(Rantoul-jm) – Representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 will conduct a silent demonstration outside the Rantoul village administration building today. The protest is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The union said it is meant to highlight unresolved concerns in contract negotiations over the past 14 months with Rantoul's public works department. Designated union representatives will stand silently, advocating for "fair compensation, safe working conditions, and recognition of the essential services provided by public works employees," according to the union. The union said the demonstration will feature informational signs and a large inflatable rat, but there will be no speeches or amplified sounds.
(Springfield–jc) One area state senator is urging the state of Illinois to start working with the federal government on the issue of illegal aliens. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, says it is the duty of local leaders, the state of Illinois, and the federal government, to work together…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Hoopeston-jm) – An 18-year-old from Hoopeston faces a felony charge following his arrest Tuesday afternoon. Shane Grimoldby was taken to the Public Safety Building in Danville. The Vermilion County State's Attorney will review charges which include 2-counts of Aggravated Assault - with a deadly weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and Obstruction of a Police Officer. Grimoldby is also charged with Possession of Cannabis. Hoopeston Police officers were dispatched to the 500-block of East Penn Street about 2:40 pm for reports of an armed person in the area. Other details were not disclosed.
(St. Joseph-jm) – Law enforcement is investigating after a St. Joseph Middle School teacher allegedly showed an image of themself engaging in a “sexual act” during a class presentation. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman confirmed that the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which took place at the middle school on the morning of September 11. Heuerman said that during a classroom presentation, a teacher showed photos from a personal trip, which were related to current events. While sharing the photos, a thumbnail image showing the teacher “allegedly engaged in a sexual act” was accidentally shown.
(Paxton–jc) The 13th annual Paxton Swine and Dine is set for the downtown area of Paxton on Saturday. Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer says the event started in the backyard of several residents, moved to Pells park and now it is set for the entire downtown area of Paxton…
Paxton Swine and Dine Event Spokesperson Alan Meyer
(Paxton–jc) Approving some motor fuel tax projects and a union contract are agenda items for the Paxton City Council when they meet tonight at 7 on the second floor of city Hall. Local leaders will also look to apply for a state grant for repairs on the Clayton Haile walk bridge with the “safe routes to school “ program.
RANTOUL, IL — Rantoul officials are reacting to Revelist Incorporated, formerly called Vista Outdoors, plans to move 126 jobs in Rantoul to a third party company Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall, the third, says his office continues to gather further details on the companies decision to move the jobs. Mayor Hall says the primary concern is for the hardworking men and women who may be affected by this decision, and for their families. Village officials have offered assistance as Revelist Incorporated makes the transition to another facility. Village leaders will help those affected as they work with the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, local businesses, and other Community Partners. WPXN news will continue to update this story as more official news is released.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Parkland College's Board of Trustees adopted the budget for the upcoming year and approved purchases to improve campus structures and enhance public safety at their monthly meeting Wednesday. The Board approved Protection, Health, and Safety project plans to provide much needed structural and mechanical improvements to campus, including roof and window replacements, HVAC upgrades, and security camera additions. Trustees accepted the FY 2026 budget, which includes a $1,997,604 operating deficit. This deficit includes estimated annual salary increases, projected health care costs, and significant capital expenditures.
(Urbana-jm) – A truck driver from Tennessee will be spending the next 90 years behind bars after being convicted of a sexual assault that happened in Central Illinois more than two years ago. On April 21, 2023, the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a roadway in a rural part of the county for the report of a woman who was handcuffed and naked. The woman told deputies that she was abducted and threatened by 56-year-old James Hill of Medon, Tennessee. The victim claims that she met Hill at a gambling establishment in Champaign and that she voluntarily got into his truck. Shortly thereafter, Hill took out a gun, put it to her head and threatened the woman. Hill then stopped the truck somewhere in Iroquois County and pushed her out of the vehicle while she was handcuffed and naked. Hill was ultimately found guilty on four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm, which is a Class X felony.
(Cissna Park–jc) – The Cissna Park Development Board has been busy this summer with their annual “shop the park” series, but also have provided an avenue for local businesses to receive some “grant” dollars for building upgrades. Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Jessica Eisenmann says several businesses are participating…
Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Jessica Eisenmann
(Urbana-jm) – REO Speedwagon is set to return to the U of I campus during Homecoming festivities. Members of the chart-topping classic rock band will serve as grand marshals of the Homecoming parade on September 26. A post-parade party featuring food, music and fireworks will take place in Lot 31. At the Illinois vs. USC football game on September 27th, the band members will participate in the traditional sounding of the air raid siren and will take the field with Barry Houser and the Marching Illini to collaborate on an REO Speedwagon-themed halftime show that will feature a medley of the band’s hit songs.
(Rantoul-jm) – The traffic lights at one Rantoul intersection will be turned off for 90 days as part of a study to see if they can be removed permanently. Starting Monday, the Illinois Department of Transportation will turn off and cover the traffic lights at the intersection U.S. Route 45 and Sangamon Avenue. Stop signs will be placed to guide traffic through the intersection in the meantime. Drivers are asked to pay close attention to the changed conditions and signs at the intersection, obey the posted speed limits and refrain from using mobile devices.
(Paxton–jc) The annual Paxton Area Down Syndrome Awareness Walk is set for Sunday September 28th at the Paxton Buckley Loda track area. The event starts at noon with the purpose of getting the community together with the kids, says Paxton Area Down Syndrome Awareness Walk spokesperson Darla Shall…
Paxton Area Down Syndrome Awareness Walk Spokesperson Darla Shall. A free hotdog meal, Old Salty’s food truck, Bubble fun and raffles hilite the event.
(Champaign–jc) – The City of Champaign, in partnership with the Champaign County Economic Development Center, is excited to launch a second round of the New and Growing Business Programs. These programs are designed to help start and grow small businesses in the City of Champaign by providing financial assistance and technical support to local entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. The new business program offers up to 10 thousand dollars reimbursement for a new business. The Growing Business Program offers at to 20 thousand dollars for established small businesses
(Gibson City–jc) One solar farm company is hosting a ribbon cutting event later the month west of Gibson City. The Earthrise Energy Company is set to start the construction of two 135-megawatt solar farms in the area, including one northwest of Gibson City. The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Thursday September 25th at 2pm. The solar farm will use 1 thousand 257 acres of land just west of Gibson City. The is the first solar wind farm project in Ford County. Earthrise Energy is also building a solar farm near Saybrook in McLean County.
WPXN News Notes…
Downtown Gibson City will host its monthly Friday Night Car Cruise on Friday, September 19, featuring classic cars cruising and parked along Sangamon Avenue, plus live music by Jordan and Jill from 6-9 p.m. and food vendors throughout the evening.
Artesia Brewery in Thawville will hold their Oktoberfest on Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th starting at 5pm both nights. Activities include German food and beer and live music
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting Angel Warriors on Saturday, September 20th from 10-2.
The Nashville-based country music band Diamond Rio is the headlining musical act for the annual Paxton Swine ‘N’ Dine BBQ Contest & Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, in downtown Paxton. In addition to a free concert, the festival will feature a barbecue competition, a car cruise-in, vendors, a kids zone and a bags tournament.
