Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

WPXN Blog

Behind-the-wheel road tests may be abolished for senior citizens looking to renew their license

(Springfield-jm) – After tomorrow’s Democrat and Republican primary elections, Illinois legislators return to Springfield to continue crafting a plan to spend tens of billions of tax dollars. The total budget could be $123.2 billion with most coming from federal taxpayer funds. Gov. J.B. Pritzker looks to spend $52.7 billion of state taxpayer money for the next fiscal year. Officials from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget met with legislators recently and fielded questions about a billion dollars in proposed tax increases. The proposed changes range from increased sports betting fees that’s projected to raise $200 million, $101 million in reductions of the discount retailers get for collecting sales taxes, and even changes to how much corporate losses can be credited with an estimated increase in taxes of $526 million. That’s with the expectation for lower corporate tax receipts in the coming fiscal year. Pritzker officials said personal income taxes are the bulk of income and that remains strong. There was also discussion of the $175 million shift from statewide road funds to Chicago-area transit. Officials said it’s allowable with the state’s transportation fund lockbox amendment voters approved years ago. Legislators return Wednesday. The next budget year begins July 1.

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton will be getting a new old water tower but it won’t hold water. A wood tank will be added to the pump house in downtown Paxton. It is a renovation project with the Paxton Foundation. Paxton Businessman Stan Foster is building the tank. He talks about his inspiration for the project…

 

 

Stan Foster of rural Paxton. The base will be 22 feet with the tank being 16 feet tall. Foster said the whole tank and base will be assembled on the ground before being lifted into place with a crane. The Paxton Foundation is accepting donations to help fund the project. Donations are being accepted at The Frederick Community Bank.


(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City firefighters were called to a kitchen fire Sunday evening. Crews were called to the 300 block of East 8th Street just before 8:30. No injuries were reported.

 

(Gilman–dm)--The city of Gilman has several projects going on.  With the downtown renovation complete, a drainage and street renovation project is about 95% complete.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesefield explains.

 

 

Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Seventeen Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants totaling more than $55,200 have been awarded for habitat development at schools and other public places, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation announced today. St. Thomas More in Champaign is getting $850 for a pollinator garden while Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana is getting $1,000 to plant native trees.

 

(Washington-jm) – After several months of declines, retail egg prices are climbing again. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Monical’s Pizza of Paxton. The Monical’s brand has been in operation since 1959. In Paxton, Monicals offers daily lunch specials, that include pizza, sandwiches, pastas, and monkeybread. Monical’s Pizza of Paxton Manager Jason Mills says one local favorite is the Panther special…

Mills says the French dressing and salads are a big part of Monical’s pizza

Monical’s Pizza of Paxton Manager Jason Mills. 

Today and all Monday’s Monical's Pizza has a special. Any 4 topping or specialty pizza for only 14 dollars.  The special runs from 4pm to close on Monday.s Monical’s Pizza is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Behind-the-wheel road tests may be abolished for senior citizens looking to renew their license under legislation proposed this year. State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, introduced House Bill 4431 at the start of the 2024 legislative session, attacking what he said is an “onerous hurdle” the road test mandate presents for drivers ages 75 and older. Keicher told The Center Square that National Safety Council statistics don’t support the need for a road test for seniors. When it comes to the raw count of fatal incidents, seniors are involved in the fewest crashes, as they tend to avoid long-distance driving, limiting their runs to essentials like the grocery store and doctor’s visits. Other demographics alter the picture a bit, as Keicher explains,

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for transparency when it comes to the financial costs the state has paid for the migrant crisis. State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Undated-jm) – Four Republicans are vying to replace State Senator Tom Bennett in the 53rd Illinois Senate race. The district includes 13 counties in Central Illinois stretching north to Channahon, west to parts of Peoria, south to Gibson City, and east to the Illinois-Indiana border. The four candidates are teacher and farmer Jesse Faber from Pontiac, Grundy County Board chair Chris Balkema from Channahon, farmer and veteran Mike Kirkton from Gridley, and former Iroquois County Board member Susan Wynn Bence from Watseka.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  It’s Show number 4 for Gibson Area Hospital and its Summer Bash. This year the show will feature Bret Michaels and also Jefferson Starship. Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-and Community Events Bill Kirby says the live shows began during the covid pandemic…

 

 

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-and Community Events Bill Kirby 

The show is free to attend, but special pit pass tickets went on sale Friday for the August 17th event. 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Department has released their annual report highlighting trends and department changes in Champaign County. According to the report, calls for service, arrests, and jail intakes saw an increase last year in Champaign County from 2022. However, things such as traffic crashes and shootings saw a decrease. In 2023, the Champaign County Sheriff’s department saw nearly 14,600 calls for service, about 120 calls more than in 2022. They also saw an increase of arrests at 576 – as well as about 300 more jail intakes at just over 4,500. In 2023, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department saw nearly 100 fewer traffic crashes than in 2022. They also investigated 13 shooting incidents, down 3 from the year before.

 

(Washington-jm) – Will margins this year for milk producers be any better than last year? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 


 

Illinois Republican state legislators continue to push for policy changes to address what they see as a poor business climate

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican state legislators continue to push for policy changes to address what they see as a poor business climate. The credit rating assigned to Illinois by Fitch Ratings, A- in November 2023, is far below the ratings given to most of the 50 states. As of early 2024, most states have AA or AAA credit ratings, and can borrow money at much lower expense to taxpayers than can Illinois. In a news conference at the state capitol in Springfield, state Rep. Dan Ugaste, said Democrats are promoting a narrative that "all is well." He wants a property tax relief plan. Illinoisans pay the second highest property taxes in the nation. Illinois is tied for the worst credit rating in the nation.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for more transparency when it comes to state spending on the migrant crisis. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is one of the Republicans calling for transparency…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Savoy-jm) – A Savoy man was sentenced to 15 years in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and registration as a sex offender, for the sexual exploitation of a minor. David Berry brought a minor to his home, sexually assaulted her, and recorded the acts on video in October of 2021. Berry was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty in September of 2023.

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  The local Pheasant’s Forever Group received a donation from the city of Paxton this week. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says Pheasants’ Forever helps with the airport grounds and making a donation to the local group was an easy decision for the city council…

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

 

(Kankakee-jm) – Clove Alliance, a leading nonprofit organization that serves Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties in providing hope and healing to survivors of sexual violence, has launched its new strategic plan. Clove Alliance collaborated with stakeholders, team members, and community partners to build a comprehensive roadmap for the next three years that reflects the organization's dedication to advancing its mission and fostering positive change within the community. The plan sets out three primary goals: Strengthening Workforce and Employee Retention, Enhancing Community Outreach and Visibility, and Optimizing Services for Underserved Communities. The full plan can be viewed at clovealliance.org/strategicplan.

 

(Gilman–dm)--The City of Gilman has several projects going on now and in the future, including street widening and sanitary sewer work.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield tells us about a downtown project that has been completed.

 

 

Gilman mayor Rick Theesfield

 

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing a stolen handgun during a traffic stop. Benjamin Mason received the sentence in Champaign County court. In exchange for his guilty plea one count of armed violence, one count of possessing a weapon as a felon and one count of the manufacture and delivery of more than 500 grams of cannabis were dismissed.

 

(Paxton–jc)  A restoration project gets underway in Paxton. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $20 million in missing money during February, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced. The total includes more than $17.1 million in cash and interest and nearly $2.5 million in stock value. All told, 19,046 claims were paid in February. Illinois’ missing money program — also known as I-CASH — is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives.

 

(Watseka–jc)  The Iroquois County Economic Development Association is applauding the new businesses coming to the County this Spring and Summer. They include  the Blue Barn Market in Ashkum, The Cluck Bucket in Watseka, Wallace Automotive in Milford  and So Fetch-dog Grooming in Milford.Iroquois County Economic Development Association Executive Director Angel Crawford says it’s important for businesses and local government officials to know the grant process to see if any help is available…

 

Iroquois County Economic Development Association Executive Director Angel Crawford. Those wanting more information may contact Crawford’s office in Watseka. 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign is working on being even more bike-friendly. The City Council voted to build more bike lanes. The goal is to create a safer infrastructure so bicyclists can ride to stores, parks, restaurants, or anywhere they need to go. The plan includes 16 different projects the city will focus on, all bringing new cycling lanes to Champaign.

 

(Ford County–dm) The Ford County Schools are asking for a 1% sales tax  increase at this year’s primary election.  Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly explains that even with the 1% increase, Ford County will still have one of the lowest tax rates in the area. 

     

 

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly. The funds from the increase will be used for facility improvement, school resource officers and mental health support. The election is Tuesday March 19th.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Spring enrollment at Illinois Community Colleges increased for the second straight year system-wide. Opening Spring 2024 enrollment increased by 5.1 percent from the previous spring according to the Illinois Community College Board’s Spring 2024 Enrollment Report.

 

(Elliott-jc)  The Elliot Amvets are hosting a Spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday at the Amvets in Elliot on Saturday. Elliot Amvets Spokesperson Karon Seib (s-eye-b) says its to help with the funeral expenses of member John York…

Elliott Amvets spokesperson Karon Seib. The event starts at 5pm on Saturday. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  You can look for the City of Paxton playground “firetruck” to make its return to Pells Park. Paxton leaders say new playground equipment is on its way to the city and will be placed at Pells Park soon. The Firetruck, a mainstay at Pells Park, has been refurbished and will be a part of the park, again. 

 

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in northern Champaign County this morning from 9-10 at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home Park basketball court and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Building.

 

The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry tonight from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton has DJ Big James playing all the dance hits from the 90’s and 2000’s tonight. No cover charge. Doors open at 5pm. DJ starts at 8pm.

 

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Rainbow Girls on Saturday from 10-2.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the funeral expenses of member John York on Saturday from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host The Feudin Hillbillys on Saturday. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 8.

Almost $7 million in federal funding is coming to Central Illinois through the government's latest funding bill

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined doctors, patients, stakeholders and legislators to highlight efforts to reform predatory health insurance practices and protect patients. The Healthcare Protection Act aims to ban step therapy, and prior authorization for crisis mental health care, and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies. The measure is targeting utilization management, which often forces consumers to obtain permission from their providers before receiving care that doctors have already determined necessary.

 

(Washington-jm) – Beef demand continues high, despite rising prices. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – For 54 years, farmers, students, and supporters have flocked to the Capitol building for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day. Their goal is to meet with legislators and tell them what bills or initiatives they are hoping to see prioritized that year. Agriculture has over a $25 billion annual economic impact," said Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "About one in four or one in five jobs in the state are in some way, shape, or form agriculture related. Costello said one of the big priorities for legislators last year was improving agriculture education, and programs are already seeing the results of that.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Taking a second look at potential costs for a storm drainage project on Paxton’s southeast side. That was the decision of City of Paxton leaders this week. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the project is expected to cost around 7 million dollars and local leaders are looking closer at potential costs…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. More information on the proposed project is expected at the next monthly city council meeting. 

 

(Washington-jm) – Almost $7 million in federal funding is coming to Central Illinois through the government’s latest funding bill. The bill, signed into law by President Biden over the weekend, includes $136.1 million for Illinois’ 13th congressional district. Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski supported the legislation and applauded Biden for signing it. $963,000 is going toward the establishment of a Real Time Crime Center on the University of Illinois campus. The center would allow for expanded and enhanced crime prevention, monitoring and response to crimes in progress. $850,000 is going toward the City of Champaign’s Garden Hills Revitalization Project. 

 

(Undated-jm) – The race for Illinois' 102nd House District looks a little different. Both candidates, incumbent state Rep. Adam Niemerg of Dieterich, and Jim Acklin, are running as write-in candidates. Niemerg said he was tossed off the ballot because the state elections board hearing officer said he didn’t raise his right hand when having his statement of candidacy notarized. Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich said the objection to Niemerg's candidacy was because his statement of candidacy was not notarized as required by the Illinois Election Code. There was no notary seal on his 2024 statement of candidacy, which Niemerg said led the Vermillion County Democrats to object to his statement. Jim Acklin, currently the mayor of Ogden and interim superintendent of Chrisman Schools, recently announced his own write-in campaign in the 102nd House District, challenging Niemerg in the Republican primary. Acklin last ran a campaign for state representative in 2016, where he was defeated by state Rep. Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville. The 102nd House District encompasses parts of  Champaign, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence and Vermilion counties.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Rantoul Village leaders are set to meet in a special session tonight in Village Hall at 6pm. Among items on the agenda include discussion and approval of the Law Enforcement Technology package for the Rantoul Police Department with Axon Enterprises for 10 years at an investment of 910 thousand dollars. Local leaders will also consider action on a demolition project at 119 East Sangamon Avenue in the downtown area. That cost is 144 thousand 500 dollars with Lee Excavating of Paxton and Thawville. Board members are also looking to authorize the village to go forward with Phase One of the Wastewater Treatment plant project at a cost over just over 16 million dollars. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – A state law that limits where lawsuits challenging state laws can be filed has been ruled unconstitutional as applied to a case from Madison County. Approved last year and signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, House Bill 3062 was opposed by Republicans who said limiting where people can sue the state to just two of the state’s 102 counties is “tyrannical.” The law limits where people can sue the state alleging constitutional violations from state laws or executive orders to just Cook and Sangamon counties. In Piasa Armory’s challenge to the state’s firearm industry liability law in November, the state motioned to move the case to Sangamon County. Earlier this month, a Madison County judge found the court venue limit law as applied in the case is unconstitutional. The law “does violate due process, as applied to persons who reside or were injured outside of Cook or Sangamon County,” In its motion to move the case to Sangamon County, the state said the litigants can remote in with video conferencing. Forest said the state could also video conference into Madison County. The state has until the end of the month to appeal the Madison County decision.

 

(Washington-jm) – Producers have until March 29th to enroll acreage in USDA’s General Conservation Reserve Program. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has helped lead a project to create the first insulin-producing cow. A cow from the south of Brazil is the first transgenic cow capable of producing human insulin in her milk. The study was led by researchers at the U of I and the Universidade de São Paulo with the goal of one day eliminating the drug scarcity and high costs for people living with diabetes. Wheeler’s colleagues in Brazil put a segment of human DNA coding for proinsulin, the protein precursor of the active form of insulin, into cell nuclei of ten cow embryos. Those were implanted in the uteruses of normal cows in Brazil, and one transgenic calf was born.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  Gibson Area Hospital officials announced that Bret Michaels will appear at the Gibson City Summer bash on August 17th this year in downtown Gibson City. Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby also adds that the opening act is Jefferson Starship…

 

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby.

 

(Danville-jm) – A Danville man will spend almost 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges in Vermilion County. The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office called Terrion Liggins a “gun-toting crack dealer” who was convicted of unlawful possession by a felon and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the gun charge and eight for the drug charge. Those sentences will be served consecutively. In 2022, Liggins’ home was searched by agents of the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and they found 28 grams of crack cocaine. They also found firearm ammunition, which Liggins was not allowed to possess due to prior felony convictions.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – When a loved one dies, families have a lot to sift through. But, what happens when some of the belongings go straight to funeral homes and coroners? Overflowing shelves and rooms could be the result. Steve Thuney, the Champaign County Coroner, has seen it in his office for the last 10-12 years. There are over 400 sets of property from people who have passed away in Champaign County. Now, the coroner wants the community to know how they can get their hands back on these important items. So, how do you know if your loved ones’ things are sitting in one of the bags? You would have gotten a letter from Thuney’s office. From there, you can either claim the property or let the office know it’s okay to get rid of.

 

(Watseka–jc)  Iroquois County Economic Development Association leaders informed the Iroquois County Board that several new businesses are coming to communities in the county this Spring and Summer. 

Cameron and Dee Charles of Ashkum are opening Blue Barn Market in Ashkum in mid Summer. 

In Watseka, Tyler Hayes, owner of the Steak and Shake, plans to open the Cluck Bucket in June.

In Milford, Brandyn and Courtney Wallace have opened Wallace Automotive. They also own the Milford Laundromat.

Also in Milford,  Tamar Walder has an April First opening set for her “So Fetch” dog grooming store. 

 

Preparations are underway to host thousands of visitors in Illinois for the April 8 total solar eclipse

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to ensure school vendors and learning partners follow the state's new comprehensive literacy plan. House Democrats want vendors responsible for English language arts improvement plans to abide by the historic Literacy and Justice For All Act. The Illinois State Board of Education introduced the framework for the literacy plan in January. However, this bill could ensure schools are not limited by their vendors. However, some Republicans argued that vendors will already follow the new literacy standards and a new law isn't necessary.

 

(Springfield-jm) – County clerks shared their concerns with an Illinois task force looking into the possibility of changing how elections are conducted. Ranked-choice voting allows people to rank the candidates, with "one" being their favorite. The votes are tallied in rounds. If no candidate wins a majority of voters' first-choices, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, according to information from FairVote, an organization that advocates for ranked-choice voting. Some states have banned the process like Idaho, Tennessee, Montana and Florida. In Illinois, a task force is looking at implementing the idea. The Illinois Ranked-Choice Voting and Election Systems Task Force continues to meet to get feedback about possibly launching such a system in 2028.

 

(Washington-jm) – U.S. corn is coming under more downward price pressure. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for possessing cocaine. Thaimon Crawford pleaded guilty to possessing 17.5 grams of cocaine, just 2.5 grams more than minimum quantity that required him to be charged with a Class X felony.

 

(Oakwood-jm) – An Illinois man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Lance Michael Ligocki, 34, of Oakwood is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.  Ligocki is also charged with several misdemeanor offenses, including entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct and acts of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.

 

(Urbana–jc)  Medications and pregnancy. Tips from O-S-F;s Tim Ditman has more…

 

 

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County has been issued a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties. State law requires property in Illinois to be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland and farm buildings are assessed according to standards based on productivity. Assessments in Ford County are at 32.90% of market value, based on sales of properties in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The equalization factor currently being assigned is for taxes, 2023 payable in 2024. Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Preparations are underway to host thousands of visitors in Illinois for the April 8 total solar eclipse that will pass over much of the southern third of the state. Officials from multiple state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Office of Tourism have worked together for more than a year to ensure a safe and successful experience for the influx of eclipse watchers. Southern Illinois is in the path of totality for the second time since Aug. 21, 2017. Carbondale will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, nearly double what was seen in 2017.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new survey released by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce indicates that most independent contractors in the state are satisfied with their current employment arrangement. Impact Research surveyed 600 Illinois residents and found that 63% of independent contractors in the state would oppose being reclassified as employees. The survey showed that full-time employees are less likely to be extremely satisfied with their jobs than independent contractors are. The U.S. Department of Labor has enacted a new Independent Contractor Rule that went into effect Monday. The new rule will begin using a six-factor test to determine independent workers' legal protections and compensation.

 

(Washington-jm) – U.S. wheat exports this year may sink to their lowest levels in almost fifty years. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – One person was taken to the hospital following a car vs motorcycle accident on a busy stretch of Urbana road. It happened at the intersection of University and Fourth Streets. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign is switching to a new cybersecurity provider later this month, thanks to a measure approved by the Champaign City Council. The city council approved of a three-year agreement with the cybersecurity company Field Effect at its meeting. The city will pay $64,278 annually each year for the contract. The cybersecurity firm will provide the city with tools to prevent malicious hacks like firewalls, anti-virus protection, network access security software, and cloud back-up. In a city memo, officials said the city has been a daily target of phishing and malware attempts. The city has also faced a phishing scam in 2018, an international hack in 2019 and several international log-in attempts from compromised credentials.

 

(Buckley–jc)  The Federal Crop Insurance deadline is Friday. Edge Insurance Agency owner Dylan Reetz says its a reminder to get with your insurance agent by that date…

 

 

Edge Insurance Agency of Buckley Owner Dylan Reetz.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Over a dozen polling locations across Champaign County will be closed this Election Day due to a significant shortage of election judges. The following locations will be CLOSED: Bible Baptist Church in Champaign, Bresnan Meeting Center Champaign, Curtis Road Church of Christ Champaign, Douglass Center Annex Champaign, East Bend Township Building Dewey, Florida Ave Residence Hall Urbana, Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church Champaign, Illini Hillel Champaign, Illinois Street Residence Hall Urbana,  Ivesdale Fire Station, Pesotum Community Building, Philo Town Hall, Plumbers' and Pipefitters' Local 149 Savoy, River Valley Church of Christ Fisher, and Stanton Township Building & Town Hall St. Joseph.

 

Democrats unveiled a report that ultimately calls for Illinois taxpayers to pay $1.4 billion more to fund public universities

(Springfield-jm) – Small nonprofit organizations that provide people with food or housing assistance are encouraged to apply for funding through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. Grant applications will be accepted through March 31. The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small nonprofits with annual budgets of $1 million or less and with the equivalent of one full-time employee. Grant applicants in an area where pervasive poverty, unemployment and economic distress exist will be given special attention. For this first grant cycle of 2024, up to $200,000 is available. The maximum award amount is $20,000 for each organization.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has changed its forecast for the Brazilian soybean crop, but has made no change to this month's U.S. soybean forecasts. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Germany-jm) – An American man has been convicted of murder and rape charges for attacking two University of Illinois graduates last June in Germany. The man was accused of pushing the victims down a steep ravine. In line with German privacy laws, authorities did not identify the suspect or the victims, but family and friends identified the victims as Eva Liu, who died, and her friend Kelsey Chang, who survived.

 

(Decatur-jm) – REO Speedwagon is coming to perform at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. The Midwest rock band will perform on June 26. This show is not included in the 2024 Devon season ticket package. This is an add on show. 2024 Season Ticket Holders will get an email with details about a special pre-sale opportunity.  Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at www.devonamphitheater.com.

 

(Rantoul–jc) There is more in the works for the village of Rantoul when the topic is new businesses and positive economic development. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says more announcements are coming soon…

 

 

Village of Rantoul mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Tolono-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Champaign County man, and former director for the Tolono Park District, with allegedly using the Tolono Park District credit card, bank account and rebate coupons worth approximately $25,000 for personal use. Raoul’s office charged Randall Grace, 63, of Tolono, with one count of theft of government property, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison; three additional counts of theft of government property, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison; four counts of official misconduct, Class 3 felonies each punishable by up to five years in prison; and one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court and can run concurrently. Grace’s next court date is April 3.

 

(Gibson city–jc)  Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services has announced their music lineup for the Annual Summer Bash. The live event is set for Saturday August 17th in downtown Gibson city.   Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employees and Community Events Bill Kirby says Brett Michaels is coming to Gibson City…

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby

 Opening for Michaels is the iconic rock band Jefferson Starship. General admission is free. Party pit tickets will be available for purchase this Friday at 8am. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Democrats unveiled a report that ultimately calls for Illinois taxpayers to pay $1.4 billion more to fund public universities.  The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding, created by law in 2021, released a report that finds an additional $100 million to $135 million annually to public universities would allow the state to bridge the reported funding gap in 10-15 years. Robin Steans, president of Advance Illinois, said the funding formula laid out in the report is much like a funding formula executed in Illinois K-12 schools. Steans said K-12 is seeing success despite Illinois students experiencing record low literacy rates and math proficiency rates. Illinois’ recent 2023 Report Card shows that 65% of the state’s 1.86 million public school children can’t read at grade level despite the increased funding. That’s 1.2 million students. 

 

(Washington-jm) – How is the Agriculture Department and its various mission areas reflected in the President's Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Budget proposal released Monday? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding suspicious fires. The Rantoul Police Department along with the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating three recent reports of suspicious fires in the 100 block of Mahoning Lane in Rantoul. The first occurred on February 8th at approximately 9 p.m. The second incident was reported on February 26th at approximately 9:40 p.m., when fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a structure fire. Again, on February 27th at approximately 9:30 a.m., Rantoul Fire and Rantoul Police Department were dispatched to a report of a working fire. During this most recent incident, witnesses in the area reported seeing three subjects, possibly juveniles, near the building before seeing smoke and fire coming from the structure.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The U.S. Postal Service has set a date for a public-input meeting as it continues to review the northwest Champaign post office and considers transferring some of the site’s mail-processing operations to other offices. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. tonight at the University YMCA. The Postal Service is conducting a facility review of the Champaign Processing and Distribution Center on N. Mattis Ave. According to a public notice from the agency, a summary of the review will be posted at about.usps.com at least one week prior to the event. The Postal Service’s meeting notice states that its initial findings support keeping the Mattis Avenue post office open and modernizing it as a local processing center “with simplified processes and standardized layouts.” It’s possible the distribution center could be closed and services moved to the Chicago suburbs.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for more transparency from the Pritzker Administration over how much is being spent on the migrant crisis. State Senator Sally Turner says the legislature has been left out of the conversations…

 

 

State Senator Sally Turner.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is aiming to make sure children are riding safely in their car seats this spring. The organization is providing car seat safety checks every second Monday of the month. Safety checks are being provided at no cost to parents and guardians. Seat checks are by appointment only. People can call 217-353-4932 to set up an appointment.

Champaign County's dispatch service, METCAD, released more information about the 911 outage Thursday night

(Springfield-jm) – Democrats in the Illinois Senate have advanced a measure that would prohibit Illinois companies from requiring employees to attend work-related meetings about religion or politics. Under the proposal, it would be illegal for a business to discipline, fire or otherwise penalize an employee who declines to attend an employee-sponsored meeting about religious or political matters. Employees who believe their workplaces violated the law would be able to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor.

 

(Washington-jm) – Friday's USDA Supply and Demand forecasts created a small ripple in corn and soybean markets. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Crescent City-jm) – Several emergency response teams were called to Crescent City Saturday morning in response to a HAZMAT incident. Officials arrived at the scene near the post office around 7:30 a.m. A postal driver said he opened his truck at his last stop, and noted a strong odor and a light haze inside the vehicle. An unknown substance poured from a package in his truck and onto the concrete below. The leakage started to bubble and smoke. Iroquois County EMA, the Crescent City Fire and EMS, and the Watseka Fire Department worked to block off the area as the Kankakee County Hazardous Materials Team was called in. The truck driver had difficulty breathing and was taken to an area hospital, where he has since been released, officials said. The HAZMAT team suited up and found a jug labeled “muriatic acid” that had cracked while in transit and caused the spill.

 

(Undated-jm) – A local music legend whose impact grew to reach far and wide outside of Central Illinois has passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 65. WCIA 3 reports Mark Rubel, a bassist, among other things, for “Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets,” who he played with for more than 20 years. They performed several times at the Ford County Fair.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference in Springfield. The Caucus is calling out the Governor for his lack of transparency on the amount of taxpayer dollars being spent on the tens of thousands of migrants who are now in Illinois. State Senator Dave Syverson of Cherry Valley…

 

 

State Senator Dave Syvverson of Cherry Valley.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County’s dispatch service, METCAD, is releasing more information about the 911 outage Thursday night. They say they were notified by an automated AT&T notification that both 911 and the non-emergency phone lines were not functioning and immediately initiated their emergency outage plan, which includes transferring 911 lines to Vermilion County dispatch. However, Vermilion Counties lines were also affected so lines were transferred to Macon County, who relayed details of Champaign Counties calls to METCAD for local dispatching. Once AT&T resolved the issue, AT&T rerouted Champaign County’s 9-1-1 calls back to METCAD.  AT&T is still investigating the root cause of the service outage, but they did indicate that it was something within their infrastructure that failed.  The Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator and the FCC are also looking into this matter.

 

(Springfield-jm) – More than 40 conservation planners from the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts visited the Capitol to educate legislators about soil health and the importance of districts. State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington addressed his House colleagues in welcoming those planners and stressing the importance of their jobs…

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is highlighting the top scams and consumer complaints that affected Illinoisans in 2023. Last year, the Attorney General’s Office received more than 19,000 written complaints, along with tens of thousands of phone calls. The top three categories of scams and consumer complaints were construction and home improvement repairs, identity theft and consumer debt.

 

(Washington-jm) – Minimal changes were noted within USDA’s March series of crop reports, however, one category reflecting some adjustments were crop prices. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – A 17 year old has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in a 2022 fatal shooting of a Rantoul man. Tomir Johnson pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a firearm. Prosecutors say Johnson participated in a cannabis sale that went wrong in November 2022 that led to the shooting death of DeCarlo Douglas of Rantoul.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A new agreement is opening new training opportunities for both Champaign firefighters and police officers. Last week, the Champaign City Council unanimously approved a one-year agreement with the nonprofit Public Safety Training Foundation to use their training facility in Decatur.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for greater transparency over how much the state is spending on migrant affairs in Chicago. One of those is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – A survey is underway exploring options to extend the Kickapoo Rail Trail from the existing eastern terminus at N. 1180 East Road, at the Vermilion County Fairgrounds, to the City of Danville. The extension is one of many planned trail segments in the developing Grand Prairie Trail network to connect Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, and Danville. The existing Kickapoo Rail Trail is 24.5 miles long, extends eastward from Urbana along the former CSX rail corridor to the fairgrounds, and crosses the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River on a renovated trestle bridge.

 

(Paxton–dm) If you’re going to be out of town on election day, you can still make your vote count.  Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick tells us how.

 

 

Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick. The March Primary election in Illinois is Tuesday March 19th. 

 

There are several meetings around the area tonight. The Ford County Board will approve bids for township motor fuel tax funding, approve mutual aid agreements between Ford County EMA and several entities and approve sheriff’s patrol services in Sibley and Roberts. In Gibson City, leaders are expected to approve assistance on a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant. In Gilman, leaders are expected to approve a roadway replacement project for 3rd and Main as well as sewer replacement on 5th Street. Onarga village leaders are also expected to meet tonight.

Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds Illinoisans to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired smoke alarms while they change the clocks this weekend

(Springfield-jm) – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds Illinoisans to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired smoke alarms in their homes with new 10-year sealed battery alarms while they change the clocks this weekend. The National Fire Protection Association reports between 2014-2018, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. this Sunday.

 

(Champaign County–jc)  Some 9-1-1 services were unavailable on Thursday night in Champaign and Ford Counties, among other areas close to those two counties. The Champaign County Metcad put out alarms on smartphones and facebook about the interruption in services. The 9-1-1 services were restored late last night. Local authorities are expected to address the reason for the interruption. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – With the two-year anniversary of former Speaker Mike Madigan’s indictment coinciding with national ethics awareness month, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is using the opportunity to advance ethics reform in the Illinois  House this spring. Leader McCombie has continued to advocate for reform as federal indictments have rocked the state, and the majority party has refused to step up to tighten existing loopholes in current law or strengthen existing statutes. To address some of those shortcomings and restore faith in government, McCombie has filed a measure, HB4119, to prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense…

 

 

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.7% in January. The national unemployment rate was 3.7% in January, also unchanged from the previous month. 

The number of unemployed workers was 305,500, up over 7% over the same month one year ago. In January, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains in Illinois included government and educational and health services.

 

(Watseka-dm)--The Primary Election in Illinois is just over one week away and most voters in Iroquois County will be casting votes for their favorite candidates. But voters in Northeast Iroquois County will have a school referendum to vote on.

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver explains. 

 

     

 

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver.  The Primary Election will be March 19th.

 

(Danville-jm) – Bresee Tower in Danville has received approval from the courts to be demolished. The tower has been unused and deemed as a safety hazard for years. Though, there is no set date for the demolition yet as the City of Danville and Vermillion County still need to work out an agreement.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  –  A ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Runnings Farm and Home store in Gibson City took place at 1 yesterday afternoon. The store's grand opening celebration started yesterday morning and runs through Saturday. Runnings Store Manager Jim Peters says the response to the new store from the community has been great and the Runnings store has a wide variety for the farm and home…

 

 

Runnings Farm and Home Store-Gibson City Manager Jim Peters. Giveaways and  free gift cards to the first 100 customers  will be available at the Gibson City, Watseka and Tilton stores, again,  today and Saturday.

 

(Champaign-jm) – In order to hoist material onto the roof of 507 E. Green Street, Custom Service Crane will close Green Street between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. Eastbound and westbound Green Street traffic will be detoured in the area. The closure will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. 

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is conducting farmer surveys for two major reports that will be released later this month. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois state commission has issued a report calculating that public universities in the state are underfunded by about $1.4 billion. The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding is comprised of 34 members, including legislators and university administrators. It found that dedicating an additional $100 million annually to schools would allow the state to bridge the funding gap in a decade.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Tax time is here and so is the increased risk of tax scams. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares some ways to protect yourself…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to limit the out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers. Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. 

Under Hunter’s proposal, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026. According to Illinois Department of Public Health data from 2018, more than 850,000 adults and 160,000 children in the state are diagnosed with asthma.

 

(Ford County—dm) Ford County residents will have a question on this year’s ballot, asking if the school districts in the county can levy a 1% sales tax on certain items.  Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley explains what will and will not see the 1% increase.

 

  

 

Paxton Buckley Loda school superintendent Travis Duley.  The election is Tuesday, March 19th

 

(Champaign-jm) – One person was hurt Thursday morning in a two vehicle crash on I-72 in Champaign. Officials with the Illinois State Police said the crash happened near Country Fair Drive around 11:11 a.m. The driver of one vehicle was taken to an area hospital with injuries.

 

(Paxton—) Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to think about your garden.  Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental tells us how you can start your garden inside.

Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday morning at 7:30 A.M. on Scott’s tips for success.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Nursing and engineering researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered how to use ultrasounds to predict premature births in pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control says more than 10% of pregnancies in the U.S. resulted in premature births in 2022. Currently, there is no way of knowing whether a woman who is pregnant for the first time is at risk of having a premature delivery. This is because the only way to know if a woman is at risk, is if she has previously had a preterm birth. Now, researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a new risk assessment method to help pregnant mothers and their doctors prepare for a potentially early delivery.

 

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA say regarding milk production, product demand, and prices for this new year? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

 

The St. Joseph American Legion will hold a fish fry to benefit Troop 40 this evening from 4:30-7 at the American Legion. Cost is $10 for a meal or $8 for just a sandwich.

 

The Elliot Amvets Dinner nite is set for today at the Post in Elliott. Shrimp, Chicken and Fish are on the menu. Dine in or carry out. Serving starts at 5pm.

 

St Pauls in Woodworth P-T-L Fish Fry is set for today at the school. Carryouts begin at 4pm. Serving at 5pm. There is also a bake sale.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host country singer Tyler Farr tonight. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

 

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Hands of Christ Food Pantry on Saturday from 10-2.

 

There will be an Electronic Recycling event held in Paxton on Saturday from 9-noon at 755 N. Railroad Avenue at the City Shed. This event is open to anyone. Fees may vary by item. Event will be held rain or shine.

 

The Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H Club will hold their pork chop supper on Saturday from 5-7 pm at the Danforth Community Building. Cost is $10 for one chop and $12 for two chops. Meal includes pork chop, green bean, applesauce, potato salad, bread and butter, drink and pie.

Statistics show that Illinois is one of the most dangerous states for fatal crashes at high speeds

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he's taking a cue from Republicans in pushing to eliminate the state's 1% grocery tax

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s taking a cue from Republicans in pushing to eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax. Republicans say their plan would make local governments whole. The second-term Democratic governor proposed eliminating the tax during his State of the State speech last month. Municipalities criticized the move, saying they could be out of $325 million in tax revenue if the proposal passes. Pritzker repeated his response Tuesday at an unrelated event, saying local governments could implement their own sales tax if they wanted.

 

(Washington-jm) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says producers welcome USDA's livestock market reforms. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – A mother and daughter are suing Christie Clinic and a deceased doctor under a new Illinois law meant to address fertility treatment fraud. Paula Duvall and her daughter Erin Culver have named Bradley D. Adams and Christie Clinic in a lawsuit regarding a fertility treatment almost 50 years ago. According to the suit, Duvall sought fertility treatment with Dr. Adams in the early 70s. He agreed to perform intrauterine insemination, a relatively new procedure at the time, using semen from an anonymous donor. The doctor told Duvall that he would be obtaining donations from a University of Illinois medical student. It was later determined Adams used his own.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Republican Women invite you to join us for the Candidates Forum on Thursday, March 7th at Shagbark Country Club in Onarga.  Social time at 5:30 p.m. and the Forum will start promptly at 6:15 p.m. The Forum will feature the two Iroquois County State's Attorney Candidates and the four 53rd Senate District Candidates.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  With the Rantoul Sports Complex gearing up for a full season of events, to the draw of Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch to working with the University of Illinois on an Autonomous Track, the village of Rantoul continues to see positive economic development. Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says several companies have purchased some land areas within the village and have plans for business to recreational investments…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

(Purdue-jm) – The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveals a modest increase in farmer sentiment compared to the previous month, though concerns remain regarding farm financial performance in the year ahead. 

The February barometer reading reached 111, marking a 5-point rise from last month. The small uptick is attributed to producers expressing increased optimism about the future, with the Future Expectations Index climbing 7 points to 115. However, the Current Conditions Index remained unchanged. Despite their improved outlook for the future, farmers’ financial performance expectations did not keep pace. February’s Farm Financial Performance Index registered at 85, a slight dip from January and notably lower than its recent peak in December. When producers were asked about their primary concerns for farm operations in the upcoming year, the top concern cited by 34% of respondents was “high input costs,” closely followed by “lower crop/livestock prices,” chosen by 28% of respondents. Worries about rising interest rates among producers seem to have diminished somewhat, with only 18% of February respondents citing it as a top concern, down from 26% who did so in November.

 

(Undated-jm) – Illinois State Police issued 57 citations during a recent effort to track motorists not buckled up.  The Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols were held in Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston and McLean counties in February.  ISP reported 27 safety belt citations, one child restraint violation and 22 written warnings. The OREP patrols provide extra coverage for the ISP so officers can focus on saving lives by making sure occupants are buckled up.

 

(Springfield-jm) – There is a bipartisan move underway to clean up Illinois politics. Republican State Rep. Ryan Spain and former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn are joining forces to introduce a constitutional amendment aimed at overhauling the state’s ethics laws. The measure is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 19. Quinn said the Illinois Ethics Initiative would change the state constitution to allow voters to go to the polls to determine ethics laws instead of public officials. According to a recent University of Illinois at Chicago study, Illinois stands as the third-most corrupt state in the country.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA has announced the first of several new rules designed to enhance integrity, fairness and competition in livestock marketing. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Undated-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker announced $28.8 million in grant funding to provide free locally-produced food to vulnerable communities. The grants are being awarded to organizations in Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Officials say the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement will allow the State of Illinois to purchase food directly from socially disadvantaged farmers at fair market value. Food will then be distributed by providers, including food banks, farming collaboratives, and other non-profits, to communities in need at no cost. This includes schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. The funds originated through two cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is one of the recipients of the grant.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Two Republicans are squaring off in Illinois’ March 19 primary to take on the Democratic incumbent, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski. When they approved Illinois’ congressional maps with one fewer seat, statehouse Democrats crafted the 13th District to snake through Illinois from the southwest to include parts of the Metro East then north up to Springfield and east to parts of Decatur and Champaign. Budzinski, of Springfield, won the newly drawn district in 2022. Republicans Thomas Clatterbuck of Champaign and Joshua Loyd of Virden are looking to challenge Budzinski in November.

 

(Elliott–jc)  The Elliott Amvets are hosting a fundraiser to help with the funeral expenses of one of their veterans who passed away in February. Elliott Amvets Spokesperson Karon Seib (‘s-eye’b) says a Spaghetti supper is set for Saturday March 16th…

Elliott Amvets Spokesperson Karon Seib.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair has announced that country music legend Keith Urban has been added to the Grandstand lineup for this year's fair. He will be performing on the Grandstand on Friday, August 9th. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, March 9th at 10 a.m.

 

(Danville-jm) – The Illinois State Police arrested five individuals during an anti-human trafficking operation in the Danville area. Beginning on February 28th, 2024, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted a two-day operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.  As a result of the operation, each of the following individuals were arrested and charged with Indecent Solicitation/Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, and Solicitation to Meet a Child: Salem Khan of Cheektowaga, NY, Brett Wright of Danville, Eric Schmidt of Lisle, IL, Andrew Cravens of Danville and Bradley Wagoner of Westville.

 

 

The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots

(Springfield-jm) – The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting Illinois’ and other state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states, without action from Congress first, cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker commented Monday that the court made its decision, and "it will help Democrats that he's on the ballot." 

 

(Springfield-jm) – While Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to downplay the idea he’ll run for president, Republicans interpret the governor’s rhetoric differently. Pritzker has long denied he’s aiming for the White House. He’s publicly supported incumbent President Joe Biden’s reelection. At his State of the State address, Pritzker worked in presidential politics condemning the likely Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and praising incumbent President Joe Biden. The Democratic National Convention, where the party’s choice for president will be made, is set for Chicago this August.

 

(Washington-jm) – 2024 began with farm prices running below year earlier levels. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Urbana-jm) – On Monday in Champaign, University and state leaders took the next step in making Illinois a biomanufacturing leader. Directors at the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub are announcing millions of dollars for their precision fermentation research impacting farms across the world. Precision Fermentation is similar to making beer. Instead of yeast, scientists feed corn sugar to strains and produce polymers and textiles.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers return to the state capitol today where the focus starts shifting to a new budget. One of the major topics to be discussed is funding for handling the migrant crisis. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Lawmakers are expected to be in session through Thursday.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding deceptive practices. On January 18th a female entered Schnucks in Champaign. The female selected numerous items and proceeded to the check-out lanes. The female used a stolen/washed check to pay for the groceries then requested cash back. The female fled the area in an unknown vehicle. Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying the subject captured on video. The suspect was described as a heavyset white female, approximately 5’10” tall, with red hair and glasses. The female had a black tattoo of an unknown symbol on the back of her neck.

 

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security recognizes March as Severe Weather Preparedness Month. To help families prepare for severe weather, officials are sharing interagency resources and featuring its emergency preparedness kits. In 2023, Illinois received two significant Presidential Disaster Declarations for severe weather and flooding that totaled over $462 million in damages. A statewide tornado drill will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Association of County Clerks said House Bill 4709 would make it more difficult to find polling places. The bill would allow school boards to deny county clerks access to public school buildings for use as polling places. State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, introduced HB4709 that would amend the current state statute that says if a county board chooses a school to be a polling place, then the school district must make the school available. If passed, the school board would be able to deny a county board.

 

(Washington-jm) – Three countries are running almost neck and neck to be the biggest buyer of U.S. agricultural products. Gary Crawford reports..

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski and Mary Miller sent a letter to Postmaster Louis DeJoy raising serious concerns about the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to downsize the Champaign, Illinois Processing and Distribution Center. The reps say that the plan could mean worse delivery rates and the relocation of dozens of jobs to the Chicago area. Budzinski encourages local residents to take advantage of the current public comment period and submit feedback on the future of these local mail facilities.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers are questioning Governor J-B Pritzker’s statements on the state’s growing economy. One of those is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Undated-jm) – Average gas prices in Illinois have risen 23.7 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy. The average gas price in Illinois is $3.70 per gallon. Prices in Illinois are 55.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 20.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

 

WPXN News Notes…

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in southern Champaign County today from 9-9:30 at the Feed the Need in St. Joseph, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the parking lot across from the Homer Post Office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney Community Building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and 2:30-3 at The Oaks in Tolono.

 

Daylight saving time officially returns at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10

(Springfield-jm) – As not only tradition but federal law, soon it will be time for Illinois residents to spring their clocks forward to take advantage of more daylight hours. Daylight saving time officially returns at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10, an annual ritual that for many is bittersweet. That’s because along with gaining sunlight daily, Illinoisans will lose an hour of sleep. One of those calling for an end to this system, state Rep. Bob Morgan stressed the consequences of sleep loss especially for children and senior citizens. A federal change is needed to make daylight saving time permanent.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that it is adopting updated guidance from the CDC that streamline and simplify recommendations for dealing with a range of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. The new guidance focuses on protecting those most at risk of serious illness. The new CDC guidance no longer requires that those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of five days before returning to work or other activities and instead focuses on isolation until symptoms improve, which could be shorter or longer than five days.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Friday said plans are for a meeting later this month between ag leaders within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton Buckley Loda Junior High Principal Josh Didier has been named one of Horace Mann/Illinois Principal Association principals of the year. Champaign Centennials Sara Sanders, Mahomet Lincoln Trails Megan Hunter and Salt Fork Junior Highs Brian Allensworth were also recipients of the award.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Coroner has confirmed the identity of the crash victim who died on westbound Interstate 74 Saturday night. 22-year-old Dylan L. Clark of Mattoon died after an accident involving his Chevrolet and subsequently a Lexus, Coroner Jane McFadden said. An autopsy is scheduled for today. The Vermilion County Coroner’s Office is working with Illinois State Police on this ongoing investigation.

 

(Rantoul–jc) –  VIllage of Rantoul leaders continue to look at the electricity and power needs of residents, businesses and manufacturers as they continue to grow. The prospect power sub-station is one project and Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says leaders continue to evaluate the power needs for the village as it changes for the future…

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Community College Board announced $3 million in state grants to community colleges to expand access to its Dual Credit Program that allows students the ability to earn college-level credits while still in high school. The Dual Credit Program has become a progressively popular option for Illinois high school students with enrollment in the program increasing by 29% cumulatively over the last five years and 65% cumulatively over the last decade. Parkland College is set to get just over $149 thousand.

 

(Ford County–jc)  One question on the primary election ballot for Gibson City residents is a tax infrastructure question. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick says it is a yes-or-no question…

 

 

A yes vote gives authorities of the City of Gibson the authorization to levy a Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax at a rate of 1% for expenditures for some municipal operations. The primary election is set for March 19th in Illinois.

 

(Chicago-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is cautioning residents to remain vigilant against repair scammers in the wake of severe storms that hit northern Illinois last week. According to Raoul, scammers often exploit in the aftermath of storms, preying on people who have incurred property damage to their homes or businesses. The National Weather Service reported 11 tornadoes touched down around the Chicago area.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced that applications for Round 2 of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program are open. With the program, $12 million is available through Direct Forgivable Loans fully financed by taxpayer funds. Loan amounts, up to $240,000, will be provided to qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries. Applicants will be selected based on factors including social equity status, financial need and progress toward becoming operational.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary acknowledges the complexity of the U.S. relationship with China, particularly in the context of agriculture and ag trade. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – One person was injured, and a dog died in a Champaign house fire Saturday. The Champaign Fire Department was called to the 1300 block of N. Walnut St. at 6:28 a.m. Heavy smoke and fire was coming from the single-story home when crews arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation. One occupant was taken to the hospital. A dog died in the fire.

 

(Watseka-jm) – The Watseka Fire Department is investigating a house fire at a vacant residence over the weekend. Crews from Watseka and Crescent City battled the blaze near North 2nd and West Sheridan Streets. The house was a total loss.

 

(Ford County–dm) Ford County residents will soon have the opportunity to vote on a 1% school facilities sales tax referendum.  Paxton Buckley Loda Superintendent Travis Duley tells us how the new funds have to be spent, and how PBL is planning to use the money,

 

 

Paxton Buckley Loda Superintendent Travis Duley.  The upcoming election is Tuesday March 19th.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The U.S. Postal Service has set a date for a public-input meeting as it continues to review the northwest Champaign post office and considers transferring some of the site’s mail-processing operations to other offices. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 12 at the University YMCA, 1001 Wright St., Champaign. The Postal Service is conducting a facility review of the Champaign Processing and Distribution Center at 2001 N. Mattis Ave. According to a public notice from the agency, a summary of the review will be posted at about.usps.com at least one week prior to the event. The Postal Service’s meeting notice states that its initial findings support keeping the Mattis Avenue post office open and modernizing it as a local processing center “with simplified processes and standardized layouts.” It’s possible the distribution center could be closed and services moved to the Chicago suburbs.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois' efforts are all over the map in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use. Terri Dee reports…

 

 

An Illinois judge has removed former President Donald Trump from the state's ballot

(Chicago-jm) – In a surprise move, an Illinois judge has removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot based on the 14th Amendment’s so-called “insurrectionist ban.” The decision is paused, giving Trump a short period of time to appeal. Wednesday’s unexpected decision comes as a similar anti-Trump challenge from Colorado is pending before the US Supreme Court, which is widely expected to reject arguments that Trump is barred from office. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter stripped Trump from the Illinois ballot one month after the anti-Trump challenge was dismissed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A federal judge handling the district level lawsuit challenging Illinois’ gun and magazine ban laid out a roadmap Wednesday for how the trial on the merits should proceed. While cases in the Northern District of Illinois are on hold while plaintiffs there ask the U.S. Supreme Court to again intervene, the case continues on the merits in the Southern District of Illinois. Among the questions the court will address include what defines an “arm” in both recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the recent ruling on the case in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Judge Stephen McGlynn is also looking for both sides to address whether the item defined as an arm “may be used to resist tyranny.” He wants both sides to also answer whether the banned arms have a dual-use for military and civilian settings, and whether such firearms are in common use or “dangerous and unusual.” McGlynn met Wednesday afternoon with attorneys from both sides for a closed conference to discuss various elements of the case and how discovery in the case will proceed. Supporters of Illinois’ gun ban say the law is needed to take “assault weapons” and “weapons of war” off the streets of Illinois.

 

(Washington-jm) – This country is expected to import more foreign ag. products this year. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – Hoopeston firefighters are investigating the cause of a vacant house fire. It happened in the 800 block of East Seminary. Hoopeston firefighters received assistance from Wellington and Rossville firefighters.

 

(Rantoul–jc) The Prospect sub-station project continues for the village of Rantoul. The village is upgrading the amount of power that can be used by village businesses and residents. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the village continues to grow and more resources are needed…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Undated-jm) – Early Voting for the March 19th General Primary Election is underway. Voters are encouraged to participate before March 18th. Questions can be directed to your County Clerk’s Office. Special hours for Early Voting are also arranged by County Clerks. Saturday and evening hours are posted by some local offices. Grace Period Registration and Voting also started last week and continues thru March 19. Grace Period is for those needing to change an address, visit the Clerk and vote in-person at the same time your register. Two forms of identification are required. Officials are also accepting applications for Vote by-Mail ballots.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign officially accepted $500,000 in funding from the Illinois' Tourism Attractions and Festivals grant to get started on their plans for Downtown Champaign this summer. The city is planning to add a stage, and extra seating, essentially bringing more business to the area. The project will also bring more diversity to these businesses as well.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A measure introduced by Illinois state Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria, looks to change what is traditionally included in a student’s “record” and would do away with destruction of the temporary record and make it permanent. Laura Hart with the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission’s Special Education Initiative, recently testified before the Senate Education Committee. Hart said otherwise eligible individuals for disability benefits through the Illinois Department of Human Services are turned away because they can’t prove “age of onset.” DHS has expressed its approval of Senate Bill 3166. The bill goes beyond keeping track of a student’s attendance. It adds things like psychological evaluations and information about a student's intelligence and personality. State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, raised concerns about the language in the bill including the scope and who has access to the records.

 

(Washington-jm) – 2023 could bring another downturn in U.S. agricultural exports. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Three TV and film production projects will be receiving grant money to promote the industry in Illinois. A total of $10 million in taxpayer funded grant money is going to film studio infrastructure projects through the Illinois Soundstage Program. The Fields Studios located in Chicago, Fresh Films in Rock Island, and Flyover Studios in Champaign have all been awarded funding through this program. Flyover Studios will be building production stages in what was formerly known as Hanger One on the Chanute Air Force Base property in Rantoul.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Manufacturer’s Association is bringing back their bracket contest to name the coolest things made in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Benentt of Gibson City has more…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that Danville Area Community College is set to receive $550,000 and the Illinois Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors is set to receive $165,000 in grant funding to support pre-apprenticeship programs for the construction trades. The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer structured pathways and industry-aligned certifications to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.


(Hoopeston-jm) – A publication that focuses on healthcare industry news recently listed Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center among the top hospitals in the country, including among only 15 in Illinois, to be the best in nurse communications for patients. Becker’s Hospital Review came up with the list based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services. The star rating is based on responses to three survey questions on how patients feel about nurses providing clear explanations, nurses treating patients with courtesy and nurses respecting and listening to patients. The data, released Jan. 31, 2024, is from post-visit patient surveys done between April 2022 and March 2023.

 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal includes going after Illinois retailers' earnings

(Springfield-jm) – A new study confirms what most Illinoisans already know, the property taxes in the state are among the highest in the nation. The personal finance website WalletHub ranked Illinois 50th for real estate property taxes. Of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, only New Jersey ranked lower. The study shows the average American household spends $2,869 on property taxes for their homes each year, but researcher Cassandra Happe said it is much higher in Illinois. Happe said Illinois is one of only three states with an effective property tax rate over 2%.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal includes going after Illinois retailers' earnings, something that is not sitting well with industry officials. Retailers receive a discount of 1.75% of the sales tax they collect from sales as reimbursement for collecting taxes for the state. Pritzker wants to cap the claim at $1,000 a month. His administration said the move would raise about $101 million for the state and $85 million for local governments. Proponents of the sales tax credit cap claim it will only affect large retail stores. But, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says that is not true and would impact retailers of all sizes from an independent grocery to the corner hardware store. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce also is opposed to the sales tax credit cap.

 

(Washington-jm) – What's causing food price inflation to cool down? Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 300 block of west Tremont Street Tuesday afternoon.  Once on the scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the residence.  The cause is unknown at this time.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  – The village of Rantoul is participating with other Champaign County municipalities to bring in additional flights and services to Willard Airport in Savoy.  The University of Illinois has pledged 500 thousand dollars in the effort. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the project will help with tourism and more and also be beneficial to the village of Rantoul…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Coroner Stephen Thuney is releasing the name of an Urbana woman who has died of injuries sustained in a domestic incident in Urbana on February 25. Montoria Samuels, 26 years-old, of Urbana was pronounced dead at 1:50AM on February 27 at the Carle Foundation Hospital-Intensive Care Unit. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. An inquest may be held at a later date. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office and the Urbana Police Department.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The date is set for May. The annual Draggin Main event for the city of Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Director Donna Pepper has the details…

 

 

Paxton Mainstreet Director Donna Pepper

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill introduced in the Illinois House this month would update the state’s definition of “abused child” to include a minor who has been denied “gender-affirming services.” Democratic state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray proposed the measure as an amendment to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Language in the bill does not define "gender-affirming" services. The bill would also amend the Consent by Minors to Health Care Services Act to allow a minor to consent to their own "gender-affirming services" while protecting health care professionals from punishments for providing them. Activist group Awake Illinois launched a campaign against the bill, describing it as “anti-parent” and “anti-child.”

 

(Springfield-jm) – It has been four years since marijuana was legalized in Illinois, and now, lawmakers are looking to legalize the adult use of psilocybin mushrooms. 

If legalized, lawmakers believe the substance not only will help treat those suffering from mental health issues but will also bring money to the state. Illinois state senator Rachel Ventura introduced the bill. She says studies prove that psilocybin mushrooms have been beneficial in treating patients with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Ventura said if the bill passes and adult use of psilocybin mushrooms becomes legal, it would only be intended for medicinal purposes and not recreational use.

 

(Washington-jm) – Farm Bill progress is being hampered by disagreements over nutrition assistance spending. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Sullivan-Parkhill Automotive, Inc. and Parkland College announce the launch of a nationally recognized apprentice program to train and develop collision repair technicians. The program will combine on-the-job training with an experienced Sullivan-Parkhill mentor along with Parkland's Associate in Applied Science degree instruction in Collision Repair Technology. After completing the program, graduates will receive a nationally recognized journey worker certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor and a degree from Parkland.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  What to do with an aging ballistic missile site in Rantoul. That is the question for the Village appointed committee. They are set to meet this evening and discuss options of repair, upkeep and potential demolition of the site on the former air base. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says all options are set to be discussed…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Sub Committee meets at 5-30 this afternoon at village hall on Tanner Street.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Fire Department and other investigative agencies are looking into a pair of fires that broke out in the same trailer within 12 hours of each other. They are also looking into a possible connection to a fire next door three weeks earlier. The fires happened on Mahoning Drive in the northeast part of the city. 13 Mahoning caught fire on Feb. 8 and was destroyed, killing two cats and displacing the person living there. 14 Mahoning was damaged enough by the fire that the person living there was also displaced. On Monday, firefighters responded to 14 Mahoning for a fire in that trailer. Firefighters were dispatched at 9:41 p.m. and they found fire and smoke coming from a bedroom. Tuesday morning 14 Mahoning caught fire again this time in a different part of the trailer.

 

 (Paxton–jc)  It’s coming to an end soon…girl scout cookie sales. Paxton Troop 27-28 Troop leader Kaye Harper says one use of money from the sale of cookies is to help with member fees and also to give back to the community…

 

 

Paxton Girl Scout Troop 27-28 Troop Leader Kaye Harper

 

WPXN News Notes…

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in northern Iroquois County today from 9-9:30 at the Danforth Community Building, 10-10:30 at the Ashkum Village Park, 10:45-11:30 at Clifton Village Hall, 12:30-1 at the parking lot south of the Beaverville Post Office and 1:30-2 at the Donovan Village Hall.

 

Illinois lawmakers unveiled legislation that would require some high schools to change their mascots

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers unveiled legislation that would require some high schools to change their mascots. The measure would require public K-12 schools with names, logos or mascots containing Native American tribes or culture to change them. The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Maurice West, said research shows mascot names like Braves, Indians and Warriors are harmful to Native American children.

 

(Chicago-jm) – A judge has ordered former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's longtime chief of staff to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons by June 11 to start his 2.5 year sentence for perjury. In August 2023, a federal jury found Tim Mapes guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice for lying to a grand jury investigating Madigan and others. U.S. District Court Judge John Kness sentenced Mapes to 30 months in prison earlier this month. The judge also recommended that Mapes be sent to the Federal Prison Camp near Pensacola, Florida.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinoisans could see help when it comes to their medical debt. Under a proposal unveiled during Governor J-B Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address last week, almost 400,000 Illinoisans would see their medical debt either reduced or eliminated…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.


(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. On January 12th, at approximately 10:43 a.m., police officers were dispatched to the Circle K on North Neil Street in Champaign. Upon arrival, officers learned an unknown male came into the gas station armed with a pistol and demanded money. The suspect fled from the store after taking cash and several cartons of cigarettes. The suspect was described as a black male approximately 30 years of age, wearing a black mask, all-black clothing, and gray shoes.

 

(McLean County-jm) – The McLean County coroner has identified the person who died in Saturday’s officer-involved shooting on Interstate 55. Trayvon Little of Springfield died at the scene of multiple gunshot wounds. Illinois state troopers responded to a call of shots fired on the interstate near Lexington. When they arrived, they said two vehicles were on the side of the highway and one person was shooting at the other vehicle. Little then allegedly pointed his gun at officers, who exchanged gunfire. Interstate 55 was shut down in both directions for several hours. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – One local lawmaker is calling out the Governor and Democratic leadership for what he calls out of control spending. Last week the Governor proposed a record nearly $53 billion budget. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County area home sales totaled 134 units in January, up 6 percent from 127 home sales in January of 2023.  The monthly median home sale price of $161,000 in January 2024 was up 4 percent from $155,000 in January 2023. The average home sale price for the Champaign County area was $208,143 in January, up 11 percent from $186,848 in January of 2023.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA reports a sharp decline in Cattle Feedlot Placements compared to a year ago. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois task force investigating a possible switch to ranked choice voting in elections was presented with a number of complications with the change. In a ranked choice system, the voter ranks the candidates from favorite to least favorite. If one candidate has more than half of the first place votes, the election is over and that candidate wins. If not, then the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and that candidate's voters are moved to their second choice. Only two states in the country, Alaska and Maine, use ranked choice voting for their elections, but some states have moved to ban the voting method.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois corn farmers stand to benefit from the recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow year round sales of E15 fuel. In 2022, the governors of Illinois and several other Midwest states requested year-round E15 sales in an effort to lower gas prices. E15 is a 15% blend of ethanol to petroleum fuel and is also known as Unleaded 88. Despite E15 having a lower Reid vapor pressure than most fuel on the market, the ICGA said outdated regulations excluded it from being sold during summer months. The use of E15 was approved by the EPA in 2011 for all 2001 and newer vehicles, accounting for more than 96% of vehicles on the road today.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are speaking out over the Governor’s handling of the migrant crisis. Senate Republican Leader John Curran says the Governor’s priorities are in the wrong spot…

 

 

Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran.

 

(Undated-jm) – On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity named the newest State-Designated Cultural Districts. The city of Champaign said the North First Street Cultural District is "home to sections of the African American Cultural Trail and newly redesigned Skelton Park, contains landmarks that are as old as the City of Champaign itself and play a significant role in its cultural heritage."

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Illinois State Police are investigating an Interstate 74 crash that happened Monday afternoon in Vermilion County. Officials reported to the scene at eastbound I-74 near milepost 198 for a report of a single-car crash. It happened just east of Ogden, within Vermilion County lines.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  – The village of Rantoul is set to show its revitalized Youth Center in March. The village has invested over 4 million dollars to modernize the local facility. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says an open house is set for March 16th…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Information and forms for the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program are available from the office of Iroquois County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, according to an announcement made by the Treasurer’s Office. The program allows qualified senior citizens to defer all or part of their 2023 property taxes up to $5,000 on their personal residence. Applications must be filed with the Treasurer’s office by March 1, 2023 in order to defer 2023 taxes billed in 2024. To qualify, a person must be 65 or over by June 1, 2023, have a total household income of $55,000 or less, and have lived in the property for at least three years. In addition, there must be no delinquent taxes on the property.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is out with its new forecast for food prices. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

Illinois is in store for a temperature roller coaster this week

(Springfield-jm) – The League of Women Voters of Illinois has issued a statement saying it strongly supports an independent Legislative Inspector General in the state of Illinois, and to accomplish that, existing law must be amended. One of the provisions the league supports is that the LIG should not report solely to the legislature or other political figures that may be subject of a potential investigation. The group said passing reforms in both chambers is essential to restoring public faith in Illinois state government.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is in store for a temperature roller coaster this week. 

The state will see unseasonably warm conditions to start the week with some areas getting up over 70 degrees today and Tuesday. A cold front is expected to move through the state, dropping temperatures into the 30s for highs on Wednesday. Temperatures will slowly rebound back into the 60s heading into the weekend.

 

630 am New

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker presented his State of the State and Budget Address. The Governor talked about the increases in staffing at state agencies especially DCFS…

 

***News nws 0483budget7***

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Local reaction continues to come in. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

 

***News nws0484bunting react***

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. Legislators aren’t due back to the capital until March 5th.



 

630 am new

(Fisher-jm) – Champaign County Coroner, Stephen Thuney, is releasing the name of a Fisher man who has died from injuries sustained after being struck by a motor vehicle while walking in the middle of the roadway near 3200 North and 600 East in rural Fisher at approximately 10:00 PM Friday. Michael A. Jordan, 42-years-old, of Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 PM Friday. Mr. Jordan died of multiple traumatic injuries. An autopsy will be performed today. The death is being investigated by the Champaign Coroner’s Office and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – One man is displaced after the Rantoul Fire Department extinguished a mobile home fire on Sunday. Firefighters reported to the scene near 12 p.m. in the area of Sycamore Lane and Basswood Drive. Upon arrival, they saw the mobile home totally engulfed in fire. A building to the east of the home was scorched on the outside due to the heavy flames, though no damage was done inside. Officials said no one was hurt in the fire. However, the mobile home was destroyed. The cause is under investigation.

 

(Ford County-dm)  The primary election in Illinois is March 19th and if you can’t get to the election polls on election day, Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick tells us how you can  cast your ballot.

 

          

 

Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The arrest of a Houston, TX man in Iroquois County for transporting cocaine/fentanyl now finds the case in the hands of federal prosecutors.  45-year-old Juan Carlos Oliva Lopez was transferred to the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee where he'll be processed for federal authorities. He's charged on a federal warrant for cocaine trafficking.  State Police stopped a freightliner on I-57 near Ashkum for a safety inspection when 49 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl were found in the semi's cab.  ISP estimated the street value at near $750,000.

 

(Washington-jm) – Grocery Store food prices are only a tad higher than one year ago. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new measure would provide a $500 tax credit for abortion providers, abortion seekers, legal guardians of abortion seekers and public school teachers who move to Illinois due to abortion bans and content-based restrictions on educational materials in other states. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago, introduced the measure and said in a social media post that Illinois wants to offer a hand up for those fleeing for their safety from states she said are banning health care and speech. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 20,000 residents from out of state came to Illinois to terminate a pregnancy after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the United State Supreme Court.

 

(Springfield-jm) –  Legislation that would give the state’s largest utilities control over the construction of power lines in Illinois is back in the spotlight. A bill that would allow Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison the right-of-refusal on what company was awarded the construction contract for power lines was the subject of a House Public Utilities Committee hearing. Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an amendatory veto on similar legislation last year, saying competition is important. At least a dozen states have adopted right-of-first refusal laws, including Indiana and Iowa, but the idea has been rejected in Missouri and Kansas.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker presented his State of the State and Budget Address last week. The Governor talks about some relief he wants to implement…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Local reaction continues to come in on the Governor’s address. Newly appointed 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer says he’s disappointed more relief isn’t being done…

 

 

104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer.

 

(McLean County-jm) – The Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation is investigating an officer involved shooting in McLean County. On Saturday at 12:42 p.m. on Interstate 55 northbound near Lexington, milepost 178,  ISP troopers responded to a call of shots fired.  Preliminary information indicates two vehicles had pulled over and were on the shoulder of the interstate.  Upon arrival, officers observed a subject shooting at the other vehicle.  The subject then pointed a firearm at officers.  Officers exchanged gunfire with the subject, who was fatally struck and later pronounced deceased.  There were no other injuries.

 

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana woman is in critical condition after police say she was involved in a fight with a 15-year-old family member. The Urbana Police Department says they were called to the area of Rainbow View and Kinch Street just past noon on Sunday. A 26-year-old woman was found unresponsive at the scene as life-saving measures were being performed. The woman was taken to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Authorities found that the woman got in a fight with a 15-year-old family member, whom she lives with. The woman struck the teen with an object, and they both started wrestling on the floor. The boy put the woman in a chokehold until she lost consciousness. The 15-year-old was taken to the Urbana Police Department to be interviewed. After discussing with the Champaign County State Attorney’s Office, the police released the boy to his mother.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill that would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and maintain rules implementing “the motor vehicle emissions standards of the state of California” in Illinois, effectively outsourcing an important area of Illinois’ transportation and environmental decision-making to California officials is being stalled following an uproar. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Tuition at Parkland College will remain unchanged next year. 

At their regular meeting, Parkland College trustees approved the FY2025 base tuition rate of $154.75 per credit hour for in-district campus-based and online Tier 1 instruction. Tier 2 in-district tuition, covering Health Professions programs, also remains level, at $234 per credit hour. Universal fees remain unchanged at $23.75.

 

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA forecast regarding potential food prices for this year, and whether the trend is higher or lower overall prices? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

WPXN News Notes…

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in northern Vermilion County today from 10-10:30 at the Gifford State Bank in Potomac, 11-11:30 at Andi Mae’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Bismarck, 12-12:45 at Christman Park in Rossville and Rankin Centennial Park from 1:45-2:15.

The Ford County Sheriff's Office is asking for help from the community in locating a missing teenager

(Ford County-jm) – The Ford County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the community in locating a missing teenager. Officials said Kyla Kemplin, 17, hasn’t been seen since February 13. She is described as being white with black hair and blue eyes, 5 feet 7 inches in height and weighing 140 pounds. Other identifying characteristics include a nose ring and a pair of tattoos on her wrist: a smiley face and “Angel of 999.” Anyone who has information about Kyla’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Ford County Sheriff’s Office at 217-379-2324.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The state of Illinois is making available the expenditures related to the influx of migrants in the state. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said a portal on the comptroller's website will provide enhanced transparency into state spending. On the portal site, users can see expenditures, with information including the vendor’s name, which agency paid the vendor, which state fund the money came from, contract information and the total amount paid.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued an updated standing order allowing schools to keep a supply of medications like opioid antagonists on hand, and also permitting school nurses or other trained personnel to administer them to students in the event of an opioid overdose. The updated order builds upon authority established in 2015 to expand access to the medications, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The new order makes clear that schools can obtain a supply of such medications without a prescription.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his State of the State and Budget Address before the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday. One of the issues Governor Pritzker is putting a major focus on is education…

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

 

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois professor Lorenzo Vergari says a record-breaking fusion test is a positive step toward the country’s quest for cleaner energy. Nuclear fusion is the same process that powers the sun, and is widely considered as the holy grail of clean energy. Using the Joint European Torus, a huge, donut-shaped machine known as a tokamak, scientists in Great Britain were able to sustain a record amount of fusion energy for five seconds, enough to power around 12,000 homes.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  – The village of Rantoul is set to show its revitalized Youth Center in March. The village has invested over 4 million dollars to modernize the local facility. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says an open house is set for March 16th…

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police are hoping the City Council okays 72 new high-tech street cameras. The 72 cameras come in the form of 18 boxes. Each box would have four cameras to allow for license plate reading, real time monitoring, plus pan, zoom, and tilt capabilities. It’s a nearly $145,000 proposal. $98,000 would pay for the 72 cameras, and an additional $47,000 for the rest of the boxes’ contents. The department would put one box at 18 intersections throughout Champaign. Each spot was selected based off how busy the intersection is. These would replace some of the current Flock ALPR cameras, saving the department money in the long-run.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the trends found in USDA's outlook for the domestic corn balance sheet this year? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Reagan King from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

.

Cissna Park FFA Member Reagan King

 

We were also able to talk with Jake Kocher from Iroquois West’s FFA Chapter

 

Iroquois West FFA Member  Jake Kocher

 

Katelyn Graham from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

Rantoul FFA Member Katelyn Graham

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding senior citizens about the availability of the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. The program, which works like a loan, allows qualified seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes and special assessment payments on their principal residences. Taxpayers who apply and qualify are allowed to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year, including both first and second installment payments. The deadline to apply for the program is March 1.

 

(Undated-jm) – Illinois was included in a massive cellular service outage that affected thousands across the country. More than 50,000 AT&T customers reported service outages early Thursday. The cities with the most outages included the Chicago area. Verizon and T-Mobile customers were also experiencing outages.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker presented his State of the State and Budget Address. In addition to increases in funding to k-12 education and early childhood education, the Governor is also increasing funding in higher education…

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

 

(Milford-jm) – A 23-year-old Milford man was sentenced to 3 years in prison in Livingston County Court for sex offenses.  Felony charges were filed against  Shane Deaton for Traveling to Meet a Minor and Indecent Solicitation of a Child.  Both are felony charges.  Deaton was arrested by the Fairbury Police in March of 2022 for social media communication with a 15-year-old female for sexual purposes. Deaton pled guilty to Indecent Solicitation of a Child and was placed on two years of probation. He was also sentenced to 180 days in the Livingston County Jail and required to register as a sex offender. The probation was revoked and terminated when Deaton was arrested again by the Fairbury and Chatsworth Police Departments at a location in Chatsworth in December of 2023. This time he was chatting with a 13-year-old female for sexual purposes on a social media site.  Deaton planned to meet the child in Chatsworth where he was taken into custody.  The female was being portrayed by law enforcement.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new report shows the state of Illinois is facing a massive budget deficit in the next fiscal year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the state’s finances…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Mahomet-jm) – New properties may be at their very beginnings in Mahomet, but developers said they expect to fill the newly-purchased lot with local and national businesses. Developers say the plan is to keep some lots from the 10-acre site to develop themselves and sell the others. Buildings should be ready for leasing by the summer or fall.

 

(Washington-jm) – How does USDA see a forecasted record production of soybeans impacting the supply and demand ledger for the new marketing year? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Madison Freed from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

PBL FFA Member Madison Freed 

 

We were also able to talk with Charles Francis from GCMS ‘s FFA Chapter

 

GCMS FFA Member Charles Francis

 

Jenna Clemmons from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

Fisher FFA Member  Jenna Clemmons

 

We were also able to talk with Brynn Boundy from GCMS ‘s FFA Chapter. She talks about the FFA auction that takes place on Saturday. 

 

GCMS FFA Member Brynn Boundy


WPXN Weekend News Notes…

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host a wine and dessert night on Saturday from 6:30-8. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Cost is $35 per ticket.

 

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will host a pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 7-11:30. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 10 and under are $5.

 

Governor J-B Pritzker gave his State of the State and Budget Address yesterday before the General Assembly.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his State of the State and Budget Address yesterday before the General Assembly. Governor Pritzker is focusing on preschool and early childhood education with additional funding for his Smart Start Program…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares his thoughts on the Governor’s speech…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie also weighed in…

 

 

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The man charged in the shooting of a Pour Brothers Taproom manager has pleaded not guilty. Fidele G. Tshimanga, 24, was arrested on February 8 following an afternoon shooting that occurred in the 100 block of N. Market Street near Pour Brothers Taproom. Brandon Hardway, was outside of the business when he was allegedly approached by Tshimanga who then produced a firearm and fired before fleeing. Hardway was taken to the hospital for a gunshot wound but he died nine days later from his injuries. Tshimanga appeared in court on Wednesday when he was arraigned on an upgraded charge of first degree murder. He pleaded not guilty. He will be back in court March 27 for a fitness status that his lawyer requested.

 

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Main street group continues to look at ways to draw the motoring public, residents of towns and cities and counties to the city of Paxton. The downtown area of Paxton continues to grow and more businesses are coming to Paxton. Paxton Main Street Group Director Donna Pepper says more people with day trips to those coming for the Rantoul Sports complex are stopping in Paxton…

 

 

Paxton Main Street Group Director Donna Pepper.

 

(Farmer City-jm) – One person is dead following a two-vehicle crash near Farmer City Tuesday night. The crash happened at the intersection of Rosewood Road and Depot Road. Randall Rice, the DeWitt County Coroner, said a car was driving northbound on Rosewood and it drove through a stop sign. There was no stop sign on Depot and a car driving westbound collided with the northbound car’s passenger side. Both cars ended up in a nearby field. The driver of the northbound car was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Rice identified him as James Allen Kirkland IV of Victoria, Illinois. The driver of the westbound car was airlifted from the scene and was taken to a local hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is requesting donations of women’s hygiene products to distribute to those in need. CUPHD officials said they have given out more than 13,000 individual period products since last March, and have kept their clients and 17 Champaign County organizations well-stocked over the course of two years. Now, they are in short supply.

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Ally Wright from the PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

PBL FFA Member Ally Wright

 

We were also able to talk with Jake Kocher from Iroquois West’s FFA Chapter.

Iroquois West  FFA Member Jake Kocher

 

Luke Petry from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

Cissna Park FFA Member Luke Petry

 

 Getty Greer from the GCMS FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today

 

GCMS FFA Member  Getty Greer

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker presented his State of the State and Budget Address Wednesday. The Governor is proposing major investments in education…

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. 101st District State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur shares his thoughts on the Governor’s speech…

 

101st District State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur. State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet…

 

State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet.

 

(Normal-jm) – Rivian Motors, with a plant in Normal, has announced that it will lay off 10% of its salaried workforce and expects vehicle output to be flat this year. 

A company official said challenging macroeconomic conditions, including higher interest rates, were behind the weaker manufacturing outlook. Electric vehicle makers have been dialing back their investment plans for EVs, citing deceleration in the growth of sales and waning consumer interest.

 

(Paxton–jc)  A blood drive is set for the city of Paxton on Saturday. The drive starts at 10am on Saturday at the First Lutheran Church. Impact Life Bloodrive spokesperson Kevin Hanson says the blood given goes to local sources…

 

Impact Life Blood Drive Spokesperson Kevin Hanson

 

(Champaign-jm) – As part of Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week, Parkland College invites local community partners, ag industry professionals, high school educators, and high school-aged students to attend the Parkland College AgTech Showcase, Thursday, March 7, at the college's campus. Parkland's Agricultural Technologies Department has designed this event to reach 200+ high school-aged students with hands-on activities such as the RC Tractor Pull Contest and more, ag-tech lab tours, and interaction with Ag Tech faculty. Additionally, students will be able to engage with local agriculture-based employers to explore future career options with companies such as United Prairie, Farm Credit, CIT Trucking, Curtis Orchard, and others.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department and Champaign County Crime Stoppers are asking for help from the public in a criminal investigation they’ve been investigating for over a year. UIPD officials said the investigation stemmed from an incident that occurred on campus in the fall of 2022. Officials said the person was on campus the day of Oct. 1, 2022, and may have been visiting a fraternity for the weekend. Investigators determined that the person’s name may be Austin and he may have been a student at Indiana University. The person is described as being a white male in his 20s, approximately 5′ 10″ tall and 180 pounds in weight. He has brown hair, officials said, but on Oct. 1, 2022, it was dyed blonde.

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Jacob Fox  from the Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Rantoul FFA Member Jacob Fox

 

 Emily Lone from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Fisher FFA member  Emily Lone

 

The Illinois Secretary of State is backing legislation that would require more transparency in the financial dealings of lobbyists

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State is backing legislation that would require more transparency in the financial dealings of lobbyists. Alexi Giannoulias said the measures are needed in the wake of the recent sentencing of a former aide of House Speaker Michael Madigan, whose corruption trial is slated for later this year. The Secretary of State’s Office maintains lobbyist registrations and statements of economic interest filed by public officials.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Chicago White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was in Springfield Tuesday, where he was expected to ask state lawmakers to fund a new ballpark. The team is considering building a new stadium in the South Loop. 

Sources confirm that Reinsdorf met with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Reinsdorf is looking to get about $1 billion in taxpayer money from the state to build a new stadium.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is giving his State of the State and Budget Address today. Yesterday Senate Republicans gave their priorities they want to see in the next state budget. Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet…

 

 

State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet. Assistant Republican Leader State Senator Terri Bryant…

 

 

Assistant Republican Leader State Senator Terri Bryant. WPXN News will have the latest on the Governor’s address and local legislative reaction on our news tonight at 4 and 5 and again tomorrow morning.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney, is providing the following update regarding the death of Akul B. Dhawan. Around 11:00a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, Arrow Ambulance, Urbana Fire Department, and the University of Illinois Police Department were dispatched to a location near the intersection of W. Nevada St. and S. Goodwin Ave. for a report of an unresponsive male on a porch. Akul B. Dhawan, 18-years-of-age, of Champaign was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no suspicion of foul play. An autopsy was performed on January 23, that confirmed the death of Mr. Dhawan was due to hypothermia. Acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, significantly contributed to his death. Thuney has ruled the death accidental.

 

(Paxton–jc)  WIth the Rantoul Sports complex starting its season soon, traffic to Rantoul and the surrounding area is key for some business economic success. Paxton is the Place to Be and Director of the Paxton Main Street program Donna Pepper says some studies show the traffic patterns, including the city of Paxton…

 

 

Paxton is the Place to Be and Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 7:31 p.m. on February 19, 2024, to the 700 block of W. Vine Street for a report of a shooting with injuries. As officers arrived on-scene, they were notified of a victim who arrived at a local hospital by personal transport. Additional officers were dispatched to the hospital, where they learned that a 34-year-old Champaign man was being treated for multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds. He remains hospitalized in stable condition. The initial investigation indicated that the man was seated in his vehicle in his driveway when an unknown subject approached the vehicle and opened fire. The subject then fled the area on foot. In addition to the man’s injuries, the vehicle was also struck by gunfire.

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Julia Edleman from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

Cissna Park FFA Member Julia Edleman

 

Madison Freed from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

 

PBL FFA Member Madison Freed

 

Grace Morgan with the Fisher FFA talks about today’s activities.

 

 

Fisher FFA member Grace Morgan 

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Ford County Board is set to meet in special session this afternoon in Paxton. On the agenda is discussion and potential action on requesting Ford County State’s Attorney Andrew Killian to help with the I-C-C process concerning a C-Oh-2 project in Ford County. The Ford County board meeting comes to order at 4-30 this afternoon in the sheriff’s board room at the courthouse in Paxton. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Business Interruption Grant Program was to provide $585 million for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19, but an audit done by the Office of the Auditor General shows $11 million was paid to applicants who weren’t eligible under state law. During a Legislative Audit Commission hearing Tuesday at the state capitol in Springfield, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity was shown to have used their own eligibility category for the small business component of the program that was not specified in the law passed by the legislature.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is set to give his State of the State and Budget Address at noon today. Senate Republicans yesterday held a press conference to outline their budget priorities in the next fiscal year. Senate GOP Leader John Curran

 

 

Senate GOP Leader John Curran. Local state Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet…

 

 

Local state Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet. We will have the latest on the Governor’s address as well as local reaction tonight on our news at 4 and 5 and again on our news tomorrow morning.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred at a fraternity house. According to police, it happened on February 17 at 1 a.m. The offender is not a person known to the victim, other than having met for the first time earlier the same night. The UIPD said an arrest has not been made.

 

(Buckley–jc)  The St John’s Lutheran School Carnival, Chicken Dinner and Silent auction was another huge success. The event supports Christian education at the Buckley based school. Event Spokesperson Kira Ebert says the P-T-L group is pledging half the money for school projects and the other half for new bleachers in the gym…

 

 

St John’s Carnival Chicken Dinner and Silent Auction Spokesperson Kira Ebert. The bleacher project has a price tag of around 63 thousand dollars.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Khalil Zaied, the Public Works Director for the City of Champaign, has announced his resignation from that position effective March 8, 2024. Zaied is moving out of state to attend to private, family matters. Zaied has served as the City’s Public Works Director since October 17, 2022.

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. We were able to talk with Garrett Tammen from Iroquois West High School’s FFA Chapter. 

 

Iroquois West  FFA Member Jake Kocher

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters.We were able to talk with Eva Haltswanger from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter.

 

Rantoul FFA Member Eva Haltswanger

 

 

Lawmakers return to the state capitol today

(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers return to the state capitol today. The Governor gives his State of the State and Budget Address tomorrow. Thursday is the final day of session for the month.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A state child tax credit would be a game changer for thousands of low-income working families in Illinois. Under legislation now being considered during the current session in Springfield, working families making under $70,000 a year and single heads of households making up to $50,000 a year would receive a tax credit of $700 a month per child. Another proposal would give up to $300 a month for a child tax credit for qualifying families. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Illinois has more than 440,000 children, 16% of the children in the state, who live in poverty. A four-person household with a combined income of $27,500 a year is an example of a family living at the poverty level.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are the highlights of USDA’s forecasts for meat and dairy production and prices for the coming year? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Ashkum-jm) – A semi fire on I-57 in Iroquois County Friday morning damaged several thousand pounds of merchandise. An Amazon semi caught fire near Ashkum. When crews arrived the trailer was fully engulfed. Mutual aid was requested from Gilman and Chebanse. An estimated 23 thousand pounds of merchandise was lost in the fire.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Master Gardeners are inviting the community to their annual Garden Day Festival on March 9. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bremer Conference Center at Danville Area Community College. The festival has been a local tradition for over 25 years. This year’s celebration will feature unique vendors, a silent auction, donation baskets, door prizes, and four speakers from Illinois Extension as well as local and national businesses. Tickets cost $30 and will include lunch from the DACC Culinary Arts School, a goodie bag, access to all speakers and more. All proceeds go to Master Gardener Projects in Vermilion County. Register at go dot illinois dot edu slash garden day 2024.

 

(Urbana–jc)  Monitoring your blood glucose levels, being active and watching your diet are keys for diabetics. Tim Ditman with O–S-F has the story…

 

 

(Undated-jm) – Every five years, the USDA releases the agriculture census, which is a count of every single farm and ranch in the United States, along with the number of people operating those farms. The most recent census was published last week, and it brought with it some unsettling news. The United States has the lowest number of farms and ranches since 1850. To put that into perspective, in the year 1850, the 13th President of the United States was sworn into office, and the U.S. was only made up of thirty-one states and four territories. The current census uncovered that there are 1.9 million farms in the nation. In the 2017 census, that number was over two million. Then if we look back to the 2007 census, our count was at 2.2 million farms. So, we have been seeing this decline for decades. The cost of production has made it harder for smaller farms to survive, resulting in farms consolidating. Nevertheless, no matter the size of a farm, they are still being run by families. The census revealed ninety-five percent of farms and ranches are operated by families.


 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Pascaline Phongo from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what goes on today.

Rantoul  FFA member Pascaline Phongo 

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Cale Zwilling from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

Fisher FFA Member Cale Zwilling

 

(Springfield-jm) – The state capitol will be abuzz today as lawmakers return. Several committee meetings are scheduled. The Governor gives his State of the State and Budget Address tomorrow. They wrap up this short session Thursday.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new Tax Foundation study finds Illinois with the second highest corporate tax rate in the country. Some say that signals more struggles ahead for the Land of Lincoln. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation ranked states by their corporate income tax rates as of Jan. 1, 2024. Six states, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota and Ohio, do not levy a corporate income tax. Of the 44 that do, Illinois’ 9.5% rate put the state at No. 2, up from No. 3 in last year’s report. The top spot in 2024 goes to Minnesota at 9.8%. The state with the lowest rate outside of the states that do not have such taxes is North Carolina at 2.5%. The new state-by-state rankings also highlight that Illinois’ flat corporate income tax rate of 9.5% is four percentage points higher than the flat 5.5% rate now in place in neighboring Iowa.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA adjusted its milk product and class prices this month higher based on several factors. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – To give residents a chance to receive direct assistance and have their voices heard, State Senator Paul Faraci has teamed up with Congresswoman Robin Kelly to host mobile office hours Thursday in Rantoul.  The free event is an opportunity for residents to get help from both offices, such as assistance with state and federal resources. Coffee will be provided for attendees. The mobile office hours will be held on Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at the Rantoul Business Center.

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston woman was arrested following a theft at the Hoopeston Dollar General. Jalisa McGhee was arrested on charges of retail theft and trespassing after police were called to the Dollar General in regards to a theft. McGhee was released as part of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act.

 

(Undated-jm) – It may not feel like it now but spring is quickly approaching and with that warmer weather farmers will be hitting the fields soon. Besides getting the tractors and fields ready, farmers also need to be thinking about crop insurance. The deadline for many crop insurance programs is March 15th. 

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Morgan Sinn from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Cissna Park FFA Member Morgan Sinn

 

We were also able to talk with Owen Pree from Iroquois West High School’s FFA Chapter. 

 

Iroquois West  FFA Member Owen Pree

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters.  Alex Ward from GCMS High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

GCMS FFA Member Alex Ward

 

We were also able to talk with Ally Wright from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter.

PBL High School’s FFA Ally Wright

 

 

 

 

Illinois taxpayers will know Wednesday how Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to spend their money for the fiscal year

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois taxpayers will know Wednesday how Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to spend their money for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The state’s total budget for fiscal year 2024, which ends June 30, is around $50.4 billion in state taxpayer funds. Adding federal and other state funds brings the total taxpayer cost for Illinois in the current fiscal year to nearly $170 billion. Pritzker will deliver his proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 on Wednesday. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said she hopes the governor delivers a balanced budget proposal. Other costs continue to grow. State Sen. Chapin Rose raised alarm over the continued taxpayer costs from the state’s policy subsidizing health care for non-citizen adults and how that may impact a possible deficit he said nears $1 billion. Other priorities the governor has already laid out include spending for early childhood, K-12 and higher education. Spending for K-12 education alone is around $10 billion in fiscal 2024. In prior weeks, Pritzker has toured the state touting an increased number of child care positions through his Smart Start program that started in fiscal 2024 with around $250 million.

 

(Washington-jm) – U.S. government officials provided their take on how diversification of agricultural export opportunities is taking place at the 100th USDA Ag Outlook Forum. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA projects farm income categories down for 2024 but what are some of the factors behind the forecast? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police have been informed that the victim of a February 8 shooting incident has passed away due to his injuries at a local hospital. This investigation has been reclassified as a Homicide. Champaign Police were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Market Street for a report of a shooting with injuries. On-scene, officers located Brandon Hardway, 45, of Champaign with a gunshot wound to the torso. In the early hours of February 17, 2024, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The investigation indicates that the victim was approached by Fidele Tshimanga, 24, of Urbana, who produced a firearm and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Additional officers arriving in the area quickly apprehended Tshimanga for his role in this incident. He was transported to the Champaign County Correctional Facility, where he remains, awaiting trial. Champaign Police have shared news of the victim’s passing with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, and they have shared their intent to amend charges against Tshimanga. He is back in court tomorrow. 

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has proposed an extension of the contract of University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen for three years, pending formal vote and approval during its March meeting. Enrollment across the system reached a record high for the 10th consecutive year last fall, with representation from all 102 Illinois counties. Additionally, with a goal of keeping more Illinois students in the state, 79% of all undergraduates are from Illinois. Research funding also has grown to over $1 billion under Killeen’s presidency, showcasing the system's commitment to pioneering advancements that have global impacts. Additionally, under his leadership the system’s universities successfully conducted fundraising campaigns that raised $3.6 billion, surpassing the goal of $3.1 billion and marking a new chapter in the university system’s history of philanthropic success.

 

(Watseka-dm)--Illinois’ primary election is scheduled for March 19th and voters in Iroquois County will be using new voting machines for the first time. Breein Suver, Iroquois County Clerk, tells us what differences the voters can expect.

 

 

Breein Suver, Iroquois County Clerk. 

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses and individuals who stood out in our community in the year of 2023 at our upcoming annual meeting! Please nominate businesses and individuals in the following categories: New Business of the Year, Business of the Year and Outstanding Professional Award. The deadline for submissions: March 1.

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country next week. Asher Litman from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what that have going on today

 

 

Fisher FFA member Asher Litman

 

(Springfield-jm) – Free income tax preparation is available through several trusted programs across Illinois for qualifying taxpayers needing assistance filing their 2023 income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service, American Association of Retired Persons' Foundation Tax-Aide Program, and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program, provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide. How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s Chief Economist offers his look at crop prices, input costs, and how that translates into producer margins for this year. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire inside an attached garage in the 1600 block of Williamsburg Dr., Saturday at 8:43 p.m.  Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the garage.  Firefighters responded to the report of a neighbor of fire coming from the garage of the home.  Once on the scene, firefighters reported moderate smoke and fire coming from the attached garage of the single-story residence.  Crews deployed a single hose line to keep the fire from extending outside the garage.  

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Martha Rice has been appointed Chief Deputy Coroner for Champaign County. Champaign County Coroner Steve Thuney said the appointment is effective today. Rice has worked for the Champaign County Coroner’s Office since July 2019, holding positions of Deputy Coroner and Senior Medical Secretary. She has experience handling death investigations and has assisted in the training of new Deputy Coroner’s.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center are awarding grants to manufacturers in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the program and how small businesses can apply…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – A memorial is being planned to honor the late Iroquois County Highway Department Superintendent Joel Moore. Moore passed away April 21, 2023, after an illness. During the Iroquois County Board meeting it was noted that the Road Commissioners Association will cover the costs of the memorial at the county highway building in Watseka. The Transportation and Highway committee approved the memorial and brought the matter to the full county board, which also approved it.

 

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several area FFA Chapters. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton talks about what is going on this week.

 

 

Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton

Employers could soon be getting tax credits for helping their employees pay student loans

(Washington-jm) – Illinois congressman Darin LaHood says a tax relief package that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives will help small businesses grow, boost American competitiveness and support working families. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 includes various provisions, including a child tax credit, breaks for small businesses and affordable housing. LaHood said the legislation restores a 12.5% allocation increase to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit that expired in 2021. LaHood noted that the measure will help finance over 200,000 rental units for low income households across the country. Businesses would be able to immediately deduct the cost of their research and development investments, instead of spreading it out over several years. The bill also addresses how business interest expense is handled and 100% bonus depreciation. The package passed the U.S. House on a bipartisan vote and it now heads to the Senate for consideration.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A move is underway at the Illinois Statehouse to address the rising costs of local pensions while some look to alleviate the state’s property tax burden. Illinois property taxes are already among the highest in the country. Many taxing bodies have more of their share of property taxes going to local pensions. Part of the Illinois Municipal League’s 2024 legislative agenda includes re-amortizing local pension debt beyond the aim of 90% funded by 2040. IML CEO Brad Cole equated that to refinancing a home loan. Municipal leaders say without some relief, they may have to increase taxes on local residents to continue making payments and providing services. State Rep. Tim Ozinga, filed House Bill 4866 to give local school districts more state taxpayer funds through an Education Property Tax Relief Fund. He said that could lower property taxes. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently said increasing state funding for local K-12 education would also help lower property taxes. The state’s school funding formula allocates an additional $350 million extra a year for public K-12 education. Illinois legislators return Tuesday. Pritzker delivers his budget address Wednesday.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA's February global corn production forecasts note a lower outlook for Brazil's total production. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s annual Ag Outlook Forum presented the Department’s first take on major crop commodities for the coming year. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a vehicle versus building Thursday evening. Crews were called just before 6pm for a vehicle that ran into the Pontiac Granite building across from the IGA. No injuries were reported.

 

(Champaign-jm) – An 18-year-old from Champaign will spend six years behind bars for a shooting incident near Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in the fall. Tyzerion Wesley pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class X felony. On September 14, 2023, Wesley was in a group of people that encountered another group near the school. The groups opened fire on each other, but no one was hurt. Wesley was arrested within 10 days of the shooting and was charged alongside three other teenagers, all 15 or 16 years old, in connection to the shooting. 

 

(Paxton–dm)--If you are planning to do some painting soon, Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental has some ideas on picking out the right paint brush for the job.

 

 

Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental.  You can hear more from Scott on Saturday morning at 7:30 on Scott’s tips for success.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – To give residents a chance to receive direct assistance and have their voices heard, State Senator Paul Faraci has teamed up with Congresswoman Robin Kelly to host mobile office hours on Feb. 22 in Rantoul. The free event is an opportunity for residents to get help from both offices, such as assistance with state and federal resources. Coffee will be provided for attendees. The mobile office hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Rantoul Business Center, located at 601 S. Century Blvd. in Rantoul.

 

(Buckley–jc)  –  It’s a Chicken Dinner, carnival and silent auction set for Sunday afternoon in Buckley. The annual event is sponsored by the St Johns Lutheran School P-T-L. St John’s event spokesperson Kira Ebert says the dinner starts at 4pm…

 

 

St Johns Lutheran School Chicken Dinner, Carnival and Silent Auction Spokesperson Kira Ebert. The event starts with a carnival at 3-30 and the gym will be full of silent auction items to bid on.  Some of the funds raised will go towards at bleachers project at the school and also school projects.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A State Senator proposed a bill that would implement gender-neutral terms in certain sections of civil law. Senate Bill 2777 replaces terms like “husband” and “wife” with “spouse,” “married couple” and other gender-neutral alternatives in sections of civil law related to property. This would remove legal ambiguities when preparing real estate documents and ensure compliance with the state’s same-sex marriage law. By using gender-neutral terms, the legislation would make the legal code more inclusive to nonbinary, intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals and those in same-sex relationships.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Employers could soon be getting tax credits for helping their employees pay student loans. This could happen if the General Assembly passes a bill for it this spring. Deductions would be limited to the first payment of $5,250. Senator Paul Faraci, of Champaign, is a co-sponsor. He thinks this bill would have a dramatic impact on employees throughout the state. If passed, it will go into effect immediately.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s Chief Economist offered his take Thursday on the direction of 2024 food prices and food prices inflation as part of the 100th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Department’s 2024 outlook for ag trade focuses on challenges in the global marketplace regarding increased competition, particularly one region of the world. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – The man accused of shooting the general manager of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom a week ago is now facing charges for the theft of the gun used in the shooting and for allegedly showing it during a robbery two days earlier. Two days after his indictment on a first-degree murder charge, Fidele Tshimanga was back in court to be arraigned on burglary and armed robbery charges. Each charge was brought in separate court cases.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Board has agreed to hire a firm to prepare plans for improvements at four county-owned buildings. The Vermilion County Courthouse, the Cannon Building, the Health Department building, and the EMA building on route one are the buildings looked for improvement.  All of those buildings have very antiquated HVAC systems which need to be updated for performance purposes and for trying to conserve energy. New lighting and windows are also included in the plans. The County Board has earmarked federal ARPA Covid relief money to pay for the work.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Google and the State of Illinois are teaming up to provide behavioral health resources. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains how the partnership will work…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Paxton–jc) A meet some of the candidates forum is set for Kinos Coffee in downtown Paxton on Saturday. The event will feature ford County Circuit Clerk candidate Kasi Schwarts, Ford County Board candidate Kelsie Vaughn and Ford County Board candidate Dom Brackenhoff. The event runs from 9am to 11am on Saturday at Kinos Coffee in downtown Paxton. 

 

(Gilman–jc)  The Iroquois West F F A is hosting its annual dinner and auction on Saturday at the high school in Gilman. Iroquois West F F A Advisor Sandy Howe says the event starts at 4pm on Saturday…

 

 

Iroquois West F F A Advisor Sandy Howe. Money raised helps with scholarships, national convention and chapter projects. 

 

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will be in the following communities today: across from the Piper City Community Center from 9-9:30, Living Word Church Roberts from 10-10:30, across from Melvin Convenient from 11-11:30, Gibson City city hall from 12:15-12:45, Elliott village hall from 1-1:30 and Paxton Hardware and Rental from 1:30-2.

 

The Buckley Sportsmans Club annual fish fry will take place this evening starting at 4:30 at the Legion Hut.

 

Onarga American Legion Post 551 will hold their fish fry this evening from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience tonight at 7:30. Doors open at 6.

 

The Cissna Park Development Board will hold a night of Dueling  Pianos and Saturday at the Cissna Park American Legion. Cocktail hour will be from 5-6 with dinner served starting at 6 with music going until 9. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at Knapp and Steiner True Value.

 

The PBL Booster Club will hold Glo Bingo on Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 with Bingo at 7. Tickets are available by reaching out to the Booster Club.

 

The Ludlow Fire Department will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 8-12 at the Ludlow Fire House. Cost is $6 for adults. Kids 5 and under are free.

 

The Gibson City Lions Club will hold their all you can eat pancake day on Sunday from 8-12:45 in the GCMS Elementary School. Cost is $10 for those 13 and older, kids 6-12 are $4.

 

The St. Johns Lutheran School PTL annual Chicken Dinner, silent auction and carnival will take place on Sunday starting at 3:30. Tickets are available by calling the school at 217-394-2422.

Illinois is in the top 10 for states with the most residents living under the poverty line

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is in the top 10 for states with the most residents living under the poverty line, leading members of both parties to call for changes. Numbers from World Population Review show that Illinois has more residents living in poverty than most other states. The national poverty rate, or those earning less than $14,580, is 11.5% and according to World Population Review, Illinois has nearly 1.5 million people, or 12.1% of the state's population, living in poverty. Illinois is one of three Midwestern states in the top ten.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Additional time is being given for rules to come together in implementing Illinois’ Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The measure passed in January 2023 and took effect last month. It mandates that every employee in the state gets up to 40 hours of paid leave a year, or one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked. Starting on March 31, or 90 days following commencement of employment, the Illinois Department of Labor announced workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason “without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer.”

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Paxton Main Street Group has made the application to become a member of the Illinois Main Street program. Now it is the waiting game for the local civic group to see if they are accepted. Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper says they expect to hear more by sometime in March…

 

 

Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper.

 

(Undated-jm) – Illinois American Water has requested a rate increase with the Illinois Commerce Commission. The company is seeking a $152 million rate increase, which would raise monthly household water bills by about $24 and wastewater bills by about $5. Officials point to infrastructure improvements totaling nearly $560 million. The Citizens Utility Board is calling the rate increase request “excessive.” The watchdog group also notes the costs associated with the company buying municipal water systems, which is 100% paid by customers.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Hotel Royer in downtown Urbana was purchased by Icon Hospitality in January of 2020. Now, four years later they are asking for their fourth extension, until December of 2024, for the project. Icon Hospitality said remodeling and restoring the hotel has been a very challenging process due to its age and condition. The hotel was built in 1923 with an extension added in 1980. Icon Hospitality said working to maintain the historic element of the building along with getting it up to standard of a Hilton Tapestry Collection is one of the main reasons for the delay.

 

(Washington-jm) – Tuesday marked the release of the 2022 Census of Agriculture and some of the latest data involving the ag sector. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Washington-jm) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says each day without a new farm bill adds to uncertainty for producers. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Another attempt is being made to make medically-assisted suicide legal in Illinois. The Illinois End of Life Options Coalition is praising lawmakers who have introduced legislation that would allow medical aid-in-dying in Illinois. The group has emphasized that the practice is called medical aid-in-dying and not assisted suicide. The End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act would allow terminally ill adults to have the option to get prescription medication to end their life. Ten states have authorized medical aid-in-dying, with 19 other states considering similar measures this spring.  The Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition said a recent poll showed 17% of Illinois voters oppose medical aid-in-dying.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois taxpayers will learn next week how Gov. J.B. Pritzker hopes to spend their tax dollars for the coming fiscal year. Republicans are urging him to not include new programs, new taxes or tax hikes. Pritzker said he wants next week’s speech to be a big reveal. He said the bottom line is “more of what we care about.” Republicans warn of possible deficits up to $890 million. In recent years, human services spending increased by $3.6 billion and health care and Medicaid spending increased by $1.5 billion. Pritzker delivers his budget address Wednesday, Feb. 21.

 

(Springfield-jm) – An area state lawmaker is providing an update on the latest on migrant healthcare costs in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – An Indiana man has been sentenced for child sex crimes. 20-year-old Dylan Clark has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after picking up a girl from Vermilion County and bringing her to his home in Indiana. Clark was 19 years old at the time of the crime. He traveled across state lines to meet up with an 11-year-old girl from Georgetown and lure her back to his Franklin, Ind. home, where he engaged in sexual conduct. Clark was arrested in September 2022 and was placed into the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service. He pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a scam. They say they were made aware of multiple people receiving calls from someone claiming to be Deputy/Sergeant Ryan Black with the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. The department says they do not have a Ryan Black employed and to not give out any personal information.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Department Wednesday released the latest edition of its ten-year ag production and economic projections, yet what were some of the key findings? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Washington-jm) – Rural America is making an economic comeback. Gary Crawford reports…

 


WPXN News Notes…

 

Parkland College Theatre will hold their performances of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead on February 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 pm and February 18 and 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and can be purchased online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will be in the following communities today: Abbe Insurance Buckley from 9-9:30, Durham Park in Onarga from 10-10:30, Crescent City Community Center from 11-11:30, RP Home and Harvest in Watseka from 12:30-1 and Milford Town and Country from 1:30-2.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.

 

The Buckley Sportsman Club will hold their annual All You Can Eat Fish Fry Friday from 4:30-7pm at the Buckley Legion. Cost is $13 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. 



 

Illinois row crop farmers have until the end of the month to apply for cover crop incentives for fields that were planted with cover crops in 2023

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois row crop farmers have until the end of the month to apply for cover crop incentives for fields that were planted with cover crops in 2023. The incentives are designed to help farmers offset the start-up costs of planting cover crops. The signup process for the Farmers for Soil Health Program is simple with a smaller administrative burden than most other programs. The application at FarmersForSoilHealth.com/enrollment should be filed by the end of February 2024. Farmers for Soil Health is a collaborative partnership between the National Corn Association, the National Soybean Association and the National Pork Producers. Signing up for the Farmers for Soil Health Program does not preclude farmers from participating in other cover crop programs.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican senators are calling out the state’s democratic majority on their handling of the migrant healthcare program. State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris…

 

 

State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris.

 

(Paxton-jm) – An iconic piece of Paxton history is being restored. Crews removed the firetruck from Pells Park. The firetruck will be restored and returned to the park as part of upgrades coming to the city’s largest park this summer.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A dog died in a house fire in Champaign on Tuesday. The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1400 block of Briarwood Drive. Firefighters responded to a report from a passerby of a fire in this split-level residence. Once on the scene, fire crews reported fire coming from an upper-level window. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire that originated in the bedroom. The cause of this fire has not been determined.

 

(Washington-jm) – The latest USDA Census of Agriculture offers new categories of information to glean and what has changed regarding farm operations since 2017. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign 18-year-old was sentenced to probation for spray-painting swastikas and racial slurs targeting Black people and Jewish people on gravestones. Dominic Koca got two years of probation for spray-painting the racist in November. The News Gazette reports he will also have to participate in an educational program that discourages hate crimes, comply with treatment recommended by a forensic psychiatrist, conduct 200 hours of public-service work within 20 months and refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabis or illicit drugs.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, along with the District’s Justice Coalition committee, is proud to announce, “Black Health, Wealth, and Wellness,” a panel discussion in celebration of Black History Month. Scheduled for February 22 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:30 pm for light refreshments, this event promises to be an empowering gathering of local Black community leaders highlighting the vital intersections of health, wealth, and wellness within the Black community.

 

(The Center Square) – A former state legislator has formed a group that is launching a statewide effort to put parents' rights on Illinois' November 2024 ballot. Former State Representative Jean Ives says they are gathering signatures from Illinois voters to put the question of parental notification concerning medical procedures on their children. Ives says their goal is to gather a half million signatures by the end of March…

 

 

Parents Matter Coalition Spokesperson Jeane Ives. Those that want to learn more about the issue or sign their petition can find the group…parents Matter Coalition, on line.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is searching for a missing woman. Police say April Jocelyn,44, has not been seen by or in contact with friends or family since 5:15 a.m. yesterday. Jocelyn was last seen in a pink hoodie. She is described as 5 foot 11 inches, has hazel eyes, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown hair. Jocelyn also has a tattoo of a floral pattern on her neck and a tattoo on her left hand. If you have any information on Jocelyn contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the notable data points regarding the 2022 Census of Agriculture’s study of farm products and value? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Fire Department was called out for an early morning house fire Tuesday. Crews responded to the 600 block of W. Elm just after 1 a.m.  Light smoke was showing from a 2-story home. A fire was located in the attic. The fire was brought under control less than ten minutes after first arrival. The occupant was able to get out of the house before the Fire Department arrived.  No injuries were reported. The damage was minor, and the house was habitable. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

(Savoy-jm) – Willard Airport officials are looking for help to secure funding for new leisure flight service, they’re headed to city halls across Champaign County.  They are looking for the cities to contribute to a minimum revenue guarantee to attract flight service to the airport. Willard has proposed budget leisure flights to Las Vegas, Arizona, and Florida. The University of Illinois has already promised $500,000 towards the MRG and is looking for community organizations to match that amount.

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan's chief of staff sentenced to 30 months in prison

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republicans are demanding ethics reforms after former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Tim Mapes received the sentence Monday after he was found guilty in August of lying about what he knew. Among measures Republicans say can hold corrupt elected officials accountable is a measure prohibiting elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. Among other reforms Republicans say are needed include giving the Legislative Inspector General more independence to investigate wrongdoing faster than federal or state prosecutors can reveal. Another measure Republicans say is important is a bill to suspend a retired member of the General Assembly’s annuity payments if they are charged with a felony. Madigan is receiving a pension of about $12,600 a month while he awaits trial in October.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA is projecting lower incomes for all sectors of agriculture and all regions of the country. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Champaign-jm) – The man arrested for allegedly shooting a bar manager in Champaign has been charged with attempted murder. Fidele Tshimanga, 24, of Urbana, was arrested February 8th following an afternoon shooting that occurred in the 100 block of N. Market Street near Pour Brothers Taproom. A 45-year-old employee of the bar, Brandon Hardway, was outside of the business when he was allegedly approached by Tshimanga who then produced a firearm and fired before fleeing. Hardway was taken to a hospital for a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new bipartisan measure aimed at ensuring the preservation of family farms in the event of a family member’s death is being introduced in the Illinois General Assembly. Members of the General Assembly have spent years attempting to reform the Illinois Estate and Generation Transfer Tax Act. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington also believes similar legislation is needed for small businesses in the state…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.


 

(Washington-jm) – There’s a push to address the crisis at the southern border. U-S Senator Dick Durbin says Congress must do something…

U-S Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois.

 

(Decatur-jm) – The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur is excited to announce KC & The Sunshine Band, coming on August 23rd.Tickets for this show will go on sale at a later date at The Devon's website.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois gun ban plaintiffs Monday filed for multiple hearings with the U-S Supreme Court. The Second Amendment Foundation filed petitions challenging Maryland and Illinois gun and magazine ban. In addition, Monday, plaintiffs in the case Bevis vs Naperville also filed for the Supreme Court to take their case. A petition from the Barnett vs Raoul challenge was also filed to the Supreme Court. The most recent data shows, of around 2.4 million Firearm Owner ID card holders in Illinois, 1.46% have registered banned items with Illinois State Police.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA's top economist says the nation's farm sector is in a good position to handle a possible low income year. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Urbana-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. Police say on January 28, at 6:59 p.m. police officers were dispatched to the Quick Shop at 1511 East Washington Street in Urbana for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned an unknown male came into the gas station, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect fled from the store after taking cash and a cell phone belonging to one of the employees. The suspect was described as a light-skinned black male wearing all-black clothing and a gray face covering. If you have any information regarding this or any crime in Champaign County, please contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican senators are calling out the state’s democratic majority on their handling of the migrant healthcare program. State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris…

State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County has joined a state list of 39 Illinois counties now labeled as 'StormReady.'  The National Weather Service declared the 'StoryReady' designation -- a program that helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before, during and after the event. To be StormReady, a community must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, have more than one means of receiving severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public, create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, promote the importance of readiness, and develop a formal hazardous weather plan.

 

 

(Urbana–jc)  Cold and warm…it’s still winter. O-S-F;s tim Ditman has more…

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Humane Society has announced a new program that will help pet owners rehome their pets without ever having to see the inside of a shelter. Home to Home is a program of Better Together Animal Alliance, a registered nonprofit, that provides a direct-to-adopter tool for pet owners looking to rehome or find a foster for their animals. According to the Humane Society, the program, "helps reduce stress on both owners and their pet, while simultaneously reducing the number of animals being relinquished to shelters."

A Bill that would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code, has been pulled for now after much pushback

(Springfield-jm) – A state representative introduced a measure that would ban single-family-only zoning in Illinois cities.  State Representative Kam Buckner, of Chicago, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Chicago and many cities in Illinois have a self-inflicted housing crisis, something his House Bill 4795 aims to address. Buckner said on X his bill would ban single-family only zoning. He also said the bill only applies in cities with populations over 100,000, which he said is only eight cities in Illinois.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The U of I Flash Index for January fell to 102.5 from its 102.8 reading in December. That indicates a slowing, but still strong economy. An index reading above 100 denotes growth. Income, corporate and sales tax receipts for the month were down slightly compared to the same month last year. The Illinois unemployment rate ticked up to 4.8% compared to 4.6% a year ago.

 

(Washington-jm) – A new report says U.S. agricultural export values and import values both declined in Calendar Year 2023. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called to a barn fire Saturday afternoon. Crews were called to the barn fire west of Paxton just after 1:30 pm. Minimal damage was reported.

 

(Undated-jm) – A low flying helicopter is flying over parts of the area to map the Mahomet Aquifer. The helicopter mapped parts of Champaign County a few years ago. They have spent the last few days mapping parts of Ford and Iroquois Counties.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – A Beaverville man is awaiting extradition back to Iroquois County after he was arrested in Indiana on a warrant in connection to a shooting that left a person injured in December.  John Brown was arrested by Jasper County Indiana police and U-S Marshals in connection to a December 29th shooting in northeast Iroquois County. Brown is charged with aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated discharge of a firearm. 

 

(Undated–jm)  –There are several meetings around the area tonight. In Rantoul, the Rantoul Township High School board will hear a school wellness presentation and consider a change order for the Main Gym/East Wing Expansion project. The Ford County Board will consider a non-sanctuary county ordinance tonight. In Gibson City, they will consider task orders for chip seal projects and the Railside subdivision storm drainage recommendation. In Gilman tonight, city leaders are expected to approve a $255,000 bid for the 3rd and Maple street improvements and also consider proposed water and sewer improvements.

 

(Iroquois County.--jc)  The Spring Primary election is set for March 19th. In Iroquois County there is a school referendum question on the ballot for residents in the northeastern part of the county. Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver says the question is about a grade school district…

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver

 

(Springfield-jm) – After a special counsel’s report on President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents highlighted questions about the president’s mental capacity, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he “smells a rat.” Illinois U.S. Representative Mary Miller said in a statement that Pritzker "must ask Biden to resign from office,” and the governor “will disqualify himself from ever holding higher office if he stays silent.” Miller also urged Biden cabinet officials to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president. Asked about Americans who read the report and have concerns about the president's mental fitness, Pritzker said Biden is fit to be president.

 

(Springfield-jm) – At the Illinois Gaming Board’s first meeting of the year, it reported that the state and local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 15 licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals and 13 sports wagering operators statewide in 2023. The total amount of money wagered in the Illinois sports wagering market for 2023 was $11.6 billion. Since sports wagering launched in 2020, Illinois has had one of the highest grossing sports wagering markets in the country.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is forecasting a fourth year in a row of falling direct government payments to farmers. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Following the resignation of Kyle Patterson from his position on the Champaign County Board, the Democratic Precinct Committeepersons from Patterson's district will convene this evening via Zoom to select his successor. Applicants were solicited via social media and email lists and word of mouth, and two candidates have put their names forth: Grant Chassy and Donald Owen.

 

(McLean County-jm) – A McLean County judge denied Barton McNeil's latest attempt to get a new trial on charges he killed his 3-year-old daughter in 1998 because he said the evidence likely wouldn’t be legally allowed. McNeil, who has maintained his innocence, is serving a 99-year prison sentence for the suffocation death of his daughter. McNeil claims his ex-girlfriend is responsible. She is in prison for killing her mother-in-law. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington says a bill filed by the chairman of the Judiciary – Criminal committee, got a lot of attention this week and the kick-back he received caused him to pull the bill, for the time being. House Bill 4603, sponsored by Chicago Democrat Justin Slaughter, would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by prohibiting police officers from stopping a driver for minor speeding and improper lane use violations…

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – Learning more about cover crops and how farmers can use them to improve their soil and nutrient management will be the objective of an upcoming workshop hosted by Vermilion County Farm Bureau. The Cover Crops and Soil Management workshop will be held on Thursday, February 29, beginning at 9:00 am. The program will be held in the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Auditorium, 1905 U.S. Route 150 west of Danville. Presenters in the workshop will include Dan Schaefer, with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association; Lowell Gentry, a retired University of Illinois senior researcher; and Eric Beckett, Illini FS agronomist. The panel will discuss on-farm research that has utilized cover crops and soil management to help farmers discover practical applications for their farms.

 

There are several meetings around the area tonight. In Rantoul, the Rantoul Township High School board will hear a school wellness presentation and consider a change order for the Main Gym/East Wing Expansion project. The Ford County Board will consider a non-sanctuary county ordinance tonight. In Gibson City, they will consider task orders for chip seal projects and the Railside subdivision storm drainage recommendation. In Gilman tonight, city leaders are expected to approve a $255,000 bid for the 3rd and Maple street improvements and also consider proposed water and sewer improvements.

 

(Paxton–jc)  It’s Girl Scout Cookie sales time. Paxton Girl Scout Troop Leader Kaye Harper says they are offering 9 kinds of cookies…

 

Paxton Girl Scout Troop 28-27 Leader Kaye Harper

Get our App

Facebook

On Air Now

Regular Programming
12:00am - 6:00am
Regular Programming

Listen on Alexa

Weather

Share This Website