(Bartonville–jc) –Hundreds of workers will be laid off from their jobs at a Bartonville steel and wire facility. The union that represents those workers said the closure of the steel facility will affect 260 employees and the wire mill idling will affect 280 workers for a total of 540 people. Company officials said "after evaluating current steel market challenges, including the influx of low-priced imports," the layoffs were necessary.
(Effingham–jc) –Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged an Effingham, man with possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul's ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials , to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General's office charged Larry D. Gibson, 66, in Effingham County Circuit Court with seven counts of disseminating child pornography, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and five counts of possession of child pornography, each Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. His next court appearance is set for January Second.
(Gifford–jc) The first consignment auction at Gordyville USA under new owners is set for today and Saturday. Gordyville USA -Owner Lisa Banga-Graham says everything will be sold..indoors...
Gordyville USA of Gifford Owner Lisa Banga Graham. A list and times for auctions are available on line with Gordyville USA.
The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, is hoping to see the new Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program backed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker expanded to benefit even more than the thousands of residents now on its radar. As many as 300,000 individuals could be at least partly relieved of all outstanding medical debt after the governor's office recently sent out notices to upwards of 52,000 residents alerting them that their debts have been covered by state taxpayers with the average amount being cleared at $1,349.
(Champaign–jc) –The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a commercial building in the 300 block of S. Market St., Thursday afternoon just before 1pm Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control. Once on the scene, crews reported moderate smoke and fire coming from the building. Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines into the building and were able to extinguish the fire.
(Rantoul–jc) There is a new business in Rantoul that helps businesses work with A-I. Its called And Studio and Living. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos says they are a home based business in the A-I world,...
Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos.
Eric Kidwell can be reached at 217-474-9219 in Rantoul.
Chicago, IL – Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission cut portions of Illinois American Water's rate increase request for water and sewer services. The I-C-C's decision reduces Illinois American Water's rate request by approximately 30 percent for an overall increase of $110 million. The decision also approves a 9.84 percent return on equity for the company, a reduction from the utility's requested 10.75 percent.
(Illinois–dm)-Increased safety will help keep your holidays festive rather than frustrating. WPXN's Dan Mushrush has more
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College eSports hit a new high this week when the MarioKart 4v4 team won its first N-J-C-A-A National Championship. The DACC team, composed of Michael "D.C." Canady, William "Moses" Landis, Braden Bulla, and Tyler Mahoney won the final tournament round against 8 teams, including Marshalltown Community College in Iowa; Southeast Community College in Nebraska; and Heartland Community College in Normal.
(Paxton–jc) One local Paxton business is a stop for a Ford County Toys for Tots drive. J and L Auto in downtown Paxton is gathering toys now through December 14th . J and L Co Owner John Chaddock says drop off a toy on Saturday, get your picture taken with Santa and help a Ford County child get a present for Christmas...
J and L Auto Owner John Chaddock
Saturday's event runs from 7am until 2pm Santa will be there and the Paxton Fire Department will also be represented.
(Chicago–jc) –The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of raw cannabis is grounds for police to search a vehicle. Vincent Molina was a passenger in a vehicle when an Illinois state trooper smelled cannabis and searched the car. According to court records, the officer found a small box of rolled marijuana cigarettes. Moline was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis by a motor vehicle passenger and for not storing the cannabis in an odor-proof box. His lawyers argued the smell of cannabis alone should not be probable cause now that the substance is legal in Illinois.
(Bloomington–jc) – President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Small Business Administration has roots in Central Illinois. Kelly Loeffler, 54, was recently picked by Trump to head the agency that helps direct federal dollars to small businesses. Loeffler, a Bloomington native, graduated from Olympia High School in 1988 and earned her degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
(The Center Square) – Court proceedings have resumed at the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.Government attorney Sarah Streicker played three recordings from late November and December 2018, starting with a phone call between Madigan and McClain. During the call, Madigan said that he advised then Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker to "wipe out" the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board and remove the agency's chair, Bob Schillerstrom. Streicker also played a call to McClain from former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, who was convicted of 18 corruption counts last year.
(Rantoul–dm)-This Saturday, December 7th the Village of Rantoul has a full day of activities wrapping up with a lighted Christmas Parade and a tree lighting ceremony. Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhour has more information.
Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhour. For a full list of the day's activities you can go to the Village of Rantoul website.
(Paxton–jc) –The Ford County Farm Committee is set to meet this morning in Paxton. The committee is set to look at its lease with the Loda Sportsman's Club. Action on leases for county farms one and three are also on the agenda. Sealed bids for farm one and two will also be opened. The Ford County Farm Committee meets at 8 this morning in the small courthouse room in Paxton.
(Paxton–dm)-If you have someone in Jr. High School, that wants to play basketball, sign-ups are going on now. Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman has the details....
Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman
(USDA–dm)-USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says most crops are projected to generate less income this year. He adds that a few crops may buck that trend..
U-S-D-A Chief Economist Seth Meyer
(Paxton–jc) Its' day one of the city of Paxton CHristmas bag sale and tonight is the extended hours shopping event with numerous ideas for Christmas shopping in the city. On Saturday and Sunday the sale continues and a "pop up" event takes place at A Picket Fence Florist in Paxton. Miracle on Market Spokesperson Leslie Ingold invites shoppers to come Saturday from 10am til 2-30pm for all the vendors at A Picket Fence Florist...
Miracle on Market Spokesperson Leslie Ingold
WPXN News notes...
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, December 6th from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner on Friday, December 6th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.
The Paxton business open house and bag sale will take place Friday, December 6th through Monday, December 9th.
Roberts will hold a Christmas Event on Saturday, December 7th from 8-3 at the Roberts Gym. Vendors will be there from 8-3, the PBL Jr High mini band will perform at 10:30. Santa will be there from 11-1.
The Loda American Legion will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7th from 9-11 am. Breakfast includes biscuits and gravy and a drink for $7.
Kempton will hold a tree lighting on Saturday, December 7th from 1-4 pm. Ford County Emergency Management will put on a free weather course and the Kempton Fire Department will provide soup.
The village of Rantoul will hold their Christmas in the village on Saturday, December 7th with crafts, live music and Christmas stories from 1-5 at the chamber office and the lighted Christmas parade at 5pm.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 7th from 2-4pm. Bring your kids to get their pictures taken with Santa, get a cookie or two and receive a toy.
The Gifford State Bank Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, December 8th at 5pm.
