  Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth was on the Senate floor on Thursday morning providing her comments on supporting the country of Israel. Duckworth, a former combat veteran in the Iraq war, says she supports Israels right to defend itself…

Illinois U. S. Senator Democrat Tammy Duckworth.

(Champaign-jm) – An arrest has been made in connection to a shots-fired incident near the University of Illinois campus, police announced. The University of Illinois Police Department said investigators identified Dominic Parrish of Urbana, as the person who fired four shots in the area of Second and Green Streets the night of Oct. 9. No one was hurt, but the incident triggered an Illini Alert that was sent to all students, staff and campus community members. Parrish was booked into the Champaign County Jail on charges of reckless discharge of a firearm and for possessing a gun as a felon.

(Roberts-jm) – The 2nd annual Flessner Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 28th in Roberts. The event is a fundraiser for the Flessner family, who have two boys diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Spokesperson Daniel Flessner talks about the days activities…

Flessner Fall Fest Spokesperson Daniel Flessner.

(Washington-jm) – How does USDA’s October outlook on beef production connect with its price forecasts for this year and next? Rod Bain reports…

(Hoopeston–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Pink Poodle and Unique Boutique in Hoopeston. Owner Lisa Breymeyer says they specialize in home decor, gift and collectibles to clothing and jewelry. Breymeyer says from 4 to 7pm tonight they have a special “ladies night out” event that includes some special vendors…

Breymeyer says they are  running a “fall sale” through the weekend…

The Pink Poodle and Unique Boutique in Hoopeston Owner Lisa Breymeyer

 Hear more about tonight's sale and upcoming events at The Pink Poodle with Lisa Breymeyer during the Noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Lottery has announced the highest income generated in its history. Fueled by massive jackpots in the Powerball and Mega Millions games, the Lottery announced a record net income of $882 million for fiscal year 2023 ending in June. That is a 5.7% increase over last year. The Illinois Lottery was founded in 1974 and officials said it has contributed over $24 billion to the state’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education since 1985.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall trout season is coming up later this weekend. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons shares the process of growing trout…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons. Opening day of fall trout fishing is tomorrow at 5 am.

(Gibson City-jm) – With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is asking residents to honor family members or friends who are veterans as part of a memorial display in the Illinois State Capitol. The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus is once again hosting its annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from November 7 to November 20. The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served. Senator Bennett is encouraging friends and families to submit a photo and short story (fewer than 250 words) about their veterans by November 6, so the information can be a part of the Veterans Day Wall of Honor display. Entries can be submitted to VeteransDay@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110D State House, Springfield, IL 62706.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department said safety has always been a priority for them. Now they’re asking for the campus community to make it one as well. This comes after five people were arrested near campus with guns and drugs in recent weeks. Four of the arrests happened last week and the fifth happened on Monday. Some tips the department shared on how to keep vigilant in a potentially hostile situation were to know when to leave, how and when to report the situation, and how to keep yourself safe.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul based Community Service Center is hosting a Wine-Tasting event on Tuesday at a local restaurant to help fund the Rantoul High Schools–Eagles Nest Food Pantry. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says they have partnered with E.T’s Restaurant for the event on Tuesday October 24th…

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford. They have only 15 tickets left for the event. More information about purchasing tickets is on-line or by calling the center in Rantoul.

(Springfield-jm) – Inadequate housing inventory continued to hinder the housing market in September, driving home sales lower and median prices higher, according to data from Illinois REALTORS. The number of statewide home sales and the available housing inventory in September 2023 dropped in comparison to September 2022 figures. In September 2023, statewide home sales of 11,483 homes sold was 17.4 percent lower than 13,900 sold in September 2022. Also, the monthly median price of $270,000 in September 2023 was 6.5 percent higher than it was the year before at $253,594. In September there were only 21,256 homes for sale statewide, a 28.5 percent decrease from 29,717 homes on the market in September 2022. Homes sold an average of 24 days this past September, compared to 26 in September 2022.

(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation is showing off the medical office buildings, built north of the hospital. Foundation Spokesperson Bill Kirby says its an asset for the community

Gibson Area Hospital Foundation Spokesperson Bill Kirby. The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation glo bingo fundraiser will take place in Paxton October 27th and in Gibson City on October 28th. Tickets are still available.

(Washington-jm) – USDA's latest look at milk production and prices noted demand for butter, and its impacts on the supply and demand ledger. Rod Bain reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a mobile food distribution today from 9-9:30 at the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 across from Melvin Convenient, 12-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, Elliott village hall from 1-1:30 and 2-3 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

The Onarga American Legion Post 551 will hold their fish fry tonight from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park. Cost is $12 and includes fish, fries, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Hometown Heroes on Saturday from 10-2.

(Springfield-jm) – A new report that highlights the redistricting process in the U.S. gives Illinois the worst grade in the country.  The anti-gerrymandering group Common Cause gave Illinois an “F” grade, citing a lack of public participation that has routinely gotten in the way of producing political maps reflective of the state’s demographics. 

(Undated-jm) – NBC News announced it will host the Republican National Committee’s third presidential primary debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.  The debate will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8.

(Rantoul–jc)  A New wastewater treatment plant upgrade is now officially underway in the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says his office signed the contracts yesterday…

Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. The village is investing around 11 Million dollars for the project. 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The updated Vermilion County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan outlining projects and activities to reduce damages caused by severe weather and other natural hazards will be available for public review and comment starting November 2.  The Plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available for review at the Vermilion County EMA office and on the County website. The comment period will remain open through November 16.  Public comments received will be used to make any revisions needed before the Plan is submitted to the Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall trout season is coming up later this month. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons says there is a daily limit…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons.

(Decatur-jm) – Federal investigators found that a lack of preventative maintenance on the explosion suppression system of a bucket elevator was a major factor in an April 21, 2023, explosion at Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s West Plant that resulted in the hospitalization of three employees with burns and other injuries and extensive damage to the grain elevator. U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators responding to the combustible corn germ dust explosion determined that the explosion suppression system on the indoor bucket elevator leg was non-functional and in a state of disrepair. Investigators found the Decatur grain processing facility had not conducted inspections and testing of the explosion suppression systems since late 2016.

(Washington-jm) – USDA's October look at broiler and turkey production and price forecasts indicates tighter supplies but mixed prices received by producers. Rod Bain reports…

(Chicago–jc)  As it gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the Illinois Lottery is celebrating the highest net income generated in its history, fueled by a historic number of jackpots surpassing $1 billion in Mega Millions and Powerball. The Lottery  announced record net income of $882 million for fiscal year 2023 ending June 30 which is a 5.7% increase over last year and eclipses every prior year.

(Gibson City–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Debbie's Gifts and More and L and D Upholstery of Gibson City. They have been doing upholstery work since 1978 and the Gifts Shop opened in 1998  says owner Larry Spellmeyer…

The gift side of the store offers collectibles and a lot more, 

Debbie’s Gifts and More and L and D Upholstery Owner Larry Spellmeyer. The store is open Tuesdays through Fridays 8-30am to 5pm and 8-30 to Noon on Saturdays.  Gifts, collectibles, plush, and more are found at Debbies. 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation that would authorize legislative staff to form a union has advanced out of committee. The measure would create the Legislative Employee Labor Relations Act and comes in response to an effort by Democratic staff in House Speaker Chris Welch’s office to unionize and negotiate wages through collective bargaining. Welch said he intends to push for the bill’s passage during the upcoming fall veto session, which begins Tuesday, October 24.

(Springfield-jm) – A majority of Illinoisans don’t want to see Governor J.B. Pritzker in the White House. An Illinois Policy Institute poll found that 60% of respondents would not support Pritzker in seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. Pritzker has said he has no plans to run for president, but some have speculated he would be a candidate if President Joe Biden chose not to run. 

(Springfield-jm) – Personal income has fallen in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains what it means…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Chicago-jm) – Utility customers throughout Illinois will likely see an increase in the price they pay for natural gas each month. Capitol News Illinois reports administrative judges at the Illinois Commerce Commission have recommended the agency grant gas rate increases to Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The increases await approval – or modification – by the full five-member panel of commissioners at the I-C-C. They are expected to issue a final ruling on the gas rate increases before the end of the year. Advocates say they will protest the recommendations at an I-C-C meeting today in Chicago. The new gas rates will go into effect in January. 

(Urbana–jc)  During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, experts are reframing the thinking about treatment of the disease: it doesn’t have to mean loss of your breasts. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local expert.

(Mahomet-jm) – A Mahomet woman has been sentenced to probation for stealing over $60 thousand in apartment security deposits. Shauna Corson pleaded guilty in Champaign County court to felony theft admitting just $66,253 in security deposits from her employer. She was also ordered to pay back the money to her former employer.

(Washington-jm) – How did the numbers from USDA’s latest quarterly hogs and pigs report find their way into the most recent look at pork production and hog prices? Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a mobile food distribution today from 9-9:30 at Abbe Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at R&P Home and Harvest in Watseka and 1:30-2 at Town and Country in Milford.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening 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.

(Springfield-jm) – An investigation by the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General found improper hiring techniques at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The OEIG said the Bureau of Meat and Poultry inspection had a practice of allowing supervisors to observe committee-led interviews and to provide improper input. One interviewer received a reprimand and will no longer be involved in the hiring process.  

(Springfield-jm) – The emergency rule implementing the assault weapon registry is still in place, but a top committee of lawmakers wants Illinois State Police to answer all of your questions. The Illinois State Rifle Association hoped the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules would block the policy from staying in effect Tuesday. While the motion to object to the emergency rule failed on a party line vote, Democrats agreed that the Illinois State Police need to clarify what they are requiring of the public. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved a motion requiring State Police to hold three public hearings in order to answer questions from concerned gun owners.

(Paxton-jm) – The third mapping session for the city of Paxton took place last night. The mapping sessions are put on by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. Program manager Gisela Hamm recaps last night's session…

Hamm talks about the goals the group worked on last night…

Mapping Program Manager Gisela Hamm. Next week’s session will focus on prioritizing each strategy, how important is each strategy to reach the goal and break it down into projects and form action teams. The session is Tuesday, October 24th from 5:30-8:30 pm in the PBL Junior High Commons Area. The public is invited to attend and share their input and vote.

(Urbana-jm) – A 25-year-old Urbana man is under arrest after University of Illinois Police said they found a gun and marijuana inside his car during a traffic stop on campus. A University Police officer initially stopped a car at Green and Wright Streets because it had a headlight out, but the officer could smell burnt marijuana as they approached the car. Officers discovered multiple bags of marijuana and a scale, along with a gun. Shandon Hillsman was arrested on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, armed violence and delivery of marijuana.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The T-Mobile Free Wi-Fi project continues in downtown Paxton. Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper says the project is another positive for the city and area…

Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper. 

(Paxton–jc)  The Pride in Paxton Group continues to raise money for the downtown Speaker system for the city. Pride in Paxton President Dawn Glad says the second Queen of Hearts board will be unveiled tonight and tickets are now available at Hudson Drug and Hallmark. Everyone is invited to go to the Prairie City Wine room tonight for the drawings.  The weekly event starts at 5pm and the queen drawing is set for 7pm  Jackpot to a Queen winner starts at 5 thousand dollars.

(Washington-jm) – New numbers show U.S. soybean exports have dropped below levels of one year ago. Gary Crawford reports…

(Kankakee–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Clove Alliance. Clove Alliance helps survivors of sexual violence.  They have offices in Kankakee, Watseka and Paxton and serve that three county area. Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracey Noe-Slach (No-ee Slaw) has the mission statement for the group…

She says a Crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week……

Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracy Noe Slach. 

Again that  number is 815-932-3322.

Clove Alliance, Serving Kankakee, Iroquois and Ford Counties,  the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois regulators are settling with ACI Payments for unauthorized withdrawals from Mr. Cooper customer accounts. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced the data misuse impacted more than 20,000 consumers in Illinois. The violations occurred when ACI erroneously used live customer data in a test, causing unexpected and sometimes multiple mortgage payments from customer accounts.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police said all crime in the city, including burglaries and shootings has reduced by about 74% over the last 2 years. Some of the most notable drops are being seen in homicides with them falling from 17 in 2021 to 9 in 2022, and 5 so far in 2023.

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Carnegie Library is hosting a “book sale” now through the end of the month. Paxton Carnegie Library Director Deb Mason says there is a wide variety. The local library is also hosting a “sock hop” on the 27th says Mason…

Paxton Carnegie Library Director Deb Mason.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is charged with drug-induced homicide after police said he sold someone fentanyl, leading to that person's overdose death. Dewon D. King, 33, was arraigned Monday, the News Gazette reports. He was arrested Saturday on a warrant that had been issued Sept. 20. Police said King sold fentanyl to Daniel Fox, 53, of Morris in July near downtown Champaign. Fox's body was found in a parking lot in the 600 block of North Neil St. in the early morning hours of July 10. Champaign Police said King is shown on surveillance video selling fentanyl to Fox.

(Washington-jm) – Two nations with different corn production forecasts for October were main contributors to USDA’s look at global corn supply and demand estimates. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Paxton Fire Fighters were called out last night to Ludlow Coop Elevator. A fan at the local facility caught fire. Volunteers were on the scene for a couple of hours. No damage reports were provided. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be alert for deer, which are entering their peak active season, especially at dawn and dusk now through December. In 2022, there were over 14,000 crashes involving deer in Illinois. Of those, 629 caused injuries and four of the crashes resulted in fatalities. If a collision is inevitable, officials say don’t veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road. The top three Illinois counties for crashes involving deer are Cook, Madison and McHenry counties.

(Paxton-jm) – The next mapping session for the city of Paxton is tonight. The mapping sessions are put on by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Gisele Hamm, the mapping program manager talks about what will happen tonight…

Hamm shares what tonight's session will focus on…

Mapping Program Manager Gisele Hamm. Again the next session is tonight from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. As always the public is invited to share their input and vote on what they would like to see in Paxton over the next 10-30 years.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for tips that can help solve an aggravated battery case at the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. Officials said a woman became agitated when she was not allowed to bring an outside beverage into the facility, making threatening comments and using inappropriate language around other patrons. When the suspect was asked to leave, officials said she pushed one of them, threw her stainless-steel cup in their direction and threatened to fight the same employee. The suspect was described as being White, approximately 27 to 35 years old, 5′ 6″ to 5′ 8″ tall and 165 to 190 pounds in weight. She was wearing a black swimsuit cover, black sandals and large framed sunglasses with clear stones.

(Roberts-jm) – The 2023 Flessner Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 28th in Roberts. Spokesperson Daniel Flessner says the event is a fundraiser and to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy…

Flessner Fall Fest Spokesperson Daniel Flessner.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is being held after he was arrested for having a gun and selling fentanyl. Dontrall Wright was arrested on charges of armed violence, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a weapon and resisting a peace officer. Champaign County Task Force members went to raid Wright’s apartment where they found just over 7 grams of fentanyl, scales, plastic bags and a loaded gun. When police went to arrest Wright, he attempted to flee.

(Undated-jm) – Grants are promoting Ag Literacy through Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom.  Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee and Livingston Counties  will share $647,000 in grant dollars. McLean, Vermilion and Champaign and Will County are also included. Eighty-nine total counties will use the money for education, training, educational lessons and other ag activities during the 2023-2024 school year.

(Washington-jm) – USDA stocks reports and crop production forecasts combined to reflect changes in USDA’s October domestic corn ledger. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Monical’s Pizza of Paxton. From thin and thick pizzas, sandwiches, lunch specials adding on breadsticks and of-course…the Family Pleaser. Monicals Manager Jason Mills talks about the famous, family pleaser…

Mills provides the delivery area and phone number to call…

Monicals Pizza of Paxton Store Manager Jason Mills. 

Dine In or Carry out at Monicals Pizza of Paxton. Phone number is 217-379-4835

Monical’s Pizza of Paxton, The WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness wants to hear community input on homeless services. The goal of the gathering is to hear feedback on what needs improvements, what is working well, and recommendations people have for homeless services and the Home Illinois Plan. There will be sessions held across Illinois.

(Kankakee County-jm) – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke with Illinois lawmakers and farmers in Kankakee Monday. While Vilsack stressed that he is concerned there are fewer farmers across the country, he is optimistic about the future. The Agriculture Secretary visited Kankakee last year with President Joe Biden to announce the administration's commitment to new initiatives to boost production of soybean and wheat through double cropping. The secretary said he is deeply concerned that the United States has lost 438,000 farms since 1981. Vilsack said he is excited about the potential for a strong farm bill and budget financing for the next three years. He hopes Congress can agree on a plan quickly to help farmers across the country and reverse the trend of families shuttering their farms. Secretary Vilsack said Congress needs to extend the farm bill by January in order to keep most agriculture assistance programs running.

(Undated-jm) – Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will be holding two glo bingo events in Ford County coming up later this month. The hospital will hold glo bingo in Paxton at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton October 27th and at the Kruse Center in Gibson City October 28th. Spokesperson Bill Kirby has how you can get your tickets…

Gibson Area Hospital Foundation Spokesperson Bill Kirby.

(Champaign-jm) – The State Farm Center in Champaign is announcing two new acts set to take the stage in the spring. Chicago on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 7:30pm. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday at 10 a.m. Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to the State Farm Center on March 26 and 27, 2024, with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play the Stage Show!  The Emmy® Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to Champaign! Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 20, at noon.

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. On October 11th, Heather Claeys of Gibson City was arrested for home invasion, battery and criminal damage to property. On October 12th, Trina Renroe of Gibson City was arrested for retail theft.

(Washington-jm) – New data from USDA resulted in closing out the domestic soybean balance sheet for the 2022-23 marketing year and changing this marketing year’s ledger from the previous month. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, and the Illinois State Police are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East and potential threats in Illinois. The Governor said he has been briefed by both agencies and the White House. Pritzker instructed both agencies to work closely with law enforcement partners and to be on heightened alert for any threats related to places of worship across the state to protect First Amendment rights and the safety of worshippers. At this time, there is no actionable intelligence regarding any credible threats in Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – The fall veto session gets underway next week. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City hi-lites the upcoming session…

***News nws 2904veto1***

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton celebrated their Fall Gathering and Pumpkin Patch events for the first time on Saturday. Despite the cold, many people came downtown to have a good time. There was also a breakfast and 30-35 vendors. The pumpkins will be a mainstay every weekend through the end of the month.

(Champaign–jc)  – The latest home health remedies on social media involve onion, garlic, and honey. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare separates fact from fiction…

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Fire Department responded to a working fire on Sunday morning that left a home uninhabitable. It happened just after 10:30 a.m. in the area of South Dodson Drive and East Elm Street. One person and a dog safely escaped the home before the Fire Department arrived. Damages amounted to around $150,000. An investigation determined the cause of the fire to be an accidental cooking fire.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Carnegie Library is hosting a semi-annual book sale this month. Library Director Deb Mason says there are a lot of titles available at a very low price…

Paxton Carnegie Library Director Deb Mason.

(Undated-jm) – There are several school board meetings around the area tonight. In Rantoul, the Rantoul Township High School board will hear a financial update and consider board leader recognition criteria. In Mahomet, the Mahomet-Seymour school board will consider a rental of space agreement at Sangamon on Main, consider an affiliation agreement with WGU and consider a resolution concerning the review of hazardous conditions. In Gilman, the Iroquois West school board will hear about a teacher vacancy grant and maintenance grant, hear the FY 23 audit presentation, consider work on the ag shop drain and a softball coaching MOU and discuss the Title 1 schoolwide plans. In Cissna Park tonight, school board leaders will hear recommendations from the building committee on potential maintenance grant items and consider filling some vacant positions.

(Cissna Park–jc)  – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Creekside Terrace of Cissna Park. Creekside Terrace is an independent living apartment complex on the east side of Cissna Park.  Creekside Terrace Manager Stella Grindy says each of the 15 apartments is full of amenities from walk in showers, nice bedrooms and security parking area in a beautiful country setting.  Grindy says the rent is determined by adjusted income…

Grindy says most of the residents are on social security and the apartments are income based…

Creekside Terrace of Cissna Park Manager Stella Grindy

Creekside Terrace is a HUD Housing Authority property. The low income housing complex is located on the North-East side of the village. More information is found by calling Stella at 815-457-3535.

(Undated–jc)  –As the Israeli-Hamas conflict continues, the Illinois State Police continues coordinating statewide law enforcement communications and activity in response to the elevated level of threats of violence and hate crimes related to the current conflict. State police officials continue to remind the public of the importance of remaining vigilant against hate crime activity and potential terrorism.  The public should report suspicious behavior to their local law enforcement agency or call 911 depending on the level of the threat.  State Police say… that if you see something, say something.

(Springfield-jm) – The shortage of teachers in Illinois has slowed and even improved but gaps in critical areas, such as special education, remain and racial diversity among school leaders lags far behind that of the state’s pupils, according to a study released last week. The review by advocacy group Advance Illinois is a follow-up to a 2022 survey examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public education. The report found that the supply of new teachers and principals has gradually increased in recent years. The possibility of filling leadership roles appears to be a bright spot. The report found that there are enough teachers in the state who have completed credentialing to become principals. Over half of the state’s school districts do not have a teacher qualified to step into the principal’s office. The report’s findings came as a surprise in many areas. Despite the historic classroom disruption of COVID-19, the number of teachers, assistant principals and paraprofessionals, or classroom aides, grew by 7,000 from 2018 to 2022, reaching totals not achieved since 2009. During the challenging first two years of the pandemic, staffing levels were steady and even grew in some areas. But newly trained candidates in special education and bilingual education lag behind demand and attrition is especially high among special education instructors. The number of paraprofessionals, key to helping classroom teachers provide individual attention, is declining.

(Paxton-jm) – 2 mapping sessions for the City of Paxton are in the books with 3 more to come. The sessions are put on by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. Mapping Program Manager Gisele Hamm encourages the public to attend the next session…

Mapping Program Manager Gisele Hamm. Again the next session is tomorrow night from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons.

(Gifford-jm) – Gordyville USA is still for sale. The event center near Gifford has been for sale since June 2022, originally with an asking price of $4 million. The price has been dropped to $3.6 million. 

(Springfield-jm) – A pest that is making headway throughout the Midwest is causing concern among soybean farmers in Illinois. The Soybean Cyst Nematode was first detected in Illinois soybean fields in the 1970s. The worm sucks the nutrients out of the soybean plant, causing more than $1 billion in soybean yield losses each year in the U.S.  Soybean Cyst Nematodes attacks the plant roots, and what happens is that it inhibits the actual nutrient outtake and that in turn causes major yield loss. The pest normally thrives in hot, dry weather, which is what the 2023 growing season experienced in Illinois. As a result, the nematode most likely populated and produced a lot of eggs, which could affect soybean yields.

(Springfield-jm) – Archery hunting season is underway in Illinois. Phil Boarsdorf with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources shares some tips for hunters…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Phil Boarsdorf.

(Undated-jm) – There are several school board meetings around the area tonight. In Rantoul, the Rantoul Township High School board will hear a financial update and consider board leader recognition criteria. In Mahomet, the Mahomet-Seymour school board will consider a rental of space agreement at Sangamon on Main, consider an affiliation agreement with WGU and consider a resolution concerning the review of hazardous conditions. In Gilman, the Iroquois West school board will hear about a teacher vacancy grant and maintenance grant, hear the FY 23 audit presentation, consider work on the ag shop drain and a softball coaching MOU and discuss the Title 1 schoolwide plans. In Cissna Park tonight, school board leaders will hear recommendations from the building committee on potential maintenance grant items and consider filling some vacant positions.

WPXN News Notes this Week…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a mobile food distribution on Thursday October 19th from 9-9:30 at Abbe Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at R&P Home and Harvest in Watseka and 1:30-2 at Town and Country in Milford and on Friday, October 20th from 9-9:30 at the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 across from Melvin Convenient, 12-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, Elliott village hall from 1-1:30 and 2-3 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, October 19th 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.

(Undated-jm) – A consumer watchdog group is calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission to take a stand on the kinds of profits People’s Gas has been enjoying and not give the utility the rate increase it wants. An administrative law judge recommends People’s Gas be given a $350 million rate increase, not the more than $400 million increase the utility wants, but the Citizens Utility Board said People’s Gas shouldn’t even get that much of a hike. CUB estimates the average natural gas bill in Chicago would rise $120 per year if the ICC approved the rate increase.

(Paxton-jm) – The second mapping meeting for the city of Paxton took place last night. The sessions are put on by Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. Program Manager Gisele Hamm talks about last night’s session…

Mapping Program Manager Gisele Hamm. The next session is Tuesday, October 17th from 5:30-8:30 pm in the PBL Junior High Commons.

(Urbana-jm) – As war rages in Israel and Gaza, Palestinian students at the University of Illinois found an ally to rally with as they called for freedom from oppression. The UIUC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine organized a rally at Alma Mater on Thursday in the wake of the conflict, and it drew hundreds of people.

(Paxton–jc)  A Fall Gathering and Vendor Show is set for tomorrow in Paxton. The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast, says Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper. 35 vendors will be at Veterans Square on Saturday from 8am to 4pm Food, Music and a Pop-up-Pumpkin Patch will also open on Saturday in downtown Paxton. 

(Iroquois County-jm) – There's now at least four candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the Illinois Senate seat being vacated by Tom Bennett.  Watseka resident Susan Wynn Bence announced her candidacy.  She was Bennett's Chief of Staff, initially, when he served in the Illinois House of Representatives.  Wynn Bence has a GOP voice on several fronts, including serving as legislative liaison for former Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti.  During that time, Bence was appointed to the Rural Affairs Council where she worked on policy in areas of workforce development,economic development, rural health and education. Bence is currently President of the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Watseka Kiwanis Club and Chairman for Illinois Rural Partners.  Bence was also elected three times to the Iroquois County Board.

(Paxton–jc)  A Blood Drive in Paxton is set for tomorrow at the First Lutheran Church. Local Blood Drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson says 7 more donors are needed for the Impact Life drive…

Local Impact Life Blood Drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson.

Those wanting to donate can go-on line at blood-center-dot-org for more information.

(Washington-jm) – How did markets initially respond to USDA’s latest crop production report reflecting lower yields for both corn and soybeans? Rod Bain reports…

(Hoopeston–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Lithgow MotorSports of Hoopeston. Lithgow Motorsports is a family owned business that started in 1997 says owner Phil Lithgow…

l Lithgow says they also have Dixie Chopper lawn mowers …

Lithgow Motorsports Owner Phil Lithgow. 

They  have Can-Am A-T-Vs and also have Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo sport machines in stock. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs has announced that his office will invest $10 million in Israel in response to Hamas’ attack on the country last week. This investment is the latest that Frerichs' office has made since he became the treasurer in 2015, totaling over $100 million. The state treasurer said the investment diversifies the state’s portfolio, draws attention to the partnership between the state’s economy and Israel, and achieves a good return from what he described as a safe investment.

(Urbana-jm) – A man from Texas is charged in Urbana with burglary after police said he was caught with stolen property from two separate burglaries. Urbana Police officials said that on Monday, officers responded to a burglary alarm at a business on Cunningham Avenue near Interstate 74. Officers discovered a hole in the wall and approximately $3,500 worth of property stolen from the business. Investigation into the burglary revealed Daniel Solis, 41, to be a suspect. He was located the following day and arrested after a brief foot chase with officers. Officials added that Solis is also a suspect in another burglary that happened at Perkins Road and Carroll Avenue, in a residential area of Urbana. Investigators recovered $6,000 worth of stolen property for the victim in the Perkins Road robbery, along with the property related to the Cunningham Avenue burglary. He is being held behind bars and is due back in court November 28th.

(Undated–jc)  A partial solar eclipse is set for Saturday. All are reminded, not to look directly at the sun during the event. Adler Planetarium has provided some solar viewing kits at the Paxton Carnegie Library and are free, says Library Director Deb Mason…

Paxton Carnegie Library Director Deb Mason. 

(Springfield-jm) – Grants for water and wastewater treatment for rural areas are now available. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(River–jc)  – Water levels in the Mississippi River fell to an all-time low this week. Data from the National Weather Service shows the water level at Memphis fell to an elevation of minus 11.5 feet on Wednesday. Several other records were set along the river, including at Cairo with a level of 4.5 feet. The low levels have disrupted barge traffic and have allowed salt water to move up the Mississippi River in Louisiana. 

(Washington-jm) – USDA has lowered production expectations for corn, cotton and soybeans. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

Paxton Main Street’s Pancake and Sausage breakfast will take place on Saturday from 8-11 at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Cost is $8 for adults, kids 10 and under are free. The Fall Gathering and Vendor Show with 35 different vendors, pumpkins, music and more starts at 9am tomorrow at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton.

The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics collection event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street in Danville for all county residents.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting LIA on Saturday from 10-2.

The Danville Symphony Orchestra will host two maestros on Saturday at 7 pm in the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium at Danville High School.

Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold a drive thru pork chop dinner on Sunday from 10:30-12:30.

(Chicago-jm) – As the National Democratic Convention is set to take place in Chicago next August, there are questions surrounding how the city will handle the convention while also dealing with an influx of thousands of non-citizen arrivals. About 15,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago over the past 13 months. Many have been left without adequate resources and the city is facing a lack of funding to properly care for the arrivals. On CBS's Face The Nation Sunday, Governor J-B Pritzker was asked if he thinks the city will be able to handle the convention in the middle of a migrant influx. Pritzker responded it will require federal assistance to help coordinate where migrants will go.

(Fisher–jc)  –  Fisher Village leaders are expected to vote on placing “no parking” signs in Heritage Estates when they meet tonight. Other agenda items include approving a TIF pre-development agreement, speed bumps around Matthews Lane and buying tires for the squad car. The Fisher Village board meets at 6 tonight at the Fisher Community Center. 

(Washington-jm) – Red hot imports of foreign agricultural products are cooling down. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a semi vs farm equipment accident Wednesday evening. Crews were called to the accident on Route 9 at 1600 east just after 6pm. No injuries were reported.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center in Rantoul continues to gear up for their annual “Holiday Bureau.” The local service and civic group helps with the food pantry daily, but also looks to help during the upcoming holidays. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says new toys and dollars are needed to help families in Champaign County for Christmas…

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford

(Mahomet-jm) – The Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet is getting $100,000 dollars for an upgrade. The state grant will be used to improve a portion of the bike trail. The bike trail was built in 1996. This is a project the Champaign County Forest Preserve District started in 2021. Officials say money ran out, so this new grant is helping them pick it back up. The section of the bike trail at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, near mile marker 2.1, will soon look brand new. The $100,000 grant is coming from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the Bicycle Path Program.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Market Street Dental. Located at 140 Market Street in downtown Paxton, they offer a wide variety of dental services. They are accepting new patients, says Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Tisha Powers…

Powers says their services are offered in house…

Market Street Dental of Paxton Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Tisha Powers.

Market Street Dental of Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.

We will have more about Market Street Dental during the Noon News today. 

(Springfield-jm) – A new report shows that Illinoisans continue to die from fentanyl overdoses. The organization Families Against Fentanyl analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Illinois is ranked sixth in the country for the most fentanyl deaths from April 2022 through April of this year. Nearly 3,000 Illinois families lost loved ones to fentanyl poisonings. The CDC estimates that more than 111,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending in April, and more than 77,000 of those deaths involved fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Fentanyl continues to be the number one cause of death of Americans 18 to 45 and the new data from the CDC shows deaths are continuing to increase.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. agricultural exports will likely achieve USDA forecast. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police recovered three illegally-possessed guns in two separate cases this week. University Police officers encountered Mehdi Amrani of Urbana, on Tuesday night. Officers knew Amrani was wanted for questioning related to three burglary to motor vehicle cases in the campus area. Officers attempted to detain Amrani but he ran into a parking garage. As officers struggled to place him in handcuffs, Amrani told them he had a firearm in the satchel he was carrying. Two illegally-possessed, loaded guns were recovered, and multiple people were arrested Sunday after police were initially called to a motor vehicle burglary in progress. As they were detaining a person who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, an officer observed a firearm in the backseat of the car. After the suspect was safely detained, police found a second handgun under a seat. Through investigation, police determined that the guns allegedly belonged to Sidney Williams of Rantoul and Dontarion Jordan of Urbana.

(Paxton–jc)  The Pumpkins are coming to Paxton. The Paxton Main Street Group with help from the local chamber are hosting a “Fall Gathering and Vendor Show on Saturday at the Veteran’s Square area just south of the Post Office in the city. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack says a pop up pumpkin patch is part of the day on Saturday…

Paxton Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing robbery and aggravated battery charges after he allegedly robbed a gambling patron of their winnings. Luther Kimes is facing charges after he allegedly struck a man at a video gaming machine at the Mach 1 gas station in Champaign and stole his money voucher for $200. If convicted he faces probation to 3 to 14 years in prison.

WPXN News Notes…

The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a flu clinic today from 2-4 pm at the health department office in Paxton.

The Gibson City Police Department will open their shooting range to the public today from 5:30-8. Cost is $5.

The second mapping session for the city of Paxton is set for tonight. Community members are invited to attend the session in the PBL Junior High Commons starting at 5:30 pm.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission has adopted a permanent rule regulating the placement of co-branded alcoholic beverages on retail sales floors. Officials said the rule seeks to protect the public from confusion between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages with similar branding and to prevent the marketing of such alcoholic beverages to children.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker and other political leaders appeared in Chicago's northern suburb of Glencoe on Tuesday for a rally of support for Israel after attacks from militant group Hamas over the weekend. The Governor called for unity and peace…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

(Champaign-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has released further information about a shots-fired incident that rattled Campustown Monday night. Champaign County 911 dispatch received multiple calls around 10:35 p.m. for shots being fired at Second and Green Streets. Officers responded within a minute and during a search of the area, they found four shell casings. They also spoke with several witnesses who reported hearing the shots. No injuries were reported, officials said. The investigation is ongoing, with investigators reviewing security cameras and automated license plate readers to find additional evidence. Any witnesses who have photos or video are also being sought by the UIPD.

(Gibson City–jc)  –  Glo Bingo is coming back to Ford County soon. The event is a fundraiser for the Gibson Area Hospital Foundation. Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby says it's coming to the Cadillac in Paxton and the Kruse Event Center in Gibson City…

Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby. Tickets are available on line with the Gibson Area Hospital Foundation or by contacting the hospital.

(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul Police are investigating a home invasion and robbery that happened last week and they are asking the public for help through Crime Stoppers in solving the crime. Officials said that the night of October 2, two armed men entered a home in the area of Chanute Street and Sangamon Avenue. One of the offenders is said to have watched over the home’s occupants while the other rummaged through the home. The suspects left the home with cash, jewelry and other pieces of personal property. Officials added that one of the victims was slightly hurt when they were hit by one of the offenders, resulting in a head laceration. Officers were informed of the crime at 10:45 p.m. Officials said the men were wearing facemasks, gloves and Black pants. One was wearing a black shirt and the other was wearing a black vest. The races of the offenders could not be determined, but the victims reported that one spoke Spanish and the other spoke English.

(Washington-jm) – Soybean growers are speeding up harvesting. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Pizza Palace in Paxton and Gilman.  Pizza Palace is open Wednesdays through Sunday in Paxton starting at 4pm each day. Pizza Palace Owner Eric Bull says the ingredients from sausage, to the sauces and crusts are made in-house, daily… 

Bull says they have a thin crust to cheese crust to a Super-Stuff crust… 

Pizza Palace Owner Eric Bull.

The dining room is open daily Wednesdays through Sunday starting at 4pm

Pizza Palace of Paxton and Gilman is the WPXN business of the Day, today

You can  hear more about Pizza Palace in Gilman and Paxton during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – With Illinois’ gun and magazine ban still facing legal hurdles in federal court, a registry created in relation to the ban has been open for a week. A fraction of a percent of gun owners have complied so far. As part of the Protect Illinois Communities Act that was enacted earlier this year, the registration portal for firearms owners in Illinois that own certain semi-automatic firearms, accessories and ammunition opened October 1. While the law bans more than 170 semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns, it also bans handgun magazines over 15 rounds and rifle magazines over 10 rounds. Magazines do not have to be registered. Illinois State Police published the first round of statistics Tuesday, and of more than 2.4 million Firearm Owner ID card holders, 1,050 individuals have registered a total of 3,202 firearms, .50 caliber ammunition and accessories. Of the 3,202 items disclosed, ISP said there were 2,060 firearms listed at the registry. ISP did not provide a breakdown of what types of firearms were registered. For .50 caliber ammunition registrations, there were 1,125 disclosures. There were only 17 reported accessories being registered in the first week.

(Rantoul-jm) – Promise Healthcare received $350,000 from The Health Resources and Services Administration to support mental health services in Rantoul City School District and beyond. The grant aims to help primary care providers meet the mental health needs of their patients. The school district and Promise Healthcare worked together to hold school exams and immunization clinics at J.W. Eater Junior High School before the fall semester started. Promise Healthcare plans to use the awarded money to create a new clinic within the school and expand access to youth mental health support.

(Paxton-jm) – The first mapping meeting for Paxton was held last week. There are four more sessions ahead says Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm…

Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm. The program is through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. The next session is set for Thursday, October 12th at 5:30 pm in the PBL Junior High Commons. Other session dates include October 17th, October 24th at November 2nd all from 5:30-8:30.

(Danville–jc)  A Holocaust Exhibit has made its way from Gibson City in Ford County to the Vermilion County Museum in Danville. The exhibit is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am until 4pm.  Retired U of I-Springfield Teacher Brian Kahn says anti-semitism  continues today, and the exhibit is important… 

Retired University of Illinois at Springfield Teacher Brian Kahn

(Ludlow-jm) – A Ludlow man who allegedly possessed a bulletproof vest and ammunition he is not allowed to have has been ordered detained until he can be tried on those charges. Judge Brett Olmstead ordered that Dakota Spears, 27, be detained on charges of unlawful possession of body armor, a Class X felony, and unlawful possession of firearm ammunition. Spears was arrested after Champaign County sheriff’s deputies found those items during a court-authorized search of a garage in Ludlow in which Spears had been sleeping against the wishes of the owner. A Champaign County sheriff’s deputy’s report said Spears was being investigated in connection with shots fired in Ludlow in the early-morning hours of September 30. During their investigation, detectives located a Snapchat post that showed Spears riding a motorcycle believed to have been stolen from Ford County on August 21 while wearing a bulletproof vest and displaying what appeared to be a black handgun. Ford County law-enforcement officers are investigating the stolen-motorcycle case. If convicted of possessing the bulletproof vest, Spears faces a mandatory prison term of six to 30 years.

(Washington-jm) – The corn harvest continues at a pretty good pace. Corn condition remains stable, as expected. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Gas prices are on the decline in Illinois. The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the state is at $3.66, two cents more than the national average. Prices are down 11 cents from last week, and about 30 cents from last month. The highest prices are in western Illinois where motorists are still paying nearly $4 a gallon. The lowest prices are in the southern part of the state. For example, drivers in Effingham County are paying $3.11 for a gallon of gas.

(Champaign–jc)  Champaign Police and University of Illinois Police are investigating a “shots fired” incident that happened last night The alert was given at 10-45 Monday night.  An all clear was given around 11-30pm Monday. No other information was provided. WPXN news will update this story as more official news becomes available. 

(Springfield-jm) – The director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is stepping down at the end of the year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the department and the Governor failed many children…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Bloomington-jm) – The Bloomington area is seeing a spike in overdoses as the fentanyl crisis continues to affect Illinois communities large and small. A Facebook post by the Bloomington Police Department states that there have been nine reported overdoses and three deaths in the past two weeks alone. Police advise anyone who witnesses an overdose to call 911 immediately. Illinois has a drug overdose immunity law, which provides immunity from arrest and prosecution for many drug possession crimes if a person calls 911 to assist an overdose victim.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton’s first mapping meeting is in the books with 4 more sessions scheduled to come. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis was at the meeting and looks at the chamber’s perspective…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis. The next session put on by Western Illinois University’s Institute for Rural Affairs is Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 pm in the PBL Junior High Commons. Additional upcoming sessions are October 17th, October 24th and November 2nd.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Champaign woman filed an Order of Protection against Village of Rantoul Administrator, Scott Eisenhauer, back on July 28th according to Fox Illinois in Champaign. This comes as he’s already facing domestic battery charges and has been allowed to return to work. She claimed Eisenhauer was stalking and harassing her on several occasions dating back to September 2022. Both parties will be back in court on December 4th.

(Champaign-jm) – Carle Health’s AirLife program is celebrating 20 years. The helicopter and doctors on board help bring patients from one hospital to another or go directly to the emergency scene if needed.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton’s Fall Gathering Event sponsored by the Paxton Main Street Group. The event is set for Saturday October 14th. The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast in the recently renovated  former Paxton Legion building. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says the day will also feature a vendor and craft show to pumpkins and more…

She says the day will also feature the opening of their pumpkin patch……

Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper.

35 vendors have signed up for the event and the pumpkin patch will open on Saturday at Veterans Square. 

Springfield-jm) – This is fire prevention week and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reminding everyone about the importance of creating a home fire escape plan and practicing that plan with the entire family so everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. DCFS launched a free statewide program in October 2019 to provide smoke alarms to families served by the department. Illinois law requires every household to have smoke alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and at least one on each floor of the home.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall turkey hunting season is underway. Archery hunting got underway October 1st with the firearm season getting underway later this month. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Jayette Billinski reminds hunters they must report their harvest the day they take the turkey…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Jayette Billinski.

(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics collection event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 14 in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street in Danville for all county residents. The event is free but donations to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful are greatly appreciated. Residents are encouraged to bring their broken, obsolete or unwanted televisions, monitors and other electronic items to the collection events so they can be recycled.

(Ford County-jm) – An area group is raising awareness about farm legacy. Cheryl Mitchell with Impacting Farm Legacy what impacting farm legacy means…

Impacting Farm Legacy Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell. The group will be holding a session November 16th at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton. 

(Rantoul-jm) – Two Rantoul brothers have each been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a 2021 shooting. Donnell and Dontroll Robinson received the sentence in Champaign County court. Donnell Robinson was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon while Dontroll Robinson was charged with aggravated discharge of a weapon. Prosecutors say police were called to a report of shots fired in January 2021. They later learned a Champaign man had arrived at Carle Hospital with gunshot wounds to his back, hip and hand.

(Undated-jm) – A 4-generation farmer from Livingston County is announcing his intent to seek the Republican nomination for the Senate seat now held by Tom Bennett.  Mike Kirkton is a veteran, farmer and businessman.  In a press release, Kirkton says he'll focus on addressing challenges and concerns of the people living and working in the 53rd District.  Kirkton is expected to be one of several candidates seeking the office. He joins already-announced candidates Paul Ducat of Clifton in Iroquois County and Chris Bulkima of Grundy County. Kirkton has served the Livingston County Board.  Tom Bennett has announced he will not seek another term when his seat expires in 2025. The 53rd Senate District includes all or parts of Iroquois, Ford, Livingston, LaSalle, Bureau, Grundy, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam. Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

WPXN News Notes this Week…

The Rantoul Fire Department will host an open house as part of Fire Safety Week on Wednesday from 6-8 pm at fire station 1 in downtown Rantoul.

The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a flu clinic on Thursday from 2-4 pm at the health department office in Paxton.

The Gibson City Police Department will open their shooting range to the public on Thursday from 5:30-8. Cost is $5.

(Springfield-jm) – When asked if the state would consider a supplemental appropriation to cover costs for migrants, Governor J.B. Pritzker says the Illinois government will continue to use taxpayer-funded programs already budgeted. Chicago has seen at least 15,000 non-citizen arrivals sent to Chicago after crossing the U.S. southern border. The city and state have already spent hundreds of millions of dollars to care for the newly arrived migrants. Pritzker was asked last week how the state plans to keep funding available for the arrivals. Pritzker said while the state budget is balanced, they do not have any extra funds and have been forced to divert taxpayer funds from other programs like the rental assistance program. Republicans criticized the Governor saying that money should be used for legal residents and not migrants.

(Danville-jm) – Dozens of people gathered at Danville Area Community College Wednesday to honor the legacy of the late State Senator Scott Bennett. One of those honoring the late senator's memory is 53rd District State Senator and uncle to the late senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. The group honored the late Senator’s memory with a tree planting and were joined by Governor J-B Pritzker and Senate President Don Harmon.

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois student is facing child porn distribution charges. Rogelio Renteria is charged with 2 counts of child pornography after the Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted university police that six pornographic videos of kids were being shared from his IP address. If convicted he faces a mandatory prison term of 6 to 30 years.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall archery turkey season is underway. The top 5 counties last year for fall archery hunting harvest were Vermilion, Ogle, Clay, Marion and Randolph. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Jayette Billinski says firearm season is coming up soon…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Jayette Billinski.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for possessing a gun when he shouldn’t. Richard Frasier received the sentence in Champaign County court after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

(Washington-jm) – What are the export sales prospects for the U.S. crops now being harvested? A new report may give us a better idea about that. Gary Crawford reports…

(Rantoul—jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Community Service Center in Rantoul. The non-profit works with a large number of agencies and helps with programs and services to Champaign County. Executive Director Cindy Crawford says they are one of only a small number of agencies that have a full time food pantry for county residents…

Executive Director Cindy Crawford says  they work with the high school on a food program and also a delivery program for those with food deficiencies…

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford

(Springfield-jm) – A new survey shows small businesses in Illinois and around the country continue to struggle to pay their rent. The small business network Alignable reports that 40% of small businesses nationwide couldn’t pay their rent in September, the highest amount this year. Researcher Chuck Casto said the number of Illinois small businesses with rent troubles decreased slightly, but is still among the worst in the country, down six percentage points, however, 46% of Illinois small businesses were unable to pay their rent in full and on time is still very problematic. The top three industries struggling to pay their rent in September were retail, lodging and travel, and restaurants. In a separate Alignable survey, 38% of small business owners said that interest rates would need to drop at least three points before they would start to feel an economic rebound. Nationwide, 53% of small business owners said they are making half or less of what they earned before the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Paxton-jm) – The first mapping session for the city of Paxton through the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University was held last week Tuesday. The next session is this Thursday from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. Paxton Buckley Loda Schools Superintendent Travis Duley was at the first session and discusses how the district will benefit from the mapping initiative…

PBL Schools Superintendent Travis Duley. Again the next session is this Thursday from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. Other upcoming sessions are October 17th, 24th and November 2nd. The public is invited to share their input.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at 2713 Hundman Drive Saturday afternoon.  Fire crews worked to extinguish this fire that originated in a unit in the commercial structure. Firefighters responded to the report of a passerby of heavy smoke and flames coming from a unit in this building.  Once on the scene, fire crews confirmed heavy smoke and fire was coming from the structure.  Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and contained the fire to two units.  Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.  Champaign Public Works Department aided with heavy equipment to remove debris from the involved units.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is restarting a rebate program to buy electric vehicles. 53rd District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Fairbury-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 officials arrested 23-year-old Carter Meister of Forrest, IL, a Fairbury police officer,  for four counts of Criminal Sexual Assault. On October 2, 2023, ISP was notified of an allegation of Criminal Sexual Assault against Meister. ISP agents gathered evidence regarding the allegations and on October 5, 2023 an arrest warrant for Meister was issued and he was subsequently taken into custody for the above charges.  He was transported to the Livingston County Jail where he is awaiting a judge to set pretrial conditions.

(Washington-jm) – Markets are anxiously awaiting release of USDA's next crop production report. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois prosecutors deal with provisions of the SAFE-T Act, including cashless bail, the long-term repercussions remain to be seen. State's attorneys already are voicing concerns about some people facing charges who are able to avoid jail and who could commit additional crimes or not show up for court. Illinois State Police made one of the largest drug busts in its 100-year history in September, when they seized over 5,000 pounds of illegal marijuana near the Quad Cities, a judge allowed two Texas men to go free on pretrial conditions. Another case involved the robbery of a high-end boutique in Hinsdale where a gang used a sledgehammer to shatter a window before making off with nearly $70,000 worth of merchandise. Blood was left at the scene, and DNA testing matched the DNA to an individual on parole who was convicted of armed robbery and aggravated battery. The man subsequently was able to walk free without posting bail.

(Undated-jm) – A national organization has redesignated OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville as primary stroke centers. The Joint Commission, a national health care accreditation organization, redesignated the medical centers after conducting thorough reviews of both locations. They ensured that their standards were met by surveying the facilities, including their radiology, Emergency Departments, inpatient units, and several other areas.

(Danville-jm) – Dozens of people gathered at Danville Area Community College Wednesday to honor the legacy of the late State Senator Scott Bennett. One of those honoring the late senator's memory is 53rd District State Senator and uncle to the late senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker also attended the dedication and talked about Bennett’s public service…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing cocaine. Demarco Gray received the sentence in Champaign County court. Prosecutors say Gray attempted to toss out 12 grams of cocaine when law enforcement was executing a search warrant at his home.

(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton IGA. The store is open 24 hours daily, provides a daily cut meat department, fresh produce, delicious bakery and home town professional service. Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt says he has been employed at the store for just over 10 years and learned a lot from the previous Meat Department Manager Tim Glazik…

Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt says his department prepares fresh cut meats, everyday…

Paxton IGA Meat Department Manager Jason Schlundt. Paxton IGA is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.  We have a full interview with Jason during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – While President Joe Biden said he tried but failed to stop border wall funding, Governor J.B. Pritzker says the wall set to be built is a sign to Republicans that it’s time to come to the table on “comprehensive immigration reform.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday announced it is waiving 26 federal laws to finish completing a wall in the Rio Grande Valley. That is an area where the federal agency halted construction of a physical barrier over two years ago. DHS announced the change in the Federal Register after receiving pressure from Democratic elected officials. Pritzker sent the White House a letter Monday saying the arrival of thousands of non-citizens to Chicago is overwhelming, uncoordinated and untenable. He asked for more resources. When asked Tuesday if the border was too open, Pritzker said border security is part of the overall need for “comprehensive immigration reform.”

(Gifford-jm) – A Gifford man is facing reckless discharge of a firearm charge after he allegedly fired a gun in his home. Benjamin Calhoun is facing the charge after police were called to his Gifford residence earlier this week after he allegedly fired a gun in his office after he had been drinking and got mad at his wife. Prosecutors are not seeking to keep Calhoun locked up and instead are asking for a mental health evaluation and ordering Calhoun to turn over any guns to the sheriff’s office while the case is pending. He is due back in court November 28th.

(Paxton–jc)  The 5th Annual Paxton Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for tomorrow in the city. The Paxton Chamber is sponsoring the event and Chamber Vice President Dawn Stack says bringing in new customers, friends and shoppers is a good thing for Paxton…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack. Of the 250 tickets being sold for the event, only several dozen remain. You can get your tickets on line or by stopping by Hudson Drug and Hallmark or the Chamber office.

(Paxton-jm) – The first mapping session for the city of Paxton is in the books. City council members, business owners and the public were all in attendance with Western Illinois University’s Institute for Rural Affairs leading the discussion. Paxton Buckley Loda Schools Superintendent Travis Duley was present and discusses the district's role in the mapping project…

PBL Schools Superintendent Travis Duley. The program is through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm talks about what the group is doing…

Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm. The next session is Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. Additional upcoming sessions are October 17th, October 24th and November 2nd. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and weapon charges. Dontae Robbison received the sentence after pleading guilty to possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and possessing a stolen firearm.

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

Hudson Drug Shop will hold a flu shot clinic at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley this morning from 9-10:30. Cost is free with insurance or Medicare.

The 2023 Watseka Harvest Daze will take place today through Sunday.

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish fry tonight from 4-6:30 pm. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older, kids 12 and under are $5.

The Cissna Park FFA Pumpkins in the Park will take place on Saturday from 7-2. Activities include breakfast from 7-9:30, bounce houses from 9-2, lunch 11-2 as well as a car show, pumpkin painting and craft vendors.

The 2023 Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Chocolate Walk will take place on Saturday.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Prairie Champions 4-H on Saturday from 10-2.

Erica Neal will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.

The 2023 Back the Badge Fest will take place on Saturday at The Cadillac in downtown Paxton with country music artist Jerrod Niemann performing. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

The 73rd Annual St. Malachy Fall Festival will be held on Sunday. Doors will open starting at 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Dinner Cost: $15.00 Adult, $12.00 Seniors and $10.00 Children 12 and under.

(Springfield-jm) – Recent cases challenging weapons laws in other states could have an impact on the case pending against Illinois’ gun and magazine ban. The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that includes Illinois still has the consolidated cases challenging the state’s gun and magazine ban under review. A three judge panel heard the case June 29. Since then, Ninth Circuit rulings in August out of Hawaii against butterfly knife prohibitions and in September out of California against magazine bans have been entered. Tuesday, a Fifth Circuit federal appeals court in Texas ruled against the ATF’s pistol brace rule. Plaintiffs have asked the appeals court judges to take note of the Texas case. The state has yet to respond to that filing.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans, led by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie discussed problems brought forth last week by two Illinois Auditor General reports dealing with state agencies. Leader McCombie says there is a lack of transparency and accountability…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul City School District is looking at authorizing $6 million in bonds. The bonds would go for a new pre-kindergarten center. The proposed location would be over on Maplewood Drive.

(Paxton-jm) – The first community mapping meeting took place Tuesday night. The series of sessions focuses on mapping the future of Paxton through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Paxton Buckley Loda Schools Superintendent Travis Duley was there and talks about what the district hopes they can collaborate with the community for the future…

PBL Schools Superintendent Travis Duley. The next session is Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. Additional upcoming sessions are October 17th, October 24th and November 2nd. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback.

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County leaders are projecting a budget deficit next fiscal year. The county is forecasting a deficit of nearly $900,000. The county has seen sales tax revenues fall over the past couple of years. In 2022, county sales tax revenue was 19.4 million, this year it was down to 19.1 million and they project in 2024 it will go to 18.2 million. Property taxes have risen going from 14.3 million in 2021 to 17 million in 2023. Currently the county has 950 employees with requests to add more staffing which could add to the counties deficit.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall is here and that means the start of turkey hunting season. Jayette Billinski with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources talks about the archery hunting season…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Jayette Billinski. The top 5 counties for fall archery harvest were Vermilion, Ogle, Clay, Marion and Randolph.

(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul village administrators are celebrating a new grant that will help revitalize their downtown area. The village was one of 25 communities across the U.S. To get the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Award. $50,000 will go toward their street-scaping project like fixing sidewalks and roads in a four-block radius. They will also use the money to add art like sculptures, statues and murals. They plan to start construction in 2024 and finish in 2025.

(Washington-jm) – A new report says farmers in the developing world are not the only ones trying to cope with reductions in productivity growth rates. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Pop Loft in Paxton. The floral, balloon creation and gift store is located at 351 South Market in the city.  Owner Samantha Magers says she started with balloons and then added floral arrangements and more…

Owner Samantha Magers says  they are one of 22 stores in the city that are participating in the 5th Annual Wine and Chocolate Walk on Saturday, and she will feature Black and White Chocolates…

The Pop Loft in Paxton Owner Samantha Magers. They also have a pre order going on now through Saturday for Chocolate and Caramel Covered Apples. We have a full interview with Sam Magers set to air during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Members of a joint Illinois House committee met with officials from the healthcare industry to hear about possibly limiting how many patients a nurse can care for at one time. Opponents say that could drive up health care costs.   Legislators met last week to go over potential solutions for fixing delays in new licenses going out to health care professionals, making some unable to work. This week, they addressed staffing ratios and said that the nurses and other health care professionals are seeking a change to the current law, which states that there is no limit to how many patients a nurse can be responsible for at one time. According to National Nurses United, poor staffing endangers patients and drives nurses from the profession.  From previous opposition to mandated staffing proposals, the Illinois Health and Hospital Association said such policies would threaten struggling hospitals and drive up health care costs in Illinois by $2 billion a year.

(Danville-jm) – Dozens of people gathered at Danville Area Community College Wednesday to honor the life and legacy of the late senator Scott Bennett. A tree was planted on the school's campus. Senate President Don Harmon spoke to the crowd about Bennett’s legacy…

Senate President Don Harmon.

(Paxton-jm) – A former pharmacy in downtown Paxton continues to  be for sale after no bids were put in during a public auction. The auction was held for the former Doug’s Pharmacy building, however, no bids were received so Lennington Realty will be trying to sell the property.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  One reason Rantoul leaders are looking for developers to start housing subdivisions is the short supply of rental properties and the small number of existing homes on the market. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says bringing new homes into the village is a definite positive for Rantoul…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Savoy-jm) – The amount of travelers going through Willard Airport in Savoy has increased. In 2021, the airport saw 56,700 travelers. In 2022, that number rose to 64,715. Willard Airport expects that number to be around 70,000 this year. The airport currently offers 3 flights daily to Chicago, however, one of them will drop in November and 2 flights to Dallas Fort Worth.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The 5th annual Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for Saturday in the city of Paxton. The event is sponsored by the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack says the local chamber  looks at the economic impact of the Wine and Chocolate walk  that brings 250 participants and others  to the city…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack.

(Savoy-jm) – One Central Illinois fire department is considering the implementation of fees for one of its services. The Village of Savoy is set to vote on a new ordinance that would specifically affect non-emergency calls at assisted living facilities within the village. The non-emergency service would primarily be lift assistance. To reduce pressure on its firefighters, the village is advocating for these fees. If passed, this ordinance would align Savoy with other fire departments in the area, like Champaign and Rantoul, which charge $300 to $400 for lift assist calls.

(Washington-jm) – A new report shows that globally the yearly growth in agricultural productivity is shrinking. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN News Notes…

Parkland College in Champaign will hold a free CarFit check today from 8:30-2:30 at Stone Creek Church in Urbana. Sign up at parkland dot edu slash carfit.

The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a flu clinic this morning from 9-11 am at the American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gibson City.

Hudson Drug and Hallmark will hold a vaccine clinic at the Paxton Firehouse from 4-7pm. Flu shots and Moderna Covid boosters will be available.

(Undated-jm) – If you are watching television or listening to the radio at 1:18 PM today; you will notice a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.  This test will include a test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts, and will be conducted in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission.  The test will be sent to the entire United States and its territories.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans, led by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie discussed problems brought forth last week by two Illinois Auditor General reports dealing with state agencies. Leader McCombie says she’s tired of hearing excuses and now is the time to address the issues…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Champaign-jm) – A Chebanse man will spend the next 4 years in prison after he was busted in Champaign with meth. Aaron Smith received the sentence after pleading guilty to possession after police found 27 grams of meth in this vehicle back in December 2022.

(Paxton-jm) – The first mapping meeting for the city of Paxton was held last night. The program is through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm talks about last night’s session…

Mapping Program Director Gisela Hamm. The next mapping session will be Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons area. Additional upcoming sessions besides October 12th are October 17th, October 24th and November 2nd. All sessions will be from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons. The community is invited to attend and share feedback.

(Ford County-jm) – The Ford County Sheriff’s Office has released their September activity report. During the month, deputies responded to 4 traffic accidents and issued 22 citations for speeding, 3 for no driver's license, 2 each for driving with a suspended registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving with a revoked license and 1 each for driving with a revoked license, driving on restricted time on a graduated drivers license, improper lane usage, no turn signal, no headlights when required and illegal parking. In addition, deputies responded to 10 civil complaints, 9 suspicious person reports, 6 domestic issues, 4 animal complaints, 3 each of harassment and suspicious vehicles, 2 each of theft and fraud and 1 each of abuse, custody dispute, civil dispute, fight in progress and trespassing.

(Paxton–jc)  A pumpkin patch is coming to Paxton. The Paxton Main Street Group will host the “patch” area in Veteran’s Square just south of the Paxton Post Office in downtown Paxton. Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper says the patch opens on Fall Festival Day on October 14th…

Paxton Main Street Group Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Milford-jm) – Milford High School has been ranked No. 6,764 in the nation among the 2023-2024 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate more than 17,600 schools at the national, state, and local level. The school was also ranked No. 211 in Illinois.

(Gibson City–jc)  Today’sWPXN Business of the Day is Ropps Flower Factory of Gibson City, Paxton and Mahomet. Owner Roger Cramer says they have all colors and various sizes of mums available…

Owner Roger Cramer says they are running a 10 inch mum sale, now…

Ropps Flower Factory Owner Roger Cramer. The Gibson City, Paxton and Mahomet locations are open 7 days a week for the fall season.

Ropps also offers a full line of fall plants like Pansies  and more. 

(Champaign jc)-- The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at Memorial Stadium in the city just before 8 last night  Fire crews worked to extinguish this fire that originated in a maintenance area of the stadium under the Horseshoe.    

 Once on the scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke coming from the south end of the structure and upgraded the incident to a second alarm working fire.  Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and located the fire in the maintenance area, where groundskeeping equipment is stored.  Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.  The cause of this fire has not been determined as investigators remain on the scene conducting their investigation.  There was one firefighter treated on scene and transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.  

(Springfield-jm) – Congressional members met in Chicago to discuss the rise in crime. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the discussion…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Carle Health announced its upcoming Health and Wellness Expo, an annual event dedicated to the well-being of seniors in Champaign County and surrounding communities. Scheduled for Saturday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will occur at the Carle at the Fields in Champaign. The Carle Health Wellness and Medicare Expo is tailor-made to empower individuals aged 64 and older, whether already enrolled in Medicare or will be soon.

(Paxton-jm) – The first Mapping the Future of Paxton was held last night at the PBL Junior High Commons. City leaders, business owners and community members gathered to begin the mapping discussion process. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis talks about the chamber's role in the mapping process…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis. The next mapping session is next Thursday, October 12th with additional sessions on October 17th, 24th and November 2nd. All sessions are from 5:30-8:30 in the PBL Junior High Commons and are open to the public to provide input.

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. On September 18th, Anthony Freehill of Rantoul was arrested for making a bomb threat. On September 24th Weston Young of Gibson City was arrested for theft and resisting a peace officer. On September 25th, John Adams of Gibson City was arrested for domestic battery and an in-state warrant.

(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul leaders continue to look at possibilities for new areas to build homes in and near the village limits. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says one area could be near Murray Road and Grove Streets in town…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Danville-jm) – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will visit Danville Area Community College this morning, to pay tribute to the late State Senator Scott Bennett during the Memorial Tree Dedication ceremony at 11:00 am. The ceremony will take place on the lawn south of Prairie Hall. Additional speakers include former colleagues and members of the Senator’s family. The public is welcome.

(Cissna Park-jm) – Champaign County Coroner, Duane Northrup is releasing the

name of a Cissna Park woman who has died from injuries sustained after being involved in a motor vehicle crash in Iroquois County Monday. Betty J. Reetz, 64, of Cissna Park, died at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana from multiple

traumatic injuries. Mrs. Reetz was reported to be the driver of a vehicle that was hit by another vehicle on Route 49 @ 300 N Road, Iroquois County. No autopsy will be performed however, an inquest may be held on a later date. This death is being investigated by the Champaign Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence is reporting that 57 people died in 45 separate domestic violence incidents in Illinois during 2022. The data is part of the coalition's annual Domestic Violence Homicide Report. Of those 57 deaths, a third were 17 years-old or younger and the oldest victim was 79. Seven of the incidents also ended with the perpetrator committing suicide. According to the report, firearms were the most common causes of death in these incidents.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is telling President Joe Biden the numbers of migrants arriving to Chicago from the southern U.S. border are accelerating, and that the situation is overwhelming, untenable and uncoordinated. In a letter Pritzker sent the White House Monday, the governor said there needs to be more federal money to care for the migrants, among other suggestions. The state's taxpayers have spent more than $330 million on more than 15,000 non-citizens arriving in Chicago in the past 13 months. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans, led by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie discussed problems brought forth last week by two Illinois Auditor General reports dealing with state agencies. Leader McCombie talks about the lack of work from Democratic leadership…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police are still investigating a shooting that left three people hurt one week ago, and Crime Stoppers is looking for tips they can pass along. The shooting happened in downtown Champaign on September 24. Officers responded to the area of West Park Avenue and North Neil Street around 2:30 a.m. and found two people from Texas who had been shot. A third victim from Indiana arrived at an area hospital as officers were on the scene. All three victims are still recovering from their injuries.

(Paxton–jc) The first of several “Mapping” meetings is set for the city of Paxton tonight from 5-30pm to 8-30pm in the Paxton Buckley Loda  Junior High Commons area. Paxton City Councilman Rob Pacey provides some insight into what “mapping”...is…

Paxton City Councilman Rob Pacey. The event is free to attend and the public is invited. WPXN News will be following the Mapping sessions.

(Undated-jm) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it is planning a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday. The alert will be delivered to cell phones, wireless devices, radios, and televisions, at 1:20 p.m. our time. The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

(Paxton–jc)  The pumpkins will be arriving in Paxton for a fall festival event on October 14th, but plans for the annual Christmas parade in the city are also underway. PRIDE in Paxton Director Dawn Glad says this year’s theme is “Christmas Trees and Memories-honoring PRIDE in Paxton Founder Teri Hancock who passed away this summer.  Glad says the parade is the Saturday after Thanksgiving…

PRIDE in Paxton Director Dawn Glad

(Washington-jm) – The corn crop is rapidly maturing and harvest is pretty much on schedule. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Frederick Community Bank of Paxton and Cissna Park.  The bank started out as the Clarence State Bank in 1908, eventually moved to Cissna Park in 1941 and then the First National Bank in Paxton in 1969. The two facilities merged in August of 2018. Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms talks about serving the ag community with a full line of loans and lines of credit…

Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms

Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Nicole Weber says it’s nice to know your customers, and still take the extra steps to protect their identity and money…

Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Nicole Weber

You can hear more about the Frederick Community Bank with an interview with Alden Harms and Nicole Weber during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane and electricity. Applications opened this week for income-eligible households with seniors over the age of 60, Illinoisans with a documented long-term disability, and/or children under age 6. All families who meet the qualifications will receive support until funding is exhausted.

(Teutopolis-jm) – An Illinois lawmaker is calling for full accountability from the Illinois Department of Transportation following an ammonia leak that killed five people in Effingham County. A tanker truck ran off Route 40 Friday and leaked more than 4,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia. State Representative Adam Niemerg said IDOT diverted traffic from Interstate 70 several hours earlier but had not yet resumed normal traffic. He said he is frustrated by IDOT’s inability to take action to alleviate accidents due to construction on I-70 and is calling for a full investigation.

(Springfield-jm) – Experts say consumer interest and sales of electric vehicles in Illinois and across the country are not slowing down. Mark Richardson reports…

(Savoy-jm) – A man has been arrested and is facing charges after authorities said he confessed to robbing a Subway restaurant in Savoy last month. Devante Derrickson was identified as a suspect in the September 22 robbery using an automated license plate reader. The ALPR identified the vehicle used by the suspect, which led them to Derrickson. Court files indicate that a warrant for Derrickson’s arrest was issued on September 27, charging him with aggravated robbery. Members of a U.S. Marshals fugitive task force found Derrickson in Danville the following day and arrested him. Derrickson was booked into the Champaign County Jail on the robbery charge.

(Rantoul–jc)  One area village is growing and more space for housing is needed. That is a good issue for the Village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says village leaders continue to work with land owners near Rantoul to put in plots for new homes…

Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana, in partnership with the City of Champaign, The Refugee Center, New American Welcome Center, and Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office, were awarded a $247,918 grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services to fund services to asylum seekers in Champaign County.  The funds will help cover the costs of shelter, food, health and wellness, legal expenses, and wraparound services for asylum seekers from Central and South America and the Middle East who have settled in Champaign County since August 2022. The grant funds will provide services for an estimated 200 adults and 100 children during the grant period.

(Paxton–jc)  Tickets for this Saturday's Wine and Chocolate Walk in Paxton remain available. This is the 5th annual event for the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. 22 businesses have signed up to participate and 250 tickets are being sold.  Around 60 remain.  Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack says the walk is a way to promote the city and businesses while having a fun time in Paxton…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Dawn Stack. Tickets can be purchased at Hudson Drug and Hallmark, the chamber office or line .

(Washington-jm) – There's a little bit of a surprise in this week's USDA report on the condition of the soybean crop. Gary Crawford has the details…

(Springfield-jm) – People can now submit an endorsement affidavit online for assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges.  On January 10, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law the Protect Illinois Communities Act, regulating the sale and distribution of these items in Illinois, along with large capacity ammunition feeding devices.  Large capacity ammunition feeding devices are regulated, but do not require an endorsement affidavit.  Affidavits must be submitted online through a FOID Card account.

(Springfield-jm) – During a Friday press conference, Illinois House Republicans, led by House Republican Leader Toni McCombie discussed problems brought forth last week by two Illinois Auditor General reports dealing with state agencies. Leader McCombie talks about the audits…

House Republican Leader Toni McCombie.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski announced $5,000,000 for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration’s Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence program to establish and maintain a CoE to advance research and development that improves the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation.

(Urbana–jc)  The Biden administration recently said it’s considering a recommendation...that you limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks per week. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more on how excess booze can drain your health…

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton will hold their first mapping meeting this  week. It will be held on Tuesday in the PBL Commons area at the junior high starting at 5:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Participation in the Mapping program community planning sessions facilitated by Western Illinois University. It is possible that a majority of a quorum of the Paxton City Council will be present at this meeting. No official action will be taken by the City Council at any of these meetings, and these meetings are not being hosted by the Paxton City Council nor the City of Paxton.

(Washington-jm) – The surprise within USDA's Quarterly Grain Stocks Report isn't the corn and soybean stock levels, according to the Agriculture Department's Chief Economist. Rod Bain reports…

(Rantoul–jc) – Today’s WPXN  Business of the Day is Furniture World downtown Rantoul. The family owned business with the Van Blaricum family has been in business since 1959. Today the store offers brand names like Bemco Bedding and Ashley Furniture.  The 63rd anniversary sale starts today and runs through the month of October. Save Storewide on all items in the store, save an extra 5 percent on items paid by check or cash. Free Delivery 50 miles around Rantoul. Furniture World downtown Rantoul is the WPXN business of the Day, today

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the newly FDA-approved vaccine for RSV. The vaccine can be administered during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect babies from the virus. IDPH is urging Illinoisans to take advantage of the protection that is available from all three of the respiratory viruses that were responsible for last winter’s "tripledemic" of COVID-19, flu and RSV that they said caused a strain on resources in many hospitals.

(Springfield-jm) – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Commonwealth Edison and its former CEO with fraud in connection to an alleged corruption scheme involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. ComEd agreed to settle the case, paying a penalty of more than $46 million. Charges against former CEO Anne Pramaggiore will move forward. Madigan, who is charged in a separate federal racketeering indictment, will go to trial in April.

(Springfield-jm) – A new report out by the auditor general last week shows continuing problems within the Department of Children and Family Services. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares some of the findings from that report…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Danville-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction on the Interstate 74 bridges over Griffin Street and Stoney Creek in Danville begins today. The project involves replacing the I-74 bridge over Griffin Street and rehabilitation of wearing surfaces on the bridge over Stoney Creek and will reduce both bridges to one lane in each direction through December 2024.

(Cissna Park–jc) Pumpkins in the Park in downtown Cissna Park is set for Saturday in the village. The event is sponsored by the Cissna Park F F A and the Cissna Park Development Board. F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says the bounce houses are a free part of the day

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton. The event is set for Saturday October 7th in the park. An October Shop the Park event is also set for that day.

(Rantoul-jm) – The village of Rantoul has been chosen as one of T-Mobile’s Hometown grant recipients. The village will use the grant to preserve the area’s rich railroad, agriculture and military history by incorporating and installing interactive sculptures and murals around Downtown Rantoul, as a part of the Downtown Streetscape Project.

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s latest Agricultural Prices Report shows offsetting indexes that led to an overall rise in what producers in August received pricewise for their commodities. Rod Bain reports…