(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton pool will not open this summer. Park district officials voted against opening the pool citing the park district's finances from the COVID-19 pandemic. The district hopes to take the next year to discuss repairs to the pool and have it ready to open in summer 2022.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois officially moves into the “Bridge Phase” today. Thanks to declining COVID cases and hospitalizations, some restrictions will be loosened up a bit, says Governor J-B Pritzker…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. If COVID numbers continue to decline, the state will move to Phase Five, full reopening in about a month. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,918 new Coronavirus cases and 35 additional deaths Thursday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,361,666 and deaths to 22,320. Locally Vermilion County reported 84 new cases and 1 additional death, a man in his 70s, bringing their total number of cases to 9,558 and deaths to 135. Iroquois County reported 8 new cases bringing their total to 3,033. Champaign County reported 21 new cases bringing their total to 20,615. Ford County did not have a report.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker says the state has now awarded one billion dollars for infrastructure projects through the Rebuild Illinois program. The program is the largest infrastructure investment in state history, with this funding addressing overdue transportation needs says the Governor…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says Rebuild Illinois grants have gone to local work as well, including bike paths, storm sewers and traffic signal upgrades. An additional 500 million dollars will be awarded under the program.Champaign County is receiving $962,449. Ford County $95,809. Iroquois County $231,631. Vermilion County $423,351. Local communities eceiving money:Paxton $49,131. Rantoul $142,143. Fisher $20,660. Foosland $1,109. Gifford $10,709. Ludlow $4,075. Mahomet $92,265. St. Joseph $43,573. Thomasboro $12,367. Elliott $3,240. Gibson City $37,422. Melvin $4,964. Roberts $3,976. Sibley $2,987. Buckley $6,590. Cissna Park $9,292. Gilman $19,924. Loda $4,470. Onarga $15,026. Milford $14,345. Rankin $6,162. Potomac $8,237 and Hoopeston $58,775.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton is getting ready to unveil the grand ole flag. The flag will be on the west side of town near the PBL Junior and Senior High School along I-57. The flag will be raised Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Denny Kingren talks about what it means to him…

 

 

Paxton Grand Ole Flag Spokesperson Denny Kingren.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul fire crews were called to a semi fire north of Rantoul yesterday morning . Crews were called around noon to the fire in the southbound lanes at milemarker 253. South bound traffic along the interstate was slowed and down to one lane for several hours. The interstate re opened around 1-45 this afternoon.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- The top USDA economist says farmers this year have a better opportunity to profit from higher crop prices that they did last year. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

 

Watseka townwide garage sales will take place today and tomorrow.

 

Gilman townwide garage sales will take place today through Sunday.

 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School today from 9 to 2.

 

A Rules of the Road senior refresher course will be held at the Moyer District Library in Gibson City today from 10:30 to 12:30.

 

Mahomet clean up day will take place on Saturday from 8 to noon.

 

Paxton IGA will be hosting their cookout benefiting the Rainbow Girls on Saturday from 10 to 2.

 

An informational meeting for those interested in participating in the 2021 Miss Iroquois County Fair Queen Pageant will take place Sunday at 5:30 pm at Town and Country in Milford.

 

 

 

 

(Pesotum-jm) -- District 10 Illinois State Police will be conducting distracted driving enforcement patrols. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…

 

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Many businesses across Illinois are facing a staffing shortage. C-U at Home is now among them. Operations and programs are being temporarily paused starting this week at The Men's Shelter and at Austin's Place. The organization hopes to reopen on Monday, June 14 with additional staff.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Analysts say the market situation for U.S. soybeans could stay strong for most of the upcoming marketing year. Gary Crawford reports…