(Undated-jm) – Winter weather is coming through the area today. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the entire WPXN listening area. 1-4 inches of snow are expected along with a chance of freezing rain. The combination of snow and freezing rain has caused some schools to go to remote learning today. The weather service says travel this afternoon could be treacherous.

 

(Emmington–jc)  One local legislator says it's time to quit grandstanding and try to fix a three point 2 billion dollar budget shortfall. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington says reforms and a balanced budget are needed…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman has been arrested following an investigation into a November 2024 stabbing death. The Champaign Police Department was ca;;ed on November 16, 2024, to the 2000 Block of Cynthia Drive for a domestic disturbance. On-scene, they located 71-year-old W. B. Curry with a potentially life-threatening stab wound. The initial investigation indicated that Curry had been involved in a domestic altercation with Dewandee Carter, 67, of Champaign when she stabbed him in the chest. For her role in this incident, Carter was initially arrested on a charge of First-Degree Murder.

 

(Kankakee-jm) – Three suspects are jailed in Kankakee County following a reported home invasion Monday in rural Kankakee.  All three are charged with home invasion.  41-year-old Marcus Phelan of Kankakee, 38-year-old James Schoeberl II of St. Anne, and 29-year-old Ryan McManimen of Bourbonnais are jailed at the Jerome Combs Detention Center.  A homeowner said an individual posing as a delivery-representative approached his door.  But as the homeowner engaged with the suspect, two additional individuals forced their way inside. The suspects then restrained the homeowner with zip-ties and then ransacked the residence --- stealing electronics, cash, and multiple firearms before fleeing the scene.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center in Rantoul has several food and supplies pantries that benefit those in need in the village and surrounding areas. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford provides some areas of supply needs…

Rantoul based Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford

 

(St Joseph–jc)  A local author is set for a reading from his novel “Strawberry Gold” on Monday February 24th. The event is set for the Swearingen Memorial Library in St Joseph at 6pm. Chris Gerrib is the author. Signed copies of the book will be offered for sale

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department on Aging is seeking nominations for the 2025 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older. Governor J B Prizker says whether its a teacher who goes the extra mile to a helpful neighbor, seniors are the backbone of our communities and his office is  proud to honor four older adults for their contributions in community service, education, arts, and labor by inducting them into the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame. Nominees must be submitted to the Illinois Department of Aging by June 2.

 

(Rantoul–jc) Work on streets and sewer continues for the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says village leaders are moving forward with a water and wastewater issues in the village…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

 

(Chicago–jc)  Small business optimism has dropped and the uncertainty index has risen, according to the National Federation of Independent Business Optimism Index. N-F-I-B Illinois State Director Noah Finley said small business owners remain on edge about the expiration of the federal small business tax dedication and lingering inflation and workforce pressures.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department will hold a press conference and community forum on Friday at 9:00 A.M. in the Urbana City Council Chambers to address the recent tragedies that claimed three lives, including a seven-year-old child. Chief Larry D. Boone will speak on the urgent need to address domestic violence and gun violence in our community. UPD will also provide key updates on the ongoing investigation to ensure accurate information is shared and to prevent misinformation from spreading.

 

(Fisher–jc)  Village of Fisher leaders are set to approve several TIF redevelopment agreements when they meet tonight at the Fisher Community Center. Several village jurisdiction agreements are also on tonights agenda. The Fisher Village board meeting comes to order at 6pm

 

(Watseka-jm) – John Grant of Donovan is the newest member of the Iroquois County Board. His appointment fills a vacancy from a few months back when Michael McTaggart resigned his seat. Grant will serve on the Tax and Health committees.

 

(Buckley–jc)  Theres a great chicken meal, a carnival and silent auction to benefit Christian education at one local school on Sunday. The St Johns School in Buckley’s P-T-L group is hosting the event that starts at 3-30 at the school onSunday. St John’s PTL President Tessa Pilcher says this years funds help with some tech needs and school needs…

 

 

St John’s School P T L President Tessa Pilcher

 

(Kankakee–jc)  Clove Alliance will be hosting its signature event, COSMIC BINGO, next month.The event is set for Friday March 21st at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds. Event starts at 4-30 with bingo at 6-30. More information is found on line at clovebingo-dot-.square-dot.site.

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is coming to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 12th. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven charted in the Top 10, and five were certified for Multi-Platinum sales. Tickets go on sale this Saturday

 

(Gilman–jc)  Iroquois West school board members are set to talk about negotiations with teachers for a new contract when they meet tonight at 6. Action could be taken on contract negotiations after the closed session. A public comment period will also be a part of tonight's meeting in Gilman.

WPXN News notes…

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections this morning from 8-9 am.

 

The Onarga American Legion will host a blood drive today from 1-6pm.

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, February 14th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, February 14th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and salad for $10.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 15th from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hash browns and eggs for $8.

 

The Cissna Park Development Board will host Dueling Pianos at the Cissna Park American Legion on Saturday, February 15th.  Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner at 6pm with dueling pianos from 6:30-9:30. Cost is $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Call Rachel Bauer at 815-954-4806 for tickets.