(Illinois–jc)A federal jury has convicted a former Summit, Illinois police chief of bribery offenses for corruptly accepting money from a local businessman to facilitate the transfer of a liquor license. Prosecutors say John Kosmowski, 57, of Lockport conspired with Summit building inspector William Mundy to accept $10,000 from a businessman in 2017. Kosmowski’s sentencing is set for March 27, 2026

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  Health insurance costs will be going up for the city of Paxton. The city is looking at its options since Health Alliance will no longer offer insurance. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says with 19 employees, it is considered a small group and city leaders continue to look at options…

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Experience Champaign-Urbana is excited to welcome back the iconic HOT ROD Power Tour to the Rantoul National Aviation Center on June 9, 2026. This marks the fifth time the tour has visited the area, serving as the second stop on its five-day journey. The event is expected to draw over 5,000 classic cars and enthusiasts, providing a significant economic boost to the region.

 

(Onarga–dm)The Onarga Christmas tree Lane continues on Sunday December

14th at the Onarga Legion Hall in Durham Park in Onarga.  Onarga American Legion Auxiliary President Deb Talbert says Sunday is your last day to vote for your favorite tree.

   

Onarga American Legion Auxiliary President Deb Talbert.  Proceeds from the Christmas Tree Lane go to the Onarga American Legion Auxiliary Girls State

 

(Kankakee-jm) – For her excellence in financial operations and for executing key strategic responsibilities with Riverside Healthcare, Patt Vilt has been recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as part of its 2025 “Women hospital and health system CFOs to know” list. Vilt, Riverside's Senior Vice President and CFO and Chief Compliance Officer, oversees financial operations, reimbursement, budgeting, internal audit, and revenue cycle for both the hospital and physician network. She joined the system in 1995 and advanced through roles in healthcare finance and senior leadership before being named one of only four CFOs in the organization’s history – and the first woman to hold the title – in 2021.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  A breakfast with Santa is planned in the village of Rantoul on Saturday. The event is being sponsored by the Rantoul Recreation Department and Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says he looks for a big crowd, just like the Senior Luncheon, on Thursday…

   

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Illinois–dm)-The Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association is sounding the alarm about gift card fraud. The group says organized criminal groups tamper with cards, hack online accounts and scam victims into providing redemption codes. ILORCA pointed to a list of warning signs offered by Homeland Security Investigations at the agency's website.

 

(Undated-jm) – Traditional phone landlines are being relegated into the past across Illinois as AT&T looks to give customers newer, less expensive options. AT&T says the company is upgrading its communications service in favor of options like AT&T Phone – Advanced . AP-A is described as a digital home phone service that works like a traditional landline but is offered at a comparable or sometimes lower cost. Customers can keep their existing number and even use their current telephone, and AP-A works with other technologies like fax machines, alarms, elevators, and medical monitoring devices.

 

(Illinois–jc)  An Indian national has been sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution for his involvement in an imposter scheme to defraud 11 identified victims, including elderly residents from Edwardsville and Effingham, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.Ligneshkumar H. Patel, 38, pleaded guilty several fraud charges. According to court documents, Patel worked within a major conspiracy that included at least 85 additional victims with an intended loss of more than $6.9 million.

 

(USDA–dm)-World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides details from both the domestic and global soybean supply and demand estimates for this month.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois tradition that began with a simple idea to spread Christmas cheer has once again connected callers from around the world with student singers. Dial-A-Carol, is a 24/7 holiday call center where volunteers sing requested carols to anyone who phones in during finals week. The tradition dates back to 1960, started by a front desk employee who wanted to bring joy during a stressful time. Dial-A-Carol runs through the end of finals week. Anyone can participate by calling 217-332-1882.

 

(Rantoul–dm)-Since 1993 Lincoln’s Challenge in Rantoul has had 65 class graduations.  But what does Lincoln’s Challenge do?  Lincoln’s Challenge Public Relations Director Michael Camacho explains.

 

 

Lincoln’s Challenge Public Director Michael Camacho.

(Rantoul-jc)-The Rantoul Police Department Shop with a cop was another success this week. The local police department works with a large group of local kids with a Christmas shopping experience at the Rantoul Walmart.

Officials with the Rantoul police Department say it is this type of activity that builds experiences for the youth of the village. The Rantoul Police Department would like to take this time to thank the local Rantoul schools, the public for donations and also thanks to the Rantoul Walmart store.

 

(Undated-jm) – As the holidays approach, time is running out for anyone finishing up their holiday orders. Major providers like UPS, FedEx and USPS have posted their recommended last days to ship for packages to be delivered before December 25. Here is what you need to know to make sure your packages are shipped before Christmas. For the US Postal Service: USPS Ground Advantage Service and First Class Mail the deadline is December 17th, Priority Mail Service is December 18th and Priority Mail Express Service is December 20th. For FEDEX: 5 day transit its December 17th, 4 day transit its December 18th, 3 day transit its December 19th, 2 day transit its December 22nd and 1 day transit its December 23rd. For UPS, UPS 3 Day Select the deadline is December 19th, UPS 2nd Day Air its December 22nd and UPS Next Day Air its December 23rd.

 

WPXN News notes…

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, December 12th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

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.