(Springfield-jm) – With campaign season well underway, the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General is reminding state employees that they are prohibited from working on or in support of a campaign for elective office while they are being paid by taxpayers. They're also prohibited from soliciting, accepting or making political contributions while on state property at any time.

(Washington-jm) – The nation's turkey producers are facing a tough supply and demand situation. Gary Crawford reports...

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been arrested following threats of violence against a local college campus. Champaign Police were dispatched at 9:06 a.m. Tuesday, to Parkland College following a report of threats made on social media. Officers were made aware of a social media post that contained threats against the college by Parkland Public Safety, who requested additional assistance from neighboring agencies. Champaign Police worked quickly with authorities from Parkland and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the source of the threat. Additionally, Champaign Police assigned officers at Parkland College to promote safety through a visible presence. The investigation revealed that 19-year-old Malik Judeh of Champaign had made the threatening post. Judeh was arrested near his home and transported to the Champaign County Correctional Center on initial charges of felony Disorderly Conduct and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

(Rantoul–jc)  The number of visitors to Rantoul continues to grow for the current year with the popularity of the Rantoul Sports Complex to attractions like Hardy's Reindeer Ranch and annual events from the 4th of July celebration and Holiday shopping. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the attractions bring in visitors and the local shops are doing a great job in fulfilling the needs of those coming to Rantoul...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney is releasing the

name of a Schaumburg man who died as the result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Sunday, in the 700 Block of Prestwick Point, Champaign.

Patrick W. Cox was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was performed earlier this week. An inquest may be held at a later date. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police

Department. Cox was the athletic director at Champaign Central and had recently resigned.

(Paxton–jc)--The annual Paxton Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for Saturday October 5th. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the 250 tickets are being sold for the event and one new business in Paxton that is participating is Game Changer Spots Shop in downtown Paxton...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Only 50 tickets remain for the walk. 

(Ottawa–jc)The Illinois Department of Transportation District 3 is taking applications for seasonal positions to help with snow and ice removal in Bureau, La Salle, DeKalb, Kendall, Grundy, Livingston, Ford, Iroquois and Kankakee counties. Applications for Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers  must be completed online at Illinois-dot-jobs-2-Web-dot-com Monday,  Once on the site the easiest way to locate the posting is to type the county of preference into the search bar. Both full-time Winter Highway Maintainers and hourly Winter Highway Maintainers are being hired to help maintain more than 45,000 lane miles statewide during the winter. 

(Cissna Park–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is Outdoor Pro Fine Living in Cissna Park.  They specialize in patio furniture and patio furnishings. They are having a year end sale now through October 19th says Outdoor Pro Fine Living Manager Teleesha Melo...('Me-low)

The products they sell are all made in America 

Outdoor Pro Fine Living Manager Teleesha Melo

(Undated-jm) – Illinois Veterans' homes in Anna and Manteno have more COVID-19 cases among veterans and staff. The majority of cases have presented mild symptoms, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs said. In total, more than 30 residents and 15 staff have been reported. The homes continue to follow CDC guidance for longer-term care facilities.

(Rantoul–jc)  University of Illinois President Tim Kileen, and around 2 dozen university of Illinois officials were in Rantoul Tuesday morning. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation and some Republican lawmakers want to do something about it. Next year, a law requires the Illinois Department of Revenue and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the entire property tax system in the state, but some are doubtful it will make a difference. State Rep. Dan Ugaste said high taxes are one reason people are leaving Illinois. State Rep. Nicole La Ha, said one solution is to change how schools are funded and redirect funds previously allocated for pension obligations. Another measure would require local governments to return excess funds to residents. 

(Washington-jm) – The outlook for the nation's broiler industry looks strong. Gary Crawford reports...

(Ludlow-jm) – Eight people, including six children, were involved in a Tuesday crash north of Rantoul, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office said.  The crash happened in Ludlow Township at the intersection of County Roads 3300N and 1500E. Officials said the investigation indicated the southbound Traverse did not stop at the intersection and failed to yield to the eastbound Corolla. The Corolla t-boned the Traverse's passenger side, causing the Traverse to roll over. Officials said the driver and sole occupant of the Corolla, a 31-year-old woman from Gibson City, was able to get herself out of her car. There were seven people inside the Traverse — the 42-year-old driver from Paxton and six children ages 1 to 15.

(Paxton–jc)  –  City of Paxton leaders are looking for someone to replace Kendal Cox on the Paxton City Council. Cox stepped down from the position last month. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold praised Cox for his service to the city and says they are looking for a replacement...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Vermilion County-jm) – After taking in over 100 animals this month, the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is out of room. Last week, the shelter hit their limit for the number of animals they were able to care for. And, some of the animals are fighting a contagious disease. Some of the cats have contracted feline panleukopenia, after unvaccinated cats were brought in. The dog population is fighting to avoid parvovirus, which was introduced by a litter of unvaccinated puppies.

(Cissna Park–jc)  The 20-24 Pumpkins in the Park celebration is set for one area town on October 5th. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton says pumpkins will be available, but also lots of food and family activities...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

(Mahomet–jc)  – The Village of Mahomet will open the second phase of the South Mahomet Road Connection project, connecting Churchill Road to Prairieview Road, following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 P.M. today. The South Mahomet Connection project supported transportation network connectivity between local streets and state and federal highway transportation systems, including US Route 150, IL 47, Interstate 74 and Interstate 72. The new connection extended South Mahomet Road easterly and promoted logical, smart growth; multimodal transportation; safety; healthier lifestyle; and mobility while providing a positive economic impact to the area. The improvement connects the already improved Prairie View Road commercial district on the east side with IL Route 47 on the southwest side of Mahomet.