(Rural Thomasboro-jm) – At least one person has died after a collision between a car and a train in Champaign County. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the accident took place on Leverett Road, just before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle driving eastbound moved around activated crossing gates and was hit by an Amtrak train driving northbound. The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, the sheriff’s office said. At least one fatality has been confirmed inside the vehicle, but there were no injuries reported among the train passengers or crew members.
(Kankakee-jm) – The Greater Kankakee Airport was shut down Friday afternoon after State Police said an unauthorized person tried to enter and was taken into custody. State Police said that around 12:30 p.m., troopers were notified that the unauthorized person tried to gain access to the property. State Police are leading the investigation, and local authorities are assisting.
(Washington-jm) – Three Democratic candidates are vying to replace retiring U-S Senator Dick Durbin. One of those is Representative Robin Kelly, whose district extends from the southeast side of Chicago to all of Iroquois, most of Ford, the northern half of Vermilion and the northern third of Champaign Counties. In an interview with Capitol News Illinois, Kelly describes how she sets herself apart from her opponents…
U-S Senate candidate and current U-S Representative Robin Kelly. Her opponents in the primary are current Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and U-S Representative Raja Krishnamorthi.
(Champaign-jm) – The pavement patching of ramps at the Interstate 57/72 interchange in Champaign is set to begin this week. In an announcement from the Illinois Department of Transportation, beginning at 9 a.m. today, the southbound I-57 ramp to eastbound I-72 will close for patching for one to two days and then move on as follows (with one or two days at each location): Southbound to westbound, Northbound to eastbound, Eastbound to southbound and Westbound to northbound. Additionally, patching in the I-57 mainline lanes will require lane closures for approximately two weeks. However, current lane and ramp closures will be unaffected by this work.
(Springfield–jc) The main reason for higher electric rates in July and heading into August is supply and demand. But some cost reductions could be possible says one area lawmaker. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon says the supply is there but going elsewhere…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Champaign-jm) – A man in Champaign County is pleading guilty to the murder of two people. It happened last year at a pop-up party in the area of Cynthia and Anita Drives in Champaign. 22-year-old Corey Butler was charged with 10 counts of murder and one of a felon in possession of a firearm but is getting most of those charges dismissed through his plea. The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office said Butler pleaded guilty before the trial to one count of first-degree murder. The rest of the charges were dismissed as part of the deal, and Butler was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
(Gibson City–jc) The ACT Production Company of Gibson City celebrated 25 years of youth productions over the weekend with two musicals at North Park in Gibson City. A large crowd filled the pavilion area to see “Space Pirates” and “Seussical.” After the Saturday night performance, the ACT Production Company honored one of their own for being a part of the ACT Productions for 25 years. Honored on Saturday was Ann Spangler of Gibson City. A winter production is being planned for December.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing charges alleging he committed sex crimes that involved children. Elliott Charles was arraigned on six charges Friday afternoon: two Class X counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, two Class 1 counts of indecent solicitation of a child and two Class 4 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. All of the counts involve a victim under the age of 13.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Mainstreet Group is looking for ideas and a plan for the future of the city of Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet has a survey available about the downtown area and have a goal of getting over 300 responses. To date they have just over 160. Paxton MainStreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Surveys are needed by around August 10th
(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers could be on the hook for hundreds of millions in food subsidies if the state’s error rate isn't cleaned up. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program error rate measures how often states issue incorrect benefit amounts, either overpaying or underpaying recipients, based on a federal review of eligibility and payment accuracy. If the rate rises above 10%, the state will be required to reimburse the federal government for 15%, or $705 million annually, of SNAP costs under a new federal law, according to estimates shared by the governor’s office and reported by the Illinois Times. In fiscal 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Illinois’ error rate was 11.56%.
(Rural Roberts-jm) – Roberts Melvin first responders were called to a single vehicle rollover accident with entrapment Sunday evening. It happened on Route 115 near Roberts. Airlife was asked to be on standby.
(Chicago–dm)-A state government building in Chicago is now named after former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other political leaders gathered Thursday to announce the Jesse White State of Illinois Building at 115 S. La Salle St. Chicago offices of the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Attorney General are among the more than 15 state agencies and constitutionals housed in the building.
(Undated-jm) – Nearly 30 percent of "Gen-Z" college students decided where they would attend school based at least partly on political reasons, according to a new report. Public News Service’s Judith Ruiz-Branch has the details…
(Danville-jm) – The Danville Area Community College has finalized the contract for the 8th President in the school’s history. At a June 26 meeting, DACC’s Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Randy Fletcher as the next President of the college. Following his appointment, it was announced that the Board approved a four-year employment contract outlining key terms of his presidency. Dr. Fletcher, who had been serving as Interim President since December 2024, started his official term on July 1 and will continue in the role through June 30, 2029. The contract provides Dr. Fletcher with a base salary of $240,000, with the possibility of modest annual increases. On top of the standard insurance benefits, the agreement includes allowances for housing, vehicle use and professional expenses.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Foundation has been working on restoring the old water tower in downtown Paxton for a year and a half. Paxton Foundation President Royce Baier tells us everything that’s being done before the tank is set on the tower.
Paxton Foundation President Royce Baier.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign County jury returned to the courtroom Friday night and delivered a verdict of guilty in the trial of William Wesley. Wesley was convicted on at least one of the four counts of first-degree murder he was facing. In finding Wesley guilty, the jury rejected his argument that he shot Marcus Catchings in self-defense. Its not yet known when Wesley will be sentenced.
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is pleading not guilty after being accused of shooting another man dead in Champaign on the Fourth of July. Rynell Frazier is accused of firing multiple shots that struck 32-year-old Martez Jones Jr. of Urbana in the 1900 block of W Bradley Ave. Jones later succumbed to his injuries sustained in the shooting at Carle Hospital. In an arraignment hearing on Friday, Frazier pleaded not guilty, requested a trial by jury and waived his preliminary hearing. Frazier is facing three counts of murder/intent to kill/injure. He fled the initial scene of the crime and was arrested in Indiana on July 17, roughly two weeks after the shooting occurred.
(Paxton–dm)-If you are going to be painting inside your house, you will need to prepare your walls before you start painting. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some ideas on how to get prepared.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday morning at 730 on Scott’s tips for Success.
(Illinois–dm)-According to a new report, Illinois is the 27th most dangerous state for drunk driving in the US, with 18.5% of all fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023 involving a drunk driver. Healthcare publisher Recovered analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on fatal collisions involving one or more drivers over the legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08%.
WPXN News notes…
Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays Concert Series on Friday, August 1st at Veterans Square. Back in Time, a band performing your favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s will perform.
St Malachy Catholic School in Rantoul will host their annual golf outing on Saturday, August 2nd starting at 8:30 am at Brookhill Golf Course in Rantoul. Cost is $80 per person.
The Iroquois County Historical Society will host their 6th annual pork chop sandwich fundraiser on Friday, August 1st from 4-6 pm on the east side of the old courthouse museum. Cost is a freewill donation.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Family Dinner on Friday, August 1st from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes fish, chicken or shrimp plus 2 sides.
