(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers are set to return to Springfield Tuesday for a two-week veto session. The six days of the session will be jam-packed with discussions on Chicago transit, energy and criminal justice reform. The spring session ended with Illinois House leaders pumping the brakes on a massive funding and reform plan for Chicago transit companies. Many representatives and advocates were concerned about the potential $1.50 tax on all retail deliveries with motor vehicles. The delivery tax would have impacted everything from Amazon deliveries and DoorDash orders to medication shipments. Every Senate Republican voted against the idea. Lawmakers are also reviewing multiple bills to help lower utility costs and increase energy capacity. The state could create virtual power plants by having solar-powered batteries installed at homes and commercial buildings. People would receive rebates if they purchase a battery and agree to let the state access the stored energy during some of the hottest days. Democrats and clean energy advocates want to see more solar and wind projects brought online, along with battery storage and geothermal energy. Yet, GOP leaders argue Illinois needs to ensure there are protections for consumers paying high energy bills. Democrats also plan to pass a bill banning ICE officers and other law enforcement from wearing masks on the job.
(Paxton–jc) Paxton city leaders will look at contribution amounts with the Illinois Municipal League when they meet in the monthly season on Tuesday night. A review and action on sidewalk maintenance and surrounding decorations and trees is also on the agenda. A resolution concerning Alderman Rob Pacey is another subject for city leaders. The Paxton City Council meets at 7 Tuesday night on the second floor of city hall.
(Springfield–jc) The fall harvest continues at a fast and dry pace in East Central Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, says all need to drive safely and with respect for farmers…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Champaign–jc) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a 12-unit multi-family apartment building in the 2400 block of High View Court., Sunday afternoon just past 4pm. Fire crews rescued nine occupants from this fire. Firefighters responded to multiple reports of a fire in this three-story apartment building. Enroute, heavy smoke could be seen, and the fire was upgraded to a second alarm. Once on the scene, firefighters reported heavy fire coming from both a second and third floor balcony. Crews located eight occupants on adjacent balconies and performed ladder rescues. Multiple hose lines were extended to fight this fire. A ninth occupant and dog were rescued from within an apartment. Crews were able to quickly extinguish this fire.
(Rankin-jm) — Rankin and Paxton firefighters were called to a field fire Friday afternoon. The field fret was reported at 2579 east 300 north just after 1 Friday afternoon Around 10 acres caught fire. No information on the cause of the blaze was provided and no damage estimates were given.
(Rossville–dm)-On October 29th there will be a presentation honoring the High Schools that have closed in the area. Basketball Museum of Illinois Chairman. Bruce Firchau (Firshaw) tells us what to expect.
Basketball Museum of Illinois Chairman Bruce Firchau. The meeting will be held October 29th at the Rossville Alvin gym starting at 6pm
(Chicago-jm) – National Guard troops sent to Illinois by President Donald Trump can stay in the state and under federal control, but can’t be deployed to protect federal property or go on patrol for now, an appeals court ruled Saturday. The decision comes after federal Judge April Perry on Thursday ruled to temporarily block the National Guard deployment for at least two weeks, finding no substantial evidence that a “danger of rebellion” is brewing in Illinois during Trump’s immigration crackdown. The appeals court on Saturday granted a pause in the case until it can hear further arguments.
(Paxton–dm)-If you are going to be doing any outdoor painting, you first want to inspect the area being painted for any damage. Once the damage has been repaired, Paxton hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen tells us how to prepare the wood to be painted.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday Mornings at 7:30 on Scott’s Tips for Success.
(The Center Square) The average wages for Illinois state employees are among the highest in the nation and belie the state's more modest cost-of-living rankings, according to state and federal data. A living cost analysis this year by the Economic Research and Information Center in Missouri ranked Illinois as the 24th most-expensive state. That is similar to the findings of the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, which placed Illinois 19th among states and the District of Columbia, where it is most expensive to live. But Illinois is among the Top 5 states for highest salaries for state workers, according to OpenPayrolls, which tracks the data nationwide. It found that the average annual state government salary in 2023 in Illinois, excluding university jobs, is about $79,000. That pay has been further buoyed by raises since, including a recently self-imposed raise for lawmakers that increased their base pay to $98,000, which is also in the Top 5 among states.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Paxton Service Club. The local non profit takes care of providing the local Christmas tree placed in downtown Paxton. Paxton Service Club spokesperson Judy Ondercho says the city has celebrated the holidays with a downtown tree since 1947 and the are currently looking for options for this year’s downtown Christmas tree.
Paxton Service Club Spokesperson Judy Ondercho.
The Paxton Service Club is he WPXN Business of the day, today
(The Center Square) – One day before the Illinois General Assembly’s fall veto session is scheduled to begin, one of the most powerful lawmakers in state history is headed to prison. Michael J. Madigan, Democrat from-Chicago, served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021 and also chaired the Democratic Party of Illinois for 23 years
A federal judge sentenced Madigan to 7.5 years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of $2.5 million earlier this year.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court has approved a new initiative aimed at closing the gap in access to civil legal services across the state. The Community Justice Worker Program will allow trained, certified non-lawyers to offer limited legal assistance under the supervision of a licensed attorney, helping address the shortage of affordable legal help in underserved areas.
(Undated–jc) Lower gas prices could lead some in the state to look at a gas mileage tax. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Undated-jm) – As we move into the winter months, healthcare professionals are getting ready for a rise in respiratory illnesses. Flu season is on the way and we’re hearing from medical experts about how you can stay safe — and some advice on a new option. Medical experts said they’re starting to see a slight increase in cases. But, they’re advising people to prepare before numbers really start to jump. Flu season typically runs October through April.
(Paxton–jc) –Ford County leaders will look at an intergovernmental agreement with McLean County when they meet tonight t in Paxton. The agreement would be for a special court appointed advocates program. Ford County board members will also look to take action on bids for cash renting several of the county owned farm lots. A look at the 20-26 budget is also on the agenda. The Ford County Board meets tonight at 6 in the Ford County Sheriff’s Board room at the jail.
(Rantoul–jc) Village of Rantoul leaders will hear an update on its streetscape program when they meet on Tuesday night. The downtown project continues with upgrades to roads, bump outs and more. Local leaders will also hear more about several events including a Domestic Violence event set for Wednesday at 6 at the Youth Center and a Young Eagles Rally, set for Saturday October 19th. The Rantoul Village Board meeting comes to order on Tuesday at 6pm
(Springfield–jc)The Illinois General Assembly is set to return to Springfield on Tuesday for the fall veto session. Lawmakers are scheduled to meet for three days this coming week and then another three days later in October. No agenda has been announced, but 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, republican from Emington says the agenda is a guess at this point…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington
(Illinois–dm)-Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Office of Management and Budget says they remain committed to fiscal responsibility, despite “headwinds imposed by the federal government." The office released its annual Economic and Fiscal Policy Report Thursday. The document contains numerous criticisms of federal government actions.
(Paxton–jc)-- One local church is hosting a Community Resource Fair on Saturday. The Paxton United Methodist Church is the location for the event from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday. Information on services available in Paxton is the focus of the event. Representatives from area groups and agencies will provide information on health, employment and life choices. A light lunch is available. .
(The Center Square) – McLean County Unit 5 submits a new discipline plan under state law after racial disparities are flagged. An Illinois state legislator says discipline should focus on behavior, not race. Illinois law requires schools to report discipline data and for districts with high or disproportionate suspensions to create reduction plans. State Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, a former teacher, calls the mandate an overreach by lawmakers.McLean County Unit 5 reports significant drops in overall and student-of-color suspensions for the 2023–24 school year, though the district remains in the top 20% statewide for racial disproportionality in discipline for the third consecutive year. Unit 5 officials in the Discipline Improvement Plan say ongoing training and new practices are helping reduce suspensions while emphasizing equitable learning environments. Deering warned the reporting mandate could lead teachers to overlook minor misbehaviors that research shows may escalate into more serious problems.
WPXN news notes…
The Ford County Public Health Department will host a flu clinic on Thursday, October 16th from 9-11 am at the Elliott Amvets and from 1-3 pm at Railside Golf Course in Gibson City.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, October 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $5 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Buckley Lions Club is hosting a presentation by local author John Bruns about his father’s personal experiences in World War II at 6 p.m. Friday, October 17, at the American Legion Hall in Buckley.
The Paxton Church of Christ will host The Jay Stone Singers on Friday, October 17th at 7pm.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Terrapin Flyer- A Grateful Dead Tribute on Friday, October 17th. Doors open at 6 with music beginning at 8.
The EAA Chapter 29 will hold a Young Eagles Flight Rally on Saturday, October 18th from 9-11 am at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.
