(Springfield-jm) — Governor J-B Pritzker is proposing a 56 billion dollar budget as the state faces challenges from federal funding cuts. Capitol News Illinois reports the proposal continues to increase investments in education, healthcare and pensions. But outside of those areas, spending would grow by less than 1 percent. The plan includes a new tax on social media companies with at least 100 thousand users in Illinois. As the state sued to reinstate funding frozen by the federal government, Pritzker claims the Trump Administration has cost Illinoisans 4 point 8 billion dollars…
Illinois Governor J–B Pritzker. 94th District House Republican Norine Hammond of McComb says Pritzker is more focused on running for president than focusing on issues in Illinois…
94th District Republican State Representative Norine Hammond of McComb. State lawmakers will now begin their own negotiations, so they can pass a budget before the session ends on May 31st.
(Gibson City-jm) - In updating our story from yesterday, fire officials say a controlled burn led to a field fire just outside of Gibson City. Firefighters were called to the area of State Route 47 and 550 North just after 12:30 pm. Elliott and Sibley firefighters were called to assist. About 15 acres burned, however no structures were damaged. No one was injured
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman will spend the next 16 years behind bars after pleading guilty to 2nd degree murder. Dewandee Carter ended the plea in Champaign County court in connection to the stabbing death of 71 year old W.B. Curry. In exchange, four counts of murder were dismissed.
(Paxton–jc) How are you doing on your tax returns? Each year brings changes in the process and deductions too. Shaffer Tax and Accounting’s Jeff Shaffer reminds taxpayers about the “no Tips” on Federal tax returns this year…
Jeff Shaffer of Shaffer Tax and Accounting in Paxton
(Champaign–jc) –The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 200 block of Hessel Blvd. last night just after 6. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Firefighters responded to a report from an occupant of a fire in this single-story home. Once on the scene, fire crews found light smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters extinguished this small fire that started in the basement using a single hose line. The occupants will be displaced as a result of this fire.
(Loda–jc) A flag ceremony to honor a fallen soldier from World War Two is set for Saturday in Urbana. The Richard L Pittman Marine Corps League of Champaign-Urbana is hosting the event at 4pm on Saturday at the Urbana V F W Post. Pittman was killed on Iwo Jima on February 21st of 1945. The Pittman family has donated the flag to the Urbana VFW location.
(Paxton–jc) There is a Country show on Friday night at the Cadillac in downtown Paxton and a “Nirvana” style band on Saturday. The local event center also provides a venue for parties, weddings and other events. The Cadillac Owner Allen Meyer says one local church has a vendor and craft show on February 28th to raise money for summer camps…
The Cadillac of Paxton Owner Allen Meyer
(Rantoul–jc) –When the weather warms up on a February day it's time to look for that cool summer job. Rantoul Recreation Department officials have an option. They are starting the process to hire workers for the Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center. They are hiring lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, swim team coaches, gate attendants and concessions workers. Those interested may apply on line at
My-rantoul-dot-com-forward slash-jobs
(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor . J.B. Pritzker has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that will be more than 56 Billion dollars. The governor delivered his State of the State budget address before the General Assembly at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday. Pritzker opened by saying he would introduce another balanced budget proposal. The governor then launched into criticism of President Donald Trump and said Illinois is fighting more than 50 cases in court where Pritzker said the federal government is “illegally confiscating money” that was promised and appropriated by Congress to the people of Illinois. Reaction from local State Senator Chapin Rose, republican from Mahomet…
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet
More Reaction coming from 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington
(Gibson City-jm) – A former GCMS teacher and coach has been sentenced to 4 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Robert Dinkins pled guilty to one count of criminal sexual abuse. As part of the plea deal, five other counts against him were dismissed. One he gets released, he will have to serve one year on supervised release.
(Paxton–jc) With some TIF fund help, a building along Market Street is getting a facelift and a new tenant. City of Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says that is the continuing goal for the city, to help redevelop properties and bring jobs and business to town…
City of Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign-jm) – U-S Senator Dick Durbin has announced Parkland College in Champaign will receive $3.5 million in federal funding to build a new dental clinic and training facility aimed at expanding access to oral healthcare. The funding will allow the college to increase enrollment in its dental hygienist program by 40 percent and expand services for patients in the community.
(Rantoul–jc) The first of two cadet classes for the Rantoul based Lincoln Challenge program has begun for the year. The local program that helps troubled youth, starts a program in January and July. Lincoln Challenge Program Public Relations Director Michael Camacho talks about the yearly process…
Rantoul based Lincoln’s Challenge Program Public Relations Director Michael Camacho.
(Newman–jc) –Federated Bank announces the appointment of Karli Manahan of Buckley, Illinois as Vice President, Credit Officer. Manahan brings extensive experience in commercial and agriculture credit analysis, loan portfolio oversight, and customer service. Her background includes leadership roles in banking, government programs, and business operations. Before joining Federated Bank, Manahan served as Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Kentland Bank in Indiana.
(Washington–jc) – Higher steer prices are influencing hog prices. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski explains…
World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski
(Danville-jc) – Petition packets will be available for Independent and New Political Party candidates in Vermilion County for the November General election. Vermilion County Clerk Robyn Heffern says the packets may be picked up in Danville starting on February 25th. Circulation for the required amount of signatures is February 25th with a filing date in Danville of May 18th.
WPXN News Notes…
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper tonight 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 Buckley Sportsman Club will hold their annual Fish Fry Friday February 20th at the Buckley American Legion from 5-8pm. Cost is $15.
The Cissna Park Development Board will host a DIY Hat Burning Fundraiser on Friday, February 20th from 6-9pm. Tickets are available by contacting a member of the Cissna Park Development Board.
The High School of St. Thomas More will hold their Rooted in More Gala on Saturday, February 21st at Pear Tree Estate starting at 5:30pm
The CU Comedy Club will host live stand up comedy at Milford Town and Country Events on Saturday, February 21st at 8pm.
The Gibson City Lions Club will hold their 50th annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, February 22nd from 8-1 at the GCMS Elementary School.
