(Springfield-jm) – Illinois residents can expect to see their phone bills rise. The telecommunications excise tax rate is rising. The Illinois Department of Human Services manages the 988 crisis and suicide hotline. And they said the new increase will fund contact centers and mobile crisis response teams. The surcharge will be expected to generate about 400 million dollars’ worth of funding for 9-8-8. Officials say the tax will replace expiring pandemic funds. Taxes are rising by 1.65%, which is charged based on the gross amount paid to a retailer like AT&T. For messages that begin or end in Illinois, and belong to an Illinois address—residents can expect about a 40-cent increase on their phone bills.
(Gilman–jc) – Are crops going to make it to “Knee High by the 4th of July?” Those who look at crops can see it may even be “shoulder high.” Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire says this year’s corn crop is well on its way…
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire. The Wheat harvest in East Central Illinois also continues now with around 25 percent harvested to date.
(Gibson City-jm) – The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City is mourning the loss of Nora Harroun, the wife of co-owner Ben Harroun, who passed away on Thursday. Harroun expressed a heartfelt message on social media on the cancer journey for Nora. A service is set for Tuesday in GilmanA tribute night will be held at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn in the coming weeks.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton 4th of July celebration starts at 8 This morning at Pells Park in Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the Masonic Lodge 5-K starts the day and a worship service follows to start the activities…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. WPXN is sponsoring the Old Fashion Kids games at 11-30. We have cool prizes to give away.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police responded to an unusual incident when a vehicle ended up in a detention pond on the 3000 block of N. Prospect Avenue. Officers were dispatched at 7:34 p.m. following a report of the submerged vehicle. Upon arrival, police conducted an interview with the driver, who explained that a mechanical failure had caused the vehicle to veer off the road and into the water. To assist in the recovery of the vehicle, the Champaign Police called upon the Cornbelt Fire Department’s Dive Team. The dive team worked alongside tow operators to retrieve the vehicle from the pond.
(Rantoul–jc) – The village of Rantoul parade is set to step off at 10 this morning at the corner of Maplewood and Champaign Avenues in the village. One entry will be the Village of Rantoul Mayor’s office. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says his family will be walking in the parade and then hosting a family cookout…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Paxton–jc) Ford County 2024 Payable 2025 tax bills are scheduled to be mailed on Friday, July 11th The first due date will be August 15th, and the second due date will be October 3rd. Taxes may be paid at the courthouse, online or at any Ford County bank After August 15th, interest amounts must also be included in the payment.
(Paxton–dm)-Hot weather is hard on the water in your swimming pool. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some suggestions on keeping your pool water clean.
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scot Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success
(Gilman-jm) – A boil order has been issued for a portion of Gilman following a water main break.According to ERH Enterprises, Inc., the boil order is being issued for people living on North Hartwell Street between East 2nd and 3rd Streets until further notice.
(Springfield-jm) – As peak roadside mowing season unfolds, the Illinois Department of Transportation is urging drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant around mowing equipment and personnel. The department's efforts are part of a strategy to preserve and promote pollinator habitats, with the heaviest mowing period continuing until August 15. During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed, while maintenance mowing, which lasts approximately six weeks starting around July 1, includes areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices, and other structures. This is done in accordance with the Illinois Monarch Project Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators, aiming to protect as much habitat and nectar resources as possible.
(Channahon–jc) Reaction continues to come from state lawmakers on Governor J B Pritzker's announcement to seek a third, 4 year term. Republican State Senator Chris Balkema from Channahon says he ran on a platform to lower taxes and bring more jobs back to Illinois and says the governor has raised taxes and spending and cost jobs in Illinois…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois student who took part in the April 2024 pro-Palestine protests at the University of Illinois was sentenced after being found guilty of obstructing a peace officer. Yafa Issa was found guilty of the misdemeanor charge and was sentenced Thursday to 12 months of conditional discharge, 100 hours of public service, a $514 fine and an order to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs. Back on May 15, Issa was found not guilty of her felony charge of mob action, but her misdemeanor charge was not dismissed.
(Paxton–dm)- While most of Paxton’s 4th of July activities will take place at Pells Park, there is going to be a Pickleball tournament taking place at Cody Park. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper tells us more,
Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Champaign county–jc) 52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci, Democrat from Champaign joined the Illinois Secretary of State in announcing libraries in Champaign, Rantoul and Urbana are receiving state funds. The Rantoul Public Library is getting just over 18 thousand dollars, the Urbana Free Library 56 thousand 500 dollars and the Champaign Public Library: 130 thousand dollars.
(Illinois-bp) - Make sure your independence day travel Checklist includes driving sober or picking a designated driver… WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the Story…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Paxton’s Old Fashioned 4th of July will take place today at Pells Park in Paxton. Activities include 5k at 8 am, community worship service at 9:45, car show 10-2, antique tractor show 11 am, bingo 11-1, kids games and zone 11:30–3, live music with Jake and Mikayla from 12-2, penny scavenger hunt 1-2. Vendors open at Bixby Park from 6-9 pm, golf cart parade at 8:15 with fireworks at 9.
Sibley will host their 4th of July celebration today with a fishing derby at 9 am, petting zoo from 10-noon, parade at noon, climbing wall from 2-4, bingo from 3-5, kids games and inflatables from 4-7, live music at 6 and fireworks at dusk.
The Onarga Chamber of Commerce Independence Celebration will take place today with food and live music starting at 5pm. Then tomorrow it kicks off with the parade at 11am, tractor pulls at noon, live music 12:30-6, car show 1-3, inflatables 1-4, bingo 2-4, kiddie tractor pull at 3 and fireworks at dusk.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Legion on Saturday from 10-2.
Erica Neal will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday at 7pm. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30pm.
The 84th annual Fisher Community Fair will take place July 6th-12th. On Sunday, its the horse and hog show at 10 am, little miss fisher pageant at 2pm and the Junior Miss and Miss Fisher Fair pageant at 3. On Tuesday, its amusement rides from 6-10 pm, Karaoke Night at 6:30 and Redneck Rumble in the grandstands at 7. On Wednesday, its children’s day with games beginning at 9:30 am, ice cream social from 6:30-8, petting zoo from 6-9, $30 armbands from 6-10 and drone racing in the grandstands at 8:30. On Thursday, its amusement rides from 6-10 pm and the ITPA tractor pulls at 7. On Friday the 11th, its $30 armbands from 6-10pm with country artist Jerrod Niemann performing at 7:30. On Saturday the 12th, its the 5k at 7:30 am, mutt show at 9 am, amusement rides 1-10 pm and the demo derby at 6.
