(Springfield-jm) – The first black woman to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court was sworn in Thursday. After taking the oath at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, new Justice Lisa Holder-White spoke about the historic moment…
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New Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder-White. Holder-White replaces retiring Justice Rita Garman. White’s appointment expires at the end of next year when the seat will be filled by the winner of the 2024 general election.
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(Rantoul-tr) – The village of Rantoul voted to make a purchase that will replace their HVAC system at the water plant. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the equipment is on-site and ready to go shortly…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Undated-jm) – A man has been arrested following a string of arson fires in Champaign and Rantoul. Jamal Carter is charged with aggravated arson in connection to the March 3rd fire at the home of a relative in Champaign. He’s also suspected of trying to set fire to the same residence three more times including once this week. Carter is also suspected of setting the three fires at the same home on Gleason Drive in Rantoul. Right now, Carter is only facing one count of aggravated arson in connection to the March 3rd fire but Champaign County prosecutors say they will likely file additional charges for the others.
(Gibson City–jc) – No word, yet, from the Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office concerning a fire on Monday that destroyed Jay’s Place in downtown Gibson City and heavily damaged Hustedt Jewelers and also Hood’s Ace Hardware. Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey says more should be available later today…
Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey. Mayor Dickey also would like to say, again, thank you to all the area fire departments that helped fight the downtown Gibson City fire. Hood’s Ace Hardware and Hustedt Jewelers remain closed due to the fire. Owners of Hood’s Ace are asking any customers with any needs to contact their Mahomet Hood’s Ace Hardware.
(Onarga-jm) – Wreaths Across America is recognizing groups across the state for their commitment to their local veterans and communities and one of those groups recognized is right here in the WPXN listening area. Onarga American Legion Post 551 joins 9 other organizations around the state to receive the honor. National Wreaths Across America day is set for Saturday, December 17th.
(Penfield-tr) – The I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club Historic Farms Days got underway yesterday in Penfield. I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter details all the activities going on today…
Stelter shares what will take place this Saturday…
I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter
(Rantoul–jc) Habitat for Humanity will be building a new home in Rantoul in 20-23. Those with interest in the program must start by filling out a form with Habitat for Humanity. Forms are available on line. Anyone, to date, that has filled out an interest form will automatically receive an application. That date is today.
WPXN News will continue to provide information on this project as it develops.
(Watseka–jc) The travel channel is expected to do a feature Watseka on Saturday night. The program, “Ghost-brothers” is doing a show on the Watseka Wonder-House. The program airs at 7pm on Saturday.
(Highland Park-jm) – As the community of Highland Park heals, one lawmaker shares how you can help. Several fundraising campaigns have been launched since the 4th of July mass shooting, but Representative Bob Morgan offers a good starting place if you’re wanting to donate…
State Representative Bob Morgan. Morgan says if you are in the area, blood donations are always welcome. Otherwise, he recommends talking to local legislators about what can be done to prevent a similar tragedy in your community.
(Vermilion County-jm) – A Vermilion County man was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for possession of meth. Edward Finch was on parole for a previous meth conviction and proceeded to use meth and drove throughout country roads in Vermilion County. Finch attempted to break into a home in Vermilion County through their garage. He then confronted a neighbor with a passenger in his vehicle resulting in an argument. The neighbor then called Vermilion Sheriff’s Deputies. The deputies recognized Finch as a parole, as he had just been released one month prior for meth possession. At the time, deputies arrested Finch for 80 grams of meth on his armrest.
(Paxton-jm) – Two Paxton residents have been named the Illinois Soybean Associations 20 under 40 winners. Dallas Glazik and Michael Nelson both were announced as winners. Congratulations to both on the awards.
(Springfield-jm) – The state primary is done and now the focus shifts to the November election. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses some of the upcoming races…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – Chrystalla Mouza has been appointed dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign effective August 15, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Her title until officially approved will be dean of the College of Education designate. Mouza is the director and Distinguished Professor of Teacher Education specializing in educational technology in the University of Delaware’s School of Education, and a professor of computer and information sciences in Delaware’s College of Engineering.
(Cissna Park–jc ) The July Shop the Park in downtown Cissna Park is set for Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Dozens of local vendors ranging from Perfume Meats and Bauer’s Crops and Cattle to Donna’s Rolls and Pastries will be there. Cissna Park Development Board Spokesperson Bud Petry says some new vendors are also coming on Saturday…
Cissna Park Development Board Spokesperson Bud Petry
(Champaign–jc) A portion of Cottage Grove Court near Springfield Avenue in Champaign will be closed today for a repaving project.. The closure is expected to last around one week for road repairs. The city of Champaign reminds the motoring public to take extra precaution in road construction areas.
The Paxton Police Department shooting range will be open to the public on Saturday from 10-noon. Cost is $10.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Paxton Masonic Lodge on Saturday from 10-2.
Champaign County will host a first responder recruitment fair on Saturday from 10-2 at Parkland College Dodds Athletic Center.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in LaRable will hold their annual parish homecoming on Sunday with mass at 11 am and a chicken and pork chop dinner from 12-5. Also happening including a tractor pull at noon, kiddie tractor pull at 1, raffles and bingo throughout the day.
