(Fairbury-jm) – A two-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Gibson City woman on Saturday just south of Fairbury. 19-year-old Mark Gal was driving a Buick Envision eastbound on 600 North Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign at 2200 East Road. His vehicle collided with a northbound Chevrolet Equinox driven by 67-year-old James Enghausen of Gibson City. Both vehicles sustained extensive front-end damage and left the roadway, with Enghausen's vehicle striking a utility pole. Tragically, the passenger in Enghausen's vehicle, his 67-year-old wife, Jerrie Enghausen, was killed in the accident.
(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen by 3.8 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching an average of $3.43 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's survey. This marks a significant increase of 23.8 cents per gallon compared to a month ago, although prices remain 41.7 cents per gallon lower than the same period last year.
(Undated–jc) Local election day is set for today. WPXN’s Joel Cluver takes a look at some of the area contested races…
(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving an aggravated robbery that happened early last week. On March 25 at 2:20 p.m., police responded to Exotic’s Smoke Shop on East University Avenue in Urbana. Police were told a male entered the store and began selecting items. He fled after a brief altercation with employees in which he allegedly pulled a weapon. The suspect was described as a Black man, between the age of 25-30 years old, wearing a black stocking cap, a yellow disposable mask, a puffy black coat, black pants, and yellow Jordan 13 retro “Carmelo Class of 2002” high top shoes.
(Watseka–dm)- Clove Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and healing to survivors of sexual violence. On Wednesday April 2nd they will be hosting a Business after hours at their Watseka office. Clove Alliance CEO Tracey Noe-Slach tells us more.
Clove Alliance CEO Tracy Noe-Slach. The business after hours will be held at their Watseka office located at 1801 Ill. Rt. 1.
(Illinois–dm)-Power has been restored for thousands of Illinoisans after strong storms moved through the state Sunday. Tornado warnings were issued in east central Illinois during the afternoon with the National Weather Service confirming a tornado touching down southwest of Champaign-Urbana. A storage building owned by Illinois Foundation Seeds was brought to the ground with debris scattered several hundred yards away. Strong storms moved through the Chicago area as well, bringing high winds and prompting tornado warnings.
(The Center Square) – Tariffs could drive auto insurance rates up an additional 18% in Illinois after inflation provoked a similar increase in 2024, according to a new report by Insurify. Insurify data journalist Matt Brannon said estimates could change depending on which tariffs are actually imposed. He said the report considered Mexico and Canada tariffs, steel and aluminum tariffs, and tariffs which are expected to take effect on cars and auto parts. Brannon said with the tariffs in effect, the increase in Illinois would be 18% instead of 4%. Last year in Illinois, car insurance rates jumped 18%, bringing the average annual full coverage cost to $1,963.
(Ford County-jm) – A former Paxton pharmacist is facing charges alleging that she illegally possessed a controlled substance outside of her job with the intent of delivering it. Our partners at the Ford County Chronicle reported that Jenna Vogel was charged on February 24 with two counts of the crime — one Class X and the other Class 3. She is the former owner and head pharmacist of the now-closed Doug’s Compounding Pharmacy. The charges allege that Vogel “knowingly possessed with the intent to deliver” 100 grams or more of a substance containing hydrocodone, as well as “an amount” of amphetamine. Vogel is due back in court on June 9 for a pretrial hearing. If convicted of the Class X charge, Vogel could be sentenced from six to 30 years in prison. The Class 3 charge carried a sentencing range of probation to five years in prison.
(Chicago-jm) – Illinois legislative leaders are worried that the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to terminate over $600 million in teacher training grants. Higher education leaders told reporters in Chicago Monday that this is yet another hit to diversity initiatives at public universities. Representative La Shawn Ford said any cuts to federal financial aid will have a serious negative impact on students and their ability to access college education. Ford noted that many Illinois families rely on Pell grants and student loans to make college affordable.
(Paxton–dm)- Today is April 1st and that means it’s election day in Illinois. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick tells us what positions you will be voting for.
Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick. The poles are open until 7pm
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is warning residents about a recent telephone scam. The police department said a community member reported receiving multiple phone calls from someone claiming to be with the Urbana Police Department. The caller was able to use a “spoofed number” matching the department’s main line, which is 217-384-2320. Then, the caller requested personal information and claimed the resident’s bank accounts were compromised. The caller also threatened arrest and said federal authorities were involved. The police department assured the community that no officer with the Urbana Police Department will ask for your banking information, or demand payment over the phone. At times, police will ask for identifying details during investigations, but this generally takes place in person, with official documentation.
(USDA–dm)-USDA's Prospective Plantings Report for this season indicates a rise in corn acreages planted from the previous year, but what is the forecast for plantings of other Spring crops?
(Ford/Iroquois–dm)-The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation has announced the availability of 2025 High School 4-H Senior Scholarships, offering up to $1,000 each, thanks to the support from their annual auction. All graduating 4-H seniors from Ford and Iroquois have received an email with the scholarship application link, which is also accessible through school counselors. Applications are due by April 18,2025.
(Paxton–jc) One local Paxton business is celebrating its 75th anniversary today with a one day event. Hudson Drug and Hallmark downtown Paxton has thirty percent savings, today only, refreshments and prizes says Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson…
Hudson Drug and Hallmark Store Owner Andy Hudson. It was 75 years to the day, that Hudson’s Grandfather took over as owner of the pharmacy in Paxton. WPXN plans a facebook live this morning at Hudsons in downtown Paxton
(Chicago–dm)-Michael Madigan's defense lawyers are seeking the former Illinois House speaker's acquittal on federal corruption charges. In a legal filing Friday, Madigan's defense team repeated claims they made during the trial that the court made errors in admitting and excluding evidence. Prosecutors are asking for $3.1 million from Madigan for payments made to ComEd contractors and subcontractors. Judge John Robert Blakey is expected to consider the motions before Madigan's sentencing, which is scheduled on June 13.
(Cissna Park–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware in Cissna Park. The store has new local owners, but has been part of the Cissna Park Community for nearly 100 years. Knapp and Steiner True Value Store Manager Michael McCray says they are the 4th local owner of the store in downtown Cissna Park…
McCray says the store is filled with a large and wide variety of hardware, paint, and household items, and they also have the ability to special order, just about anything customers need…
Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware of Cissna Park Store Manager Michael McCray. Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today 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.
