(Springfield-jm) — A state representative from Chicago is pitching an idea they think will help take some pressure off the gas pump prices. State Representative Jed Davis asked Governor J-B Pritzker to consider suspending the state’s gas tax for two months. Since the Iran conflict started, gas prices are up more than 60 cents a gallon. The current tax is a little more than 48 cents per gallon of gasoline and almost 56 cents per gallon for diesel. These rates hold through June 30th of this year but are automatically set to increase again July 1st.
(Springfield–jc) One local state senator continues to work on reducing the amount of taxing bodies in the state. There is just an estimate of around 7 thousand such taxing entities in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, says there is a need to reduce the number of taxing groups and it needs to come from the “bottom up”...
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon.
(Urbana-jm) – It’s spring construction season and Urbana is moving forward with a demonstration project on Lincoln Avenue. The project got underway this week between Killarney Street and Fairview Avenue. The $200,000 road configuration, removing and replacing painted pavement markings. The city says the change from four lanes to three is to improve roadway safety by adding protected crosswalks and signal improvements. The lane reduction will be a temporary two month window. After the two months, Lincoln Avenue will go back to four lanes. The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the project before construction begins in 2028.
(Undated-jc) – Futures Connections of Livingston and Ford Counties will soon be the official Rural Transportation carrier of Iroquois County. Futures Connections is now hiring full, part-time, and on-call drivers to service all of Iroquois (and Ford) County(ies). If you or someone you know loves to drive and has the desire to make a difference in his or her community, please call Futures Connections at 844-942-2003, or see their posting on Indeed.com.
(Rantoul–jc) Put Thursday April 23rd on your calendar to help the Rantoul based Community Service Center with their annual “Spring Fling” fundraiser. The event is set for the Rantoul Knights of Columbus Hall from 5pm to 8pm, Rantoul Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says there are many activities set for the three hour event…
Rantoul Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford. Tickets and table sponsor information is found on line or by contacting the office in the village.
(Onarga–jc) – Federated Bank is announcing the retirement of Kathleen Perkinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Perkinson joined Federated Bank in 2019 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer throughout a period of growth, acquisitions, and organizational change. Perkinson brought a broad professional background in finance, planning, community development, and agriculture. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and completed advanced studies at Harvard University.
(Champaign–jc) –– The Champaign County Residential Electronics Collection event this spring will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 8am until noon at Parkland College. Registration for this event opens on Wednesday. To attend the , residents of Champaign County must register online in advance at The online registration process allows residents to reserve an available 15-minute time slot. Certain restrictions apply.
(Springfield–jm) – A new report from ReadyNation Illinois shows that a lack of affordable and accessible child care has drained over $6 billion from the state’s economy annually. Business leaders spoke Tuesday at the State Capitol that investments in childcare and early intervention services can help working parents. The nonprofit organization representing 300 Illinois businesses conducted a poll of roughly 400 working parents with young children in October. Around 92 percent of those parents said childcare availability is a challenge. Roughly half of the families said they have struggled to find affordable childcare, while 42 percent note they cannot find high-quality care. The report says the cost of childcare has reached $20,000 per year, which is more than in-state tuition at most public universities. The report also notes Illinois has experienced a 33 percent drop in the number of licensed child care providers over the past decade.
(Springfield–jc) In updating our story from yesterday, serialized ammunition is moving through the state capitol. Dean Abbott has the update…
(Champaign County-jm) – The local housing market saw modest shifts in February with fewer home sales, a dip in prices and more homes available for buyers. According to the Champaign County Association of Realtors, 136 homes were sold in February, a 4.2 percent decrease compared to the same time last year. The median sales price also declined to $220,000, down 6.4% year over year. At the same time, inventory increased from 432 in January to 490 in February.
(Hoopeston-jm) – The Hoopeston Police Department has arrested a man who is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. 60 year old Omar Smith was arrested near the 400 block of West Elm Street. He was charged with three counts: aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, domestic battery causing bodily harm and domestic battery causing physical contact.
(Paxton–jc) Accolade of Paxton held another successful Easter Egg hunt this past Saturday. Accolade of Paxton Activities Director Alice McDowell says the residents look forward to that event and several others planned each year…
Accolade of Paxton Activities Director Alice McDowell
(Rantoul–jc) Want to look at the upcoming budget, make suggestions or raise concerns? A public hearing is set for next Tuesday in Rantoul for the public to view the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The hearing is set for 5-45pm in the village offices. Current copies of the budget are available on-line.
(Wqshington–jc) – Having ham for Easter? The U-SD-As Meat and Poultry Hotline is available for any food safety questions U S D A Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers talks ham cooking safety…
U S D A Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers. That hot line number is 888-674-6854.
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the state losing residents to other states.
Some say the trend of increasing tax rates is to blame. The majority of metropolitan areas in the state have lost residents again in 2025, with Census Bureau data estimates showing only two major areas with any real domestic growth, Rockford and the Illinois portion of the St. Louis metro. Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic analysis for the Illinois Policy Institute, said taxes are driving Illinoisans beyond state boundaries.
(Mattoon–jc) – The 41st Bagelfest is set for July in Mattoon. Bagelfest offers something for everyone, with a vibrant variety of activities to enjoy—delicious food, unique vendors, family-friendly fun, classic carnival games, bingo, and outstanding live music. This year’s concert lineup starts with The Sidewalk Prophets, a Christian music group on Thursday July 16th. They have 5 number one songs and over 240 240 million streams. Friday, July 17th, on stage live is country star Scotty McCreery. Then on Saturday, July 18th you can rock out with the songs of the legendary Jefferson Starship!
(Kankakee-jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Clove Alliance. The area not for profit group provides hope and healing for survivors of sexual violence and to assist in their recovery and also working towards the elimination of sexual violence in our communities. Clove Alliance has offices in Kankakee, Watseka and Paxton. Clove Alliance Director Tracy Noe Slah provides some background on the group…
Tracy Noe Slah talks about the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness month……
Clove Alliance Director Tracy Noe Slah.
Hear more about Clove Alliance during the noon news today
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Cissna Park American Legion on Wednesday, April 1st from 1-6pm.
Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 3rd at 10 am.
Arcadia in Watseka will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 3rd at 11 am.
The Gibson City Lions Club will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4th from 9-11 am at North Park.
The Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4th at 10 am at the park in downtown Cissna Park.
The Hoopeston Jaycees will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4th at 10:30 am at McFarren Park.
The Paxton Buckley Loda High School Choir will put on their performance of Into the Woods on Friday, April 10th, Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th at 7pm each night.
St Peters Free Lutheran Church in Melvin is hosting a Biscuits and Gravy and Hasbrown breakfast Saturday April 11th from 8am until 11am. It is a fundraiser for the church
A Spring craft and vendor event will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 9-3 at the Kruse Center in Gibson City.
St. Malachy Catholic School in Rantoul will hold their spring fling and auction on Saturday, April 11th. Doors open at 5pm, dinner will be served at 6 with live auction beginning at 7:15.
