(Chicago-jm) – The trial of four people accused of trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been scheduled for March 6. The four are accused of arranging for Madigan’s associates and allies to get jobs, contracts and money in order to influence Madigan as key legislation worked its way through Springfield. The trial was moved because of conflicts with singer R. Kelly’s child pornography trial.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have just about wrapped up winter wheat harvesting. Winter wheat harvesting is now 96 percent complete, which is about on par with the five year average. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 60 percent of corn is now silking…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 41 percent of soybeans are blooming and eight percent are setting pods. 62 percent of the soybean crop is rated in good to excellent condition. The second cutting of alfalfa is now 78 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture is now rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate and five percent surplus.
(Mahomet-jm) – The Illinois State Police said that a 73-year-old woman was injured in the crash that happened on I-74 in Mahomet Monday morning. State Troopers said that a car driven by Judy Bunde of Stewartville, Minnesota was driving eastbound when she experienced a “medical event.” Bunde’s car swerved off the highway, entered the center median, became airborne and hit an embankment. Bunde was airlifted to an area hospital, but her injuries are not life-threatening.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers needs help finding a thief. Police say he stole cigarettes and liquor from a Circle K. Authorities say the man approached the counter with those items, and then he asked for more items to distract the employee. That’s when he left. Witnesses believe he is in his 40s, about 5’10”, with a medium build and tattoos on his arms. If you have any information regarding this or any crime in Champaign County, please contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS
(Springfield-jm) – The Director of the Department of Children and Family Services has been held in contempt a dozen times since the beginning of the year. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the issue and what needs to be done…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. On July 17th, George Pacheco of Gibson City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and battery.
(Washington-jm) – New crop insurance designed to provide greater coverage of double cropping practices have been announced for 2023. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is expanding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to now provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents ages 42 and over. The program was launched in March initially for qualified people ages 55 to 64.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have just about wrapped up winter wheat harvesting. About five days were suitable for fieldwork this past week, and 96 percent of winter wheat has now been harvested. That compares to 97 percent completed at this time last year. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener looks at soybeans…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 60 percent of corn is silking and six percent is in the dough stage. 70 percent of the corn crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate and five percent surplus.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Three teenagers were arrested and charged following a series of vehicle burglaries that happened in Clifton and Chebanse. Deputies from the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Clifton Police Department arrested 19-year-old David Hodges along with two male juveniles, 16 and 17 years of age. All three of the suspects are from Kankakee. The Sheriff’s Office said the three were also arrested in connection with a residential burglary that happened in the Iroquois Mobile Estates park in Chebanse. They attempted to flee from the mobile home park on foot, but were caught and taken into custody without incident. They’ve been charged with multiple counts of Burglary to Motor Vehicle, Residential Burglary, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The teens remain in custody awaiting a court appearance.
(Urbana-jm) – If the city of Urbana is going to get another plasma center, it’s going to have to wait. Further discussion on the new plasma donation center in Urbana was pulled from last night’s meeting. It was proposed that the donation center will go in the old save-a-lot grocery store on North Broadway. That request did not pass last week’s vote. As of now, there is no set date for further talks on that decision.
(Iroquois Fair-tr) – The Iroquois County Fair gets underway today and runs through the 24th just outside Crescent City. Iroquois County Fair Secretary Pat Ward gives a rundown of each main event…
Iroquois County Fair Secretary Pat Ward. Six girls will be competing for the title of Miss Iroquois County tonight. The contestants are: Nicole Gotter of Watseka, Jordin Lucht of Milford, Cassie Peters of Crescent City, Destiny Thomas of Danforth, Emma Hensen of Milford and Jakki Mowrey of Milford. The pageant begins at 7.
(Rantoul-jm) – The village of Rantoul is getting a new fire chief. Ken Waters is retiring from the Rantoul Fire Department. Waters served the department for 47 years including the last 17 as chief. Chad Smith will take over as chief starting August 1st.
(Washington-jm) – Good demand and continued high prices are in the offing for the upcoming U.S. corn crop. Gary Crawford reports…
