(Urbana--jc) A Ford County man from Cabery was sentenced to 120 years in prison on possession of child pornography. Broadcast reports say 78 year old Toetim Cizmar of Cabery was sentenced in federal court on Friday on charges stemming from June of 20-17 to four counts of sexual exploitation of three children, ages 3 to 6 years old.
(Champaign--jc) -- A driver in a vehicle versus train accident in Champaign on Monday afternoon was taken to a local hospital. The accident occured on the tracks at Bradley Avenue and Chestnut street. The driver is expected to survive from the injuries. The tracks were block for several hours on Monday
(Joliet--jc) -- The Unlock Our Jobs Coalition is calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct complete regional and national economic development studies in addition to further risk and safety analyses following the release of its proposed plan to install new structural barriers at Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet.The Corps' proposed plan includes untested technologies and costly structural barriers, even though commercial fishing and existing electric barriers have proven to be effective in preventing Asian carp from advancing north over the last 27 years, successfully cutting the population of Asian carp at the leading edge by 93 percent. Shipments and maritime activity between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system generate billions of dollars in economic investment each year, supporting a vast array of industries including steel, agriculture, manufacturing, chemical, energy, construction and tourism in Illinois and throughout the Midwest. The plan put forth by the Corps would greatly restrict traffic at Brandon Road Lock and Dam and could have a detrimental impact on thousands of people who work and live along the waterways.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Media personality and political commentator Glenn Beck is pitching in to keep a trove of artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln in the 16th president's hometown. Beck's charity called Mercury One has donated $50,000 toward a $9.2 million debt owed for a collection of 1,400 artifacts purchased a decade ago for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
(Washington-ba)-Soybean traders are reportedly eager for USDA's World Supply and Demand forecast later this morning. USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.
(Paxton--jc) The old helicopter at the Paxton Airport is probably not going to a Vermilion County legion post. As local leaders in the city of Paxton approved the donation, the owner of the helicopter has contacted city officials and the property is in the process of being moved. The city council is expected to take proper action when they meet tonight in monthly session. The council meeting comes to order at 7 tonight on the second floor of city hall.
(Champaign--jc) Those with layaway items at Walmarts in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy received a surprise on Monday. They had their layaway items paid in full. The bill was paid by John Liautaud, owner of Jimmy John’s Restaurants.
(Paxton--ab) The Paxton-Buckley- Loda School district has their latest School board meeting this Wednesday night at 6 PM. One item is about the School levy. PBL Superintendent Cliff McClure gives the latest details on the topic.
The board will also listen to Denny Kingren from the Paxton Fire Department. Other items include a vote on a new art class, and bids on transportation services.
(Rantoul--jc) -- They want you to bring your appetite. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at one local high school are gearing up for their annual free community feed. The group at Rantoul Township High School are hosting the event on Wednesday December 19 from 5-30 to 7-30 at the Rantoul Township High School cafetorium.
(Springfield--jc) -- Struggling to find the perfect present? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency suggests giving the gift of preparedness. The recent tornadoes, foggy weather and pending snow, show that you need to be ready for ever-changing Illinois weather. I-EMA’s Rebecca Clark says preparedness items make great gifts..
I-EMA Spokesperson Rebecca Clark.
(Illinois-ba)-Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial minute.
(Watseka--jc) -- Iroquois County leaders are expected to approve their meeting schedule when they meet this afternoon at 5. Iroquois County leaders are also expected to learn more about bids for around 30 acres that are projected for use with a solar farm in Beaverville township. Moving dollars from the safety tax fund to the Joint Dispatch fund is also on the agenda.
(Washington-ba)- If you are shipping or receiving holiday gifts of perishable food items, here are some tips for keeping those foods safe through the entire process. USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.
(Rantoul--jc) -- Rantoul village leaders are expected to approved an engineering service agreement. The 43 thousand dollar fee would be with the Burns and McDonnell group concerning the sale of some airport property. Also at tonight’s monthly meeting, village leaders will look to extend the contract with O-S-F Healthcare Systems and approve the 20-19 meeting dates. The Rantoul Village Board meets at 6pm at the municipal building on Tanner Street.
(Gibson City--jc) With two State Football titles, does one local high school have to now move up in competition class. The Falcons of Gibson City Melvin Sibley have won state titles in 2-A football. IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha says there is no automatic move up in classes with schools with boundries…
I-H-S-A Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha
(Chicago--jc) --– Attorney General Lisa Madigan and a coalition of attorneys general and attorneys general-elect Monday opposed the federal government’s latest effort, what they believe, is to attack, demonize and marginalize immigrants in Illinois and around the country. The federal administration has proposed a radical overhaul of so-called “public charge” rules that could make it easier to deny adjustment of status to lawful immigrants, reject green card applications, or even remove lawful immigrants from the country if they utilize certain healthcare, nutrition or housing programs.
(Paxton--jc) The start of fundraising has begun for the Paxton Grand Ole Flag project. An account has been opened with the Frederick Community Bank in Paxton. The Paxton area Chamber of Commerce made the initial donation in the amount of 5 hundred dollars. The group is looking to raise 40 thousand dollars to place the giant American flag on the city’s west side near Interstate 57. Donations are to be made out to Pride in Paxton with a memo line of Paxton Grand Ole Flag project.
