(Rantoul-jm) – The juvenile whom police said admitted to making a threat toward RISE Academy in Rantoul is now facing prosecution for their alleged actions. Deputy Chief Christina Reifsteck told WCIA that as the investigation into the incident ended Tuesday afternoon, Rantoul Police consulted with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office on whether to press charges. Following that consultation, the juvenile was given a notice to appear in court for making a false terrorist threat.
(Springfield-jm) – Voters could be asked to approve a constitutional amendment that would create an independent commission to draw state legislative maps. Former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are the ones pushing for the changes. LaHood talks about why the change is necessary…
Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois residence halls Taft and Van Doren are set to be demolished and replaced with larger, and more accessible facilities. The U of I does not have a set timeline on when demolition will take place. The new residence hall is expected to have between 600 to 800 beds with a 300 seat dining hall. Taft and Van Doren Halls are among the older halls on the Champaign side of campus. According to the U of I, Taft and Van Doren Halls were added to the Fourth Street Residence Halls complex in the 1950s. It’ll cost around $1.5 million to demolish Taft and Van Doren Halls, while the cost of the new residence hall is expected to cost around $181.5 million.
(Tuscola–jc) A semi tractor trailer crash slowed traffic along Interstate 57 last night and recovery efforts will start again this morning. The accident happed in a construction zone at mile post 236 near Tuscola. No injuries were reported. Traffic is slowed down to one northbound lane in that area.
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Department of Revenue is confident it will meet, if not exceed, its goal of bringing in $240 million in delinquent payments over the next two weeks during the 2025 tax amnesty program. Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris says the program continues through November 17th…
Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris
(Paxton–jc) With the holidays here and the shopping season underway, the city of Paxton is seeing the benefits of a vibrant downtown and services throughout town. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the parking spots in the city are usually busy with shoppers and event goers…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is touting a permanent injunction from a Rhode Island federal district judge against the U.S. Department of Transportation from imposing immigration enforcement requirements for billions of dollars in federal funding. Last year, Illinois was awarded more than $2 billion in DOT funds.
(The Center Square) – Some of the 22 candidates vying for their party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin say their focus is on kitchen table issues. Filing for Republicans and Democrats to get on the March 17 primary ballot has closed. Twenty-two people filed for the seat.
(Urbana-jm) – Urbana city leaders are addressing reports of sightings of ICE in the community. Mayor DeShawn Williams says that any immigration enforcement activity has been conducted solely by federal authorities and not the Urbana Police Department. Williams reassured residents they continue to be a sanctuary and welcoming city.
(Springfield–jc) One republican lawmaker is set against a measure that passed during the fall veto session that deals with electric supply subsidies. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon says the measure will cost Illinoisans money…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Champaign County-jm) – The Salvation Army of Champaign County is kicking off its annual Give With Joy Red Kettle Christmas Campaign on Friday, November 7th at Prairie Gardens. The goal this year: to raise $200,000 to help individuals and families facing hardship during the holiday season. The launch event will feature remarks from Salvation Army leaders and a performance by The Salvation Army Brass Band, officially ringing in the season of giving. According to the Salvation Army, the organization served over 96,000 individuals last year through programs such as poverty-reduction programs, Veterans Services, emergency shelter, utility assistance, senior and youth programs, and disaster relief.
(Peoria–jc) –Illinois State Police are investigating after an ISP squad car was sideswiped by another vehicle in Peoria County. State Police say a trooper was conducting a traffic stop on U.S. 24 when a black Ford Escape failed to move over, struck the side of the trooper’s car and fled.No injuries were reported.
ISP says the agency has suffered 13 Move Over Law-related crashes this year.
(Rantoul–jc) The Community Service Center in Rantoul is again hosting it’s “Holiday Bureau.” The effort is to bring in toys and games for area youth as well as food vouchers for needy families. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says this program just continues to grow each year…
Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford
(Paxton–jc) The Ford County Sheriff’s Committee could take action on contracts with the Ford County towns of Kempton, Melvin and Roberts when they meet this morning in Paxton. Interagency agreements with Paxton and Gibson City are also on the agenda. The Ford County Sheriff’s Committee meets at 9 this morning in the sheriff’s boardroom at the county jail building in Paxton
(Roberts–jc) One Ford County church is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before Thanksgiving. St Paul's Lutheran Church in Roberts has set the event for Sunday November 23rd says St Pauls Lutheran Church spokesperson Bruce Kietzman…
St Pauls Lutheran Church in Roberts Spokesperson Bruce Kietzman. Call the church at 217-369-8184 for more information
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Acting Director James Jennings has announced additional funding for energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct assessments at properties where residents receive housing assistance from a state or federal program.
(Paxton–jc) The local “Just an Angel” Group will be gathering items for the needy at Kirby Foods in Paxton today from 3pm to 6pm. Among the needed items are sweaters, coats, shirts, socks, blankets and food items. The group will continue the effort on Saturday and Sunday at Kirby Foods from 11am to 2pm
WPXN News notes..
The Little Achievers Academy Preschool at American Lutheran Church in Gibson City will host their annual holiday shopping bazaar on Saturday, November 8th from 9-2.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the PBL Band Parents Association on Saturday, November 8th from 10-2.
The Happily Everly After 5k fun run and walk to raise money for new swings at Durham Park in Onarga will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 10 am.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Emo Night with All American Throwbacks on Saturday, November 8th. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 8.
The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district’s annual Veterans Day assembly, which is open to the public, will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 11th, in the gymnasium of GCMS High School. Prior to the assembly, veterans are invited to a coffee and pastry breakfast that begins at 8:20 a.m. in the school’s commons.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School’s annual community Veterans Day observance will be at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 11th, in the school’s gymnasium. Featuring music by the school’s band, the observance is open to the public.
