(Iroquois County-jm) — A second tornado touched down in Iroquois County during Friday night’s severe weather, the US National Weather Service confirmed. After further reviewing data from the storms, the NWS damage assessment team determined that the damage at the Knauth Farm outside of Milford was from a tornado, according to Scott Anderson, Iroquois County’s EMA director.That tornado continued on a path east into Darrow, shearing power poles off at the base just south of US Highway 24 near Effer, at the Newton County, Indiana line. Anderson added that as more data is received and analyzed, it’s possible that other areas of damage could be designated as tornadoes.

 

(Chicago–jc)  – U.S. District Court Judge April Perry has dismissed Illinois’ lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his deployment of National Guard troops to the state. The judge ruled on Monday that she granted the Trump administration’s motion to dismiss because the matter is “moot” after the president announced the removal of the troops in December.

 

(Springfield–dm)-House Bill 5264, sponsored by a Cicero Democrat provides that the Department of Commerce and Equal Opportunity shall establish a loan program, subject to appropriation, to provide low interest loans to small businesses that have been negatively impacted by an economic shock. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering Republican from Decatur encouraged her House colleagues to vote "no" on a bill dealing with low interest loans from the Department of Commerce and Equal Opportunity.

   

 88th District State Representative Regan Deering Republican from Decatur

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspects in a retail theft case. The theft happened around 2 p.m. on April 4 at the Old Navy store. Two female suspects entered the business and walked around while one of them used a bag to hide numerous items. When they left, one suspect grabbed two sweatshirts and wrapped them around the concealed clothing. When they passed the anti-theft machines, the security tags on the clothes triggered the alarms to go off, but the suspects kept walking and didn’t try to pay. The two suspects left the store in a red four-door sedan with more than $500 in stolen merchandise. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects, who were captured on tape. They were both described as Black females between 25-30 years old. One of them was described as having a medium build and was wearing a pink sweatshirt. The other suspect was wearing all black clothing.

 

(Champaign–jc) The streets of Champaign-Urbana will be filled with runners, fans, and volunteers this weekend.  It's the annual Christie Clinic Race Weekend. The three day event starts on Thursday and runs through Saturday. What is the theme for this year? Christie Clinic Race Weekend Director Jan Seeley has the answer…

 

Christie Clinic Race Weekend Director Jan Seeley.

A Health Fair and Expo is the initial event Thursday and the annual Marathon steps off Saturday morning at 7-33.A full lineup of events is found on line

 

(Urbana-jm) – Firefighters responded to the scene of a house fire in Urbana on Monday. The fire broke out at a home near East California Avenue and S. Pfeffer Road, shortly after 4 p.m. The home is located less than a mile from the Walmart Supercenter on High Cross Road.

 

(Onarga–dm)-This Saturday April 25th, the Onarga Fire Department will host their annual Taco Fundraiser featuring Tony’s Tacos.  Secretary/Treasurer Tim Thorn has the information

   

Onarga Fire Dept. Secretary/Treasurer Tim Thorn

 

(Danville–jc) Officials at Danville Area Community College  discovered a suspected coordinated system of misappropriation of Adult Education funds and falsification of test scores and grant performance reports. The college continues to look into the discrepancies. DACC President Randall Fletcher, and leadership team conducted a six-month internal investigation into these suspected incidents of malfeasance by administrators who supervised this academic program and managed the grant funds. An investigation continues. The college and its board of trustees will continue to cooperate with the Illinois Community College Board  matter.

 

(The Center Square) – Community colleges in Illinois could soon offer Bachelor’s degree programs to Illinois residents. Officials, lawmakers and students all say the initiative would make higher education more accessible, affordable and benefit the state’s economy. House Bill 5319 would allow all community colleges to provide four-year baccalaureate degree programs, with specific programs offered to be determined by collaborative efforts between the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The ICCB released a report detailing the economic impact of the 45 institutions across the state, with data showing the state sees a 130% return on tax funds spent on community colleges.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Consumers could face confusion this summer when paying with credit or debit cards, as a new Illinois law aims to eliminate certain card swipe fees. The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act is set to take effect July 1, banning card swipe fees on taxes and tips. The change would impact how transactions are processed by financial institutions. Currently, when consumers use a credit or debit card, merchants pay an interchange fee, typically around 2% to 3%, to card-issuing banks or credit unions for each transaction. The law, signed by Governor JB Pritzker in 2024, would be the first of its kind in the nation. Its rollout was delayed due to ongoing legal challenges, and questions remain about how it will be implemented. In March, the Electronic Payments Coalition launched an advertising campaign in Illinois opposing the law, showing scenarios where card payments for tips or taxes could be declined. It remains unclear how the law will be implemented. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, part of the U.S. Treasury Department, is currently reviewing potential action related to the law.

(USDA-dm)- Invasive plant pests and disease pests pose significant risks to our nation's agriculture and backyard gardens, yet there are ways you can keep these threats away. Rod Bain has the story.

   

(Chatsworth-jm) – A Chatsworth man was arrested for alleged sex crimes against a child. The Fairbury Police Department arrested 63-year-old Bruce Sanders in Chatsworth at OSF Saint James Medical Center after he received medical treatment. He has been charged with two counts of child sexual abuse material, three counts of violating the sexual offender registry, and one count of grooming.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The Community Service Center of Rantoul has its Spring Fling Fundraiser set for Thursday at the Rantoul Knights of Columbus Hall Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford talks about where the donations help with the many services offered by the local center…

Rantoul based Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford

 

(Bloomington-jm) – McLean County prosecutors have charged a man with stealing a Bloomington Fire Department ambulance parked outside Grossinger Motors Arena, close to where he had just been released from jail for retail theft. Like the retail theft accusation, 34-year-old Dennis Montgomery has been released again because the latest felony burglary and theft charges against him are non-detainable crimes under Illinois’ SAFE-T-Act. A court document said a public safety surveillance camera in Downtown Bloomington shows someone similar in appearance to Montgomery standing by the parked ambulance. Police said they found the unoccupied ambulance at the nearby DB Plasma Donation Centre on West Washington Street, where Montgomery and about 20 other people had gathered.

 

(Gibson City–dm)-The Gibson City Restoration Association is raising money to refurbish the Burwell Opera House.  They are sponsoring a Sip and Shop Wine Hop on Saturday May 2nd, but they are also having weekly Queen of Hearts drawings.  Gibson City Restoration Association president Sharon Heavilin has details of their Queen of Hearts drawings

   

Gibson City Restoration Association president, Sharon Heavilin 

 

A two-year extension of Illinois’ COLA pension buyout program is headed to the state Senate. The voluntary program allows retirees in Illinois’ four statewide retirement systems to receive a lump-sum payment in exchange for forgoing future 3% compounded cost-of-living adjustments. The House passed HB 5196 unanimously on Friday. Supporters say the buyouts have reduced Illinois’ pension liabilities by an estimated $2.6 billion.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Double Y Sales and Service located along route 49 in Cissna Park. Double Y is a three generation lawn mower sales and service business owned by the Tom Yergler family. Double Y’s Service Manager Jerry Kaeb says the service department is ready with parts in stock to serve their customers…

Double Y Sales and Service, Service Manager Jerry Kaeb

They have  over 50 Toro mowers in stock ready for your lawn. Double Y Sales and Service is the WPXN business of the Day, today. 

 

WPXN News notes…

 

The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, April 25th from 9-2.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Emo Night Live with the All American Throwbacks on Saturday, April 25th at 8pm.

 

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold a free spaghetti supper on Sunday, April 26th from 4-6:30 pm at the Roberts Gym.

 

Gospel singer Kelley Dupius will perform at the Paxton Church of Christ on Sunday, April 26th at 7pm. 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School on Friday, May 1st from 9-2.

 

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, May 1st from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.