(Springfield-jm) – Illinois youth deer hunters have set a new record for the season, harvesting a preliminary total of 4,714 deer from October 11-13. This marks an increase from the 4,097 deer taken during the same season in 2024. The top harvest counties include Randolph with 259 deer, Pike with 164, Adams with 155, Jefferson with 155, and Marion with 135. Youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit will have another opportunity to hunt during the upcoming firearm deer seasons on November 21-23 and December 4-7.
(Springfield-jm) – Open enrollment is right around the corner. This year Illinoisans getting their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act will use a new system. Capitol News Illinois reports Get Covered Illinois is a state-based marketplace designed to offer more customizable plans and extra special enrollment periods. But as enhanced federal tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, over four thousand Illinoisans will see their premiums increase. Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie expects up to a thirty percent drop in people that will be able to afford coverage…
Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie. Open enrollment begins November 1st and runs through January 15th. Plans will be available to preview at the end of October.
(Paxton–jc) Around 70 people gathered in downtown Paxton on Saturday at noon for a “No Kings” march and protest. The event was organized by local resident and Former Ford County State’s Attorney Tony Lee. The event was set as those attending were protesting the federal government. A separate “Unity Jesus Walk” was also an event on Saturday at 10am in Paxton. Around 40 people attended the walk in the city. Those attending the walk joined in a Christian unity prayer for the community and nation. Several different churches in the area were represented.
(Ludlow-jm) – Firefighters from several departments battled a blaze at an abandoned mobile home park near Ludlow Friday. It happened in the Triangle Park located off of Route 45 just south of Ludlow. There’s no word on the cause of the fire.
(Campustown-jm) – One man is hurt after a shooting near University of Illinois Campus. University of Illinois Police Department said the shooting happened near Green Street and Fifth Street around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. When police officers arrived they found one man who had been shot. Police said he was taken to Carle Hospital and had surgery and is still receiving care. Investigators said the shooting followed a verbal altercation between multiple people. The victim became involved in the dispute and was shot. The victim is not affiliated with the university. UIPD’s investigation is ongoing.
(Paxton-jm) – The City of Paxton has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for a major street repair. IDOT awarded the city the grant for the reconstruction of 1,000 feet of pavement on North Market Street. The project will span from Oak Street to the northern city limits, plus drainage, lighting and pedestrian improvement along the same stretch.
(Gilman–dm)-The City of Gilman is getting ready to start a 1.2 million dollar water and sewer project on the north side of Gilman. Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield has more information.
Gilman Mayor Rick Theesefield.
(Gibson City–jc) Gibson City leaders gave their OK to purchase new Christmas banners for the downtown area of the city. The cost of the banners is just over 3 thousand dollars. Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey also presented the “Christmas Comes Early to Gibson City” program. While funds last, if a shopper spends 100 dollars in the city, they will receive 100 dollars in Gibson Bucks. Those funds will last until depleted or on January second.
(The Center Square) – The debate over Illinois’ voter rolls intensifies after the U.S. Department of Justice requests full voter data to enforce federal law, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker raising alarm and conservatives calling his response paranoid. In a video shared on social media, Pritzker claimed the DOJ’s request signals something more sinister. Pritzker went further, suggesting the DOJ’s request could be a pretext for election interference, warning it might lead to voter intimidation or even armed individuals seizing ballot boxes during the next election. Illinois Conservative Union Chairman and election integrity advocate Carol Davis called the governor’s actions an over reaction.
(Rantoul–jc) Today's WPXN Business of the day is the Community Service Center in Rantoul. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the people of Rantoul and surrounding towns. They provide essential resources and connect residents to the social services they need. Their mission is assisting residents of northern Champaign County and Champaign County to improve their social conditions and to enhance their access to human services.
Services include food and clothing, prescription and utility assistance and many more services; refer clients to local resources; and connect space and necessary support to other agencies dedicated to serving Champaign County on site.
(Undated–jm) – If the federal government shutdown continues, money for those on SNAP benefits will run out at the end of the month. It comes as changes to the food assistance program are set to go into effect in December, leaving many Illinois lawmakers concerned. Advocates say cuts to SNAP benefits outlined in the Big Beautiful Bill will hurt nearly two million people in Illinois. The Illinois Commission to End Hunger said food is a basic human right, regardless of personal challenges or circumstances. Concerns are growing over new work requirements for people who hope to continue receiving food stamps. The Illinois Department of Human Services estimates the new work requirements will impact 450,000 Illinoisans. People who cannot prove they are exempt from working will lose their benefits in March. Work requirements could also impact 23,000 veterans across the state. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs explained about 11% of working age veterans between 18 and 64 live in food insecure households.
(Springfield-jm) – Redistricting has been a hot topic around the country this year. Several states including Indiana and Texas have voted to redraw their federal election maps. Illinois has tried in the past to put a proposal together to have an independent commission draw the state election maps instead of having the majority party draw them. The last proposal in 2016 was thrown out by the State Supreme Court before it could go to the voters. Former U–S Commerce Secretary Bill Daley was part of the group that put together that proposal in 2016. He says they are trying again with some changes…
Former U-S Commerce Secretary Bill Daley.
(Gilman-jm) – No injuries were reported following a vehicle fire near Gilman Friday. It happened in the southbound lanes of I-57 near mile marker 285. Traffic was reduced to one lane while firefighters battled the blaze.
(Milford-jm) – A house fire in Milford is under investigation. A 2-story house, occupied by two persons, was fully involved when Milford Fire personnel arrived at 208 North Grant Street. One person was injured. The structure is a total loss.
(Urbana-jm) – A group of Illinois football fans is petitioning the university to restore the former name of its football stadium a month after it was renamed. The home of Fighting Illini Football was known as Memorial Stadium for 100 years until last month, when it was renamed Gies Memorial Stadium. The renaming was in recognition of the largest single donation in the history of Illinois Athletics, made by alumnus Larry Gies in memory of his late father, Larry Gies Sr. Members of the Memorial Stadium Society, have started a petition asking the university to restore the original name of “Memorial Stadium,” with no additions. They say changing or adding onto the name diminishes the reverence of those whom the stadium was originally named for the 189 university students and alumni who died fighting in World War I.
(Paxton–dm)-If you own a boat, you probably need to think about getting it ready for winter. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some tips on winterizing your boat
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for success.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul High School Board members will look at bids and award a new contract for the main gym bleacher project when they meet on Monday night at the high school. The Board will also recognize Brady Quinlan as the Exchange Club Student of the month.High school board members will also look to purchase an Activities bus and recognize Don Boggess for dedicated service to the school. The Rantoul Township High School Board meets on Monday night at 6 at the high school.
WPXN News notes…
The Ford County Public Health Department will host a Medicare Open Enrollment on Monday, October 20th from 1–5 pm at the Paxton Library.
Gibson Area Fright Night, a Halloween costume contest sponsored by the Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st, with lineup starting at 5:45 p.m. and judging at 6 p.m. on Sangamon Avenue in downtown Gibson City. Parents are asked to pre-register their kids for the contest via a link on the chamber’s Facebook page.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich dinner on Friday, October 24th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes the sandwich and a side for $8.
The Cissna Park Library will hold a Halloween Fun Night on Friday, October 24th from 4:30-6 pm. Activities include games, prizes and more for kids pre-k through 4th grade.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Howl 2 Go Dueling Pianos on Friday, October 24th at 7pm.
The Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary’s Fall Bazaar will take place on Saturday, October 25th from 9-2.
