(Springfield-jm) – Concerns are being raised as solar energy facilities displace Midwestern farmland. The Institute for Energy Research reports that the target for solar operations is increasingly in the Midwest, where government subsidies allow solar companies to pay more to rent land than the farmers feeding the nation. The Solar Energy Industries Association reported that there are 373 solar companies in Illinois. According to the SEIA, 2% of the state's electricity comes from solar sources. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced earlier this year that Illinois would receive $156 million from Environmental Protection Agency taxpayer funds for solar programs. In addition, the governor announced that the nonprofits HIRE360 and the 548 Foundation would receive nearly $14 million in state taxpayer funding to expand its clean energy careers training program. The Energy Information Administration reported that wind power accounts for 12 percent of Illinois' energy generation. The Illinois Power Agency said the state ranks fifth in the nation in wind energy production.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Department is out with its first food price forecast for next year. Gary Crawford reports...
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney is releasing the names of two Champaign teens who have died of gunshot injuries sustained in a shooting incident in the 2000 Block of Cynthia Drive in the City of Champaign Sunday morning. George Dorris-Rodgers and Daniyjah Staple, both 18 years of age were pronounced dead at Carle Foundation. Autopsies are scheduled for today in Springfield. An inquest may be held at a later date. The deaths are being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police Department. The Champaign Police Department says also injured were a 25-year-old female who was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her arm and a 15-year-old male who was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. They remain hospitalized in stable condition.
(Watseka-jm) – A Watseka woman is facing numerous charges after a large-scale drug bust in the tiny eastern Illinois town. The Watseka Enforcement Team conducted an undercover narcotics purchase that led to a search warrant. Police said they recovered approximately 1,200 grams of cannabis, 280 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, 500 "pressed pills" that tested positive for meth and fentanyl, nearly 400 Xanax bars, a small amount of cocaine and 15 grams of ecstasy. Kristin Kirby, 30, was charged with several drug offenses, and as a result of the SAFE-T Act, was released from custody.
(Gibson City—jc) – She grew up in Ford County and is now attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas and she now has a new title. Bella Rose is the United States of America's Miss 20-24. Bella Rose says growing up in Ford County and the encouragement of family and friends helped mold her into who she is today...
United States of America's Miss 20-24 Bella Rose of Las Vegas Nevada, a former Gibson City resident and Gibson City Melvin Sibley graduate.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Three people are jailed in Iroquois County, arrested Thursday on a series of outstanding warrants. U.S. Marshals and Iroquois County deputies arrested 39-year-old Candace Searcy, 37-year-old Joshua Searcy and 30-year-old Austin Knauss. All three were taken into custody at a residence in Cissna Park. Charges against Candace Searcy include drug possession and probation violation on warrants out of Vermilion and Douglas Counties and in Benton County, Indiana. Joshua Searcy was wanted on two warrants out of Ford County for forgery and drug possession. Knauss was wanted on a Kankakee County warrant for aggravated DUI. All three were taken to the Iroquois County Jail.
(Paxton-jm) – There's a vacancy on the Paxton City Council. Kendall Cox recently stepped down from his seat in Ward 3. The city says there has been some interest in the position. Those interested must be from Ward 3 and can reach out to Mayor Bill Ingold to inquire about the vacancy.
(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois state senator has concerns about a new law possibly allowing wastewater agencies to charge consumers more. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 5459 into law earlier this month. The law mandates a public utility that provides drinking water services report water usage of a resident to a municipal wastewater agency upon request. Two senators opposed the measure in the Illinois Senate. State Sen. Craig Wilcox, said the reason why he voted against the measure was because water users do all kinds of things with water that doesn't go into the wastewater system. For example: growing vegetables, washing cars and filling pools.
(Washington-jm) – Several companion publications to the 2022 Census of Agriculture provide further breakdown of data by specific categories and topics of focus. Rod Bain reports...
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 9:09 a.m. on Saturday to the 2000 block of W. Springfield Avenue for a report of a Bank Robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned a suspect had entered the bank and demanded money while implying that he had a firearm and threatening staff. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of currency. No injuries have been reported to Champaign Police, and there is no evidence a gun was displayed or discharged during the commission of the robbery. No arrests have been made at this time. Future updates may be provided as they become available.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 3:16 a.m. Saturday morning to the 1800 block of W. Bradley Avenue for a report of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located two women - both aged 22, both from Champaign – who had suffered gunshot wounds. One of the victims had been struck in the cheek and hand. The second victim had suffered a graze wound to the leg. The wounds of both are considered non-life-threatening and they remain in stable condition. The initial investigation indicates that the victims were attending an impromptu gathering in a parking lot when a yet unknown subject produced a firearm and opened fire. The subject then fled the area. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
(Paxton–jc) The 20-24 Paxton Christmas parade committee has been busy in the month of July, preparing for the annual city of Paxton parade. This year's theme is "the Magic of Paxton" and will hilite and feature the many positives of the city and its residents, says Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad...
Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad. This year's parade is set for November 30th and steps off at 1-30 that afternoon.
(Kankakee County-jm) – An extensive investigation by Iroquois County Sheriff's Police has led to the arrests of three suspects connected to a series of burglaries in western parts of rural Iroquois County earlier this year. Thursday, the U.S Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force took the three suspects into custody without incident in Kankakee. All three are in the Iroquois County Jail awaiting a court appearance. 27-year-old Samuel Hines, 28-year-old Rubicell Lopez and 47-year-old Justin Kuehne face multiple counts of burglary. An Iroquois County Sheriff's Office press release states the series of burglaries occurred at rural homes and farm sites stretching from rural Onarga to rural Chebanse.
(Champaign-jm) – The Ten 78 Foundation and Never Forgotten Services are thrilled to announce the 2024 Back the Badge Fest headliner, hosted this year at a new location, The City Center in Champaign, Illinois. On October 4, 2024, the multi platinum-selling, chart-topping American Rock Icon WARRANT is coming to Champaign, Illinois, for Back the Badge Fest 2024! Known for hits like "Cherry Pie," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "Heaven" – this is sure to pack the house! Doors will open at 6PM and the show will begin at 8PM, with an opening artist that will be announced at a later date. Tickets are on sale now at www.citycenterchampaign.com!
WPXN News Notes...
The City of Paxton will hold brush pickup starting today and going until all streets and alleys have been taken care of.
