(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service has confirmed at least two tornadoes touched down in the WPXN listening area Friday evening. The first tornado, rated an E-F-1 touched down 3 miles south of Dewey and continued going northeast for 11 miles, causing significant damage to the FS plant and flipping several semi’s and a bus on I-57 about 2 miles south of Ludlow. The second tornado, also rated an E-F-1, touched down 4 miles southwest of Rankin and traveled almost 17 miles to the north side of Wellington in Iroquois County, damaging several farm buildings along the way. The severe threat isn’t over, the National Weather Service warns another round of significant severe weather is possible tomorrow with more tornadoes possible.
(Springfield-jm) – As Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off in April, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is hi-liting one telltale sign. Bruising can often indicate that a child is being abused, but it’s important to note where the bruises are located, says DCFS Spokesperson Deobrah Lopez. She says they use the “ten-four” rule…
DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez. To report suspected cases of child abuse, you can call: 1-800-25-ABUSE or visit the website: child abuse dot illinois dot gov.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire inside an attached garage at 1524 Harrington Drive Sunday afternoon. Firefighters responded to a report from an occupant of a fire in the garage of this single-story home. Once on the scene, firefighters reported heavy smoke coming from the garage. Crews deployed a single hose line to quickly extinguish the fire contained to the garage. The cause of this fire is accidental and has been attributed to the improper disposal of smoking materials.
(Washington-jm) – Here are some highlights from USDA's Prospective Plantings Report. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – Another marijuana dispensary is coming to Champaign. Cloud9 will be located at West Town Center and Moreland Boulevard. This is Champaign’s third dispensary and the fourth shop in Champaign-Urbana.
(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton. The family owned business has been in operation since 1979. Owner Gene May says the company offers garage hauling and recycling, but also has a wide variety of roll-off containers for projects ranging from cleaning out a garage to a large construction project…
Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling Owner Gene May
(Undated-jm) – Minor injuries were reported following a pair of tornadoes touching down in the WPXN listening area Friday evening. Tornadoes were reported near Rantoul and near Rankin. A bus and a couple of semi’s were flipped over on I-57 as the tornado crossed it, resulting in a couple of minor injuries. The road was closed for several hours on Friday night. Work on power lines between Rantoul and Dewey also continues. Clean up on Interstate 57 near Ludlow continued on Saturday night as traffic was rerouted for around 3 hours. The National Weather Service warns another round of severe weather is expected tomorrow including tornadoes.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill passed by the Illinois Senate last week will give college students more access to emergency contraceptives. Public universities, colleges and community colleges would have to set up at least one “wellness” kiosk on campus that offers emergency contraception under the bill. Opponents argue that schools shouldn’t be required to bear the cost of these machines. Senator Celina Villaneuva of Chicago responds…
State Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago. The kiosk may also be stocked with things like condoms and tampons. The bill now moves to the House.
(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois Police have issued a campus safety update that they have arrested the person Saturday responsible for at least five incidents of trespassing or attempted burglaries on the U of I campus last month. The incidents happened at apartments on the 300 block of East Green Street in Champaign. Officials said that a single intruder entered five unlocked apartments in the building. In some of those cases, the tenants were at home when it happened, and the intruder stayed for several minutes before leaving. Police said they are unable to provide additional information about the arrest because the arrestee is under 18 years old.
(Washington-jm) – A USDA report indicates that total planted acres to the 22 principal crops this spring will be significantly higher than last season. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing multiple sexual assault charges. Andrew Kirk of Champaign is facing 2 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. Bond was set at $100,000.
