SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence says Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis has emerged as a voice for conservative values in Congress and is urging his supporters to get out the vote in the midterm elections. Pence campaigned for Davis on Friday at a fundraising event in Springfield, Illinois. Davis' seat is one Democrats are targeting as they try to regain control of the House. The Taylorville Republican faces a challenge from Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan of Springfield.

 

(Rantoul--jc)  -- Two school aged children reported to Rantoul school authorities on Friday afternoon concerning a man appearing along their walk home and then running into a nearby cornfield. Police say the two students were walking home near Pleasant Acres Elementary school on Friday afternoon when the man came into their view, ran towards them and then disappearing into a cornfield. Rantoul authorities continue to look at clues in the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Rantoul Police Department.

 

(Springfield--jc)  --As the debate about Illinois’ income tax structure continues in the race for governor, some General Assembly candidates in contested districts are weighing in on the premise.Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker wants to change Illinois’ flat income tax to one that taxes higher earners at higher rates. Republicans have called it a blank check for government spending because it would be politically easier to raise taxes on only some taxpayers.Pritzker has repeatedly refused to give details about the income levels or tax rates in his plan. He has said he’ll negotiate that with lawmakers if elected.

 

 

(Chicago--jc)  -- Loyola University’s Sister Jean is being inducted into the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame. The Seniors Illinoisans Hall of Fame was created more than 20 years ago. 99 year old Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt urges seniors to keep moving… 

 

 

Illinois Senior Hall of Fame member Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt.

Sister Jean has worked in elementary education, has been a coach, principal and college dean. She has served as Loyola basketball team chaplain since 1994.

 

 

(Paxton--jc)  With the leaves starting to fall, city of Paxton leaders remind those living in Paxton, there is a burning ban. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the issue has been talked about for many years and a new ordinance is now law…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

CLINTON — DeWitt County authorities are investigating the death of a 12-year-old girl, who was found unresponsive at her home in Clinton  Friday morning. Clinton police and emergency medical crews were called to a North Maple Street house around 6-30 Friday morning and found the girl unresponsive.  Daphne J. Peavler was pronounced dead at the scene by Dewitt County Coroner Randy Rice. She was a student at Clinton Junior High School.Clinton School District 15. Counselors will be at the school again to help students deal with the death.

 

 

(Washington--jc)  -- U-S-D-A's October crop production forecast for corn and soybeans shows slight adjustments down from the previous month, yet in record territory in production and yield totals. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

The Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a vendor Bazaar on Saturday October 27th to support local veterans. The event runs from 9am til 3pm. Food served from 9am -2pm at the Cissna Park American Legion. Many Local and area vendors will be set up. Dave’s Old Settlers Fish, baked goodies and more will be available.

 

 

(UNdated--jc)  -- Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial Minute…

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republicans who gained ground in the Illinois General Assembly two years ago with Gov. Bruce Rauner's financial help face a tougher go of it this year. Rauner and his top contributors poured more than $40 million into legislative races in 2016. The GOP picked up seats in the House and Senate. Rauner hoped for further gains in 2018. But he's struggling in a re-election bid against Democrat J.B. Pritzker.

 

(Paxton--ab) Paxton is going to work on the Pells Park Pavillion and it starts with the roof. Paxton  Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the project will proceed on the report from the most recent Paxton City Council meeting.

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- One week from Monday at 10am, a ceremony will take place to dedicate the overpass of County road 200 North at Interstate 57 as the McCarter-Caisse-Vice-Hale Memorial Overpass. The event takes place at the Paxton Firehouse on north Market Street. On April 7, 1979 Illinois State Trooper Michael McCarter, Paxton Patrolman William Caisse, and civilian Donald Vice were shot and killed and Paxton Patrolman Larry Hale was seriously wounded following a traffic stop on I 57 near this overpass. This dedication is appropriate to remember sacrifices and contributions made by law enforcement and civilians to protect the safety of the public.State legislators who promoted the passage of House Resolution 21, State Representative Thomas H Bennett and State Senator Jason A Barickman will be in attendance, as well as Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz.

 

(Washington--jc)  -- While the number of Halloween outdoor displays grow every year, so do concerns about clearing a safe path for trick-or-treaters coming to a home. Rod Bain has the story…

 

 

 

(McLean County--jc)   The City of Normal is looking to  trade up to 8 million dollars in future property tax revenue along with  300 parking spaces and two buildings for the uptown's next redevelopment project. Bush Construction based in Iowa would net the tax increment financing  or TIF dollars,under the plan.The area in question is the 100 block of Beaufort Street in the city.

 

 

(Undated--jc)  -- Medicare part D open enrollment starts today and runs through December 7th. Officials from the insurance industry and federal government say this is the time to review your medicare choices and make changes that are the best for you. Those new to the process can get some help from local government and insurance agents. Again, the enrollment period starts today and runs through December 7th.

 

 

(Rantoul--ab) Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer is the new Rantoul village administrator. Rantoul leaders talked about the requirements for the job and came up with a solution to Eisenhauer says Rantoul Mayor  Chuck Smith...

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  -- One area church is hosting a truck and treat event and the end of the month. The event takes place on October 31st at the Rantoul United Methodist Church located at 200 South Century Boulevard in the village. More information about the truck and treat event is found by contacting the church.