(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Human Services is warning residents about a scam involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A spokesperson with the agency said the scammers have targeted both SNAP and non-SNAP recipients around the state. Officials said IDHS will never call or text asking for anyone’s information like their PIN number, their Link card number or other personal information. Officials recommend Link card holders change their PIN monthly.
(Washington-jm) – Fall harvested crops reflect a month-over-month rise in production forecasts, per USDA's November Crop Production Report. Rod Bain reports…
(Rural Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called to a structure fire in rural Paxton Thursday evening. The call came in a little after 5 for the fire southeast of Paxton. The fire was a controlled burn that got out of hand.
(Rantoul-jm) – A federal jury found a Rantoul man guilty of possessing child pornography on Thursday. Prosecutors said Edward Brown was convicted after a two-day trial at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana. His sentencing has been scheduled for March 8, 2024, and he faces up to 20 years in prison. Evidence presented during trial showed that Brown, while on parole for another child pornography offense, was found to be in possession of an unauthorized phone that had several images of child pornography on it. The children in those images were under the age of 12.
(Paxton–jc) – Veteran’s Day is Saturday and one local Vets Center along with the school band is hosting a Veteran’s Day event. 10am on Friday is the time for the Veteran’s Event at Paxton Buckley Loda High School. Ford County Veterans Assistance Center Director Rebecca Rutledge says the concert is at the high school and the public is invited…
Ford County Veterans Assistance Center Director Rebecca Rutledge.
(Undated-jm) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Illinois State Director Betsy Dirksen Londrigan announced USDA Rural Development is awarding an additional $10 million in loans and grants to help agricultural producers and rural business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of their operations. The Department continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through September 30th, 2024.
(Bloomington–dm-jc) The Illinois High School Association continues to grow with more programs for Illinois high school students. I-H-S-A Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson provides some insight into the goals of the organization.
Associate Executive Director of the IHSA Kurt Gibson. A full conversation with Gibson can be heard Saturday morning during our On The Sidelines, program.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Lottery and the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs have launched the 2023 Winter Riches Instant Ticket, where 100% of profits are directed to organizations supporting veterans in Illinois. Launched in 2006, the ticket has generated more than $21 million, and approximately 400 veterans' organizations statewide have received funds. The $2 ticket is available wherever Illinois Lottery tickets are sold.
(Washington-jm) – Experts expected that U.S. agricultural exports would take a hit in fiscal year 2023 and that's exactly what happened. Gary Crawford reports…
(Crescent City-jm) – A staple at the Iroquois County Fair is coming to an end. After 60 years, St. Peter's Lutheran Church will no longer have a food tent at the annual fair held outside of Crescent City. The church cited their aging congregation population for the reason.
(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois Police on Thursday arrested a man who stabbed a store clerk during an October 26 retail theft attempt off campus. Police initially were called at 3:53 a.m. by a store employee at Circle K, on Green Street in Champaign, who reported that he was stabbed when he stopped a man who attempted to take alcohol from the store without paying. The employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Otha Parker Jr, 56, of Urbana was arrested for aggravated battery and taken to the Champaign County Jail.
(Paxton-jm) – The mapping sessions for Paxton are over and now the work begins focusing on the four main priorities: housing, business support and development, leisure and infrastructure. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis talks about how the chamber can assist in the progress towards the goals…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis.
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Potomac man is under arrest after he led Hoopeston police on a chase. Ronald Howie was arrested after police attempted to stop the vehicle Howie was driving, then he attempted to elude officers westbound on Route 9. After a chase, the subject finally stopped at 3400 North and 470 East Road. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding Vermilion County warrant and a suspended driver’s license. He was issued several tickets including speeding 115 in a 55, operating uninsured vehicle, disobeying traffic control device X 2, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police officer, driving while license suspended, drives any vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, unlawful display on vehicle of license plate.
(Paxton–jc) A baker's dozen members of the Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Chapter were in Indianapolis this past week for the national convention. One competition for the local F F A was in nursery and landscaping. Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor Kirsten Wyatt says they came in 10th in the nation…
Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor Kirsten Wyatt. Three students also received the American Degree. They are Gracie Wagner, Jordan Walder and Macy Kingren.
(Paxton–jc) – Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. WPXN news talked with Ford County Veterans Assistance Center of Paxton’s Director Rebbecca Rutledge…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual banquet today at the Linden Banquet Center.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Rantoul Masonic Lodge on Saturday from 10-2.
The Ford Iroquois 4-H Foundation will host their annual auction on Sunday starting at 1:30 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Woodworth.
