(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois implements more requirements on local libraries in order to access state tax dollars, some are questioning whether the state government is overstepping its boundaries. Governor J.B. Pritzker this week signed a first-in-the-nation law that restricts state tax dollars for local libraries that don't follow certain guidelines from a national group. House Bill 2789 requires state libraries to adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights if they want to receive state grants. According to the ALA, material cannot be removed from the shelves for partisan or personal reasons. Supporters say the guidelines make clear that people have access to even controversial material while opponents say the law takes away control from locally elected library and school board members. Republicans say the decision on what books are suitable for children should be left up to the parents.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging the public to watch out for email and text message scams. First there was phishing, where con artists send an email to try to get you to click on a link or obtain your personal information. But now, smishing is becoming more prevalent. That’s where scammers reach out via text, says Attorney General Raoul…
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Raoul also advises against sending the word “stop” to a bogus text because replying confirms the phone number is active and that you’re willing to open such messages.
(Champaign-jm) – A portion of I-74 in Champaign had to be closed for a couple hours Wednesday evening while crews repaired power lines over the interstate. State Police closed both lanes of I-74 between I-57 and Prospect Avenue.
(Buckley–jc) One area engineering firm is celebrating 50 years in business and the company is also in the process of helping a small local community with its sewer and waste water project. Fehr Graham has locations in three states, but also in Champaign locally. The firm is helping the village of Buckley with a new plant project and Buckley Mayor Scott Shockley says they also came out to film about the company in Buckley this week…
Buckley Mayor Scott Shockley.
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is due back in court in July for allegedly selling cocaine. Michael Finley is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of a controlled substance after police stopped his vehicle for failing to signal. The officer learned Finley’s license had been suspended and he had a warrant for his arrest. A search uncovered two phones, $740 in cash, 5 grams of cocaine and 18 grams of cannabis.
(Paxton–jc) – Flag day was Wednesday, and volunteers with the Paxton Grand Ole Flag project continue to place new flags at the site on Paxton’s west side. The giant U S Flag is visible to those traveling up and down Interstate 57. Several new benches have also recently been placed at the site. Organizer Denny Kingren talks about keeping flags in good condition…
Paxton Grand Ole Flag Organizer Denny Kingren
Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law prohibits law enforcement from pulling over drivers solely for having objects hanging from their rearview mirrors. The measure was originally introduced by state Representative La Shawn Ford, of Chicago, and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in March. Ford said changing the law will help keep communities safer as it would reduce the number of interactions police have with drivers for non-violent violations. The Illinois Sheriff’s Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police were opposed to the measure. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
(Springfield-jm) – A new state law aims to prevent repeated accidents at low bridges and viaducts in Illinois. The law creates a pilot program to determine if early warning devices like “LIDAR” technology, radar and special signage can help prevent crashes. It was sponsored by Senator Rachel Ventura of Joliet…
State Senator Rachel Ventura of Joliet. Ventura says bridge strikes alone in Champaign County average around $400,000 in repairs.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home at 2506 Sheridan Dr., Wednesday at 5:57 p.m. Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in this bi-level residence called in by the occupants. Once on the scene, fire crews reported heavy fire coming from the front and side of the home. All the occupants had evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival.
The cause of this fire has not been determined. Investigators have determined the fire started on the upper level of the residence.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinoisans will see a tax increase come July 1st. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson city.
(Undated-jm) - The Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy Team is coming to a field near you to present “ISA Field Days,” designed to deliver you the latest insights in agronomy to help you drive profit and sustainability. The ISA Agronomy Team will be joined by an expert lineup, covering the threats and opportunities Illinois farmers are facing this growing season including crop management, insect issues, nutrient management, weed control and more. On June 29th, the group will be at the Brock Ideus farm in St. Joseph and September 8th at Dave Olson’s farm in Hoopeston.
(Paxton–jc) Plans for the 20-23 Paxton 4th of July Celebration at Pells Park have been finalized. The day starts with a 5-K run around the city at 8am sponsored by the Paxton Masonic Lodge. A community worship service is set for 9-45. A car show, antique tractor show, kids games, music with Baick Pages and lots of food highlight the day in Paxton. Fireworks are set for dusk on July 4th.
WPXN News Notes…
The Ford County Health Department will hold a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day walk today at 1 pm at South Park in Gibson City.
The Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual community appreciation fish fry this evening from 5-7pm at North Park in Gibson City.
