(Peoria-jm) – A Peoria County sheriff's deputy is facing a long recovery after being shot while chasing a suspect Saturday night. According to the Peoria Police Department, Peoria sheriff's deputies pulled a vehicle over in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue just before 10 p.m. As deputies approached the vehicle, police said a passenger, later identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, got out and ran. Peoria police said as the deputies chased him, Bell shot at a deputy, hitting him twice. The deputy was taken to the hospital, where he is in stable condition. Bell was found in an abandoned building near the scene about two hours later. He was arrested on several charges, including three failure to appear warrants, attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The 37th annual Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Toy Show is set for Saturday February 14th from 9am to 2-30pm at the high school in Paxton. Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Student Spokesperson Rowan Caposieno talks about this year’s event…

 

Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Spokesperson Rowan Caposieno. The show is free to attend, lots of food, a silent auction and kiddie tractor pull also highlight the event.

 

(Gibson City-jm) - Gibson City firefighters were called to a fire at the schoolhouse apartments Saturday morning in Gibson City. Firefighters were called just after 9 am for a report off a fire alarm. Upon arrival they were directed to a specific apartment that was filled with moderate smoke. Elliott and Sibley firefighters were called to assist.  An occupant was treated on scene by EMS. A cause has not yet been determined. The fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage.

 

(USDA–dm)-Does the annual prediction of Spring’s arrival by the famous forecasting groundhog apply just to his immediate area, or is it something that can be considered nationally? Rod Bain has the story

 

 

(Cissna Park-jm) – Starting today, Cissna Park Schools bus routes will be reversed and will return to the same order used at the beginning of the school year. It may take a day or two for everyone to adjust, but they appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Young at 815-867-0241.

 

(Paxton–dm)-If you’re thinking about feeding birds in this cold weather, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has these suggestions

   

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott on Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success

 

(Urbana–jc)  Champaign County Crimestoppers is seeking information on a shooting in Urbana from Thursday. Police say a juvenile was struck by a bullet while sitting in a car in the 11 hundred block of Hill Street in Urbana. A 16 year old was also in that car but was not injured. Upon investigation, it was learned that several people approached the car and fired shots. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers at 217-373-8477.

 

(Illinois–dm)-The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in grants to support local food processing, aggregation and distribution. Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000. Eligible entities include businesses with fewer than 50 employees, nonprofits and units of local government.The funds were appropriated in the 2026 state budget.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker has called on the Illinois Accountability Commission to examine the impact of conduct and decisions Trump administration officials made related to Operation Midway Blitz. The commission is also discussing how the federal government is escalating the use of military tactics against American cities with thriving immigrant communities. Pritzker is requesting the commission review and document information related to statements, policy decisions and roles of officials that led to escalating tactics during Operation Midway Blitz. State leaders said the people of Illinois, and now Minnesota, have seen the same pattern of violence and lies from the federal government.

 

(Ford County–jc)  As the calendar moves into February, the cold snowy and icy days of winter will continue. Ford County E M A Director Terry Whitebird says motorists should slow down and also communicate with family on your planned routes during winter weather…

 

Ford County E M A Director Terry Whitebird

 

(Roberts-jm) – Roberts and Melvin firefighters battled a house fire in Roberts Sunday evening. It happened in a house next to the fire station. There’s no word on the cause of the fire or how much damage it caused.

 

(Ford County–dm)-When CRIS rural transportation provider ceased operation, it left some residents wondering how they could get to their appointments. Program Compliance Oversight Manager Monte Andrews tells us what progress has been made to replace CRIS.

 

Program Compliance Oversight Manager Monte Andrews.  The number to call for information is 844-842-2003.

 

Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society will sponsor Give Kids A Smile Day on Saturday, February 7,  from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association, which provides free oral healthcare services to children of low-income families . Local dentists and hygienists are taking the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering time and services with free dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments for children

 

(Ford County–dm)-The Ford County Sheriff’s Office issued their summary report for the month of January.  Included in the summary the officers responded  to 2 traffic accidents, issued 33 warning citations along with issuing 36 traffic citations, and served 14 court summons. Total income received for January was $65,237.76

 

 

WPXN News notes…

 

The 2026 Illinois Agriculture Summit will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd starting at 10 am at the I-Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.

 

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, February 6th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.

 

CU at Home will hold their One Winter Night to raise awareness about homelessness on Friday, February 6th starting at 5:30pm.

 

The 13th annual Milford FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction will take place on Saturday, February 7th at Milford Town and Country Events. Doors open at 11 am, lunch is served at noon with the auction starting at 1pm.

 

The St. Joseph Ogden FFA annual auction will take place on Saturday, February 7th at the St. Joseph Ogden High School. Doors open at 4:30pm , dinner and silent auction begins at 5 with the live auction beginning at 6pm.