(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign firefighter was seriously injured and a dog has died after a house fire Wednesday afternoon. Crews were called at approximately 2:22 p.m. to the 300 block of Flora Drive after a neighbor reported the fire. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the single-story home when firefighters arrived on the scene. While fighting the fire, a firefighter emergency was declared, and one firefighter was taken from the building. The homeowner was not at home at the time of the fire.
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(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 15,732 new Coronavirus cases and 143 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate fell to 14.6 percent. Champaign County reported 630 new cases and 2 additional deaths. Vermilion County reported 237 new cases. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Wednesday.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is trying to raise awareness about human trafficking. In the last fiscal year, DCFS investigated 309 allegations of child trafficking. Incidents are probably higher, says Spokesperson Deborah Lopez, since so many go unreported. With that in mind…
DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez. Signs include an adult controlling and speaking for a child, a child that seems out of place given the time of day or night or who is performing inappropriate work for their age. To report suspected cases of trafficking, call 1-800-25-abuse.
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating three car thefts that happened this week in Campustown. The first theft happened Monday at 7:30 p.m. at 601 South Sixth Street. Two more happened the next day just a block away from the previous theft at 601 East Green Street; one at 3:09 p.m. and the other at 7:45 p.m. In at least two of these cases, the cars were left running and unattended when they were stolen.
(gordyville–jc) – Today is day two for the 20-22 run of the Midwest Ag Expo at Gordyville USA near Gifford. Over 175 different booths that represent everything agriculture are on display from 8-30am to 3pm.. Premier Cooperative’s Eddie Hannagan says those attending the show today can learn about an upcoming meeting they will have for farmers…
Premier Cooperative’s Eddie Hannagan
Todays show hours are from 8-30am to 3pm. The Midwest Ag Expo is free to attend and free parking too.
(Paxton-jm) – Paxton city crews continue to do stump removal. Crews began on the north part of the west side and are working their way south. After that is done they will move to the east side and start in the north part and again work their way south.
(Washington-jm) – Will this year bring a change in the upward spiral of retail food prices? Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Federation of Teachers on Wednesday night overwhelmingly voted to move forward with the process to go on strike. The final vote was 91% in favor. Teachers say they will be at school for the rest of the week and next week, but they’re putting together plans on what is to come next. The next collective bargaining meeting is on Friday.
(Gordyville-jc) When you go to this year’s Midwest Ag Expo, you will see a working grain system from I-G-S-E of Cissna Park. IGSE’s Aaron Kaeb talks about the display at the expo in Gordyville…
Illinois Grain and Seed Equipment of Cissna Park’s Aaron Kaeb
(Springfield-jm) – New legislation reinstates the death penalty for those convicted of murdering a police officer in Illinois. The bill comes from Senator Darren Bailey of downstate Louisville, who says over the past three years, Illinois has lost 25 officers in the line of duty…
State Senator Darren Bailey of Louisville. A similar measure will be filed in the House by Representative Blaine Wilhour of Effingham.
(Champaign-tr) – Parkland College will observe Black History Month in February with month-long virtual and in-person events featuring black health and wellness as the theme. Parkland is inviting all community members to the events. Most events will have attendance restrictions, and some may only have virtual options. Session links will be available at parkland dot edu backslash BHM.
(Paxton-tr) – Sign ups are now available for 6th-8th grade Junior High Basketball for boys and girls. Youth Soccer sign ups are also available, Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans says the programs are doing well and that even baseball signups are quickly approaching…
Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans.
(Mahomet-jm) – The Mahomet Public Library knows that its facility is too small to accommodate its constituency. It was apparent in 2007 when they built a 13,000 square-foot building, needing a 24,000 square-foot building. Today library staff estimates that the facility needs to be about 27,000 square feet. At this time, the library board and staff have decided to move forward with applying for a Public Library Construction Act Grant, one of which could pay up to 49-percent of the cost of an addition. If secured, the library would begin fundraising efforts, look into wrap-around bonds, and tap into some reserves to realize the vision.
(Washington-jm) – Time is running out for eligible producers to apply for the USDA program covering forage losses in 2021 due to drought or fire. Rod Bain reports…
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will host their chicken and noodle supper tonight from 5-7 pm at their building at 134 W. State Street in downtown Paxton under the water tower. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert and drink for $10.
