SPRINGFIELD – This Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are reinforcing vital safety messages that could save your life or someone else’s: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” Remember that walking impaired also can be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you, if needed. Sober driving isn’t the only law that should be followed. Always make sure you and everyone else in the vehicle buckles up. It’s the best defense in a crash.

 

(Rantoul–dm)-The main gym at Rantoul Township High School is currently in the middle of an expansion project.  Rantoul High School Superintendent. Scott Amerio provides information on the expansion project….

Rantoul Supt. Scott Amerio .  The Expansion project is scheduled to be completed this spring.

 

(McLean County–jc) Thursday morning, Illinois State Police were alerted to a vehicle believed to be involved in an armed robbery in Texas traveling on I-74 in Champaign County. ? Officers began to track the vehicle as it headed north into McLean County. ? Around 10:30 a.m., the vehicle stopped at a gas station in Lexington and one occupant, 19-year-old Joseph Martin Hernandez from Texas, exited the vehicle and entered the gas station. ? Shortly after, officers arrived at the gas station and attempted to take Hernandez and the driver, 18-year-old Ryan Aeron Stanley Hurst from Arkansas, into custody. ? Hurst pointed a gun in the direction of officers and officers fired shots striking Hurst. ? Officers began providing first aid until Hurst was transported to the hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition. ? Hernandez was not injured and was taken into custody for further investigation. ? No officers were injured. ? ? This investigation is open and ongoing. ? ISP is currently processing evidence and conducting interviews.

 

(The Center Square) – As critics contend it is setting a dangerous precedent, legislation is advancing through the Illinois General Assembly that would ban certain food additives. The Illinois Food Safety Act in Senate Bill 93 would ban specific food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. The additives include potassium bromate and propylparaben. Republican State Senator Seth Lewis of Carol Stream has more.

Republican State Senator Seth Lewis of Carol Stream

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have introduced legislation that calls for transparency in government spending on non-citizen residents. Republican state Sens. John Curran, R-Downers Grove, Li Arellano, R-Dixon, and Craig Wilcox, R-Woodstock, sponsored Senate Bill 1699, which was filed this week. The measure would require an annual report to the General Assembly detailing all state spending on non-citizen populations. State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation for non-citizens.

 

(Springfield–jc)  One local lawmaker filed a bill to help make rural roads safer.106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington says the measure is need for rural safety…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington

 

(Washington–jc)  What does the U-S-D-A say about farm income for 20-25. U-S-D-A  Chief Economist Seth Meyer takes a look at the farm income forecast…

U S D A Chief Economist Seth Meyer

 

(Fisher–dg)  – A local longtime IHSA and IESA sports official passed away in December. John Heap of Champaign, formerly of Fisher, was an IHSA and IESA sports official for 43 years. He officiated Basketball, Baseball, Football, Softball, and Volleyball. John Graduated from Fisher High School in 1967 where he participated in all sports, and was later inducted into the Fisher High School Hall of Fame.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday Feb 9th from 12-2 at Fisher High School cafeteria. 

 

(Rantoul–jc)  If you see a lot of people wearing “red” today, there is a good reason. Today is National Wear Red Day to promote heart health. Everyone is asked to Wear Red to help raise awareness of the number one 1 killer of women, cardiovascular disease. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the village is also participating with a proclamation and more…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

Wearing Red, seeing buildings lit up with the color red, information events, a challenge to eat better, to a good walk, are some ways to participate

 

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and local officials alleging they are exacerbating the border crisis and thwarting federal officials with sanctuary city policies. The Justice Department asked a judge to declare the state and local laws unconstitutional under the federal government's supremacy clause. The complaint, filed Thursday, specifically referenced the Illinois Way Forward Act and the 2017 TRUST Act alongside Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance and Cook County policies. It further names Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

 

(Gilman–dm)-If you have attended a High School or Junior. High School volleyball match in the last 46 ½ years you have probably seen Dee Trumble referee.  On February 24th, Dee is hanging up her whistle.  Dee Trumble tells us about the first game she refereed

 

Volleyball referee Dee Trumble. 

 

(Chicago–jc)  –Illinois bankers have not shown they have a likelihood of success in blocking the state's law banning swipe fees on taxes and tips paid with credit or debit card. That's according to a federal judge. The law Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted is set to take effect July First. In a mixed ruling Thursday, a judge denied a preliminary injunction requested by federal credit unions, but granted a motion to block the law as the case continues in respect to out-of-state state banks.

 

(Urbana–jc)-- Here’s something new to bring up the next time you visit your health care provider: Should I undergo a C-T calcium score screen to take stock of my heart health? It’s not for everybody, but it could mean the difference between a long, healthy life and finding yourself on an operating table. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more…

 

(Chicago–jc)  – There is more movement by United Airlines about a potential move of its corporate headquarters from Chicago to Denver.In a new filing with the city of Denver, United said it may eventually build more than 1 million square feet of office space to accommodate more than 6,000 employees on land it purchased near the Denver airport.

 

(Broadlands–jc)  Champaign county authorities responded to a  two vehicle crash on a rural road near Broadlands on Thursday afternoon. The accident happened along county road 27 hundred East north of Broadlands. Emergency personnel were on the scene for several hours. No other information is available

 

(Washington–jc)  –The Super Bowl is Sunday. How might New Orleans style food dishes compare to traditional Super Bowl party fare regarding food safety, as some might incorporate a Cajun and Creole menu to coincide with this year’s Super Bowl? Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News notes…

 

CU at Home will host their One Winter Night tonight

 

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish or chicken fry tonight from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10. 

 

Elliott Amvets have their monthly dinner nite on tonight from 5pm to7pm. Chicken Fish or Shrimp dinners are available. Dine In or carry out

 

Grace Baptist Church in Paxton will hold their Men’s Rally on Saturday, February 8th from 8:30-4:30 pm.

 

The 36th Annual PBL FFA Farm Toy Show will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 9-2:30 at PBL High School. The featured tractor is Oliver 1800 Diesel.

 

Living Word Church will hold a craft and vendor show for their summer camp fundraiser on Saturday, February 8th from 9-3 at The Cadillac in Paxton. 

 

The ACT Theatre Company in Gibson City will hold their Valentine Mystery Dinner on Saturday, February 8th at 6pm at the Countryside Event Center. Tickets are available on their facebook page. 

 

The Loda United Methodist Church will host a Valentine’s Senior Meal on Monday, February 10th at 10:30 am.

 

The Onarga American Legion will host a blood drive on Wednesday, February 12th from 1-6pm.