(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker has ordered all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of Hershel "Woody" Williams. Williams was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. He died Wednesday at 98 years old. Flags will be flown at half-staff from Friday through July 3.
(Springfield-jm) – The state’s Illinois Family Relief Plan begins today. The plan lifts the one percent state sales tax on groceries for one year and delays an increase in the state gasoline tax, says Governor J-B Pritzker…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. There’s also a property tax rebate of up to $300 and income tax rebates for individuals earning less than $200 thousand and couples making under $400,000. The rebates will start going out in September.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced as part of a national strategy to address the ongoing outbreak of monkeypox virus, the State of Illinois is receiving an immediate allocation of vaccines from the national stockpile. IDPH will initially receive 1,291 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Federal authorities said the number of vaccine doses available is expected to increase and the CDC is taking steps to increase testing capacity. According to the CDC, to date, the 46 probable monkeypox virus cases in Illinois have been reported, with the vast majority in the City of Chicago area.
(Springfield-jm) – You can expect to see more law enforcement out on the roads this holiday weekend. Police will be cracking down on drunk drivers, distracted drivers and speeders through the 4th of July holiday, says IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel…
IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. 22 people died on Illinois roads last year during the holiday weekend.
(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College’s automotive program now allows students the chance to study one part of the business that is quickly growing. It all revolves around electric vehicles. The program recently purchased a Mustang Mach E electric SUV. It’s different from your typical Mustang. It is bigger, includes two drive motors, has all-wheel drive and a battery between the two motors. Plus, it is fully electric. Each day, students complete tasks such as diagnosing vehicle problems, taking cars apart and putting them back together, and reading and writing so they understand how the components work together. This Ford Asset program gives students opportunities outside of the classroom in Ford dealerships. They go through 8-week rotations with various technicians and mechanics at the dealership they are assigned.
(Onarga-tr) – Onarga will be having festivities for the 4th of July this weekend with their Independence Day Celebration to be held at Durham Park. Featuring a parade, local food, talent show, and a car show on Sunday. Onarga Chamber President Randy Lizzo says that many food vendors will be available…
Onarga Chamber President Randy Lizzo.
(Urbana-jm) – A man is in custody after a routine traffic stop revealed he was wanted and in possession of a loaded gun. University of Illinois Police officers pulled over Javario Gill on Florida/Kirby Avenue Wednesday night for driving 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. During the stop, officers discovered that Gill was wanted on two outstanding warrants: one for property damage and one for failing to show up in court to answer charges related to animal cruelty. Upon being arrested, Gill told officers there was a gun in the car, which they found in the driver’s side door. Gill was arrested on the warrants and for aggravated unlawful use of a firearm. He was taken to the Champaign County Jail.
(Rantoul-tr) – The village of Rantoul will be celebrating the 4th of July all month long this July. Freedom Fridays officially kickoff tonight in Rantoul. Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Vickery says a music act from Nashville will be making an appearance alongside many other activities…
Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Vickery.
(Paxton-jm) – An iconic Paxton restaurant could be reopening as soon as next month. The sale of Just Hamburgers is final and Todd Thorstenson and Brendan Healey are the new owners. Thorstenson, a Paxton native, has owned and operated several restaurants in the Champaign Urbana area. Healey, who is a Loda native, along with Thorstenson’s family have operated 25 KFC restaurants. They plan to keep everything the same and hope to open after hiring staff.
(Washington-jm) – Farmers are putting fewer overall acres into production this year. Gary Crawford reports…
(Undated-jm) – A Canadian railroad with several lines in Illinois says it will spend tens of millions of dollars on improvements in the state. The Canadian National Railway Company said it plans to spend $150 million to improve rail lines and crossing services as well as bridges and signals. CN has three main lines in the state, including the old Illinois Central that runs south from Chicago to Champaign and Carbondale.
(Chicago-jm) – Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin poured $50 million into Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s campaign for the GOP nomination for governor, an investment that turned sour. Irvin finished a distant third Tuesday at a cost of more than $400 a vote, the worst political investment in Illinois history, according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis. Irvin was outvoted nearly four to one by State Sen. Darren Bailey of downstate Louisville.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department has made an arrest in connection to a shooting that left a teenager dead and three others hurt.
Champaign Police officers joined members of the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force on Thursday in arresting Quentin Hymon for his alleged involvement in the shooting. Hymon, a 20-year-old from Champaign, is being held in the Champaign County Jail awaiting arraignment and trial. The shooting Hymon is accused of taking part in happened on June 19 near Prospect Avenue and Bloomington Road. Officers’ investigation indicated that just before 2 a.m., an impromptu gathering was taking place in a gas station parking lot when shots rang out. 18-year-old Prentiss Jackson was shot multiple times and two women who were near him were shot in the legs.
(Paxton-tr) – Paxton’s 38th Annual July 4th Celebration will take place on Monday at Pells Park. Paxton Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer says the day kicks off with a unique 5k run…
Paxton Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer
(Undated-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing all drivers services facilities will be closed for the Independence Day holiday. Facilities open Tuesday through Saturday will be closed Saturday. Facilities open Monday through Friday will be closed Monday.
(Onarga-tr) – Onarga will be having festivities for the 4th of July this weekend with their Independence Day Celebration to be held at Durham Park. Featuring a parade, local food, talent show, and a car show on Sunday. Onarga Chamber President Randy Lizzo says there will be a new foam pit for kids to enjoy…
Onarga Chamber President Randy Lizzo.
(Undated-jm) – Fireworks will be lighting up the skies this weekend across some of the communities in the area. Friday night fireworks will be lighting the skies at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. Sunday fireworks will light up the skies in Fisher, Onarga and Rantoul. Independence Day will see fireworks light up the sky at the State Farm Center in Champaign and at Bixby Park in Paxton. Hoopeston’s fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday, July 9th.
(Washington-jm) – It looks like many corn and soybean producers changed their minds and their planting intentions between March and actual planting time. Gary Crawford reports…
Onarga’s Independence Day Celebration will take place tonight through Sunday. Tonight activities include live music. Saturday at 11 is the parade at 11, inflatables at 12:30, talent show at 1 and a magic show from 2:30-5:30. Sunday it's the car show at 1 and fireworks at dusk.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Loda Fireworks on Saturday from 10-2.
The Dixie Flyer Band will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday at 7 pm. Cost is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
Rantouls fireworks will take place at 9 pm Sunday at the Chanute Air Force Base.
Paxton will hold their 38th annual old fashioned 4th of July on Monday, July 4th at Pells Park with the 5k at 8, community worship service at 9:45, 11:30-3 bounce house and kids games, 12-3 Back Paiges perform, 1-3 penny scavenger hunt, watermelon eating contest at 2 and fireworks at Bixby Park at 9.
Sibley will hold their Red, White and Blue Independence Day celebration on Monday, July 4th. Activities include fishing derby at 8:30, Air Life Helicopter from 11-1, parade at 11:30, kids games at 1, knockerball and foam machine from 3-4, bingo 3-5, face painting and kids inflatables 4-7, model airplane and boat show at 6, live music by The Fairchilds at 6:30 and fireworks at dusk.
Rantoul’s 4th of July parade will take place on Monday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.
