(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department on Aging is offering help online to seniors looking into Medicare. The Medicare system can be confusing, so the agency is participating in a virtual “Medicare Fair” on Wednesday, June 23rd from 2-6 pm, says State Health Insurance Assistance Program Director Sandy Leith…

 

 

State Health Insurance Assistance Program Director Sandy Leith. You can sign up for the Medicare fair now through June 21st by visiting the Department on Aging’s website.

 

 

(Rural Roberts-jm) -- One person is dead and two others injured following a single vehicle accident near Roberts. Illinois State Police say a vehicle driven by 24 year old Randy Lopez of Piper City struck a guardrail on Route 115 near 1175 north. Lopez and a passenger, 20 year old Gabriela Shurr of Piper City were taken to the hospital. 19 year old Anayeli Medina of Piper City died at the scene. Lopez was cited for driving on a suspended license, failure to wear a seatbelt and improper lane usage.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Dangerous heat and the threat of severe weather is in the forecast for today. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s with heat index values in low 100’s. The high heat and humidity could also lead to severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has most of the WPXN listening area under an enhanced risk of severe weather. You can hear the complete forecast with Doug Quick at the end of this newscast.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Illinois is now in Phase 5 of Governor J-B Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan. Megan Reutter with the Ford County Public Health Department says those vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask under most circumstances…

 

 

Ford County Public Health Department Community Educator Megan Reutter.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing drivers services facilities will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday today. Following President Joe Biden’s signing to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, Jesse White’s office announced. Facilities open Monday through Friday will be open Monday. Facilities open Tuesday through Saturday will be open Saturday.

 

 

(Melvin-jm) -- Last night at the Ford County Fair it was the kiddie tractor pull and the Illiana Truck and Tractor Pulls. Fair President Kirk Miller talks about what’s happening today…

 

 

Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller.

 

An electronics recycling will take place on Saturday from 9 to 1 at the Paxton City Shed on the city’s north side.

 

Paxton IGA will be hosting their cookout benefiting the American Legion Riders on Saturday from 10 to 2.

 

Rantoul will host their first Juneteenth celebration on Saturday from noon to 6 at Wabash Park.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing a new COVID-19 vaccination lottery with 10 million dollars in prizes. The lottery is called “All in for the Win” and features cash payouts of 100 thousand to one million dollars for adults and scholarships worth 150 thousand for teens, says the Governor…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Starting in July, there will be state and regional drawings to ensure winners come from all over Illinois. Winners will be notified by the state Department of Public Health.

 

 

(Montezuma, Indiana-jm) -- You might have felt the earth move yesterday afternoon. The USGS reports a 3.8 magnitude earthquake was reported near Montezuma, Indiana just across the border in Parke County. People reported feeling the earthquake as far away as Peoria and Chicago.

 

 

(Melvin-jm) -- Tonight at the Ford County Fair its country group The Eli Young Band with Shenandoah performing at 7:30. Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller wraps up the final day of the fair…

 

 

Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller.

 

(Watseka-jm) -- The Iroquois County Public Health Department will be hosting a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Tuesday from 9 to 3. The second dose for this clinic will take place on July 20th. 

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- The new sports complex in Rantoul is spurring further economic development in the northern Champaign County community. Mayor Chuck Smith talks about some of the latest development news from his village…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. Smith says they are hoping to add more housing in the village as well.