(Chicago–jc) The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.6 points in October, but the N-F-I-B’s Uncertainty Index dropped 12 points to its lowest level this year. NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said, even though Main Street uncertainty declined, small business owners are struggling to find qualified workers. Finley said Illinois must pursue policies that encourage investment in the state’s hometown communities.
(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says he is disappointed that Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin voted in favor of ending the partial shutdown of the federal government. Durbin joined seven other Democrats in voting with Republican senators to send government funding legislation to the U.S. House.
(Rantoul–jc) Registration for the annual “Holiday Bureau” continues at the Community Service Center in Rantoul. This is an annual event from the local non profit for over 30 years. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says food vouchers will also be given along with all the toys and gift cards…
Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford
(Chebanse-jm) – The man accused of hitting an Illinois State Trooper on I-57 near Chebanse back in March is facing several felony charges and has pleaded not guilty. Harold McComb was accused of hitting the trooper, who had stopped for a report of debris in the roadway. McComb was charged with a Scott’s Law violation as well as passing an emergency vehicle and causing an injury, which is a Class 4 felony. He is also facing charges of reckless driving and failure to reduce speed, a Class A Misdemeanor and a Petty Offense, respectively. He was in Kankakee County court Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. He’s due back in court January 29th.
(Paxton–jc) – The theme for the 20-25 city of Paxton Christmas parade is “Once Upon a Christmas.” The theme is wide open for parade entry ideas says Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes…
Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes. Those wanting to enter a float, civic or Christian group are asked to call Dawn at A Picket Fence Florist. The 20-25 city of Paxton Christmas Parade will step off at 1-30pm Saturday November 29th in downtown Paxton .
(The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to conversation with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over immigration.
Alderman Raymond Lopez wrote to the president and proposed that noncitizens with clean criminal records in the country for more than 10 years pay a $2,500 fee to gain pardon and amnesty. Lopez’ plan also would allow U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to expedite the removal of more recent arrivals who don’t have pending merit hearing cases.
URBANA, IL – On Saturday, Convenient Care Plus at Carle Foundation Hospital will relocate to the Carle Urbana South Clinic building on the hospital campus on West University Avenue in Urbana., Convenient Care Plus services will end at 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. Services will be closed all day on Friday, Nov. 14, then open Nov. 15 at 7 a.m. in the South Clinic and resume services as normal. Alternative Convenient Care options are available at Carle Champaign on Curtis and Carle Urbana on Windsor.
(Chicago–jc) The U.S. Department of Homeland security issued a statement after a federal judge in Chicago ordered the release of hundreds of migrants on Tuesday.
According to the DHS statement, “the “activist judge is putting the lives of Americans at risk by ordering 615 illegal aliens be released into the community.”
U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Cummings made the ruling Wednesday.
(Undated–jc) – During National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month this November, the office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging residents to recognize the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, which claims hundreds of lives and sickens thousands each year across the United States. In 2024, Illinois fire departments responded to 9,860 carbon monoxide related calls across the state. In Illinois over the past decade, an average of 20 people per year have died from accidental C-O poisoning
(Paxton–jc) – Site work continues on a proposed new gas station on Paxton’s west side. The property that had housed a car wash is expected to be replaced with a gas station and fast food operation. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the engineers on the project are looking at infrastructure issues and plans for the project continue…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging parents and guardians to quit using a brand of powdered infant formula linked to botulism cases in 12 states, including Illinois. IDPH said that ByHeart has recalled all lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, following the initial recall issued November 8. IDPH said two Illinois infants with symptoms of botulism both consumed ByHeart formula, a product linked to at least 15 suspected or confirmed botulism cases in 12 states. Those with the product are urged to throw it out or return it to where it was purchased for a refund. Additionally, parents should keep the unused portion of the product for potential testing if their baby consumed it within the last month.
(Onarga–jc) The Onarga American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a scavenger hunt on Saturday in the village. The event is also a fundraiser for local veterans says Onarga American Legion Auxiliary President Deb Talbert…
Onarga American Legion Auxiliary President Deb Talbert. The event starts at the legion post in Durham park at 8-30 on Saturday morning
(Springfield–jc)-- Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced Wednesday that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation. Morningstar independently evaluates college savings plans each year and assigns each one a rating of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral or Negative. Bright Start is one of only five Gold-rated 529 plans in the country.
(Danville–jc) Notice is hereby given that an objection has been filed in the Election Authority’s office against the Nomination papers filed in Vermilion County concerning candidate Hugh H. Sands. Vermilion County officials are calling upon the Electoral Board for a meeting in the ruling of said objection. A meeting on the issue is set for Monday, November 17th at 9am in Danville. A ruling on the candidacy is expected by next Friday.
WPXN News notes…
St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Woodworth will hold their Woodworth Fish Fry on Friday, November 14th. Carryouts begin at 4 with dine in at 5. Cost is a free will donation.
Provizon will hold two free seminars in Paxton. The first will take place on Friday November 14th with a reception starting at 6:30 and the seminar from 7-8:30 at the Dr ET Grove Civic Room in downtown Paxton. The second seminar will be from 9-noon at the Cobblestone Hotel.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Truck and Tractor Pull band on Saturday, November 15th from 10-2.
Cissna Park FFA Chapter will hold their annual scholarship auction on Saturday, November 15th at 6pm at the Cissna Park High School.
The Cadillac in Paxton will hold Veterans Fest 2025 with Saving Abel, X-Krush and Josh Holland Band performing on Saturday, November 15th . The show starts at 7.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, November 20th 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 42nd annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 22nd from 8-5 and Sunday, November 23rd from 9-3 at Gordyville USA.
