(Springfield-jm) – The latest weather outlook for next month calls for warmer and wetter conditions in Illinois. The above normal temperatures forecasted by the Climate Prediction Center will certainly be welcome. But State Climatologist Trent Ford says the increased chances of higher rainfall will mean different things for certain areas of the state…
State Climatologist Trent Ford. Northern and Northwest Illinois continue to experience drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to severe.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul have once again been defeated in court. The appellate court of Sangamon county dismissed the Governor's appeal of the temporary restraining order on masks in schools as moot. The Governor and Attorney General say they will appeal this to the Illinois Supreme court.
(Springfield-jm) – New legislation aims to support police and reduce crime in Illinois. The bills take aim at habitual offenders, especially those repeatedly convicted of domestic battery and raises the penalty for strangling someone. Another makes it an obstruction of justice to steal a police officer’s body camera. Kankakee Representative Jackie Haas says unfortunately, her proposals haven’t gone anywhere yet…
State Representative Jackie Haas of Kankakee. Haas says the measures are in response to the December shooting of two Bradley police officers.
(Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were busy over the weekend handling multiple accidents. Friday afternoon crews were called to a single vehicle rollover on Route 9 about 2 miles east of Paxton. Sunday morning crews were called to a single vehicle accident on 200 north around 2350 east. Sunday afternoon crews were called to a single vehicle rollover accident near 276 north 2100 east.
(Paxton-jm) – Paxton’s wastewater plant will be seeing some upgrades. Mayor Bill Ingold talks about some of the new parts being ordered for the plant…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Champaign-jm) – By the end of this month, you'll no longer be required to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination at U of I events. The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is dropping the mask mandate, except in instructional places, on Monday, February 28. Also, those attending U of I sponsored events won't have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to get in.
(Springfield-jm) – House Republicans are introducing legislation they say will undo issues with the police reform law passed last year. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says they’ve already seen negative effects from the reforms…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Lyssa Kaeb from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about an activity that will take place all week.
Cissna Park FFA Member Lyssa
(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is reminding the public they can renew their license plate stickers online. Driver’s Services Facilities are often inundated with people anxious to renew their sticker, but that can easily be done online says Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt. Once you complete the form, print out your receipt and store it in your glove compartment…
Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt. You can renew your sticker on the website: il sos dot gov.
(Undated-jm) – Illinois State Police responded to over 2,000 calls for service during the recent winter storm. It included over 300 traffic accidents and 800 motorists assists. Five state troopers were also hit during this round of winter weather, including a state trooper in Champaign County. One of the troopers was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation passed by the Senate aims to protect child victims of sex crimes. A judge could clear the courtroom of most people when a victim of child sexual abuse or assault testifies about what they’ve been through. The bill is supported by Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign…
State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign. The media would still be allowed to cover the proceedings from inside the courtroom. The measure now moves to the House for a vote.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign police are investigating a weekend shooting. Police were called to the 200 block of West Clark Street for a report of battery then shots fired just before 2 am Sunday morning. Upon arrival officers learned of a fight that injured a 41 year old man and discovered evidence of gunfire. Shortly after, officers were notified of a 27 year old male at an area hospital with a non life threatening gunshot wound to the leg. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign police.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois school children won’t be required to wear masks in schools. That comes after the Governor’s order was struck down twice last week says 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington. The Governor is appealing the ruling to the state Supreme Court.
(Urbana-jm) – Officers arrested a man they said was wanted in connection to a shooting. In a news release, U of I Police officers said Martines A. Gill was arrested near Coler and Western avenues. He was arrested on charges of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, armed violence. He was also arrested on a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gill had been wanted in connection to a shooting last year in ChampaignWhen police arrested Gill, they found a gun in his jacket pocket and two bags of cocaine that had been thrown on the sidewalk immediately next to him.
(Buckley-tr) – The Owners of the 103 Bar and Grill in Buckley with the help of Katharine Grayson will be hosting a benefit featuring food, a silent auction, and many other activites to honor the life and family of Ford county Sheriff's Deputy Brian Norton. Brian Norton Benefit Spokesperson Katharine Grayson says there are many people lending their time and support…
Brian Norton Benefit Spokesperson Katharine Grayson.
With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Abigail Teske from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on this week.
PBL FFA Member Abigail Teske
Maci Kingren from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about the importance of FFA Week.
PBL FFA Member Maci Kingren
