(Paxton–jc) Whether it's after a sold home, a move, to just late on bills, the city of Paxton is looking to collect fees for water and sewer in Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the council looked at the dollars owed and have directed city workers to collect the fees...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) –52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci has been appointed chair of the Senate Commerce Committee for the 104th General Assembly, where he will lead efforts to drive economic development, support small businesses and foster innovation across Illinois. As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Faraci will oversee legislation related to commerce, trade and economic growth. His focus will be on promoting policies that strengthen Illinois' economy, enhance workforce opportunities and support the state's entrepreneurs and small business owners.
(Champaign–jc) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a multi-family apartment complex in the 2100 block of West. White Street on Saturday morning. Once on the scene, firefighters reported heavy fire coming from the third floor and extending into the attic. Crews identified the structure as condemned and quickly extended multiple hose lines to work to extinguish the fire.
The cause of this fire is not determined and no injuries were reported.
(Gibson City–jc) – Gibson City leaders will look at water plant improvement bid documents when they meet tonight in the city. The Gibson City Council is also looking to change the city clerk position from an elected position to an appointed one. City leaders are also expected to hear from the Gibson City Restoration Committee on their grant application. The Gibson City ,city council meets at 7pm at the council chambers on 8th street.
(Paxton–jc) It's a tradition at Paxton Buckley Loda High School. The 36th annual Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Toy show is set for Saturday February 8th at the high school in Paxton. Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Vice President Allie Wright talks about show times and more...
Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Vice President Allie Wright.
Several of the 20-25 Show Tractors are available. This year's model is the Oliver 18 hundred Diesel.
(The Center Square) – Small businesses in Illinois have access to new state funding from a capital grant program. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced $10 million in grant funding that he said will help small businesses grow, improve efficiency and create and retain jobs. Officials say priority will be given to businesses that are located in Community Development Financial Institution Investment areas in the state, with a poverty rate of at least 20% and an unemployment rate 1.5 times the national average. The area must also have seen a population loss of at least 10% in metro +areas and 5% in non-metro areas.
(Collinsville—jc) –Police now believe the Metropolitan Sewer District worker who was shot and killed in her own driveway Tuesday was targeted by gunmen.
According to police, 32-year-old Portia Rowland was warming up her vehicle around 6 a.m. when gunmen approached her, shooting her several times. Anyone with information regarding the incident is being asked to contact the Collinsville Police Department.
(Springfield–jc) – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $7 million in funding for the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries through startup incubators. This grant funding looks to strengthen Illinois' technology network by increasing the resilience of existing technology incubators. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process. More information is available on line with the department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website
(Paxton–jc) – The local Paxton IGA store continues to provide opportunities for customers to give back to the community and help non-profits and charities earn money. It's the stores "round up" to the next dollar and donate. Customers help donate to local charities. IGA Customers donated 4 thousand 138 dollars to the Hands of Christ Food Pantry. IGA also picks a week out of the month and matched a donation of 776 dollars.
(Paxton–jc) – The January paxton Area Chamber of Commerce "after hours" event is set for Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm at Silver Tree Distillery in downtown Paxton. Area businesses and chamber members are invited to tour the facility and also enjoy light refreshments.
(Undated-jm) – Today is the first day you can start filing your taxes with the IRS. The agency said it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns to be filed by the Tuesday, April 15, deadline.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is moving closer to the goal of universal preschool in the state. Governor J-B Pritzker has announced the expansion of the state's preschool seats...
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(The Center Square) – As the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announces another round of funding for an electric vehicle rebate program, the landscape is changing after a new administration moved into the White House. The Illinois General Assembly appropriated up to $14 million to the Illinois EPA for the EV rebate program for the current fiscal year. Pritzker has a goal of 1 million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order canceling former President Joe Biden's goal that EVs make up 50% of new cars by the end of the decade. The executive order scales back the EPA's emission rules that currently push automakers to sell more zero- and low-emission vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids.
(Champaign–dm) Experience Champaign Urbana is sponsoring their 9th annual restaurant week. Experience Champaign Urbana Chairperson Terri Reifstack says the event started on Friday and runs through this Saturday...
Experience Champaign Urbana Chairperson Terri Reifstack. For more information you can go to experianccu.org or visit their Facebook page.
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator introduced a bill that would freeze local government property tax levies at the 2025 amount for the next 5 tax levy years. State Representative, Republican Brad Halbrook, of Shelbyville, sponsored House Bill 14-97 and says nearly every local government needs to figure out how to save money, and they need to find efficiencies and stop unnecessary operations. Halbrook said whether the unit of government is in compliance with The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law or not, there are units of government that are just maxing out their levy. Halbrook said if enacted and a freeze is in effect, he will also demand the Local Government Distributive Fund managed by the state be restored to its original percentage of 10 percentof income tax collections.
(Gifford–jc) The facilities at Gordyville U-S-A have recently been upgraded as new owners plan for events this year. Gordyville U-S-A Manager Lisa Graham says the new walkway from the main buildings to the concessions area, new lights and paint have been a blessing for the event center...
Gordyville U-S-A Manager Lisa Graham.
The facility held the Midwest Ag Expo last week and a Dutch Harness Horse Sale is set for Friday January 31st at Gordyville U-S-A.
(Gibson City–jc) – The Lunar New Year starts on Wednesday and one local library is celebrating. Gibson City's Moyer Library is celebrating with kids crafts and more. Library officials are handing out free craft kits. Children may make Happy Chinese New Year paper plate fans. They are red in color for luck. For teens and adults, they have origami kits with an array of folding ideas and suggestions, including a snake. The crafts and kits will be available on Wednesday.
(Paxton-jm) – Over 200 semi's rolled through Paxton Saturday as part of a funeral service. The funeral service for Tanner Atkins was held at the Paxton Church of Christ. Over 200 semi's rode from Rantoul, up to Paxton and through town honoring Atkin's memory. Atkins was co-owner of T and T Trucking.
(Fairbury–jc) – The Fairbury Speedway is announcing the lineup for the 4th Annual Dancin' on the Dirt event, set to take place on Saturday, May 31.
Headlining the night is country music artist Jake Owen. With a remarkable career that includes numerous gold and platinum certifications, ten No. 1 singles, and over 2.5 billion U.S. on-demand streams. Joining Jake Owen on stage this year will be Uncle Kracker. He made history with his cover of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away," which logged 28 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Radio.
Tickets for the concert, premium parking, and camping will go on sale at 10 am on Friday.
