(Tuscola–jc) A semi truck crash along Interstate 57 near Tuscola closed the north bound lanes for several hours last night. Police also reported drivers moving into the area at high speeds despite emergency vehicles and emergency lights on scene. State police continue to remind the motoring public to slow down and move over around accident scenes. The lanes were cleared just before midnight.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is reporting a large increase in dangerous drug and weapons seizures last year. The State Police’s Metropolitan Enforcement Groups recovered an estimated 71 million dollars in illegal drugs in 2021, including fentanyl, heroin and meth. Director Brendan Kelly says the nine units partner with State Intelligence Officers, Illinois National Guard Counter Drug Analysts and community groups to stop the flow of narcotics…
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly. Kelly says the units are expanding their efforts to fight human trafficking and gun crimes.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court has removed a requirement that people in attendance at Illinois courts wear masks. The order goes into effect February 28, the same day the mask mandate is lifted for the state. The wearing of masks within courthouses is permitted, but not required.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed a bill to support the families of slain DCFS workers. Senator Doris Turner of Springfield is sponsoring the measure, which treats the death of a State Department of Children and Family Services caseworker similar to the death of a law enforcement officer. Under current law, when a police officer is killed their spouse and minor children are eligible to receive health insurance benefits…
State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield. The measure was inspired by last month's stabbing death of a central Illinois DCFS employee and another incident in 2017.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,979 new Coronavirus cases and 63 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate is 2.5 percent. Locally Vermilion County reported 7 new cases and 1 additional death. Champaign County is reporting 33 new cases. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report.
(Paxton-jm) – The City of Paxton is beginning to look into street work for this summer. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says once the snow and ice is clear they will have a better idea of what needs to be done…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Champaign-jm) – Police said two crashes happened in an area near Bloomington Road and Mattis Avenue Thursday afternoon. According to officers, the first crash involved a school bus and a car. Champaign Unit 4 schools said there were 8 students and two staff members on the bus when the crash happened. The students on the bus were taken home on a different bus. The second crash involved two cars.
(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are pushing to empower parents in their kids' education. During a press conference Thursday, 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington explained the legislation…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington. The measure still needs to go before the full Senate.
The Cissna Park FFA Chapter is celebrating their 80 year anniversary this FFA week alongside numerous other chapters around the state. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton says the vast majority of CP students are involved with ag related activities…
Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton.
(Washington-jm) – Here's the latest unofficial preview of planted acreage for this spring. Gary Crawford reports…
With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Bryce Sluis from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
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Cissna Park FFA Member Bryce Sluis
We were also able to talk with Sofia Roelfs from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter about what is going on today.
Rantoul FFA Member Sofia Roelfs
(Springfield-jm) – State Senate Republicans are offering legislation to empower the parents of schoolchildren. One of the bills adds five new positions to the State Board of Education, to be chosen by voters as opposed to appointed by the Governor. Another requires districts to post online all learning materials for curriculum taught says Senator Neil Anderson of Moline…
State Senator Neil Anderson of Moline. A third bill makes the “Invest in Kids” program permanent. It helps low income families pay for private school through donations. Donors receive a tax credit in return.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill looking to help recruit volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in Illinois has passed the state Senate. Senate Bill 3027 offers an income tax credit to help attract these workers. There would be a $500 tax credit offered for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member of or work for a fire department of a fire protection district for nine months or more and do not receive over $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year.
(Springfield-jm) – Senate Democrats are pushing legislation to help with the teacher shortage in Illinois. The bills let retired and substitute teachers work more hours in the classroom. One is sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris of Dolton…
State Senator Napoleon Harris of Dolton. Another measure lowers the age for teacher aides from 19 to 18. The Senators say these small changes are part of a larger discussion about attracting and retaining teachers.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Soybean Association is now accepting proposals for FY23 which strategically align with their three committee areas: government relations, market development and utilization. More details are available at ilsoy dot org slash fy 23 rfp. The fiscal year runs September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023.
(Springfield-jm) – The state’s mask mandate ends Monday. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about what it means for some sectors…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Washington-jm) – USDA's Chief Economist projects another good year for U.S. agriculture, but projections may be clouded by recent events in Europe. Gary Crawford reports…
Over 670,000 FFA students have been participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Gracie Wagner from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
PBL FFA Member Gracie Wagner
