(Springfield-jm) – It was another week of cool, wet conditions as we hear in the latest crop report. On average only about one day was suitable for fieldwork, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Four percent of winter wheat has headed and 45 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. That’s an improvement over the previous week.
(Urbana-jm) – A plea deal is expected in the case of a Roberts man accused of attempted kidnapping. Prosecutors are expecting Paul Theesfield to change his plea from not guilty as part of a potential plea deal before his May 3rd trial. Theesfield is accused of striking a woman with his vehicle in Gibson City back in December 2020 in an attempt to incapacitate, kidnap and sexually assault her.
(Rantoul-tr) – The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County is preparing for their Spring Fling April 26th from 6pm-8pm after 2 years of not holding it due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County Executive Director Andy Kulczycki says they will also be holding a meat raffle that same night…
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County Executive Director Andy Kulczycki
(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation closed another ramp at the interchange of Interstates 57 and 74 on Monday. The ramp from westbound I-74 to southbound I-57 will be closed for five days in order for crews to construct temporary pavement. Drivers wanting to take this route are being detoured to Market Street via northbound I-57 to get on southbound I-57. After that ramp reopens, IDOT will shut down another ramp the following week. The ramp from eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 will be closed for five days as well, with drivers detoured to Curtis Road via southbound I-57 to get on northbound I-57.
(Champaign County-tr) – The Champaign County Board approved ARPA funding to the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority in late March. Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis says that with these allocated funds, he is looking to build a track record and expand future benefits…
Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis.
(Mahomet-jm) – Congested traffic on U.S. 150 leaves the Mahomet village of trustees to vote on a $4.4 million road extension project. Village trustees gathered to discuss a contract with Feutz Contractors that would extend South Mahomet Road, creating a new route through the southeastern part of the village. As a main route throughout Mahomet, traffic in the east village is often backed up due to parents dropping off and picking up their children at Middletown Prairie Elementary School and commuters heading to and from work in Champaign. If voters were to approve a tax hike, construction of a new Mahomet-Seymour Junior High building would begin in June, just south of the elementary school. Under the current proposition, South Mahomet Road would be extended across the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks to a roundabout connecting it to an extension of Churchill Road.
(Washington-jm) – Strong demand and prices are noted in USDA's latest forecasts for dairy. Rod Bain reports…
(Rantoul–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A House of Flowers downtown Rantoul. The business has new owners, but Paula Hopkins says it's an exciting time for the business…
A House of Flower’s Paula Hopkins
(Springfield-jm) – It was another week of cool, wet conditions as we hear in the latest crop report. Temperatures were below normal this past week and average statewide topsoil moisture is rated at one percent very short, three percent short, 40 percent adequate and 56 percent surplus. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener takes a look at the winter wheat crop…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Pasture conditions improved as well, to 52 percent in good to excellent condition
(Onarga-tr) – Tim Hamilton, a long time employee for the town of Onarga, has announced his retirement. Onarga Mayor Shane Cultra says a party is being planned to honor his commitment to the town of Onarga…
Onarga Mayor Shane Cultra.
(Danville-jm) – A groundbreaking of a casino in Danville is happening today. After several years, city leaders will be participating in the groundbreaking of the casino. It’s expected to be in operation early next year.
(Gibson City-tr) – Many businesses in Gibson City are partnering together for the Sip and Shop Wine Hop, going on April 30th from 11am - 3pm. Gibson City Restoration Association President Sharon Heavlin says there are over 200 tickets for the event being sold…
Gibson City Restoration Association President Sharon Heavlin
(Champaign-jm) – This week, Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in getting information regarding a shooting that happened in 2021. On October 24, 2021, at around 1:15 p.m., Champaign Police were dispatched to the area of Town Center Boulevard and North Prospect Avenue in response to a report of a shooting with injuries. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 24-year-old Liam Gasser inside a vehicle with a single life-threatening gunshot wound to the head. Gasser is still recovering from his injuries. Investigators are actively pursuing all leads and seeking any information or video surveillance relevant to this case. They are asking any businesses or individuals with surveillance cameras or photos to review the footage for any persons or vehicles captured in the area either prior to or after the incident.
(Washington-jm) – Slight gains in both beef production and price forecasts were noted in the latest USDA outlook. Rod Bain reports…
(Rantoul–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A House of Flowers.The business has new owners, Chad and Marlena Smith of Rantoul. Paula Hopkins says the entire staff, including Hopkins, will continue with the business…
A House of Flower’s Paula Hopkins
You can hear more about A House of Flowers downtown Rantoul on our newscasts today and also an interview with Paula Hopkins during our noon news.
