(Iroquois County-jm) -- Matthew Borden, 43 of Melvin, the suspect in wanted on an outstanding warrant in Iroquois County charging him with First Degree Murder in the Deaths of Pamela Willimas of Martinton and 50 year old Brian Musk of Milford was killed after leading Colorado State Troopers on a high speed pursuit before crashing his stolen vehicle and firing at officers. Both Iroquois County murders are under investigation by the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal's Service. WPXN news will continue to update this story as information becomes available.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A new state program provides free home smoke alarms to families served by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths result from fires where there was no working smoke detector. That’s why it’s so important to make sure families are protected says DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez…

 

 

DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez. Illinois law requires all homes to have a smoke alarm within 15 feet of every bedroom and at least one on each floor.

 

 

(Gilman-jm) -- The Iroquois West School Board is expected to approve their tax levy at tonight’s school board meeting. In addition, school board members are expected to discuss and possibly approve the districts strategic plan as well as discuss and possibly approve an improvement plan for the middle school. The Iroquois West School Board meeting gets underway at  7 pm at the Iroquois West High School board room in Gilman.

 

 

(Cissna Park-jm) -- The Cissna Park School Board is expected to approve the 2019-2020 school improvement plan at tonight’s school board meeting. In addition, school board members are also expected to approve the adoption of a seniority list for certified and educational support staff and approve the districts tax levy. The Cissna Park School Board meeting gets underway at 7 pm.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Government officials from both our nation and China confirmed Friday that agreement has been reached on the first phase of a new trade deal, which in part would boost U.S. ag exports. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- If you plan on traveling for the Christmas holiday plan for more people on the roads and in the air. Triple A reports an estimated 115 point 6 million people will be traveling between December 21st and January 1st. That’s four percent more than last year. Triple A says low unemployment and more disposable income are causing the boost in numbers.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Are you looking for the right Christmas gift to give to that special someone? One area business may be able to help. Hudson Drug and Hallmark in downtown Paxton has a wide variety of gift options says Owner Andy Hudson…

 

 

Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- The U-S House has passed a bill to lower prescription drug costs. The bill empowers Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, offer new benefits for seniors and cap out of pocket costs at $2,000 a year. About $360 billion of the projected 10 year sayings will be used to establish coverage for dental, hearing and vision.

 

(Paxton--jc)  --Congratulations to the Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Agronomy team for placing 6th in the State! The team consists of Christina White, Jasmine Miles- 6th place individual, Aden Grohler and Jeremiah Ager. Also Congratulations to the P-B-L F F A Meats team for placing 9th in the State! The team consisted of Tera Brown, Collin Wieneke, Jordan Delaney, and Matteo Vasquez. 

(Urbana-jm) -- An arrest warrant has been issued for a Rantoul man after he fled from the Champaign County courthouse before the verdict against him was read. 40 year old James Hunt was on trial for drug charges. During jury deliberations, Hunt and his attorney were waiting when they were told to return to the courtroom. Hunt asked to use the restroom before returning to the room but never returned. He was convicted of a lesser charge of possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and obstructing justice. He was acquitted of unlawful use of a weapon.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- As jackpots soar, it’s tempting to join an office or friend’s pool. The Illinois Lottery has some tips to keep your pool running smoothly. Some create a one-time pool for big prizes, like the current Mega Millions Jackpot, while others have been part of a group for years. Whichever the case, Lottery Spokesperson Jason Schaumburg offers this advice…

 

Lottery Spokesperson Jason Schaumburg. More tips and lottery pool group sign up sheets are available online at: illinois lottery dot com.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley School Board is expected to approve their tax levy at tonight’s school board meeting. In addition they are also expected to approve their behavioral threat assessment procedures. The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley School Board meeting gets underway at 6:15.

 

(Kempton-jm) -- The Tri-Point School Board will discuss some school policies and tonight’s school board meeting. In addition, school board members are expected to review the districts report card from the state, approve the districts tax levy and consider remodeling the bus barn in Piper City. The Tri-Point School Board meeting gets underway at 7pm.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A horticulturist at the University of Illinois Extension Office offers some advice for choosing and storing your firewood this winter. While pretty much anything goes outside, the same doesn’t hold true when burning inside. The Extension’s Richard Hentschel recommends using dry, seasoned firewood, which means it has been cut and split. Stay away from wood with sap like pine and if you store the wood outside…

 

 

University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist Richard Hentschel. Hentschel says you shouldn’t bring the wood indoors unless you’re going to burn it within a week. That way any bugs burrowed in don’t have time to get out of dormancy and cause a nuisance in your home.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) --First degree murder charges have been added in Watseka stabbing case. Iroquois County Prosecutors have charged 23-year-old Andre Maiden with two counts of first degree murder, involunatry manslaughter and aggravated battery. Maiden is accused of stabbing 22 year old Isaiah Nelson on November 21st outside Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Maiden will be back in court December 19th.

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Are you having a hard time finding that perfect gift for your mailman, your kids favorite teacher or maybe your best friend? The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce can help. Alan Meyer, President of the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce recommends chamber bucks…

 

 

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Alan Meyer.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- High health care costs are crimping American holiday spending. 53 percent say health care bills have eaten into money that otherwise would have been spent on the holiday according to a survey by Aflac. Nearly one in four surveyed said they would be spending less while one in five said they are not making any purchases this year.