(Springfield–jc) –The state of Illinois is looking for a construction management and owner's advisory team with expertise in correctional facilities.The request for proposal focuses on the infrastructure needs at Logan and Stateville correctional centers, which the Pritzker administration plans to demolish and replace.The overall planned project could cost Illinois taxpayers $900 million.
(illinois–jc) – The ribbon has been cut on a first-of-its-kind solar energy program for Ameren Illinois and East St. Louis. Officials say Illinois Clean and Equitable Jobs Act helped facilitate the project, which created 120 construction jobs for the region with 3,000 solar panels and batteries designed to store energy for use during peak demand periods and can power 650 homes.
(Springfield–jc) – A new report reveals Illinois has the third most personal injury lawsuits in the country. Injury attorneys with Bader Scott researched court data for the 12 months ending in April and found about 45,000 cases in Illinois, as many as 13,000 were personal injury and tort actions, making up nearly thirty percent of the state's case load. Only Florida and New Jersey had more.
(Rantoul–jc) With a growing village, the need for more electricity is always on the minds of its local leaders. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says with growth comes the need for more water, sewer and electricity for Rantoul...
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Springfield–jc) –Farmers looking to take advantage of the sixth year of the state's Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program can begin applying December 4th. The application period for the cover crop incentive program closes January 15th. For the current year, a total of 241,000 acres were requested for the program. A total of 190,000 acres are available for the 2025 program.
(The Center Square) – As Illinois continues to set aside state and federal tax dollars to so-called "clean energy" programs, some are calling for a different direction. E-P-A Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore announced the state is receiving 500 million dollars across two different grants. The taxpayer funds will be used to fund the Biden-Harris administration's policies to combat "climate change."
What may happen with an incoming Donald Trump administration with a Republican controlled U.S. Congress isn't quite clear. State Representative. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, says some of the grants help just a "few" people...
101st Dan Caulkins Republican Dan Caulkins of Decatur
Unveiling a new state taxpayer-funded electric vehicle charging station at a park district in Joliet Monday, Governor J B. Pritzker touted his record in advancing so-called "clean energy." Pritzker signed legislation in 2021 to make way for the closure of coal-burning power plants by 2024.
(Washington–jc) –The corn and soybeans are in the bin. Now some farmers are looking ahead for the winter wheat crop. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey, has the update...
U-S-D-A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Undated–jc) About $24 million in taxpayer funds is being announced for the next phase of the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Around 20 awards are expected and builds on 37 grants announced in September. Applications to the Illinois Department of Transportation will be accepted through Dec. 17. The goal is to provide fast charging terminals at least every 50 miles along Illinois interstates.
(The Center Square) – Former ComEd board member Juan Ochoa has completed his testimony at the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Last month, ComEd general counsel and Senior Vice President Tom O'Neill testified that Madigan, then-speaker, recommended Ochoa for a position on ComEd's Board of Directors in 2017. O'Neill said he expressed reservations about Ochoa to then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore.As he answered questions from prosecutor Diane MacArthur, Ochoa described his relationships with various politicians. Ochoa said he did election work for then-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich between Ochoa said he was very close to former Congressman Luis Gutierrez, as well as current U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Chicago, and current Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, D-Chicago
(Paxton–jc) – Plans for use of Rebuild Illinois Funds for the city of Paxton continue and city council members are expected to address the issue when they meet next month. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says a list of street projects are now in the hands of city aldermen...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Gilman–jc) The Iroquois West School system has a new superintendent. He is Trent Eshleman from Lake Iroquois. Eshleman has worked at various positions at area schools including Paxton Buckley Loda and Watseka. Eshleman will start the new job as Superintendent of Iroquois West Schools on July First 2025.
WATSEKA – An Illinois State Police investigation led to the arrest of 22-year-old Manuel Perez of Watseka, for possession of child sexual abuse material. After receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ,state policeconducted an investigation into possession of child sexual abuse material, which led to an arrest warrant for Perez. This week officers took Perez into custody and he is being held pending an arraignment hearing in Iroquois County, Illinois. Perez is charged with five counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony).
This investigation is a collaborative effort between the Illinois Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Iroquois County Sheriff's Office, the Watseka Police Department, the Iroquois County State's Attorney's Office, and ISP.
(Washington–jc)-- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at C-O-P 29 says some progress has been made for smart commodities. The U-S-D-A has partnered with the r Climate Smart Commodities program. Vilsack gives an update...
U S D A Ag Secretary Tom Villsack
(Cissna Park–jc) The next donation day for the 4th annual Christmas Shop is coming on Saturday in Cissna Park. The event started as a way to help others during Christmas Time at the Cissna Park based United Methodist Church. On Saturday, it is time to donate new or slightly used items to provide for the "Christmas Shop" day on December 7th. That event is set for the Double K Ranch near Woodworth. Last year's efforts help over 325 families
WPXN News notes...
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, November 21st from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, November 21st from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High School will present "Seussical Jr. the Musical" at 7 p.m. Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, Nov. 23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the school's gymnasium. Tickets cost $5 at the door.
The 41st annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th. Hours Saturday are 8-5 and Sunday 9-3.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Paxton Masonic Lodge on Saturday, November 23rd from 10-2.
