(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 9.5 cents per gallon in the last week, now averaging $3.03 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's survey of 4,378 stations in the state. Prices are 23.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 8.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has also decreased, dropping 5.1 cents to $3.671 per gallon. Gas in Paxton and Rantoul are averaging around 2 dollars 95 cents per gallon. Gas at several stations in the Champaign Urbana area range from 2 dollars 75 to 2 dollars 60 cents per gallon. 

 

(Undated–jc) When you give to charities this holiday season, do it safely and look at tax advantages for yourself. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has some guidelines…

   

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a stolen car was crashed and set on fire last week. Investigators are seeking tips through Crime Stoppers to solve the case. Officials said in a news release that the crash happened December 2 on Capitol Drive. That street is in a residential neighborhood off Mattis Avenue, just south of Champaign’s city limits. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, witnesses told them a person had left the scene in a car and then returned. The suspect set the crashed car on fire and left again. The crashed car was later reported stolen, officials added. The car the suspect used to flee was described as a dark-colored Chevrolet Equinox, but no other information was given about the suspect.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  A Christmas time Senior luncheon is planned for Thursday at 11-30am in Rantoul. The Rantoul Recreation Department is hosting the event at the Rantoul Youth Center says Rantoul Recreation Department Specialist Phoenix LaCombe…

   

Rantoul Recreation Department Specialist Phoenix LaCombe

 

(Rantoul-jm) – More than 90 cadets walked across the stage as Lincoln’s Challenge Academy held its latest graduation ceremony. The program is run by the Illinois National Guard and serves youth ages 15 to 18 through a 22-week, quasi-military academy focused on structure, discipline and life-skill development. Leaders said the goal is to help young people build consistency, confidence and a clearer path forward. Cadets come from across Illinois, many looking for a second chance, additional support or a more structured educational environment.

 

(Champaign-jm) – 27 time GRAMMY Award-winner Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are set to perform in Champaign at the State Farm Center next year.  The concert will be September 13 as part of the Arcadia 2026 Tour. Ticket presales start today at 10 a.m. General sales start Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m.

 

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  The Cissna Park Economic Development Board continues to plan for several fundraisers for the local group in early 20-26. Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer says one is a do-it-yourself hat event…

 

Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer. The hat bar event is set for February 20th at the Cissna Park American Legion. More information is found on the group’s social media pages. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Paxton City leaders look to approve the city's hazard mitigation plan when they meet tonight at city hall. Selling several city owned properties is also on Tuesday night’s agenda. Health insurance for city employees will be discussed and approval by the board could come during the meeting. The Paxton City council meets at 7pm on Tuesday night on the second floor of city hall. 

 

(Rantoul–jc)  – Rantoul authorities continue to investigate a “shots fired” event in the Rantoul Walmart parking lot on Saturday afternoon. 19 year old McKinley Brown of Rantoul was due in court today to face charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a stolen firearm. Rantoul police say anyone with additional information may call the Rantoul Police Department or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477. No one was injured in the incident.

 

(Champaign–jc)  The Parkland College Foundation Board of Directors has approved a strategic plan for fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2028.

The three-year vision will strengthen the Foundation’s governance, leadership, and organizational capacity to operate as a strategic, philanthropic partner that Parkland College exterior models accountability, inspires giving, and ensures long-term sustainability. 

 

(Springfield–dm)-The Federal Government passed a law of no tax on tips.  While there will be no federal tax on tips, Illinois will continue to take income tax on tipped income. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema  R. from Channahon explains.

   

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema R. from Channahon

 

(Decatur-jm) — The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater has announced that Air Supply will perform on July 25, 2026, as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour.Air Supply, consisting of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, has captivated fans worldwide with their iconic 80s hits, such as All Out of Love and Making Love Out of Nothing At All. Public tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on December 11.

 

(USDA–dm)- If  you are wondering what the weather forecast is for the rest of winter, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has the National Weather Service's predictions for precipitation around the country for the winter of 2025-26.

   

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Paxton man was arrested in Hoopeston on drug charges. Hoopeston Police say they found a vehicle, driven by Mark Czarny, stuck in the snow and stopped to assist. A computer search showed Czarny’s license was suspended. A search of the vehicle found suspected meth.

 

(Paxton–jc)  During our news this holiday season, we look at unique gift ideas. At Tims Lawcare, Snow Removal and Detailing, one such gift would be a gift certificate for your lawn, to detailing your vehicle. Tim’s LawnCare Snow Removal and Detailing owner Tim Johnson says they offer several detailing options…

   

Tim’s LawnCare, Snow Removal and Detailing Owner Tim Johnson

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Rantoul Village leaders will look to approve a solid waste code concerning pollution control facilities when they meet tonight in the village. 

The annual tax levy is also on the agenda. Local leaders will also learn about two Christmas time events for local citizens. The Rantoul Village board meets at 6pm tonight in the village office building on Tanner Street. 

 

(Illinois–dm)-The Illinois State Marshal is joining fire safety organizations across the state in urging residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklists. The agency says 12 lives were lost in fire-related incidents during the holiday season in Illinois last year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.

 

WPXN News notes..

 

The St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department will hold their Holly Jolly Christmas breakfast on Saturday, December 13th with a pancake breakfast from 7-10 am, Santa arrives at 10 am. Other activities include a hot cocoa bar, letters to Santa, cookie decorating and more.

 

The Rantoul Recreation Department will host a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 13th from 8-10 at the Rantoul Youth Center.

 

Cindy’s Roadside Cafe in Buckley will hold cookies and hot cocoa with Santa on Saturday, December 13th at 11 am.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, December 18th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.