(Aroma Park-jm) – The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office is reporting one person has died following Tuesday’s tornado. They say the body of a deceased individual was found yesterday afternoon in a heavily damaged home in Aroma Park. The name of the individual has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
(Champaign-jc) Voters go to the polls on Tuesday for State and county races and more. WPXN’s Joel Cluver looks at what is on the ballot in Champaign County…
(Champaign-jm) - A Champaign man pleaded guilty to some of the charges he was facing for a November incident, where he allegedly robbed a bank, fled from police, and crashed into a law enforcement vehicle and a home, hospitalizing three people. Caleb Estabrook was charged with one count each of financial institution robbery, robbery and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Estabrook appeared in court and pleaded guilty to financial institution robbery, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated fleeing, a Class 4 felony. The robbery charge was dismissed Estabrook was ordered to serve 30 months probation to the Champaign County Drug Court Probation program. Estabrook was also sentenced to 180 days in the Champaign County Correctional Center. He had previously been facing up to 15 years in prison. The charges stem from a bank robbery that happened last year.
(Champaign County–jc) Northbound traffic along Interstate 57 was being diverted overnight due to a two vehicle crash near mile marker 240 in Champaign County. No word on the extent of damage from the accident was provided. The accident happened around 9 last night. Traffic was re opened in that area around 4 this morning.
(Buckley–jc) – Village of Buckley voters have an issue of a waste water treatment system for the village. To date, property owners have no sewer type system. The project has a 6 point 7 million dollar price tag. Buckley Mayor Scott Shockley says if voters give their go-ahead on Tuesday during the Spring Primary election, the cost to the village with grants and loan forgiveness will be a total cost of 4 point 1 million dollars…
Buckley Mayor Scott Shockley. The cost of the project would be paid over a 30 year period at an annual cost of around 134 thousand dollars each year.
(Kankakee-jm) – Riverside Heart Ball was a record-breaking event, raising $815,000 for the Riverside Healthcare Foundation. This year’s fundraising efforts will benefit Riverside Healthcare’s expansion of its Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, on the second floor of Riverside Medical Center. The project – which helps to address the increasing need for mental health services in the area – is actively under construction. The biennial Heart Ball gala, this year themed “Roaring Riverside,” featured an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and community generosity. The event was held at the Tinley Park Convention Center with 1,300 people in attendance.
(Ford County–dm)-CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates is coming to Ford County. CASA is looking for volunteers to be advocates for children living in foster care. Already established in McLean and Logan Counties they will soon be expanding to Ford county. Voluntary Recruiter and Trainer Paige Malloy tells us about an up-coming meeting to learn more about CASA.
Voluntary Recruiter and Trainer, Paige Malloy. According to DCFS there are 30 kids living in foster care from Ford County
Gibson City–jc) Gibson City leaders are looking ahead for several events this summer and fall. Gibson City Alderman Susue Tongate spoke in reference to the Economic Development committee and upcoming events in the city of Gibson. Currently, plans are underway for the 250th anniversary for the United States. The celebration will be held in downtown Gibson City on July 11th, starting at noon with a flag raising ceremony and continuing through the evening with live music. Other events include the Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash on August 15 with Rick Springfield and Night Ranger. The Gibson City Fall Harvest Fest is set for September.
(The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois measure aimed at handguns that can be modified for automatic fire is drawing criticism from gun rights advocates who say the legislation would do little to curb violent crime while restricting lawful gun owners. Supporters say the bill targets devices known as “Glock switches” that can convert a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm. But Guns Save Life Executive Director John Boch said the proposal effectively singles out firearms made by Glock, one of the most widely owned handgun brands. Critics say the legislation would ban the sale or transfer of certain handguns capable of accepting the devices, including private sales, significantly reducing the resale value of firearms already owned by Illinois residents, according to Boch.
(Springfield-jm) – A State Senator has championed advancing a measure to simplify cancelling subscriptions for residents across Illinois. In an effort to fight against subscription services making cancelling active subscriptions difficult for users, Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings advanced a legislation designed to protect in-state residents from hidden fees and confusing contracts. Senate Bill 3562, would give people clear, retainable disclosures before subscriptions are activated. It would also guarantee that cancellations can be completed easily online or in the same way the consumer signed up. The bill would also make sure companies provide timely notice for any price increases or changes to subscription contract terms.
(Washington–jc) – What are the estimates for soybeans? World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski goes over U-S-D-A's March world supply and demand estimates for the soybean crop….
World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski
(Tolono-jm) – An 18-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder after a crash last fall killed a man from Tolono. Sophia Stewart appeared in court for arraignment on Thursday. In court, evidence revealed that she was involved in a crash that happened along Route 45 near Tolono in September. State police reported a multi car crash at that time.
(Buckley–jc) – Christ Lutheran High School is celebrating National “Pi” Day with a comedy fundraiser at the school in Buckley. Comedian Jeremey Nunes (Newn-yez) will be there live on Saturday at 2pm Admission is a free will donation and you get free pie too. Nunes talks about bringing a fun family show and also talks about getting elected as a town mayor…
Comedian Jeremey Nunes. Nunes has appeared on many national shows and is a best selling author. Doors open at 1pm on Saturday, show is at 2pm at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley.
(Gibson City-jm) – In an effort to elevate rural communities, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with county Farm Bureaus to award 30 Rural Development Grants totaling $120,000 to support local projects across the state. Of the grants awarded, nine are addressing rural emergency services’ needs, and 21 are projects focused on supporting community and economic development or enhancing quality of life. Through the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau, the Gibson City Restoration Association benefits from a grant to support the restoration of the historic Burwell Building in Gibson City. The building, in the center of the business district, was purchased by the Gibson City Restoration Association in 2021. Plans are to use the building for community meetings and pop-up stores.
(Ford County–dm)-March is Severe Weather Preparedness. Month. Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird tells us what to do if severe weather is expected.
Ford County EMA Director Terry Whitebird.
(Loda–jc) A former Loda village board member was arrested on Wednesday night after a minor altercation at the local board meeting. The Ford County Chronicle reports that Donald Ptacek(Pet-ta-check) was arrested on misdemeanor battery. The incident stems from a town meeting last night.
(Urbana–jc) You can join representatives from Illinois Extension and Dementia Friendly Champaign-Urbana for the Dementia Friendly Champaign-Urbana Kickoff. This free, public event will be held on March 23 from 3pm to 4-30pm at the Urbana Free Library in the Lewis Auditorium.This event offers various resources and information about the group, as well as opportunities to learn about the resources already available in the community and how to get connected. For more information contact Emily Harmon at e-baine-at-illinois-dot.e-d-u.
WPXN News notes…
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 13th from 4-6 pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, March 13th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The Rusty Wheel Circle Jam will be held on Sunday, March 15th at the Eagle Performance Arts Center in Downtown Pontiac from 1-4 pm. Enjoy classic, traditional country, bluegrass and gospel music for free.
The World's Smallest St. Patrick's Day parade will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 11-1 in downtown Rantoul.
Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will celebrate Pi(e) Day with stand up comedy with Jeremy Nunes on Saturday, March 14th at 2pm.
The PBL Choir will hold a murder mystery dinner on Saturday, March 14th at 6pm at Pueblo Lindo in Paxton. Tickets are available by emailing pblchoralboosters at gmail dot com.
The Cissna Park Development Board will host a sock hop on Saturday, March 14th at the Cissna Park American Legion. Doors open at 6, lessons begin at 6:30 with social dancing and live music from 7-10 pm. Cost at the door is $7 for kids, $12 for adults and $20 for couples.
