(Springfield-jm) -- Trampoline courts in Illinois are now required to have inspections and permits. This comes after Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 60 into law. Trampoline courts now fall under the regulations set forth by the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act. The Illinois Department of Labor does not allow amusement rides or attractions to operate unless they have been inspected and permitted. Gymnastics facilities with trampolines will not be included.
(Springfield-jm) -- Deer mating season is here and the Illinois Department of Transportation is urging motorists to be careful and stay alert. The season typically runs October through December, so drivers need to be especially cautious, says i-dot spokesperson Maria Castaneda…
IDOT Spokesperson Maria Castaneda. Castaneda also warns to prepare for the unexpected as deer sometimes stop in the middle of the road or double back. Last year in Illinois, there were nearly 14 thousand deer-vehicle accidents, resulting in 611 personal injuries and 10 deaths.
(Clarence-jm) -- Emergency crews were called to an accident in Clarence just after 8 pm last night. Emergency personnel from Rankin were called to the accident involving a lawn mower and an SUV. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Paxton-jm) -- The City of Paxton is considering combining two commissions. Currently 7 people serve on the planning commission and 5 serve on the zoning board of appeals. The council is considering combining the two commissions into one 7 member group.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County is celebrating 50 years serving the northern Champaign County area. One of the services they provide is a food pantry, says Director Andy Kulczycki...
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County Director Andy Kulczycki.
(Ford County-jm) -- The Ford County Sheriff’s Office has released their September activity report. During the last month, deputies responded to 5 traffic accidents and issued 33 citations for speeding, 2 each for driving on a suspended or revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disregarding a stop sign, driving on a sidewalk and DUI and 1 each for fleeing police, failure to reduce speed and reckless driving. Deputies also handled 9 domestic issues, 8 suspicious persons reports, 3 each of theft and harassment, 2 each of abuse, fraud and violation of court order and 1 each of vandalism, trespassing, phone scam, custody dispute and sex offender registration notification violation.
(Springfield-jm) -- Harvest continues ahead of last year’s pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. There was an average of six days suitable for fieldwork this past week, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 32 percent of soybeans have been harvested, compared to 23 percent at the same time last year. 12 percent of winter wheat has been planted and one percent has emerged. Average statewide topsoil moisture improved to nine percent very short, 18 percent short, 71 percent adequate and two percent surplus.
(Washington-jm) -- The U.S. Trade Representative Monday announced how the Biden Administration plans to address its trade relationship with China. Rod Bain reports…
(Buckley--jc) -- Two Illinois men have been arrested in connection with an incident where a dead man was found in a gas tank in Buckley. 29 year old Garrett Meyer of Nashville Illinois was found deceased in the gas tank in June. Iroquois County authorities continue to investigate this incident. WPXN news will continue to update this story as more official news is released
(Washington-jm) -- Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, is introducing legislation he believes will reduce gun violence by preventing the theft of firearms from federally-licensed gun dealers or FFL. The Chicago Tribune reported a gun stolen in Wisconsin from a gun store in 2017 has been linked to 27 shootings in Chicago. Durbin’s legislation seeks to address so-called “smash and grab” burglaries by requiring all firearms to be securely stored when an FFL is not open for business. Either in safes or by fastening them to an anchored steel rod.
(Springfield-jm) -- This is National Fire Prevention Week. The focus this year is on the “Sounds of Safety” says Illinois State Fire Marshal Spokesperson JC Fultz…
State Fire Marshal Spokesperson JC Fultz. Fultz says a continuous set of three loud beeps means there is smoke or a fire in your home and you should get out immediately. He also reminds us that all smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 7,139 new Coronavirus cases and 59 additional deaths since Friday. Locally since Friday, Champaign County reported 85 new cases and 2 additional deaths. Vermilion County reported 137 new cases. Iroquois County reported 92 cases and 2 additional deaths. Ford County did not have a report.
(Gibson City-jm) -- The Gibson City Melvin Sibley school district is assessing damage from this summer's storms. A storage building by the tennis courts and all 4 dugouts at the middle school will have to be demolished.
(Thawville-tr) -- A new business with a unique taste has come onto the scene in the small town of Thawville, Illinois known as Artesia Brewing. Located at 384 E 1200 North Road in Thawville, Artesia Brewing Spokesperson Linda Tammen shares a few key menu items being served at the new brewery…
Artesia Brewing Spokesperson Linda Tammen.
(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign county will begin offering COVID booster shots starting today. The Champaign Urbana Public Health District estimated about 20,000 residents qualify for the Pfizer booster that was recently approved by the CDC. The health department says boosters will be available at the Carle Health location at Kohls Plaza and the health departments I-Hotel and Conference Center.
(Springfield-jm) -- Harvest continues ahead of last year’s pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. 95 percent of corn is mature and 41 percent of the crop has been harvested. That compares to 24 percent harvested at this time last year and 32 percent normally says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 12 percent of winter wheat has been planted and average statewide topsoil moisture increased to nine percent very short, 18 percent short, 71 percent adequate and two percent surplus.
(Washington-jm) -- What is Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's reaction to the U.S. Trade Representative's stance on trade with China? Gary Crawford reports…
The Iroquois County Public Health Department will host a flu shot clinic today from 9-11 am at the Crescent City Community Center.
The Ford County Public Health Department will host a flu shot clinic today from 2-4 pm at the health department in Paxton.
