(Undated-jm) – Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of slaves on June 19, 1865. Banks, the post office and other government buildings are closed.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Utilizing the authority granted to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in the state budget, the agency has filed emergency and regular rules for the health benefits for immigrant adults and seniors programs. The agency will follow the process laid out in the emergency rules to temporarily pause new enrollments in the program, covering eligible residents between the ages of 42 to 64, beginning July 1. The enrollment changes are necessary to bring program costs within the budgeted amount for State Fiscal Year 2024, which begins July 1.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging people to “fight the bite” and protect themselves from mosquitoes this summer. The West Nile Virus has been detected in four counties so far, St Clair, Morgan, LaSalle and Cook. While many people who are infected don’t have many symptoms, the virus can be serious for the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey says that’s why it's important to “fight the bite”...

 

 

Illinois Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Some of the most effective mosquito repellents contain deet, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin. Last year in Illinois, 8 people died of West Nile Virus.

 

(Ford County-jm) – The Ford County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own. Lieutenant Pat Duffy passed away Friday. Duffy had been with the Sheriff’s office since 1978.

 

(Buckley-jm) – The Buckley Lions Club is raising money for a mural. The mural will be painted by Nate Grice, who painted murals in Paxton, on the south wall of the village waterworks building.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Tired of watering yet? A horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Extension has some tips for making sure your plants get enough moisture. For starters, all plants should be watered at the roots, says the Extension’s Chris Enroth. Getting too much water on the leaves can lead to disease. He also recommends using the hose nozzle on the “shower” setting so you don’t blast your plants and says you can check the ground for adequate moisture…

 

 

University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist Chris Enroth. Enroth says established plants need moisture at a soil depth of 6 to 8 inches. That equates to about an inch of water per week.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man will spend 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12 year old girl in 2019. Lanell Metcalfe received the sentence in Champaign County court after being convicted for predatory criminal sexual assault.

 

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is wrapping up data collection for its upcoming June 30th report on planted acreage. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Roberts–jc)  The 20-23 Roberts Fun Day is set for this Saturday. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with an online lingerie retailer. The settlement resolves claims that AdoreMe, Inc. deceptively marketed its VIP Membership Program to consumers and made it difficult to cancel memberships. The company offered discounted pricing if they enrolled in the program and were charged nearly $40 a month. Consumers could only avoid the automatic charge if they made a purchase before the sixth day of each month or logged onto their accounts to decline the charge. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Law enforcement in Illinois will now be able to use drones as a public safety tool. A new state law just signed by Governor J-B Pritzker allows police to launch drones over large crowds such as festivals and parades. Senator Linda Holmes of Aurora sponsored the measure, calling it one of the most important of her career…

 

 

State Senator Linda Holmes of Aurora. Police could also use drones to respond to a call, so that they can collect real-time information before they arrive on the scene. The law takes effect immediately.

 

(Paxton-jm) – The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual golf outing Friday. WPXN came in first followed by Shields in Paxton and Paxton IGA. Best dressed was The Frederick Community Bank.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a multi-family apartment complex at 2777 Hunters Pond Run, Sunday at 3:04 p.m.  Firefighters responded to an initial report from a passerby of a fire on a third-floor balcony.  Once on the scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the apartment building.  The fire was quickly upgraded to a second-alarm.  The cause of this fire has not been determined however, investigators have determined the fire started near an exterior closet on a third-floor balcony.  The occupants of two units of this 30-unit building will be displaced because of this fire. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Drought conditions are worsening in Illinois. Precipitation in Illinois has been well below normal since May 1st. The latest U-S Drought Monitor shows 65 percent of the state in at least a moderate drought and 15 percent is considered in a severe drought. State Climatologist Trent Ford says the lack of rain is taking its toll…

 

 

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Ford says pasture conditions are suffering and many producers in the driest parts of the state are having to supplement feed due to poor hay quality and yields.

 

(Undated-jm) – Republican Regan Deering officially launched her campaign for state representative of the 88th District. The district includes portions of Macon, McLean, DeWitt, and Piatt Counties. It is currently represented by state Representative Dan Caulkins, who will not seek reelection. Deering unsuccessfully made a run for Congress last year. Deering was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that ended the Pritzker Administration’s COVID-19 requirement for children to wear masks in schools.

 

(Washington-jm) – A lowering of cheese prices in USDA’s latest dairy forecasts led to similar adjustments among product and class price categories. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Melvin–jc)  – The 20-23 Ford County Fair starts on Sunday. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the  details…

 

 

The City of Paxton will hold brush pickup this week.