(Paxton--jc) -- Wanted, sponsors for Paxton Buckley Loda Education Foundation’s programs for the next school year. The local nonprofit helps with the bookfair, book of the month, teacher requests to the Senior awards program. Businesses interested may contact the foundation online at secretary-at-p-b-l-foundation-dot-org
(Rantoul--jc) -- One business in the Rantoul Plaza on Rantouls east side is closing due to the health concerns of one of its owners. The Diamond Sports Training Facility will close by the end of the month. The space will be available for rent and more information is found by calling Ron Minch at 892-5959.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The University of Illinois is embedding a new geothermal heating and cooling system within the foundation of a building addition on its engineering campus as part of an effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.The project will install geothermal heat exchanger loops in the foundation of a novel "smart" pedestrian bridge. The bridge will link the 13,000-square-foot Hydrosystems Laboratory extension to the Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory. Officials say that by using the 50-foot-deep rods currently being drilled for the foundation, the project will reduce general geothermal installation expenses in addition to providing for on-site research.
(Washington--ba)-- It's been about a year and a half since leaders from Mexico, Canada and the U.S. signed the USMCA trade deal. It still hasn't been approved by lawmakers in the three countries. What's the holdup? USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.
(Washington--ba)-Jobs were up last month in Illinois. The state gained nearly 21 thousand jobs in April…and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at four point four percent. Overall it was a pretty good month says Illinois Department of Employment Security Spokesperson Sam Salustro.
Illinois Department of Employment Security Spokesperson Sam Salustro
(Undated--jc) -- Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are reminding the motoring public about some exits along Interstate 57 between Tuscola and Champaign that no longer have fuel, even though some signs show active gas stations. Tuscola has several fuel station options, but mile marker 220 at Pesotum, 229 at Monticello Road and 232 Curtis Road have no gas stations along the Interstate. The Champaign exits of 235 and 237 have options off the Interstate. The Olympian and Market Street exits have fuel options.
(Washington--ba)-Illinois State Police Troopers issued more than 560 tickets during a special distracted driving effort. During Distracted Driving week last month…troopers across the state focused on drivers who weren’t paying attention because of texting or talking on their cellphones. Troopers issued 569 distracted driving citations during that time…and another 57-hundred tickets for other violations. Lieutenant Joe Hutchins says they hope people realize how dangerous their behavior is.
State Police Lieutenant Joe Hutchins
(Cissna Park--jc) The Country Theatre Workshop located along Route 49 north of Cissna Park is presenting a variety show called “Peace, Love and a Parking Lot” Saturday night at 7-30 and Sunday afternoon at 2pm. Tickets are 15 dollars. The project is set to raise money for a parking lot at the Theatre.
(Paxton--jc) -- The Paxton Buckley Loda High School band is hosting the 20th annual Salute to Veterans Concert on Saturday Night at 7. The concert takes place in the high school gym. At 5-30 tomorrow afternoon, the PBL Band Parents are offering a lasagna dinner
(Washington--ba)Local Farm Service Agency offices are scheduled to accept applications for continuous Conservation Reserve Program sign-up starting June 3rd. USDA’s Rod Bain reports.
(Springfield--jc)-- Paying restitution is usually the last thing to be paid in court cases. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City has sponsored House Resolution 20, that urges restitution be paid to the victim before any court or law fees. Representative Bennett said the resolution passed the Illinois House on Thursday.
(Gibson--ba)-One school district is talking about future funding for field trips. Gibson City Melvin Sibley board members discussed to trips to Six Flags for the senior class as well as the FFA. They have also discussed a Lee Farms trip for the students who are enrolled into the Functional Life Skills class.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is embracing recommendations from the independent report on the agency. The report came from the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall group and the governor says it’s time for an overhaul…
Illinois Govenor JB Pritzker.
(Gibson City--jc) -- The first monthly car cruise is set for Gibson City today. The Friday Nights under the Lights starts at 6 and runs through 10 tonight. Cruising Sangamon Avenue, a cookout at the American Legion, along with music and the Ed Day Skate Park doing a Queen of Hearts contest are all part the the monthly celebration.
(Melvin--jc) -- The movie “Ralph Breaks the Internet” will be shown for free at the Melvin Community Hall tonight at 7pm. Those attending are asked to bring a blanket for seating.
(Lake Iroquois--jc) -- Garage Sales this weekend at Lake Iroquois Loda. Hours today are 8am until 5pm and Saturday from 8am til 1pm
(Paxton--jc) -- The weekly cookout at the Paxton IGA is from 10am til 2pm on Saturday. The money raised this week goes to the Loda Truck and Tractor Pull Association. On the menu is pork chop sandwiches, chips and pop.
