(Springfield-jm) – As the last weekend of summer approaches, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police will be sending a clear message about drunk driving. To help keep roads safe, more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are joining IDOT and ISP in enforcing the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" safety campaign. During the campaign, which runs through the Labor Day weekend, ISP, and local police and sheriff's departments are increasing patrols and enforcement.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Flag Commission will soon begin accepting submissions for a new state flag design. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said a new law created the commission with a goal of developing new state flag designs to determine if one of them should replace the current state flag. The commission will accept design ideas for consideration from the public until Oct. 18.
(Washington-jm) – Effective Reference Prices remains a key sticking point regarding passage on a new Farm Bill, according to the Agriculture Secretary. Rod Bain reports...
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff says while no arrests were made during their Saturation Saturday detail in Savoy, the goal of deterring impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel was met. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heurman says the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Saturation Saturday detail on August 24 resulted in 23 traffic stops, 12 citations, and 13 warnings issued. There was also one Scott's Law violation. Officials with the Champaign County Sheriff's say their deputies made 91 DUI arrests and investigated 32 accidents where a DUI was determined to be a contributing factor. This year, deputies say they have made 51 DUI arrests and determined through investigations that 14 of those wrecks involved an impaired driver.
(Kankakee—dm)-If you are a parent, family member or loved one of a survivor of sexual abuse, you are invited to join a support group at Clove Alliance in Kankakee. Executive Director and CEO at Clove Alliance Carmen King has more information.
Clove AllianceExecutive Director and CEO Carmen King. The support group meets on Tuesdays starting September 17th
(Danville-jm) – A Danville man has been sentenced to over a decade in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the child of a woman he was dating. Prosecutors said Nathan Hendriex pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sexual assault, both Class 1 felonies punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison. The Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office requested a 20-year sentence. Judge Robert McIntire ultimately sentenced Hendriex to 14 years in prison, a sentence to be served at 85%.
(Undated-jm) – It's an American tradition: hitting the roads and skies for a Labor Day Weekend trip. This year domestic travel will be up by 9% compared to 2023. The cost to travel is down by 2% according to AAA. Gas prices are down compared to 2023 as well. Nationally, the average is $3.50. AAA expects to rescue 300,000 motorists during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries and people locking their keys in their vehicles.
(Springfield-jm) – With elections coming down the pike, an Illinois election integrity advocate is raising concerns. In Illinois, you can request permanent mail-in voting to where the local election official sends out a mail-in ballot for every election. Carol Davis is with the Illinois Election Integrity Program. She said mail-in voting has greater potential for fraud. Davis suggested voters request a mail-in ballot, not a permanent one, and return it when they physically go to vote as early as they can vote. Early voting begins Sept. 26.
(Washington-jm) – An initiative to increase domestic fertilizer production was expanded Wednesday with the announcement of seven new projects under a USDA program. Rod Bain reports...
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has released further information about an act of vandalism at Foellinger Auditorium over the weekend. Meanwhile, Students for Justice in Palestine has denied responsibility but expressed support for the message left behind. The six columns at the front of the building were painted with the word "DIVEST" early Sunday morning. UIPD said the crime happened around 2:19 a.m. UIPD said two people were seen on cameras spray painting the columns. They released security camera footage of two people who are believed to have more information about the vandalism.
(Paxton–dm)-With all the talk about the upcoming Presidential Election, the consolidated election coming up in April may have taken a back seat. Ford County Clerk Amy Fredrick tells us what positions are up for election, and what you need to do if you want your name on the ballot.
Ford County Clerk Amy Fredrick. Filing dates for the consolidated election is November 12th-18th.
(Rankin-jm) – Two people were arrested in the Village of Rankin following harassment of drivers on Route 9. One adult and one juvenile were arrested Tuesday afternoon by the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office.
WPXN News Notes...
Congresswoman Robin Kelly and State Senator Paul Faraci will hold traveling office hours today from 10-1 at the Rantoul Business Center.
