(Springfield-jm) – State and local police are continuing their campaign against drunk driving through January 2nd. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort is underway for the holidays. Illinois Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Wappel says unfortunately, DUI deaths are on the rise…
IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. Police will also use increased patrols to identify speeders, those not wearing a seatbelt and distracted drivers.
(Kankakee County-jm) – A Kankakee County judge is expected to make a ruling today on the constitutionality of the Safe-T Act. Among the chief complaints of the act is the elimination of cash bail in the state on January 1st. The judge heard the case last week. Several states attorneys and sheriff’s sued the state over the law claiming it is unconstitutional, however it was agreed upon to merge them all into one case.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is awarding nearly 350 thousand dollars in grants to groups around the state. The grants are issued quarterly and this round is going to six different organizations, says Director Terry Prince…
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince. The money is going to groups like AllenForce in Plainfield which works with women who have experienced sexual trauma in the military and the Fishing for Freedom Fishing Tournament in Quincy.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking assistance with a wanted suspect, 47-year-old Evelyn Bellamy. Police said Bellamy is 5’1”, weighs 185 lbs. and has black hair and brown eyes. She has two warrants for her arrest, the first is for failure to appear- felon possession/ use of a weapon. Bond was set at $7,500. The second warrant is for failure to appear- retail theft, with bond set at $5,000.
(Washington-jm) – The value of farmland is continuing to rise in many markets. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Driver Services facility was temporarily closed due to a frozen pipe that burst. Officials say that the facility was closed during the clean-up, and will reopen today
(Paxton–jc) What are expectations and hopes for the new year. WPXN news asked area Civic and Business leaders that question. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis wants to see more growth in local businesses…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis
(Springfield-jm) – The state is getting a few new designations in 2023. Among the new laws taking effect in January include naming Dolostone as the official state rock of Illinois and choosing the Eastern Milksnake as the official state snake. Senator Dave Severin sponsored that bill last spring, saying the name came from a very old belief that the snakes could milk cows…
State Senator Dave Severin. Additionally, the official state theatre will now be the “Theatre in the Park” at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site and August 1st is dedicated as Sweet Corn Appreciation Day in Illinois.
(Undated-jm) – The price of gas continues to drop in Illinois according to Gasbuddy. The average price of gas in Illinois has fallen 11.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $ 3.14 per gallon. Prices in Illinois are 66.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 20.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Extension Office is offering a few ideas on what to do with your Christmas tree once you’re ready to take it down. Christmas trees can have a second life after the holidays says U of I Extension Horticulture Educator Chris Enroth…
U of I Extension Horticulturist Chris Enroth. That means not dumping the tree on someone else’s property or in a public lake or ditch. Enroth says many communities have a pick-up program where the trees are turned into mulch. You can also use Christmas trees as firewood but only for an outdoor firepit because of the resin in evergreens.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing multiple charges after he went on a tirade at a family members home and destroyed several items. Police responded after a female resident called them after Mario Pettigrew became upset when a trip to the store did not go as scheduled. The woman told police Pettigrew started throwing things around then grabbed a large knife and threatened her with it. Pettigrew damaged two TVs, a stove and a mirror as well as urns of two family members. Police located Pettigrew thanks to a GPS device he had been ordered to wear from an unrelated robbery and domestic battery case. The judge set bond at $200,000. He was charged with unlawful use of weapons by a felon, criminal damage to property, aggravated assault and violation of pre-trial conditions. He is due back in court January 18th.
(Washington-jm) – Will corn growers boost acreage in 2023? Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a bank robbery. The Champaign Police Department says they responded to the First Financial Bank located at 1205 S. Neil Street on December 19, for reports of a bank robbery. Police say upon arrival, officers learned a suspect entered the bank, displayed a note indicating the presence of a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect was described as a white male with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hat, white face mask, dark blue vest, long-sleeved gray shirt, jeans, and black gloves.
(Gibson City–jc) What does the future hold and what are the hopes for the new year. WPXN news talked to 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett about issues for the new year…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
