(Rural Paxton-jm) – Two people have died after a two vehicle accident east of Paxton Thursday evening. Emergency crews were called to the accident between a semi and an SUV just after 5:30 on Route 9 between 2300 and 2400. The names of the two deceased have not yet been officially released by authorities.
(Washington-jm) – Former Republican Congressman Rodney Davis has been hired as head of governmental affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Davis was elected to Congress in 2012 representing a district that included parts of Central Illinois. Two years ago, he lost a GOP primary race in the newly drawn 15th District to U.S. Rep. Mary Miller. Davis will start his new job this month.
(Paxton–jc) No one was injured in a two vehicle accident in downtown Paxton on Thursday morning. The accident happened at the intersection of Pells and Market in the downtown area. No tickets were issued. Downtown traffic was delayed for several hours.
(Watseka–jc) A mitigation planning hearing is set for Iroquois County later this month. WPXN"s Dan Mushrush has the story...
(Washington-jm) – Several crop and commodity growing areas report a month over month decrease in drought coverage per the last U.S. Drought Monitor for July 2024. Rod Bain reports...
(Mahomet-jm) – The results are in on how the Mahomet-Seymour School Board might deal with crowded classrooms. There was a survey sent out with two plans. The superintendent said people chose the more expensive option over the alternative. That was the $112.9 million plan to build new 6th through 8th grade and 2nd through 3rd grade buildings. The second less-popular plan was only about $3 million less and would build a new 6th through 8th grade building while renovating other schools. Both plans would add $40 million of improvements to the high school in about five years. The school board now needs to decide whether they want to move forward with the plan and put it on a ballot. A special meeting will be held Monday at 7.
(Loda-jm) – Multiple departments were called to an electrical fire in Loda Thursday afternoon. Crews were called to the fire on Iroquois Trail just before 1:30. Paxton, Buckley and Loda were called to the scene. No damage was reported.
(Gilman–dm) The City of Gilman has a lot of street and sewer projects under construction, including a $2.3 million project that's just about complete. Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield tells us about the project.
Gilman Mayor Rick Thesfield
(Champaign-jm) – One lane was closed on I-57 southbound after a driver was injured in a rollover crash Thursday morning. A box truck rolled over in the ditch just near exit 237B. The driver was hurt in the crash and was taken to a local hospital.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois voters will be asked in November if the state's constitution should be amended to provide property tax relief. A former Democratic governor is leading the effort to ensure voters know about the referendum. Illinois has one of the highest and most burdensome property tax bills in the country, but state lawmakers and former governor Pat Quinn hope to provide some relief for people struggling to get by. Voters will be asked if the Illinois constitution should be amended to create an additional 3% tax for millionaires. The state would put money from the new tax into a property tax relief fund.
(Sangamon County-jm) – Sean Grayson, the ex-deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office who shot Sonya Massey, never should have been allowed to be a law enforcement officer, according to Representative Robin Kelly. Right now, when an officer resigns while being investigated, or moves to another department, their disciplinary record may not show all of the information about their history. Representative Kelly co-sponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The plan would create a federal registry of police misconduct complaints, which would keep officers with concerning behavior from wearing a badge.
(Washington-jm) – One expert says one of the best ways to help your brain is to move your body. Gary Crawford reports...
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department released the results of their July traffic safety campaign. Most traffic violations involved speeding, with 46 citations and two written warnings given. Three drivers were cited for driving without a valid license, and four were cited for expired registration. One warning was given for improper lane usage. Meanwhile, one child safety seat was found to have been in violation. Officers also made one felony arrest for unlawful gun possession.
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders have researched options for grants at several levels of government and continue to look at ways to fund Phase 2 of the city's Streetscape program. In updating our story from yesterday, Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says city leaders continue to pursue grants and other funding options...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Onarga–jc) The Circus is coming to one Iroquois County town later this month. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Clerk is once again emphasizing the need for poll workers this election season, especially Republicans. Clerk Aaron Ammons said the biggest concern is having enough people on Election Day. He said they need a total of 325. Right now, they have 302 — but they're short on Republican judges, with only 91 so far and 211 Democrats. Ammons said the ideal break down would be 171 Democrats, and 154 Republicans.
WPXN Weekend News Notes...
Paxton Mainstreet hosts a First Friday concert tonight at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Holly Smith performs from 7 pm to 9pm
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Class of 2027 on Saturday from 10-2.
The Bement Country Opry will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday at 7pm. Cost is $10 for those 13 and older. Food will be available starting at 5:30.
