(Undated–jc)  The 2026 Primary elections are complete. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the results…

 

(Undated-jm) – A state trooper remains hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while assisting in a crash this week in Iroquois County. This was the 7th Scott’s law violation involving police in the state this year. The Iroquois County incident was a semi that struck a squad car, while the officer was assisting a motorist on Monday near Ashkum along Interstate 57. Weather related incidents also occurred on Monday in Will and Whiteside counties

 

(Washington–jc)  Perhaps the nation's most recognized farm broadcaster for over six decades died Monday - leaving behind a legacy telling the story of agriculture to America. Rod Bain reports on Orion Samuelson…

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Healing Through History Act is moving through the legislative process. The new bill would require adoptive parents to have transparency with their future child’s records with access to information like the biological parents' race, religion, ethnicity, health background and more. It’s unknown when or if the bill will be brought up for a vote.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois House returns to Springfield this morning after taking several weeks off. Scheduled are committee hearings focused on elementary and secondary education appropriations, ethics and elections, utilities, energy and environment and revenue and finance, among others. The Senate returns next week. Both chambers have a May 31 adjournment date for when a budget must be passed with simple majorities.

 

(Melvin–jc)  It starts about one year in advance. That is the amount of time needed to bring a national country act to the annual Ford County Fair in Melvin. This is the 100th year of the Ford County Fair. Ford County Fair Vice President Dallas Meyer talks about the process to bring Clay Walker and Walker Montgomery to Melvin on June 13th…

 

Ford County Fair Vice President Dallas Meyer. The Journey tribute band "Resurrection" will be live at the Ford County Fair on June 19th at the Fairgrounds in Melvin

 

(Undated-jm) – Costco has recalled a meatloaf kit because it may be contaminated with salmonella. According to a notice, Costco has recalled its Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze after an ingredient used in the kit was recalled because it may be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled meatloaf kits were sold between March 2 and March 13 and had sell-by dates between March 5 and March 16. The meatloaf kits have item number 30783. Anyone with the meatloaf kit can return it to Costco for a full refund.

 

(Rantoul-jc)  – With Spring starting on Friday, the number of activities at the Rantoul Sports Complex continues to rise. This weekend will see  the Central Illinois Division of the St Louis Area Soccer Association playing on Saturday and Sunday. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton says along with teams coming in from the state and surrounding states and beyond, there are a wide variety of local sports coming daily to Rantoul…

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton

 

(Springfield–jc)  – A group that opposes abortion announces plans for a Thursday march and rally in Springfield outside the Illinois State Capitol. Illinois Right to Life announced the event saying it comes as the state “continues to position itself as a national abortion destination." Speakers include Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield and other opponents of abortion policies.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Two new proposals in Springfield would help property owners with taxes. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, says the two bills make sense for property owners in the state…

 

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker is calling on agencies in his administration to set goals for increasing the number of adults in the state with college degrees or other postsecondary credentials. In an executive order, Pritzker announced the formation of a working group that will review the state’s existing workforce development programs, consult with industry and labor groups as well as local economic development organizations, and recommend new higher education attainment goals. That order comes on the heels of multiple reports showing the state has fallen short of previous goals for improving educational attainment and that many barriers still prevent people from lower-income backgrounds from completing college and climbing up the economic ladder.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Village leaders in Rantoul continue to look at upgrades to its  Water Treatment Plant along with upgrades and improvements to the wastewater treatment plant’s filtration and digester systems. Village of Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third talks about the current upgrade, and progress…

 

Village of Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Undated-jm) - Gas prices are on the rise again. GasBuddy reports prices are up 20 cents around the state to $3.76 a gallon. In the Champaign area that price is 24 cents higher than the week prior and 81 cents higher than the start of the month. Diesel prices are also rising with the national average surpassing $5 a gallon. GasBuddy says geopolitical tensions in the Middle East along with refineries changing from winter blend fuels to summer blend are responsible for the spike in prices.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul based Community Service Center is hosting one of their main fundraisers in April to help with local projects, food pantries and more. Rantoul Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says the “Spring Fling”  is set for April 23rd and tickets are available…

 

Rantoul Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford

 

(Champaign County–jc)  – Champaign County leaders are looking for members to serve on its Champaign County Board of Review. One democrat and one republican are needed. Those selected will serve on the board through May 20-28. Applications are available on line and the Champaign County Board will make an appointment this May.

 

WPXN News notes…

The Onarga American Legion will hold a breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 21st from 8-11 am at Durham Park. Following the breakfast will be an easter egg hunt at 11 am.

 

 Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Wednesday, March 18th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym.

 

 

The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, March 28th from 9-2.

 

The Champaign County Forest Preserve will hold Raptors Up Close at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet on Saturday, March 28th from 10-11:30 am.

 

The Rantoul Public Library will hold their Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 28th from 10 to noon. Registration begins at 9 am.