(Paxton-jm) – Paxton and Ludlow firefighters battled a brush fire along I-57 Monday evening. The call came in just before 5:30 pm of the fire in the east ditch of northbound I-57 at the 100 North bridge.
(Washington–jc)-Illinois Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is making an effort to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of the Trump Administration's efforts to slim down the federal government. Duckworth introduced the Protect Veterans Jobs Act on Monday, which would reinstate some of the workers. Duckworth said veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that more than 6,000 veterans have been fired.
(Illinois–dm)-Tariffs are sparking a debate among Illinois officials and organizations. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story.
(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Public Safety is alerting the community of a sexual assault that happened on campus over the weekend. The University of Illinois Police Department received a report from campus security that a student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity around midnight on Saturday, March 8. They added that the victim didn’t know the offender.
(Paxton–jc) – Through a facebook post, the Paxton Park District has announced the local Dog Park in the city will be closed until further notice. The post stated that local officials have been notified that several unvaccinated dogs have been visiting the park over the past several days. The pets have tested positive for Parvo Virus, which is a highly contagious disease. Those wanting more information are asked to contact the Paxton Park District.
(Springfield–jc) National Federation of Independent Small Business is speaking out ahead of the Illinois Pollution Board’s hearings on adopting some of California’s vehicle emissions standards. The state plans to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, leading to a complete ban on the sale of new non-electric vehicles in 2035. The NFIB Illinois director said members report that they would consider scaling back their business, moving to another state, or closing their business if these mandates go into effect
(Ford County–dm)-The Ford County Emergency Management Agency is hosting a Traffic Incident Management Training program at the Cabery Fire Dept. on Saturday March 29th. Ford County EMA Director Terry Whitebird has more information.
If you have questions or want to attend, RSVP by e-mailing twhitebird@ford county.illinois.gov before March 22nd.
OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that weather permitting, construction on Illinois 115 in Ford County will begin Monday, March 31. The work zone is from Roberts to Illinois 9. Work will include patching, milling and resurfacing the road and rebuilding the shoulders. There will be intermittent lane closures controlled by flaggers during the $7.7 million project, which is expected to wrap up in July.
(Springfield-jm) – Comptroller Susana Mendoza is warning the public to be on the lookout for tax related scams. Con artists will pose as an IRS employee, contacting people by text, email or phone and asking for personal information or even offering a refund. Some calls may be threatening, saying the taxpayer needs to send money right away or click on a link to correct a problem on their return. Once you file your state taxes, you can visit Find My Refund on the Illinois Office of Comptroller website to check the status of your refund if applicable.
(Springfield-jm) – Hundreds of homeschool families joined Republican lawmakers outside the state capitol to oppose a bill that could put more regulation on homeschooling in Illinois. Capitol News Illinois reports the bill will require families to notify their local school district if they decide to homeschool. Parents could also have to show teaching material and proof of a student’s work if there is a concern a homeschooler isn’t being taught. Ashton Bandy with Illinois Christian Home Educators says the bill gives the state too much power over children’s education…
Illinois Christian Home Educators Spokesperson Ashton Bandy
Families used the annual “Cherry Pie Day” to give pies to lawmakers and talk to them about the legislation.
(Undated-jm) – Rantoul firefighters were called to a brush fire on I-57 south of the village Monday. It happened in the median near mile marker 248.
(Rantoul–dm)-Spring is just around the corner, and the Rantoul Sports Complex has a full schedule for spring and summer. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid tells us what lies ahead for activities as well as the impact on the city of Rantoul.
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of SportsOperations Ryan Reid
(Moline–jc) - Another Illinois municipality is adopting a grocery tax. In response to the state’s decision to eliminate its 1% grocery tax starting Jan. 1, 2026, the city of Moline has approved the implementation of its own 1% grocery tax. City leaders said it is necessary to maintain essential revenue streams. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation last year that repealed the state's grocery tax but granted municipalities the authority to impose local grocery taxes at their discretion.
OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that weather permitting, one lane in each direction of Interstate 57 at the Buckley interchange (exit 272) in Iroquois County will be closed beginning Monday, March 17. The closure is necessary to complete construction of the Iroquois County Highway 9 bridge over I-57.
WPXN News notes…
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, March 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 supper on Friday, March 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, March 15th from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs for $8.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the First Lutheran Church on Saturday March 15th from 10-2.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, March 20th from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.
