(Normal–jc) Illinois State University Police Department officials are asking for the public’s assistance identifying a person of interest in the shots fired incident that occurred Sunday night in the Bone Student Center. In an isolated incident, a fight started between two groups of people that ended with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to a non-student. The victim was transported to an area hospital. The person of interest fled the scene. Anyone with information can email the I-S-U Police or call 309-438-8631.
Chatham–jc) –– The Illinois State Police continues its investigation into a fatal crash that occurred Monday afternoon in Chatham. ? Around 3-30pm Monday, a vehicle left the road for unknown reasons, traveled through a field and into the east side of the Y-NOT After School Camp located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham. ? The car traveled through the building striking numerous individuals before exiting the other side. ? Four individuals were killed in the crash, two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children were taken to area hospitals and one remains in critical condition.
(Chicago–dm)-U.S. government attorneys are no longer seeking $3.14 million dollars in forfeiture funds from convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. A document prosecutors filed states that the government continues to stand on the legal arguments, but it will, “as a matter of discretion,” no longer seek a forfeiture judgment. A jury convicted Madigan on 10 counts of corruption in February. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13 in Chicago.
(Champaign County–dm)-Rising prices and low inventory set the stage for a competitive spring season for the Champaign County housing market. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the information.
(Bloomington–jc). – The Illinois Corn Growers Association, alongside more than 20 other state corn organizations and the National Corn Growers Association, is formally calling on Ford Motor Company to reinstate its production of Flex Fuel Vehicles and re engage in advancing renewable fuel technologies that support rural America. In a joint letter addressed to Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, the coalition representing corn farmers expressed deep concern over the automaker’s move away from FFVs, particularly in its iconic F-Series truck lineup. The letter highlights the critical role of American-grown ethanol.
(Springfield–jc) The subject of males in female sports continues to grow and a controversy continues to grow too. Some state lawmakers are seeking advice from the federal government as some Democrats in Springfield want to allow the practice of men in women’s sports. Reaction from 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon. The I-H-S-A has weighed in on the issue but they are receiving “Mixed Messages” on the issue.
(Champaign–jc) –Firefighters and staff from the Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department and Equity and Engagement Department, along with volunteers from the Christian Sheehan Smoke Alarm Blitz and the American Red Cross will be going door-to-door in a northcentral Champaign neighborhood on Saturday, offering to check smoke alarms and installing free smoke alarms in homes that need them. This Smoke Alarm Blitz, beginning at 8:00 a.m., will include approximately 100 homes within the boundaries of Prospect Avenue to the west; Harris Avenue to the east; Bradley Avenue to the north; and the railroad to the south. Last week, participants went door-to-door in the neighborhood with information regarding the installation blitz. The Sheehan family of Champaign has ties to the Cissna Park community. The Champaign Fire Department reminds everyone that smoke alarms save lives.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton area Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours this evening from 5-7 pm. The Pop Loft Flower Shop is hosting the Business after Hours and is located at 352 S. Market in Paxton. They will have light refreshments, beverages and networking.
(Rantoul–dm)-If you have ever wondered what services, programs and opportunities are available to you in Northern Champaign County, The Community Service Center is sponsoring a Resource Fair on Thursday May 8th. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford has the information.
Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker told New Hampshire Democrats to mass protest and disrupt Republicans.The Washington Post reports Pritzker saying “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.” The Illinois GOP put out a statement saying Pritzker is calling for violence towards Republicans. Illinois GOP Chairman Kathy Salvi said the governor’s “inflammatory and dangerous speech is focused on further dividing” the country and she hopes to see Illinois Democrats condemn such rhetoric.
(Springfield–dm)-The Illinois Supreme Court is keeping the state law limiting the counties where people can sue the state in place. In a ruling last week, the state’s high court said having certain cases, like the challenges to the state’s Firearms Industry Responsibility Act, consolidated in two counties, either Sangamon or Cook, “would make the process of resolving the disputes more efficient and less costly for the State.”
The Center Square) – The Trump administration’s campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is a topic of discussion on Illinois college campuses.Dozens of institutions are under investigation for alleged racial discrimination related to DEI programs and some may lose federal funding. University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen talks about the issue of losing funds…
Killeen says the University of Illinois could lose up to $120 million dollars..
University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul authorities and Champaign County Crime Stoppers are seeking information on a storage facility burglary that happened earlier this month
The burglary happened on April 11 at a building in the 100 block of East Flessner Avenue. On scene footage showed at 1-10am showed two people arrived in a white U-Haul van, They cut a lock, took items and left the scene.Anyone who knows something about this crime is asked to contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers to submit a tip. Tips can be made by calling 217-373-8477
(Paxton–dm)-If you are planting grass seed this spring, don’t forget about preparing the soil before planting. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has these tips.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 7:30 on Scott’s Tips For Success.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Businessof the Day is A Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton. The local store has been a part of the downtown area of Paxton for over 30 years. Owner Dawn Glad provides a bit of history of A Picket Fence Florist…
She says they are busy with area high school proms, with a dozen last week and P-B-L and more this week…
A Picket Fence Florist Store Owner Dawn Glad.
They are also getting ready for Mother’s Day and graduations
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Park District along with the Animal Clinic of Paxton will hold a low cost pet vaccine and wellness clinic on Wednesday, April 30th from 3-6 pm at the Paxton Civic Center. The exam is $25 with the bloodborne disease testing $35.
Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays Concert Series on Friday, May 2nd at Veterans Square. Crozier and Company will be performing classic rock hits.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the PBL Youth Football on Saturday May 3rd from 10-2.
Eric Gordon will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, May 3rd at 7 pm. Food will be available starting at 5:30 pm.
The Gibson City Lions Club will hold their puzzle night fundraiser on Friday, May 9th at Countryside Campground. Dinner begins at 6 with puzzles at 7. Cost is $100 for teams of 4.
Monster Truck Wars will take place on Saturday, May 10th at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. Showtimes are at noon and 6pm.
Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s Know Your Numbers Fair will take place May 12th-17th from 7-10 am each day. Cost is $65. No appointments are necessary.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, May 14th from 8-9 am.
