(Springfield-jm) -- Waterfowl hunting blind site drawings are getting back to normal. The schedule is out for the remaining drawings that will be held at several public hunting areas in July and August. It’s something the State Department of Natural Resources has been getting a lot of questions about, says spokesperson Rachel Torbert…
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Rachel Torbert. Duck and goose hunters must register in person and be there for the drawing. They also must have a 2020 or 2021 hunting license and migratory waterfowl stamp. More information is available at: dnr dot illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- Local coronavirus deaths rose over the weekend. Vermilion County reported 1 new death, a man in his 60s, bringing their total to 145. Ford County reported 2 additional deaths, a man and woman in their 50s, bringing their total to 48. Champaign County also reported an additional death bringing their total to 155. Iroquois County remains at 64 deaths.
(Springfield-jm) -- State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City managed to pass 7 bills during the spring legislative session. Representative Bennett talks about the 7th bill passed…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois will require students to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus in the fall. University President Tim Killean sent out an email Monday making the announcement. Right now it does not include faculty and staff.
(Undated-jm) -- District 10 Illinois State Police will be conducting distracted driving enforcement patrols. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Undated-jm) -- Some fire departments across the state are receiving a portion of $3.3 million in grants from the state fire marshal's office. The Gifford Fire Protection District is receiving $9,350. Danforth Fire Protection District is receiving $22,610. Buckley Fire Protection District is receiving $26,000.
(Springfield-jm) -- Wheat harvesting in Illinois continues behind last year’s pace. In the weekly crop report, Statistician Mark Schleusener says there were about six days suitable for fieldwork…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 96 percent of soybeans have been planted and one percent is blooming. 66 percent of soybeans and 64 percent of corn is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated as four percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate and four percent surplus. 3 percent of the second cutting of alfalfa is now complete.
(Springfield-jm) -- State officials are hopeful the new lottery promotion will prompt more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “All in for the Win'' includes cash prizes for adults and college scholarships for teens who have gotten their shots. Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike said the reasons for not getting vaccinated vary…
Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Those who have received at least one dose are automatically entered to win, and entries will be updated as new people get vaccinated. The first drawing will be July 8th.
(Undated-jm) -- Looking at the latest local COVID numbers. Vermilion County is reporting 5 new cases. Ford County is reporting 2 new cases. Iroquois County 11 new cases and Champaign County 15 new cases.
(Crescent City--jc) The 2021 Iroquois County is coming in mid July. This year’s talent show has 30 participants. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Champaign-jm) -- The Illinois Soybean Board will hold its annual public meeting on Thursday, July 29 at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. At-large director elections will take place at 11:00 AM CST. The at-large directors will be elected by a majority of soybean farmers in attendance at the public meeting. No write-in provisions exist.
(Rankin-jm) -- The 2021 Rankin Lions Club Truck and Tractor pulls will take place this Friday and Saturday. Spokesperson Aaron Bertan talks about the activities both nights…
Rankin Truck and Tractor Pull Spokesperson Aaron Bertan. In addition there will also be fireworks on Friday night.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A Rantoul man is facing multiple charges after he entered the home of his ex-girlfriend and battered her. Ahkeem Thomas is charged with home invasion, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and criminal damage to property. Police say Thomas kicked in the door to his ex girlfriend’s home and beat and choked her. Bond was set at $25,000. If convicted he faces 6 to 30 years in prison.
(Springfield-jm) -- Wheat harvesting in Illinois continues behind last year’s pace. 12 percent of winter wheat has been harvested, compared to 38 percent for the five year average. 87 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition which is an improvement over the previous week. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener has an update on soybeans…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 64 percent of corn is rated in good to excellent condition, a slight decline over the week. The second cutting of alfalfa hay is now three percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture stands at four percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate and four percent surplus.
