(Chatham-jm) – Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser has announced the results of the investigation into the fatal crash that happened at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham on April 28th. Milhiser states that the evidence from the investigation into Marianne Akers of Chatham does not support criminal charges. The evidence collected by the Illinois State Police indicates that it was most likely a medical episode, possibly a seizure, that caused Akers to veer off the road in crash into the YNOT building, tragically killing five. Toxicology tests conducted shortly after the crash were negative for drugs and alcohol.

 

(Champaign–dm)-You might hear your kids talk about a kava (KAH-vah) root drink...that claims to help with anxiety and addiction. It’s the new diet trend. But health experts say...approach with caution. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has 

more.

All are reminded to check with your doctor before changing your diet

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(Elliott-jm) – Elliott firefighters were called to a power line down after a farmer struck the pole. It happened just before 4:30 at the intersection of Midway and Poplar Streets.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Illinois Representative Carol Ammons is celebrating a local grant aimed at improving campus accessibility in the Champaign-Urbana area. The City of Urbana received over $1.6 million in funding to expand its pathway network. The grant will be used for the Florida Avenue Shared-Use Path Project to close the final half-mile gap in a four-mile bikeway connecting to Champaign. The shared-use path will create a route for students and C-U residents to access the University of Illinois campus more easily and safely.

 

(Champaign–dm)-With the dry weather, the grain harvest has been moving along.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady tells us what she knows about yield estimates.

   

Champaign County Farm Bureau manager Bailey Conrady.

 

(Illinois–dm)-According to the Citizens Utility Board, ComEd’s new electricity price has fallen a bit since the summer, but it is still about 47% higher than it was last October. While Ameren’s price dropped more than 30%, CUB urged all utility customers to review their bills. The utility watchdog says Illinoisans have lost about $2 billion to alternative suppliers in the last decade.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  It’s Pumpkins in the Park in downtown Cissna Park on Saturday. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 7am. The event is sponsored by the Cissna Park FFA. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton says there is lunch and a lot of fun activities too…

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

 

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Griff's Auto Detailing of Paxton. Owner Matt Griffin has over 20 years of experience in auto detailing in the area. Griffs Auto Detailing Owner Matt Griffin talks about his 20 plus years  in the auto detailing business…

 

 Matt Griffin says along with  cars and trucks, he also details a wide variety of vehicles…

 

Griff’s Auto Detailing of Paxton Owner Matt Griffin. The motto of the business is

"Your Vehicles Best Friend.” They are fully insured. Call 217-318-7066. 

Griff’s Auto Detailing of Paxton. The WPXN Business of the Day. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The former Sangamon County Deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey will have his case go in front of a jury. This comes after his last hearing before going to trial. Friends and family of Sonya Massey gathered at the Sangamon County Courthouse Thursday afternoon. Sean Grayson appeared for his final pre-trial hearing. Grayson had a decision to make: stand trial in front of a jury or a judge. Grayson chose a jury. The defense and prosecution made it clear, there were no plea offers or negotiations made on his charges. Grayson faces up to 60 years in prison for first degree murder and an additional 25 to life if he is found guilty of using a firearm to commit that murder. Grayson could also be sentenced to six to 30 years for aggravated battery and two to five years for officials misconduct.

 

(Springfield-jm) - State lawmakers return to Springfield for a veto session in less than two weeks with a massive energy proposal near the top of their agenda. Democrats and Republicans know they need to act quickly to add more energy options to the grid, but the task has become harder with federal cuts to wind and solar tax credits. Advocates say President Donald Trump's budget bill put the renewable energy community on the clock. Tax credit eligibility is now determined based on when a project is placed in service instead of when a project begins construction. Lawmakers could modernize the Illinois Commerce Commission's working group to have more power in making decisions related to interconnection.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The shopping district in Paxton will be busy on Saturday with the 7th annual Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk. The local group sold out its 250 tickets for the event. Event goers will be going to 23 businesses in the city of Paxton for a wine tasting and desserts too. Shop owners will also be offering specials on a wide variety of items during the event, tomorrow. 

 

(Illinois–bp)-Illinois is celebrating National Women’s Business Month during the month of October.  WPXN’s Braden Perzee has more information

 

 

(Onarga–dm)-On Sunday October 5th the village of Onarga will be  holding their first annual Sunday in the Park. Activities start at 12 noon and last until 5pm.  Activities include live music all day, bingo, pumpkin painting ,inflatables, plinko and a bags tournament. There will be plenty of food and drink, and also vendors.  Onarga’s Sunday in the Park will take place at Durham Park.
 

WPXN News notes…

Thomasboro Fall Townwide Garage sales will take place today and Saturday

 

Hudson Drug and Hallmark will host a COVID booster, RSV, shingles, pneumonia and flu vaccine drive for seniors today from 9-10:30 am at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their First Friday Dinner tonight from 4:30-7:30 pm

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family dinner tonight from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides for $15.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will welcome The Voice Season 9 Runner up, Emily Ann Roberts tonight. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 7.

 

The PBL Booster Club, PBL Education Foundation and Paxton Main Street will host the Hometown Huddle All-PBL schools reunion tonight from 9-11 pm at Market Street Grill in Paxton.