(Champaign-jm) – A teenager convicted of murdering an Urbana Lyft driver three years ago will spend over five decades in prison for the crime. 19-year-old Tyjohn Williams booked a ride with Kristian Philpotts the night of Jan. 12, 2022, and was riding with him when Williams fired a shot that struck and killed Philpotts. Police believed at the time that Williams shot Philpotts during a robbery attempt, but a motive was never established during his bench trial in November. Rosenbaum found Williams guilty and oversaw his sentencing on Monday. Williams faced anywhere from 45 years to life in prison. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison and must serve 100% of the time.
(Paxton-jm) – A Danville man is facing charges in Ford County after Paxton Police said he was caught in a sting targeting child predators. The Ford County Chronicle reported that in a Paxton Police blotter, officers said they arrested Brooks Clarkson, 46 of Danville. The arrest happened after a three-week investigation by Paxton Police involving an officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. Officers said that Clarkson allegedly began communicating with that officer on February 7 and on March 1, he traveled to Paxton to meet the supposed teen. He was arrested around 9:28 p.m. near the intersection of Meuser Drive and Washington Street. Clarkson was arrested on preliminary charges of traveling to meet a minor, solicitation to meet a child and indecent solicitation of a child, officers said. Ford County court records show a criminal complaint against Clarkson was filed Monday with only one count — traveling to meet a minor.
(Highland Park–dm)-The man accused of carrying out the Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting in 2022 that killed seven people pleaded guilty before his trial got underway Monday. Robert Crimo III faced 21 counts of first degree murder as well as 48 counts of attempted murder. Crimo will be sentenced April 23, and most likely will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
(Rantoul–jc) The Rantoul Sports Complex has already started several sporting events for the year. This weekend, an adult slow pitch tournament and quadball come to the local facility. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the amount of events at the Rantoul Sports Complex continues to grow and the amount of visitors to Rantoul also continues to grow…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Danville, IL–dm) Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden stated that a house fire on North Griffin Street on Sunday, in Danville claimed the life of a 67 year old woman identified as Theresa L. Pundt of Danville. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danville Fire Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office and the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office.
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator suggests a proposed amendment to the Prevailing Wage Act could drive up costs for taxpayers. House Bill 1189 says if there is a federally funded construction project that is run by the state or a unit of local government, the higher of the federal prevailing wage or the state prevailing wage will apply to that project. Sean Stott, the director of governmental affairs at the Laborers' International Union of North America, said the bill would ensure Illinois workers' protection from action on the federal level in regards to wage setting.
(Paxton–jc) One local fitness and health business is set for an open house in Paxton on Saturday. Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness Trainer Jeff Cialkowski provides some insight into the business model of the local facility…
Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness, Paxton location, Trainer Jeff Cialkowski
Saturday's open house is set for 8am until 11am. Tours, free giveaways and competitions hilite the event on Saturday in Paxton
Champaign, Illinois – The 16th annual Prom Benefit for Eastern Illinois Foodbank, presented by Martinelli’s Market, was held on Saturday, at I Hotel & Conference Center, and raised more than 381,000 meals for food-insecure individuals and families in the Food Bank's 18-county service territory. At any given time, more than 100,000 people in eastern Illinois do not have access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle. In the past year, pantries in the Food Bank's network saw a 90% increase in the number of neighbors being served since 2022.
(Paxton–dm)-On March 29th the Ford County Emergency Management Agency will host the State of Illinois Traffic Incident Management Training Program. Ford County EMA Director Terry Whitebird has more information.
Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird
(Chebanse-jm) – A Mahomet man was cited for a Scott’s Law violation after Illinois State Police said he hit a stopped squad car over the weekend. The crash happened on March 1 near Chebanse. Officials said a State Police trooper responded to I-57 just before 2 p.m. after a report of debris in the road. The trooper parked their squad car in the right lane, turned on their emergency lights and removed the debris. The trooper had just finished removing debris from the roadway, officials said, when their squad car was hit in the back by a Lincoln SUV that failed to move over. The trooper was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials said the driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Harold McComb of Mahomet, was also transported to the hospital with injuries. McComb was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for a Scott’s Law violation.
(Springfield–dm)-Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs marked Casimir Pulaski Day by announcing his office has purchased $15 million in Republic of Poland Bonds. It is the first time the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has invested in the Republic of Poland. Illinois celebrates Casimir Pulaski Day the first Monday in March. He organized the American cavalry during the Revolutionary War and helped win several battles before dying from combat injuries in 1779.
(Springfield–jc) One local state legislator says Illinois does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington says the billions of dollars spent on non-citizens is now even larger…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican, of Emmington
(Metro East–dm)Ameren Illinois is scheduled to replace a decades-old pipeline in Metro East as part of efforts to meet federal safety standards. The project involves a nearly three-mile stretch of road in Collinsville and is expected to impact traffic in the area. It is part of a multi-year plan by the company to bring all natural gas transmission pipelines into compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. The project is expected to be completed by September.
(Loda–jc) The Loda American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a craft show and bake sale on Saturday in the village. Money raised from the event goes to local veterans, says Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts…
Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts. The event runs from 9am until 2pm at the Loda American Legion on Saturday
Champaign, Ill. – State Farm Center and Central Illinois Multimedia Group are proud to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Temptations and The Four Tops on October 16 at State Farm Center. This will mark just the second appearance of The Temptations at the venue and is their first visit since February 22, 1969. The Four Tops will be making their debut at the historic arena when they take the stage for the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday
(USDA–dm)-The Agriculture Secretary's weekend visit to Commodity Classic included further details of an economic and emergency assistance program for producers, including a new name. Rod Bain has the story.
WPXN News notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, March 4th from 9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 7th from 4-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of fish or chicken, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $10.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.
The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.
