(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson City Melvin Sibley community is mourning the loss of one of their high school students. Junior Colin Bane was killed in a crash Wednesday night in McLean County after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a commercial motor vehicle. The Paxton Buckley Loda School District is encouraging students to wear red and black today to show support.
(Springfield-jm) – A new report from the United State Census Bureau shows that the population of Illinois actually increased in 2020. This comes after a review of the 2020 census data that shows Illinois was undercounted by nearly 2%. This means that Illinois’ population grew by nearly 250,000 people and is now above 13 million people for the first time in Illinois history.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois winter wheat production is projected to be up this year. The May report is out and crop statistician Mark Schleusener says while the yield is down a little bit, more acres are expected to be harvested…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Overall winter wheat production is forecasted to be 49 point 5 million bushels, an increase of three percent over last year. Additionally, Illinois producers say the amount of hay stored on farms is down about four percent from one year ago.
(Roberts-jm) – Weather permitting, the Roberts-Melvin fire department will be doing a controlled burn of a house on North Main Street on Saturday morning. Part of the road will be blocked off except for local traffic. Expect water to be slightly discolored throughout Saturday as a result.
(St. Joe-tr) – Some surveys and study sessions are being conducted to see if the town of St. Joseph could sustain an expansion. St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling Vogues says that talk of expanding to the north is in the early stages…
St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling Vogues
(Gibson City-jm) – GCMS Superintendent Jeremy Darnell has been named Superintendent of Distinction. Darnell received the recognition from the Cornbelt region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators. The region includes school districts in Ford, Iroquois, Livingston and McLean Counties.
(Washington-jm) – How might consumers, farmers and ethanol producers benefit from an emergency waiver allowing sale of e15 blended fuels at the gas pumps this summer? Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois expanded protections for sexual violence survivors in the military under a new law. Senate Bill 257 makes changes but growing the authority of military protection orders to beyond military locations. This would give survivors full protection, no matter where they are located, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. There will be more employment protections for survivors as they recover. If a service member is a sexual violence victim or survivor, they will be protected under this law as both a service member and a member of the community where they live.
(Springfield-jm) – A-A-R-P is teaming up with Illinois officials to urge seniors to get their second COVID-19 booster shot. During a virtual discussion, state experts said the second booster shot is recommended for people over 50, those 12 and older with a compromised immune system and anyone who originally received the single Johnson and Johnson shot. Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta was asked where to get the booster…
Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta. You can also visit: vaccines dot gov to search for locations. The State Department of Public Health says you should wait at least four months after your last dose to get the second booster.
(Champaign-jm) – A 5 year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were hurt in a shooting that happened Wednesday night in Champaign. Champaign Police responded to the intersection of 4th and Church Streets at approximately 7:23 p.m. for a report of shots being fired. When they arrived, they discovered a house was hit by shots and a boy inside was shot in the hand. Soon after, officers learned that an 18-year-old man arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm. Both are expected to be ok
(Gibson City-tr) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. Gibson Area Hospital Clinical Therapist Vicki Angstmann shares two key components to mental health…
Gibson Area Hospital Clinical Therapist Vicki Angstmann.
(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul police officer Alex Carbajal has been named the Rantoul Exchange Club officer of the year. Carbajal is the Rantoul Township High School Resource Officer.
(Washington-jm) – USDA recently announced updates to three livestock insurance products designed to give producers greater flexibility. Rod Bain reports…
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Loda Legion Auxiliary on Saturday from 10-2.
The Paxton Buckley Loda High School Band will host their 22nd annual Salute to Veterans Concert on Saturday at 7 pm. A lasagna supper will be held prior to the concert from 5-6:30. Cost for the dinner is $7. The concert is free.
The Paxton Save our Pool Group is hosting a fundraising cookout and festival on Sunday at the pool in Paxton. The event is set for 11am to 3pm on Sunday with lunch, a foam party, dunk tank, yard games, giveaways, t-shirt sales and more. Support the pool by attending the event on Sunday in Paxton.
