(Springfield-jm) – Numerous state parks, fish and wildlife areas, and other public lands in Illinois will welcome young hunters for the 2025 youth waterfowl hunting season. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced that federal sites under its waterfowl administrative rule will also be accessible for these hunts. Youth hunters aged 17 or younger can hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers, provided they are accompanied by an adult. While the adult cannot hunt these species, they may participate in other open season hunts if permitted at the site. Regulations during the youth hunt mirror those of the regular waterfowl hunting season, including bag limits. To participate, youth hunters must possess a valid hunting license, youth hunting license, or apprentice hunting license. Those with a hunting license may be supervised by an adult at least 18 years old, whereas youth hunting license and apprentice license holders require supervision by an adult at least 21 years old. Additionally, youth hunters aged 16 and older must have a federal duck stamp, though an Illinois duck stamp is not required. For more details on hunting license requirements and regulations, hunters are encouraged to consult the 2025-2026 Digest of Illinois Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
(Springfield–jc) Yesterday was the first day of the Fall Veto session in Springfield and some area lawmakers are urging for ethics reform in the state's politics. 89th District State representative and Illinois House Minority Leader Toni McCombie (Mc-Comb-bee) says ethics reform should be passed as soon as possible…
89th District State representative and Illinois House Minority Leader Toni McCombie
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton City council censured one member of the council at its meeting last night. The Council approved a resolution censuring alderman Rob Pacey. The issue was part of the agenda for the monthly meeting on the Paxton City Council.
(Charleston-jm) – Eastern Illinois University has announced the elimination of 17 staff positions, 23 annually contracted instructor non-renewals, and four non-renewals for academic support professionals. Additionally, 19 vacant or soon-to-be-vacant positions will not be re-staffed across all divisions. The university cited substantial and unforeseen revenue declines as the reason for these staffing adjustments. Factors contributing to the budget deficit include the discontinuation of federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the loss of several grants and contracts funded by federal monies, and a decrease in international student enrollment due to new federal visa practices.
(Champaign-jm) – The Carle Foundation Hospital campus will soon take on a new look near Lincoln and University avenues. The building that currently houses Carle Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique will be taken down. The rehabilitation unit will continue services uninterrupted as it moves to a new location at Carle in Champaign on Curtis before the end of the year. The Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique will close permanently on December 20th after more than 13 years. As part of the demolition plans, two mostly vacant buildings at 809 W. Park St. and 808 W. University Ave. will also be removed.
(Savoy-jm) – A Post Office in Champaign County was closed after an insect spray leaked out of a package and was accidently sprayed around a larger area, officials said. The Savoy Fire Department and hazmat crews were called to the Post Office around 3pm for an unknown incident. Staff were sent home and a cleanup crew from Effingham was called in. There is currently no word on how the Post Office will be impacted today
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a one evening Christmas shopping experience in early December. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack says keep December 5th open for shopping in Paxton…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack. The annual Paxton Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday November 28th at 7pm The annual Christmas parade is Saturday November 29th
(Rantoul–jc) The Rantoul Youth Center will be the location for a community wide event concerning domestic violence. October is National Domestic Violence Month and the Rantoul Police Department is inviting all ages of community members to engage on the subject. The event is free to attend and will run from 6pm to 7pm tonight at the Rantoul Youth Center. Light refreshments will be served.
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Lottery has delivered another strong year of results with 3 point 76 Billion dollars , its second highest sales year, and 796 million dollars in proceeds to schools and more. 784 million dollars was put in the Common School Fund and just over 12 million dollars to special causes in Illinois.
(Paxton–jc) – Todays WPXN Business of the Day is E X P Realty-local real estate agent Kennedy Glazik. E X P is part of the Nate Evans Group that has several locations in East Central and Central Illinois. E XP Realty Agent Kennedy Glazik says the company offers a professional and personal experience when buying and selling a property…
Kennedy Glazik says the company offers a full group of associates in the company that have the expertise to handle all real estate transactions…
E X P, Nate Evans Group Realtor Kennedy Glazik
Contact information for buying and selling your property give Kennedy a call at 815-644-26-26
E X P Realty Nate Evans Group Realtor Kennedy Glazik is the WPXN Business of the day, today
(Undated–jm) – Illinois domestic violence calls are on the rise. People from 96 of Illinois's 102 counties called the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline for help. In 2024, the Illinois domestic violence hotline received so many calls for help they had to actually turn some away. In 2024, the Illinois domestic violence hotline received 59,704 calls. That's a 26% increase from the previous year. According to The Network, an advocacy organization in Illinois, this is also a 140% increase from before the pandemic.
(Springfield–jc) One issue at this week's fall veto session is a bill concerning energy capacity and pricing. One bill has some good ideas, but also some terrible ideas, says 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon.
The fall veto season continues through Thursday and also next week in Springfield.
(Undated-jm) – East Central Illinois Community Action Agency, as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties announces that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program began taking applications on October 1st for seniors, the disabled, families with children under the age of six years, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying on Monday, November 3rd.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the FBI Springfield Field Office, is hosting a free seminar focused on Active Shooter Prevention and Preparedness, Facility Emergency Plans, and other emergency preparedness information for local houses of worship. The training is designed for worship leaders, security teams, and worship members. Registration is required, although there is no cost to attend.
(Champaign County-jm) – People who serve on juries in Champaign County will soon have access to free mental health services following their service. The Champaign County judiciary is working with Katie Martin Therapy of Savoy to provide one 30-minute session free of charge after jury duty has finished to jurors who feel anxiety, stress, or trauma related to their service. The program is set to start October 20th.
(Paxton–jc) One venue in Paxton has two different types of music shows coming this weekend. Co Owner of The Cadillac in downtown Paxton Alan Meyer says “deadheads” on Friday and Boy bands on Saturday at the Cadillac…
The Cadillac Co Owner Alan Meyer. Tickets for both shows are available on line with Event-Brite.
(Milford–jc) October is breast cancer awareness month and two area high school volleyball teams held a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and cures.
The Milford Bearcats played Cissna Park and they held a bake sale and silent auction. They announced that the event raised One Thousand 710 dollars.
(Chicago–jc) How do Illinois feel about the federal government's economic policies? The answer is they are getting some mixed reviews. The Illinois based.
Center Square Voters' Voice Poll , surveyed 2,565 registered voters. The poll found that 51% of voters disapproved or strongly disapproved of Trump's handling of the U.S. economy. About 47% of voters approved or strongly approved and about 3% said they were not sure.
WPXN News notes…
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 EAA Chapter 29 will hold a Young Eagles Flight Rally on Saturday, October 18th from 9-11 am at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.
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 Ford County Public Health Department will host a flu clinic on Saturday, October 18th from 10-2 at the health department office in Paxton.
The Gifford Fire Department will hold their spaghetti dinner on Saturday, October 18th from 4-7 pm at the German Fall Festival Building
