(Ogden–jc)  – With the dry windy weather on Tuesday, several field and grass fires caused damage to property in East Central Illinois. Around 3pm, a field and grass fire was reported near Ogden in Champaign County. Firefighters from St Joseph, Ogden, and Royal were called in to assist. The smoke and debris from the winds caused officials to shut down Interstate 74 for several hours as traffic was re routed onto U S Route 150. A second fire was reported in rural Onarga around 4pm Tuesday. Firefighters from Onarga, Gilman and more assisted in getting that field fire under control. A third fire also happened in Iroquois County in the Papineau area.  Several departments there were also deployed. For today there is a burning ban in Ford County and several other communities are also prohibiting burning today. Some relief could be coming overnight as there is some rain in the forecast.

(Springfield-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding parents and guardians to check the state's sex offender registry before deciding on trick-or-treat routes for their children. Illinois law prohibits all sex offenders who committed a crime against a child from distributing candy, in addition to prohibiting them from participating in trick-or-treat events or other Halloween events involving children younger than 18.

(GIbson City–jc)  The corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues this week. Reaction on the proceedings from 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City

(Danville–jc)  –Danville Area Community College will be electing three Trustees during the Apri;. 1, 2025, election.The College already had two Board seats due to expire next April. The third opening came when Dave Harby announced his retirement from the Board after more than 25 years of service. Harby's unexpired term runs for four years. The other two open seats are for six-year terms.

(Paxton–jc)  Facade agreements for building improvements are happening downtown Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says a new agreement for work has been placed with Kief Realty in the city...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In order to make an education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign more affordable to low- and middle-income families, the threshold to be eligible for Illinois Commitment — a financial aid program that provides free tuition and fees for in-state students — has been increased from $67,100 to $75,000. The increase puts Illinois near the top of the Big Ten in terms of the income limit. "Cost should never be a barrier to a student's decision to apply to their state's flagship public university," said Chancellor Robert Jones. "Education creates generational change, and we must ensure talented students of all economic backgrounds in the state of Illinois have access. Increasing the income threshold for Illinois Commitment is a necessary step to open the door to an Illinois education for more families in our state." This change is effective for incoming students starting in the fall 2025 semester. The admissions application is currently open and closes January 5th.

(Washington-jm) – There's not much time left to get a farm bill crafted and passed. Gary Crawford reports...

(Gifford-jm) – The Gifford Fire Department is bringing back a program that aims to keep you safe in your home. Smoke detectors are essential year-round. The department is  distributing and installing smoke alarms to people who live within the department's district. They have 24 available all for free, you just have to call the department or message them on Facebook.

(Ford County-jm) – The Ford County Emergency Management Agency along with Ford County fire departments have issued a county-wide burn ban through 8 am Thursday morning.

(Rantoul–jc)  Like most growing communities, the village of Rantoul is looking for some grants from the state of Illinois to upgrade its electrical capacity. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says they have applied for a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Paxton–jc)  A fundraiser for a Paxton Buckley Loda 6th grader was a huge success last night. P-B-L Sixth Grader Jaxen Peacock recently underwent a double lung transplant last month and efforts by teachers and volunteers from the local school district organized the fundraising efforts on Tuesday.  Event coordinators would like to thank all who attended last night to help out Jaxen Peacock.

(Hoopeston-jm) – Christmas is coming! The Hoopeston Jaycees will host registration for their annual Toys for Kids Project, which allows qualifying families to select new toys and stocking stuffers for children ages 0-12. Participation will be open to all residences within the Hoopeston Area School District, including Hoopeston, Rankin, East Lynn, Wellington, and Cheneyville. Income qualification will be based on the book waiver through the school district. Applicants must be parents and/or guardians, and are asked to bring proof of residency and children. Registration will take place in person only at the Hoopeston First United Methodist Church on the following dates: Saturday from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4: 9:00-11:00 a.m. and Wednesday, November 6: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

(Washington-jm) – Several factors are at work, keeping food price inflation under control. Gary Crawford reports...

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee has been busy gearing up for the parade that is set for SaturdayNovember 30th at 1-30pm. The group also is helped by the Paxton Service Club in selecting a downtown tree says Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad...

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad

Springfield–jc)  Voters in several counties, including Iroquois County have an issue on the November 5th ballot asking if they want to separate from Chicago. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says the dollars spent come from Chicago...

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

About one third of Illinois Counties have passed similar splitting away from Chicago measures. The question on the ballot is non--binding.