(Undated-jm) – The average gas price in Illinois has dropped below $2.90 per gallon. According to Triple A, the state’s current average of $2.89 for regular unleaded is down from $2.93 one week ago and $3.06 one month ago. The per-gallon price in Illinois remains higher than the national average of $2.82 and higher than the price in every other Midwestern state. The Land of Lincoln has the second-highest gas tax in the nation.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –  Several area communities received some state money on Wednesday, also several Oslad grants. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

(Ford County–jc)  – Winter is here and even though the weather has been a bit balmy recently, the cold days of winter are expected to bring snow, ice and travel issues. Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird says to be prepared while on the road…

 

Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird

 

(Hoopeston-jm) — A 44-year-old Hoopeston woman is waiting for her arraignment in Vermilion County following a traffic stop.  Kristie Terrell was taken into custody after Hoopeston officers stopped her vehicle on S. Market Street.  Charges filed included possession of a controlled substance and drug materials, possession of burglary tools, DUI, resisting arrest and possession of alcohol.  Traffic charges include driving while suspended, expired registration.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Board is listing two vacancies in District 4.  One vacancy is the result of the passing of Scott Watts, whose term of office extends thru November 2028.  The vacancy will be filled by appointment until November 30, 2026.  That term is to be followed with a special election this November, the 2-year term then running until November 30, 2028. Also in District 4, the December 15, 2025 resignation of Doug Geiger creates a vacancy for the term until November 30, 2026.  The County Board seat is up for election in the upcoming March 17, 2026 Primary Election. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  You can expect some more repairs at the city of Paxton wastewater plant this year. The aging plant received needed upgrades and repairs last year says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(The Center Square) – Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Democrat from Chicago, announced she filed articles of impeachment over alleged ICE abuses and abuses of power.  Kelly  represents Iroquois County and parts of Vermilion, Champaign, Livingston  and McLean Counties in Illinois. Her district also spreads north into South Chicago. Kelly says the impeachment of Secretary Noem is the bare minimum Congress can do to protect our communities. Kelly, speaking on the House floor, outlined three articles of impeachment against Noem, citing obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing.

Kelly described federal ICE operations, including Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, where agents reportedly conducted warrantless raids and caused significant damage to residents’ homes. The republican party supports the actions of Secretary Noem.

 

(The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, said an Illinois congressman has the right to sue the state over counting federal election ballots beyond Election Day.  U.S. Representative. Mike Bost, Republican from Murphysboro, filed a lawsuit against the state in 2022 for counting ballots postmarked on Election Day up to two weeks later. The court affirmed Bost had legal standing to sue without addressing whether states could allow mail-in ballots received after Election Day to be counted.

 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois environmental advocates are calling on the governor to use an unusual funding method to reduce lead exposure. Illinois has more lead pipes than anywhere in the nation, but ongoing projects to replace them are expected to take decades to complete. Advocates like the Illinois Environmental Counsel say families need help now. They want Governor Pritzker to request Medicaid to cover lead water filters. It’s part of a special program used to test new ways to deliver health care to Medicaid patients. Michigan implemented a similar waiver in 2016 in response to the water crisis in Flint. Advocates say that program was successful, and Illinois needs to follow suit.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –  A new law for energy  has some in Springfield predicting higher prices for businesses and families.. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker and the democrats in the majority help pass the new energy law. While the democrats in Springfield say it is cost effective, those in the Republican party  say wind and solar can not power the state’s energy needs. Reaction from 58th District State Senator Terri Bryant, Republican from Murphysboro…

   

58th District State Senator Terri Brant, republican from Murphysboro. Also at Wednesday’s news conference speaking out against the new law is 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, republican from Mahomet…

   

51st District State Senator Chapin rose Republican from Mahomet

 

(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois Campus Recreation said a study on potentially renovating the campus ice arena is complete, after students voted to keep the 95-year-old facility alive two years ago. The  experts weighed two options: renovating the building or building a new one. If the latter happens, the current arena would not get torn down, but instead used for another purpose. If the university chooses to renovate, locker rooms and a party room would likely be added to the first floor. He noted window and roof repairs are also needed. Repairing the facility would temporarily shut down the rink. A newly constructed ice arena, however, could include two ice rinks. It’s not known when a decision might be made but, once university facilities approve the options, campus recreation will get cost estimates and begin deciding.

 

(Washington–jc)  What does the  U. S Soybean supply and demand report look like for January. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski has the numbers…

   

World Agriculture Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski

 

(Springfield–jc)  – The Illinois State Police say they recovered 243 stolen or hijacked vehicles, made 24 arrests and seized five firearms from October through December. State Police target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.State police were awarded a 10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another over 600 thousand dollars each year for the past two year..

 

(Paxton–jc)  The 20-26 Miss Illinois Fair Queen Pageant is this weekend in Springfield. One of the participants is current Miss Ford County Fair Queen Charly Ulrich of Paxton. Ulrich says she has had a lot of help preparing for the competition…

Miss Ford County Fair Queen Charly Ulrich of Paxton

 

(Chicago–jc)  –The National Federation ofIndependent Business says the small business Optimism Index rose slightly in December The Uncertainty Index dropped 7 points to 84, the lowest reading since June 2024. Federation SpokespersonNoah Finley says, with federal small business tax cuts locked in, Main Street is starting the year on a more optimistic note.They were thanking the federal government

WPXN News notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a food distribution on Thursday, January 15th from 1:30-2:30 pm in the parking lot across from the Milford post office.

 

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, January 15th 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.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Ridgeland on Friday, January 16th. The show begins at 8pm. They will also host the 1985-Totally 80’s Mixtape Live on Saturday, January 17th. Doors open at 7 with the show starting at 8. 

 

The 2026 Midwest Ag Expo will take place Wednesday, January 21st and Thursday, January 22nd at Gordyville USA. Over 175 vendors will be present. Free admission and free parking. Hours 8:30-4 on the 21st and 8:30-3 on the 22nd.