PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in central Illinois say the son of a missing Bradley University professor and her husband is among two men arrested in the connection with their deaths. Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell says 21-year-old Jose Ramirez is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths Susan Brill de Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron. Twenty-year-old Matthew Roberts has been charged with obstruction of justice and concealment of a homicidal death.
CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois University is creating new programs for students who want to know more about marijuana. The university says that it's creating programs at the Carbondale campus to study medical marijuana and industrial hemp. Officials hope the programs will give students and farmers a chance to earn a new certificate in the subject. University leaders say they hope to begin planting in the spring.
(Paxton--jc) -- The Ford County Republican party along with the state board of elections continue to investigate a number of flyers that were distributed in a portion of Ford County last week. The flyers opposed the candidacy of two candidates for the Ford County board.The candidates in question are Ann and Cindy Ihrke. The pair are running for positions on the Ford County Board on the
November 6th election. The flyers contained information about future economics of Ford County The The Ihrkes are opposed by two Democratic candidates — Marcia Peznowski of Roberts and Lori Reinert of Piper City.
(Washington--ba) It’s Halloween time, but farmers can thank bats. Rod Bain reports…
(Murphysboro--jc) -- President Donald Trump filled an airplane hangar Saturday in Southern Illinois.The president is touring the country to support other Republicans looking to maintain majorities in the U.S. House and Senate in the face of Democrats looking to flip the chambers next month.At his stop in Murphysboro, Trump told the thousands of supporters in attendance that Republican Rep. Mike Bost, who is facing Democrat Brendan Kelly for the 12th Congressional district seat, is a pivotal member of Congress.Trump won Bost’s district in 2016 and recent polling showed Bost with a lead over Kelly.
(Fisher--jc) A meeting that was set to look at a proposed solar farm project in one Champaign county last for just a short time as the solar company withdrew its request for a permit. Fisher Village leaders say officials with the Novel Energy Solutions withdrew their request to move forward with the idea to build a solar farm on the “Stalter property” in the village. The meeting was short and no additional meeting by the full Fisher board was held. There was no word given about any new efforts for a solar project in Fisher at last night’s meeting.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Department of Transportation has begun a statewide initiative among multiple government agencies to develop a testing program for connected and autonomous vehicles. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed an executive order last week directing IDOT to develop a program called "Autonomous Illinois" to keep it ahead in research on the emerging safety technologies. Communities will be recruited to test the technologies with local industry, universities or other organizations.
(Buckley--jc) -- A new restaurant is now open in Buckley. Peggy Sues opened on Monday in the village. Owners of the business are Peggy Shockley and Sue Stachura. The business will be open from 7am until 2pm. A wide variety of baked goods will be offered and plans to add meals is in the works.
UNDATED (AP) — The real guardians of U.S. elections are a trio of privately held companies with a history of technical problems and security vulnerabilities in the election technology they sell. Experts say the companies have long skimped on security in favor of convenience, making it difficult to detect intrusions or tampering. The businesses face scant federal oversight and operate under a shroud of technical and financial secrecy.
(Undated--jc) -- Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial minute…
(Springfield--jc) -- The fall harvest is chugging along as we hear in the latest crop report. Producers got some time in the fields this past week, with about 5 days suitable for fieldwork says crop statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener.
89 percent of corn and 86 percent of soybeans have now been harvested. 74 percent of winter wheat has been planted, with 50 percent emerged.
(Ford County--jc) When Ford County voters go to the polls in one week, they will be asked to approve a quarter of one cent sales tax for public safety purposes. This type of tax has been used by surrounding counties for upgrades to county courthouses, police salaries and other safety purposes.The fall mid-term elections are one week from today.
(Washington--ba) The Agriculture Secretary expressed his optimism that rules on year-round E-15 ethanol in fuel blends will be ready by the start of the 2019 driving season. Rod Bain reports.
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago's Field Museum plans to revamp its Native American exhibits with the help of American Indians over the next three years. Museum president Richard Lariviere tells the Chicago Tribune that its Native North American Hall faces a much needed renovation of displays dating mostly back to the 1950s. Leaders of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians from Michigan and Indiana say current exhibits don't tell the stories of Native Americans.
(Urbana--jc) -- A University of Illinois lineman was in court on Monday to face three counts of domestic battery. Lere Oladipo plead not guilty to all charges.His next court appearance is on December 21st in Champaign County court.
(Watseka--jc) The proposed 20-19 budget for Iroquois County is available for review at the Iroquois County Clerk’s office in Watseka. Those with any feedback for questions may contact the county clerk’s office or their elected official on the county board. Iroquois County leaders are set to meet on November 13th at 5pm to take action on next year’s budget. The fiscal year begins on December First.
(Springfield--jc) Buying a new or used car? The Illinois Secretary of States Office says to to beware of cars from states that have seen hurricanes and other weather related events. Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt says state officials are carefully scrutinizing title applications for vehicles from in hurricane ravaged areas…
Illinois Secretary of States spokesperson Henry Haupt.
(Hoopeston--jc) -- Hoopeston Jaycees are helping again this holiday season. The group will be gathering new toys for area kids this Christmas. The group has set up registration days in early November at the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. The first sign up day is Monday November 5th from 9 until 11am. More information is found in Hoopeston’s Just the Facts.
(Washington--ba) Why are leftover prescription drugs such a problem?
USDA’s Stephanie Ho reports.
USDA’s Stephanie Ho
