(Springfield-jm) -- An Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform hearing Thursday got into the nuances of elected officials prohibited activities, including what kinds of elected or appointed positions already elected officials can take on. The commission was created amid wide-ranging federal corruption probes that have ensnared elected officials and lobbyists. The next hearing is set for March 5.

 

 

(Washington-jm) --  Pork production is surpassing previous expectations while prices are doing the opposite. Gary Crawford has the details…

 

 

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Alyssa Hamilton from St. Joe Ogden High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

 

We were also able to talk with Iroquois West member Clayton Kolowski

 

 

 

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Cheyenne Cade from Armstrong High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

 

We were also able to talk with Fisher FFA member Dominic Kastens

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- The Gibson City Rotary Club is seeking donations for their annual fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place Saturday, April 4th however the group is requesting donations by tomorrow. Those interested in donating or wanting to participate in the fundraiser are asked to reach out to the Gibson City Rotary Club.

 

 

(Paxton-cf)-- The Clara Pete Carnival is just over a month and a half away, PIT Crew President Julie Foster tells us that the Carnival is the biggest event that they have, and it’s a fun inexpensive way for kids and their families to have fun together…. 

 

 

Clara Pete PIT Crew President Julie Foster. 

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- The Rantoul Fire Department is getting a new truck. The village board approved the purchase of a one point two eight seven million dollar one hundred foot ladder truck. The new truck replaces a 1985 75 foot ladder truck. The truck, manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin, will be delivered to the village in May.

 

 

(Ashkum--jc)  -- State police District 21 in Ashkum says a phone scam has been reported. State police say they are still getting reports of phone scammers that are spoofing people by having the District 21 number show up on their caller ID. The subject making the call provided the name of William Turner. District 21 does not have anyone employed here with that name. Please do not give out personal information to unknown individuals. When in doubt, please hang up and call your local authorities.

 

 

(Paxton-cf)-- The election coming up in November will have a very important first question on the ballot. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says the question will be for voters to change the income tax structure… 

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington 

 

 

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois state health department says it is taking proactive steps against the spread of novel coronavirus as federal authorities warn that a spread of the virus in the U.S. is imminent. The 2019 coronavirus, called novel because it has not been observed in its current form prior to its spread in Wuhan, China, starting in December 2019, has been named COVID-19 by authorities. As of Tuesday, there had been 14 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 40 cases in people who were recently repatriated to the U.S. after being held on a cruise ship on which the virus was spreading.

 

The Saybrook American Legion will hold a chicken and fish fry tonight from 4:30-6:30 pm.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois will hold their Bowl for Kids’ Sake at the Country Tymes Lane in Rantoul tomorrow from 4:30-9. Cost is $75 per bowler or $450 per team of 6. For more information or to sign up call 217-417-3860.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- State lawmakers could make Illinois the sixth state to remove a religious or philosophical objection to vaccines required to attend school. In Illinois and most other states, it’s required by law that children be up to date on their vaccination schedule to attend school. As of January, 45 states and Washington D.C allowed religious exemptions for immunizations and 15 of those allowed for philosophical exemptions, according to the National Council of State Legislatures. If lawmakers approve of Senate Bill 3668 and it’s signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, parents would no longer be able to submit a letter to their child’s school objecting to the vaccination requirement. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is touting the success of the states public colleges and universities. The governor says the state has seen an increase in the number of students applying…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Pork Producers Association is offering over $13,000 in scholarships this year. Information on the scholarships are available online at ilpork dot com. The deadline to submit your application is Monday.

 

 

(Rantoul-cf)-- The annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake will take place tomorrow. The Rantoul office services over 30 kids in Rantoul and Paxton who will benefit from the outing says Director Kristian Hopkins… 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Rantoul Director Kristian Hopkins. 

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- Spring is almost here and that means the start to another season, road construction. IDOT has announced work will begin in mid March on a major section of road in Urbana that could affect your travel to work. Beginning March 16th, crews will begin work on University Avenue between Wright Street and Cunningham Avenue. Crews will be rebuilding sidewalks, curbs and gutters, resurfacing the road and replacing street lights. The project is expected to be completed in November 2021.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- USDA's Ag Outlook Forum was the venue for the latest outlook of livestock and poultry production, prices, and exports for the coming year. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

With FFA week being this week and we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Macie Kingren from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

 

 

With FFA week being this week and we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Lexie Wilken with Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

 

 

We were also able to talk with Cissna Park FFA member  Clayton Powell

 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Parents would be allowed to pull their children out of school active shooter drills if a new bill becomes law. State Sen. Scott Bennett of Champaign pushed Senate Bill 3222 through the Senate Education Committee. It addresses concerns centered around the psychological effects these drills have on kids. Schools are currently required to go through an active shooter drill within the first 90 days of a school year. Only school administrators have the power to exempt students from participating.

 

Lakeview Country Club in Loda will host a comedy night tomorrow. Doors open at 6pm with the show starting at 7:30 pm. 

 

The Thomasboro Fire Department will hold their all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 8 to noon.