(Springfield-jm) – An executive order penned by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday created a new state position with the Illinois Department on Aging. The chief planning officer will lead the development and implementation of a multi-year, multi-sector plan for the department. The plan will serve as a decade-long blueprint to support healthy aging in Illinois with clear objectives for public and private sector progress.
(Monticello–jc) Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 arrested 39-year-old William C. Griswold of Monticello, Tuesday for Dissemination of Child Pornography which is a Class X Felony. State Police conducted a residential search warrant in Monticello in reference to multiple Cyber Tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ) regarding child pornography. Prior to the search warrant, I-S-P special agents took William C. Griswold into custody and transported him to the Piatt County Jail. This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Illinois Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Piatt County State's Attorney's Office, the Monticello Police Department, and ISP.
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will help provide more educational opportunities for young people serving time in the Department of Corrections. The law requires the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to establish an emerging adults program for 18 to 21-year-olds in prisons. These people could be transported to the juvenile justice center in Harrisburg, Illinois to participate in therapy sessions, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.
(Washington-jm) – How does this year's record setting U.S. soybean production translate into both the domestic and world supply and demand ledgers? Rod Bain reports...
(Ford County-jm) – At this week's meeting, the Ford County Board approved plans for a new solar farm near Gibson City. Gibson City Mayor Daniel Dickey estimates that the farm will generate $24 million in tax revenue over the next 35 years. Much of that money will go into the school district and powering the city. Earthrise Energy will construct it next to their peaking plant outside town. They said it will bring 20 new jobs to the area. They also plan to plant trees and native plants around the solar farm this fall. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is starting its Business After Hours program. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...
(Champaign-jm) – More than three years after Champaign Officer Christopher Oberheim's death in the line of duty, the woman who illegally gave his killer the murder weapon has been sentenced to prison. Ashantae Corruthers was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by three years of parole. She pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy — one of illegally buying and transferring a firearm and one of engaging in misleading conduct. Corruthers and Regina Lewis were both accused of buying the gun for Darion Lafayette, who shot and killed Officer Oberheim and wounded his partner Jeffrey Creel in 2021 after the officers responded to a domestic dispute. Lafayette also died in the incident.
(Loda–jc) An Agri-Wellness event is set for mid-September at a rural Loda farm.The Free-to-attend event is sponsored by Co-Bank, Compeer Financial and the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Event spokesperson Valerie Wright says there are a wide variety of services offered for free to farmers and spouses...
Agri-Wellness Event Spokesperson Valerie Wright. Space is limited. Registration is required by September 5th by calling 309-438-2970.
(Undated-jm) – A Champaign business is one of several that are closing in the country. LL Flooring announced their Champaign store along with stores in Bloomington, East Peoria and three in the Chicagoland area are among the 94 stores they are closing nationwide amid bankruptcy concerns.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee has been busy planning for several annual holiday events. They include a tree lighting ceremony the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the annual parade, the next day. 20-24 Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad says a cook-off to celebrate local firemen is also in the works, again...
20-24 Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad. This year's theme for the Christmas parade is "The magic of Paxton."
(Springfield-jm) – Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a bill into law to improve access to Alzheimer's treatment in Illinois. The legislation requires the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications to slow progression of the disease. This law also requires coverage for diagnostic testing for doctors to determine the best treatment or medication. The new insurance coverage will begin on July 1, 2025.
(Springfield-jm) – A new state law could help make schools safer through updated student discipline procedures. The Illinois State Board of Education will be required to draft and publish guidance for development of reciprocal reporting systems between schools and law enforcement. This plan also calls on ISBE to publish guidance for re-engagement of students suspended, expelled or returning from an alternative school setting.
(Washington-jm) – One expert says there is very little standing in the way of a bumper harvest of soybeans and corn. Gary Crawford reports...
(Undated-jm) – One of the most famous train engines in the United States will pass through Central Illinois next month. Union Pacific is sending its "Big Boy" engine, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, on a tour across 10 states, including Illinois. The Big Boy will arrive in the area on September 9. The locomotive is expected to leave Rochelle that day, arrive in Watseka at 5 p.m. and leave 30 minutes later. Traveling south, the Big Boy will make an overnight stop in Villa Grove, with village officials saying it should arrive around 7 p.m.
(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul firefighters were called to a structure fire Tuesday evening. Crews were called to the fire on Mahoning Drive around 8 pm. Gifford and Thomasboro firefighters were called to assist.
(Springfield-jm) – The 2024 Illinois State Fair is underway in Springfield. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about some of the themes of the fair...
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event has been scheduled to take place in Champaign County on Saturday, August 17. This drop-off event is sponsored by the Illinois EPA and is open to all Illinois residents. Residents must pre-register for this event here by selecting an available time slot between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. This event will take place at the State Farm Center, 1800 S. First Street in the SW parking lot off Saint Mary's Road.
(Loda–jc) The 6th annual Huntington's Disease Team Hope Walk is set for Saturday September 7th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Event Spokesperson Samantha Cox says the goal is to raise money and awareness for Huntington's Disease. Cox says items are needed for their silent auction and also a live auction...
6th Annual Huntington's Disease Team Hope Walk spokesperson Samantha Cox.
WPXN News Notes...
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, August 15th from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.
The 2024 Cissna Park Old Settlers will take place August 15th through the 17th. On Thursday the 15th, its armband special night from 6-10 pm, bingo 6-10 and talent show at 7:30. On Friday the 16th, its $25 arm band special from 6-10, the CP-CI hall of fame announcement at 6:30, Bingo from 6-10, Dennis Stroughmatt will perform at 8pm with Ridgeland performing from 8:30-midnight. On Saturday the 17th, its the 5k run walk at 7:30 am, parade at noon, kiddie waterball at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, armband special 1-5 and 6-10, bingo 6-10.
