(Springfield-jm) – Changes are coming to Illinois' college savings program. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the Bright Start 529 College Savings Program will soon pay lower fees, gain access to low-cost investments, and manage their accounts on a new phone app. A new Bright Start 529 mobile app will allow account owners to manage their account, check balances, and open additional accounts for new beneficiaries on their phones. The transition will occur from 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 25 through Sunday, September 29. During that time, no withdrawals, contributions, or account changes will be processed. Account access and the ability to make transactions will resume at 7 a.m. Monday, September 30. The tuition deadline for students at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University is Saturday, September 28. Frerichs said the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University will waive any late fees and tuition paid with Bright Start accounts during the transition period.
(Chicago–jc) The Illinois Supreme Court is hearing cases that involve cashless bail. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...
(Champaign County-jm) – Illinois State Police responded to a shooting on Interstate 57 near Pesotum at 1:05 p.m. on Thursday. State police say a vehicle traveling north was struck by gunfire from another vehicle that continued north on Interstate 57. The vehicle was located and a traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle failed to stop. ISP units pursued the vehicle northbound on Interstate 57 with stop sticks being deployed. The vehicle came to a stop on Interstate 57 northbound near Gilman. A male and female were taken into custody. No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting. Lanes were closed near Pesotum so police could investigate
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul is selling one of its firetrucks and the delivery is a short distance. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the vehicle is going to Ludlow...
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Business After Hours" later this month. The event is set for Tuesday September 24th from 5pm to 7pm at the Frederick Community Bank. The event will also feature items from Silver Tree Beer and Spirits.
(Cissna Park–dm)-The Cissna Park FFA will be sponsoring their Pumpkins in the Park on Saturday, October 5th. There will be lots of activities including a Car and Motorcycle Show. Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher tells us more/
Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher. The Cissna Park FFA will also have a Pancake breakfast from 7AM-9AM, and will be serving lunch throughout the day.
(Undated-jm) – 'The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday it has granted 12 airports across Illinois over $37 million for operational and infrastructure improvements. Among the 12 Illinois airports receiving grants include the Rantoul National Aviation Center receiving $2.4 million and the Vermilion County Regional Airport which is receiving $2.1 million.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA has revised its corn and soybean forecasts. Gary Crawford reports...
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois residents can request a vote by mail application from their county election office electronically, or in person prior to the election. Residents can also visit early voting sites starting Sept. 26 to cast their ballots. Voting by mail for the Nov. 5 election ends on Oct. 31.
(Springfield-jm) – The state is working to address issues older Illinoisans may be facing. They are holding a series of events throughout the state, says 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City...
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – A former entertainment producer living in Champaign is facing more legal troubles. Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz says authorities found a conversation between 28-year-old Dante Scott and an 11-year-old from a week and a half in Nov. 2023. From that conversation, Scott solicited the child and attempted to lure the 11-year-old to send naked photos of themselves. Champaign entertainment producer arrested for selling child pornography. Rietz said her office is also charging Scott with grooming after reading the texts. This is in addition to eight charges of child pornography after Illinois State Police arrested him earlier this week.
(Paxton–jc) Two city of Paxton departments will be receiving a new truck to replace ones that have served the city for several decades. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the trucks have been ordered for the water department and one for the street department...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Watseka–jcThe general public is invited to an open house on Sunday, at 2 p.m. at Prairie Dell Church and Cemetery. Presenters and hosts will be John and Janice Lubben of the Prairie Dell Church Association. The church, a national historic landmark, is located 3-1/2 miles west of Iroquois near Watseka. The program will focus on some of the founders who were instrumental in forming the church and cemetery. Attendees will get to sit on the pews inside the church. This is a free program but donations will gladly be accepted. Light refreshments will be available.
(Champaign–dm)- The latest fad to catch your eye at the grocery store – electrolyte drink mixes. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare tells you how to consume them safely.
Dawkins says parents should talk to their kids' health care provider before giving them these new mixes.
(Gibson City-jm) – State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City was recently recognized as a top "Champion of Manufacturing" in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's 2024 Legislative Report Card. The 2024 Legislative Report Card highlights lawmakers who consistently support Illinois' manufacturing industry. The Report Card rates lawmakers based on their voting record on key bills that impact the state's manufacturing sector. With a voting record of 97 percent, Senator Bennett demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting policies that benefit manufacturers and the broader business community in Illinois. As the manufacturing sector employs over 600,000 people in the state, ensuring that manufacturers have a strong voice in Springfield helps safeguard a cornerstone of Illinois' economy and a major job creator in the state.
(Washington-jm) – A big corn crop is on the way. Gary Crawford reports...
WPXN Weekend News Notes...
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home basketball courts and from 10:30-11 at the Ludlow community center.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner this evening from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.
The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their second of three Frightfest weekends tonight and tomorrow.
The Bank of Gibson City will host cars and coffee on Saturday from 7-9 am.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday from 9-1.
The 10th annual Gibson City Harvest Fest will take place on Saturday from 10-5 in downtown Gibson City. Activities include food vendors from 10 am to 9 pm, kids zone from 11-5, touch a truck from 12-4, bags tournament at 3. Saliva and Buckcherry wrap up the night.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Paxton United Methodist Women on Saturday from 10-2.
An AgriWellness event will take place at noon on Saturday at the Bachman Farm in rural Loda.
