(Thomasboro–jc)  A vehicle versus bus accident along Route 45 near Thomasboro on Monday afternoon caused detours to traffic for several hours. No one on the bus was injured and the motorist in the opposite vehicle had minor injuries. The accident happened around 3-15 Monday afternoon. Police say the area was back to normal around 5pm

(Calhoun County–jc)  –The treasurer of a Calhoun County parent-teacher organization has been arrested on charges accusing her of stealing more than $10,000 from the group.According to the Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit, 43 year old Peggy Hall,  was charged  with one count of theft of more than $10,000 and one count of deceptive practices, both felonies. Calhoun County State's Attorney's Office notified state police investigators of the theft allegations in February.

(Springfield–jc)  Voters in the Metro East County of Madison are being asked on November 5th if they want to separate from Chicago. This is one step in the process as some counties in the state have passed similar measures. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says this is an issue that should not be on the ballot...

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

About one third of Illinois Counties have passed similar splitting away from Chicago measures. On November 5th voters in Seven Counties, including Iroquois County, will have a non-binding question on separating Chicago from the state of Illinois. 

(Springfield–jc)  Lawmakers from around Illinois recently met with staff from the Pontiac Correctional Center to discuss work conditions.  State Sens. Tom Bennett and Terri Bryant and state Rep. Dennis Tipsword discussed ongoing drug exposure incidents, concerns and possible solutions with Pontiac staff. Prison workers around the state demonstrated earlier this month and demanded that the Department of Corrections put measures in place to prevent illegal substances from entering prisons and address staff shortages.  

(Paxton–jc)  –  Lee Excavating of Paxton has been hired by the city of Paxton to do some clean up work in a ditch area south of Monical's Pizza on Paxton's west side. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says that area is overgrown and is one of the first steps for a new development in Paxton...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Chicago–PepsiCo abruptly closed a facility in northern Illinois, leaving approximately 80 workers without jobs. The company sent the union a letter Monday informing them of the immediate closure of the facility in Chicago.The union claims Pepsi bypassed the required 60-day notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. The union is calling for an explanation from the company and has requested a meeting with company officials on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

(Springfield==jc)  –The State Treasurer's Office made more than $130 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in September. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is the state's chief investment and banking officer. He is responsible for investing revenue in the state investment portfolio.During 2024, Frerichs' office has earned nearly $1.2 billion for the state portfolio. According to state law, the Treasurer's Office is prohibited from directly investing the state's portfolio in the stock market. 

(Rural–dm)-Rural clean energy projects could boost rural economics.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has more.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

(The Center Square) – At the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, prosecutors have continued to make their case with recordings of Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.U.S. government attorneys have played dozens of an estimated 200 total recordings jurors are expected to hear during the trial, which is projected to last 11 weeks.Madigan and McClain are facing 23 federal counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. McClain referred to Madigan in a conversation with longtime union executive and Illinois Tollway Board member James Connolly on Dec. 11, 2018.

(Springfield–jc)  One in 8 voters in Illinois have already cast their ballots. WPXN's Joel Cluver has more on the story...

(The Center Square) – An agricultural expert says composting may be the solution to reducing food waste in Illinois landfills. Nationally, landfills and trash incinerators receive 167 million tons of garbage a year, half of that being compostable. "Illinois landfills receive almost 20 tons of waste per year, and it's kind of astounding that nearly 21% of that is food scraps," said STEM educator Susan Gasper during a recent University of Illinois Extension "Everyday Environment" podcast.Landfills are anaerobic environments, meaning there is little to no oxygen. When microorganisms break down organic materials in an anaerobic environment, methane is released.

(Undated–jc)  –Illinois is going to get a taste of summer this week. Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected around the state on Today and Wednesday with highs surpassing 80 degrees for many areas.A number of cities are expected to see record high temperatures. Normal high temperatures this time of year are in the upper 50s and lower 60s for Illinois.

(Washington–jc)  –  Farm Service Agency Acting Deputy Administrator John Berge says producers participating in U-S-D-A programs are seeing an adjustment in acre dimension reporting. Secretary Berge says the information gathered, helps to gather more exact information from ag acres...

Farm Service Agency Acting Director John Birge

(Rantoul–jc)  Village of Rantoul leaders continue to monitor the former land fill in the village and have hired an engineering group to inspect the area. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says this is to ensure there are no issues at the former landfill...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Kankakee–jc) One non-profit that helps survivors of sexual assault is hosting a fundraiser in November to help fund their three county area. Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracy Noe-Slah ( No-E Slaw)says they have offices in Kankakee, Watseka and Paxton...

Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracy Noe-Slah. The event is set for Friday November 8th and the Kankakee County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 4-30pm and the Bingo and fun begin at 6-30pm Tickets are 35 dollars each. Tickets are available on line.

(Rural–dm)-Rural clean energy projects can boost rural economies.  U-S-D-A Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talks about those  opportunities...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

(Gibson City–jc)  –There's  a walk event set for Gibson City in November The Fall Wine Walk is set for Saturday  November 9 starting at 10-30am. Participants get a wine glass, bag and a map to go to participating businesses. Every $10.00 they spend they get in the running for a wine basket and $200.00 in Gibson Bucks.   The tickets are $20.00 and you can get them at Syd and Sadie's, 102 N Sangamon or A Renee at 202 N Sangamon both in Gibson City.

WPXN News notes...

The Paxton Buckley Jr, High will hold a benefit tonight for student Jaxen Peacock prior to the girls basketball game. Doors open at 4:45. 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will take place  tonight from 5-7 pm at Shields Automart of Paxton.

Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Friday, November 1st from 3:30-5:30 at the Roberts Gym.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner on Friday, November 1st from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Rantoul Masonic Lodge on Saturday, November 2nd from 10-2.