(Springfield-jm) – In light of the guilty verdict handed to Tim Mapes, former right-hand man of criminally charged ex-House Speaker Mike Madigan, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie is pressing for greater ethics laws in the Illinois House…
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. To do that, McCombie has filed legislation to prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. To date, it has been reported that former Speaker Mike Madigan has used nearly $8.5 million in funds from his campaign coffer, ‘Friends of Michael Madigan,’ to pay for legal fees.
(Undated-jm) – National nonprofits Wreaths Across America and the American Legion Auxiliary are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations. Together, they will build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide. The signed MOU between the two groups focuses on engagement with Auxiliary members and Wreaths Across America volunteers to create opportunities for joint community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions. The Auxiliary will expand its participation in Wreaths Across America’s Group Sponsorship Program – there are already more than 100 American Legion Auxiliary groups participating nationwide – which raises awareness and sponsorships to place veterans’ wreaths and support programming while offering the American Legion Auxiliary an option for fundraising.
(Paxton–jc) A new fall festival is coming to the city of Paxton this October. The Paxton Main Street Group is presenting Paxton’s Fall Gathering and Vendor Show on Saturday October 14th in the 200 block of South Market Street. Main Street Director Donna Pepper says fall is a good time for new event for the city…
Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is headed to prison after being found with a gun and drugs. Heaven Gray was sentenced to 15 years in prison after police found meth and a gun with the serial numbers filed off.
(Rantoul–jc) The Village of Rantoul Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Sub-Committee is set to meet this afternoon at village hall. The committee is expected to look at drone footage of the missile and also some photographs of the missile. The group is also looking a fundraising ideas concerning the missile. The committee meeting is set for this afternoon at 5-30. The public is invited to attend.
(Paxton–jc) Summer weather remains with us, with hot temperatures and sunshine, but Autumn is around the corner. Fall is a time that mice like to invade your home. Keeping the rodents out of the house is the topic for Scott’s Tips for Success on Saturday. Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen says check out your home now to see how to keep them out…
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.
Scotts Tips For Success may be heard each Saturday morning at 7-30 on WPXN.
(Decatur-jm) – Mental health for farmers was a topic of conversation Tuesday at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Governor J-B Pritzker joined state ag and FFA leaders to announce increased access to mental health services for rural farmers and ag communities…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Champaign-jm) – In order to construct a new sanitary sewer through portions of South Downtown Champaign, Stark Excavating will be closing more of the eastbound lane of Springfield Avenue. The new closure will be between Locust Street and First Street. The Springfield Avenue and First Street intersection will remain open at this time, as will the westbound lane of traffic on Springfield Avenue. The new lane closure will begin the week of August 28, 2023, and is expected to last several weeks.
(Rantoul–jc) The 20-23 Farm Progress Show is now going in the city of Decatur. Everything in agriculture today through Thursday. The Rantoul based Half Century of Progress saw some record crowds and brought business to the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the event, although it had hot temperatures, brought a lot of visitors to Rantoul…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a two vehicle accident west of Paxton late Tuesday morning. Crews were called to the accident at the intersection of Route 9 and 115 just after 11. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Mahomet-jm) – The Village of Mahomet is hoping to bring more people to town to eat, shop, have fun and live. They are looking to hire an economic development specialist to make it happen. Last week, the Village Board voted unanimously to post the position. Officials said they will start advertising for it soon. Officials want more dollars spent inside Mahomet.
WPXN News notes…
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Loda Lutheran Ladies Aid on Saturday, September 2nd from 10-2.
Dennis Stroughmatt will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, September 2nd. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.
The Team Hope walk for Huntington’s Disease will be held on Saturday, September 9th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Activities include a walk, fun zone for kids and silent auction.
Gilman’s Super Saturday is set for Saturday, September 9th in downtown Gilman.
