(Springfield--jc) Should Illinois’ state workers be required to actually live in Illinois?Illinois lawmakers in the state Senate gave that question a resounding “yes” .The legislation would give a new employee not living within the state's boundaries three months to establish residency in Illinois. Under the issue, any position filled after December 31 of this year, any person may be appointed to a position based in the State of Illinois but they would need to become a resident of the State of Illinois within 3 months
(Paxton--jc) Around 90 Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce members attended the annual meeting last night at the Engelbrecht Farm Event Center. Those attending enjoyed a meal catered by the Pueblo Lindo Restaurant and heard from several speakers including Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold who provided an update on the Paxton Streetscape program. Alan Meyer was elected as the new President of the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce.
(Springfield--jc) --Hundreds of political groups across the state of Illinois are likely missing the deadline to file paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Elections.ISBE said Monday that 1,143 political committees still had not filed required quarterly reports, which were due by midnight. The agency said that figure accounts for more than a quarter of all the active political committees in the state.
(Springfield--ba)-The Illinois senate unanimously passed a bill this week to raise awareness about the state’s move-over law. The legislation requires the secretary of state’s office to include a reminder about the law in registration renewal notices…and to include a question about it on the written driver’s exam. It’s sponsored by Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet and prompted by the increase in state troopers being hit by passing motorists.
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet
(Paxton--jc) -- A group called “Save the Paxton Pool” has been formed after officials with the Paxton Park District gave notice on reduced hours for the local pool this summer. The group is looking to find its leaders and have met once to find direction and to initially plan strategies. WPXN News has talked with group members and will continue to follow them on future newscasts. Anyone interested in helping with the group are invited to a meeting on Monday night at 6pm at the Cobblestone Hotel on Paxton’s westside.
(Watseka--jc) After devastating floods in the Iroquois County seat of Watseka, one business has its sign back up at a new location. The Watseka McDonalds sign was erected on Tuesday at the restaurant’s location along Route 24 near the downtown of the city.
CHICAGO (AP) — The cardinal of the Archdiocese of Chicago is offering prayers for the people of France after fire engulfed parts of Paris' iconic Notre Dame cathedral. Cardinal Blase Cupich asked others to join him in offering prayers for first responders, renovation workers and cathedral staff. It took firefighters more than 12 hours Monday and Tuesday to extinguish the blaze. Cupich says Chicago Catholics stand "arm in arm" with the people of France.
(Urbana--jc) -- Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup is releasing the name of a woman who reportedly fell from the roof of a home located at 54 E. John Street in Champaign, on the early morning hours of April 13. 21-year-old Destyni Thomas of Urbana, was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital at just before noon on the 13th. Thomas died from a traumatic head injury she received from the fall. This death is under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and the Champaign Police Department.
(Springfield--jc) - Most people may soon be able to get booze delivered with their groceries. The State Senate passed a bill setting a statewide standard for alcohol delivery. It’s sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar…
State Senator Andy Manar
(Paxton--jc) -- Should 5th grade students be allowed to participate in Paxton Buckley Loda cross-country and track and field programs. That is one question for the P-B-L School board. The issue came before the board at this month’s monthly meeting. The board is looking for input on the subject and the request will be part of a future board meeting.
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — The College of Engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign will be renamed in honor of alumnus William Grainger. School officials say The Grainger College of Engineering name recognizes a new $100 million gift from The Grainger Foundation. The foundation has committed more than $300 million to the school. UI officials say that's the largest amount ever give to a public university to name a college of engineering. The new name is pending approval from trustees.
(Springfield--jc) Have you seen the don’t drink, don’t text signs along the Interstate 57 and Interstate 74 corridor? As a part of a promotional campaign, the Illinois Department of Transportation has been posting clever phrases to its digital information boards. WIth the spirit of Tax Day, the department's latest anti-drunken driving initiative sign reads "Think taxes are expensive? A DUI costs $18,000."
(Springfield--jc) --As Illinois lawmakers prepare to vote on a constitutional amendment to change the state's flat income tax to a graduated one, debate on the topic continued Monday even with the legislature off for a two-week break.The City Club of Chicago hosted four lawmakers this week, two Democrats and two Republicans, to make their case regarding a progressive income tax, which would have higher rates for higher earners.Peoria Republican Senator Chuck Weaver said the biggest reason Democrats want a progressive tax is to make it easier to raise taxes on a small number of high-earners.
(Springfield--jc) Farmers are struggling to get time in the fields as we hear in the initial weekly crop report. Just over 1 day was suitable for fieldwork this past week says State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener
(Rantoul--jc) - Rantoul police and Champaign County Crimestoppers are seeking information about an armed robbery in Rantoul that happened early Tuesday morning. Authorities say a subject entered the Casey’s store on Route 45 and Route 136 around 4-30 Tuesday morning. The suspect showed a knife and demanded cash. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information is asked to call Rantoul police or Champaign County Crimestoppers
(Champaign--jc) -- What are the prospects of more flooding this Spring both locally and statewide. Illinois water Survey in Champaign Spokesperson Brian Kerschner says we can look forward to above average wet conditions…
Illinois Water Survey in Champaign Spokesperson Brian Kerschner.
AURORA, Ill. (AP) — Autopsies on the five employees killed when a gunman opened fire in February at a suburban Chicago manufacturing plant determined that all of them had been shot more than once. The (Aurora) Beacon-News reports that the reports released on Tuesday by the Kane County Coroner's Office concluded that none of the five victims was shot at close range.
(Gibson City--jc) The proposed graduated tax issue continues to move forward in Springfield. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he is opposed to giving a blank check to raise taxes…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Bennett was in attendance of last nights Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Banquet held at Engelbrecht Farms in rural Paxton.
(Rankin--jc) -- Rankin village leaders continue to work with owners of the property that housed the former Rankin school on the east side of Route 49. Owners of the property have paid fines from the Vermilion County Public Health Department. Owners of the property have a purpose for the land with a special needs school. Rankin Village leaders want to see the matter resolved without using town funds.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Freedom Festival Celebration and Parade plans continue. This years event in the village will feature a Freedom Festival Sundowners Car Show. The Car Show will run 4 to 8 pm on July 3rd,t and will include cars as well as trucks and motorcycles. The event is sponsored by Reynolds Towing. Greg’s Truck and Auto is another sponsor for this years car show. The 2019 Freedom Festival Celebration will begin at 4 pm and continue until 11 pm at the Hap Parker Aquatic Center in Rantoul with live bands , an expanded and free Kids Zone , Beer Tent and Garden and the legendary grilled BBQ by the Rantoul American Legion. Other attractions this year are numerous food vendors, activities at the Hap Parker Aquatic Center , ending with the famous Rantoul Freedom Celebration Fireworks Extravaganza sponsored by the Village of Rantoul at dusk.There is no charge for parking. One fundraiser at the event are rides on the Hall Brothers Racing Monster Truck Raminator. The money raised will help support the RantouL Veterans’ Memorial.Then on July 4, you can start the day with the Rantoul Rotary Breakfast starting at 7-30. The annual parade steps off at 10am on July 4th. Those wanting to help or participate with the local festival are asked to contact Belynda Allen at the chamber office at 893-3323.
(Paxton--jc) The city of Paxton is set to launch its new website today. The announcement was made at last night’s Paxton Chamber event. More information is found on line at city-of-Paxton-dot-com.
(Rantoul--jc) -- Need help learning how to meditate? A program at a local library can help. Learn the basics of mindfulness meditation, and how to get the most from your practice at the Mindfulness Meditation Group in Rantoul every Sunday afternoon from 1:30- 3. There will be instruction, discussion, and meditation. You will learn how to: overcome stress and depression, improve your relationships with loved ones, heal and transform the wounds from your past, enhance your spiritual development, and realize true inner peace and happiness. It is ideal for both beginner and experienced meditators. The cost is FREE and there is no need to register. More information is found by calling the Rantoul Public Library.
