(Springfield-jm) – Every Illinois municipality and fire protection district will soon have the ability to charge fees for lift assist services to help deter non-emergency lift assist calls and recover associated costs. The Illinois Municipal League said the rising number of calls for lift assist at congregate care facilities has become a growing concern. On average, lift assist worker compensation claims are twice as costly as any other municipal claims. This legislation states that municipalities and fire districts can charge reasonable fees to assisted living and nursing home facilities for lift assist services exceeding six occurrences per year. The fees must not exceed the actual personnel and equipment costs incurred in providing service.
(Savoy–jc) – A motorcyclist was fatally injured in a two vehicle crash along old Church road in Savoy on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say the accident happened just east of the village around 5-30pm. No other information about the accident has been released.
(Illinois-bp) - The Adventure awaits at the 2025 Illinois State Fair in Springfield - WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the story…
(Springfield-jm) – People allergic to gluten often have a tough decision to make when looking for a restaurant, but a new law in Illinois aims to make it easier for people with celiac disease to dine out and enjoy multiple menu options. Lawmakers said the new law will ensure food handlers get familiar with the disease, and show them how to safely handle gluten-free foods. Senate Bill 1288 requires training for workers in the restaurant industry. Lawmakers said it also makes sure they’re educated on other allergens, like sesame.
(USDA-bp) Some of the trends associated with USDA's annual look at honey bee colonies in the U.S. Lance Honig with the National Agricultural Statistics Service explains…
(Rantoul-bp) The Rantoul Chamber of commerce is having its 7th annual Glow in the dark golf outing at Willow pond golf course on September 13th. It's 70 dollars per person or 280 dollars per team of four. Including a dinner, cart, golf, and putting contest. Players must be 21 or older.
(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman has announced the results of speed enforcement efforts conducted in July as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign. These efforts resulted in 22 traffic stops, with 20 speeding citations issued, three traffic warnings given, and one citation for a child restraint violation.
(Hoopeston-jm) – Hoopeston firefighters were called to a structure fire Tuesday evening. They were called to the 900 block of South Second Avenue just after 6:30. Rossville and Wellington firefighters were also called to assist.
(Gilman–dm)- There’s lots of activities going on in the City of Gilman this weekend as they celebrate Their OldBoys and Girls reunion. Old boys and Girls Reunion Chairman Robert Sinn has Friday’s activities.
Old Boys and Girls Committee Chairman Robert Sinn
(Springfield–jc) Monday was the first day to circulate nominating petitions for established party candidates in Illinois. Republicans and Democrats can start collecting signatures to get on the March 2026 primary ballot.Races up for grabs include statehouse seats and Illinois’ statewide offices like governor and U.S. senator. Filing week begins October 27.
(Danville–jc) – Get ready for a great time at Danville Area Community College's 2nd Back to School Block Party! The event is set for this afternoon from 5-8 pm in DACC's Main Street Parking Lot. .
(Urbana-jm) – Federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are leading to the end of an Illinois Extension-led program and the elimination of more than a quarter of the organization’s workforce. The College of ACES at the University of Illinois explained that the federal government recently eliminated funding a program called SNAP-Education, which provides nutrition education for people eligible for SNAP benefits. This, officials said, impacts food security for 1 million people each year, affects 2,000 statewide partnerships and will eliminate over 200 jobs. Illinois Extension has led one of the largest SNAP-Ed programs in the country — under the brand Eat.Move.Save — for more than 30 years.
(Chicago–jc) –The war of words around political maps is heating up after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker hosted Texas Democrats fleeing The Lone Star State to avoid voting on new Congressional boundaries. The Governor is hosting several Texas legislators in Illinois. They were evading voting for their state’s new maps being considered by majority statehouse Republicans. Illinois governor J B Pritzker made it political against Republicans…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. Illinois State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur says the governor and democrats in Illinois have a gerry-mandered map in Illinois…
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul Village leaders are looking to replace an aging motor home park in town with a new apartment complex. The issue was one at last night’s study session. The upgrade in properties would also bring additional tax dollars into the village. The issue is set to come up at next week’s regular meeting of the Rantoul Village Board.
(Champaign-jm) – Ruler Foods, located at 716 W Town Center Boulevard in Champaign, will be closing its doors on August 18. The other Champaign location at 2002 W Springfield Avenue will remain open.
(Gibson City-jm) – A 34-year-old man was arrested on Friday after more than 50 grams of methamphetamine was seized during a search warrant in Gibson City. On Aug. 1, the Gibson City Police Department, Paxton Police Department and Ford County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search at the residence. While executing the search warrant, approximately 54 grams of suspected meth was seized. As a result, 34-year-old Leonard Schmitt was arrested and charged with the following: Methamphetamine delivery, a Class X felony, Possession of methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony and Theft, a Class 3 felony.
(Paxton–jc) Paxton city leaders continue to look at options for the next phase of the downtown Streetscape project. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says other towns are looking at what Paxton has done for its downtown. Ingold says they continue to look for grants for the 100 block of South Market in the city…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office has transformed its Champaign facility into the first DMV+ facility outside of the Chicago area, offering new services and reduced wait times. The Champaign D-M-V-plus offers Secretary of State services well beyond those available at traditional D-M-V locations. These include specialized services from its Business, Administrative Hearings, Index and Personnel Departments that would otherwise require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State’s office in Chicago or Springfield.
CHAMPAIGN – A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event has been scheduled to take place in Champaign County on Saturday, August 9th. This drop-off event is sponsored by the Illinois EPA and is open to all Illinois residents. Residents must pre-register for this event at h-h-w-event-dotsimplybook-dot-.me by selecting an available time slot. This event will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
WPXN News notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, August 8th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate and includes salad and garlic bread.
Downtown Gibson City will host its monthly Friday Night Car Cruise on Friday, August 8th, featuring classic cars cruising and parked along Sangamon Avenue, plus live music by Wowie Zowie from 6-9 p.m. and food vendors throughout the evening.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, August 9th from 9-1. Activities include craft and vendors, live music and food.
Local farmers and their spouses are invited to gather for an Agri- Wellness event at noon Saturday, August 23, at the Bachman Farm at 1773 E. Iroquois County Road 800 North in rural Loda. Guests will enjoy a free barbecue lunch and can enter to win door prizes donated by area businesses. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling 309-438- 2970.
Melvin Fun Day will be Saturday, August 23, at the Melvin Village Hall featuring free entry and activities that include bouncy houses, face painting, a cake walk, bingo, food trucks and live music. Free hot dogs will be available from noon to 2 p.m. The band begins performing at 6 p.m.
Christ Lutheran High School’s annual Knight for Christ Benefit Auction is set for Saturday, August 23, at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. The event features a silent auction starting at 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a live auction. Reservations are required and cost $50. For more information, people can visit the school’s website, www.christlutheranbuckley.com.
