(undated–jc) Severe storms and some tornadic activity occurred throughout East Central Illinois. Over 10 thousand homes were without power for a time between 6pm and 4 this morning. Some of the affected areas were the southside of Rantoul. Among the other power outages was a large part of Tolono. A large tree branch was reported down in the 500 block of East Patton in Paxton. A tree fell on a truck in Buckley. In Mahomet, a tree was downed into a house in the village. Downed power lines also closed Turkey Farm Road in Mahomet. That road was re opened just before midnight on MondayThe National Weather Service estimates winds of 60-80 mph came through the area.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois filmmakers are set to get a break on taxes after Governor Pritzker announced a credit to incentivize sustainability in the industry. It’s the first credit of its kind in the country. The incentive will give an additional 5 percent tax credit to production companies that practice going green. To qualify, filmmakers must focus on minimizing waste, reducing energy use and emissions through equipment and transportation, as well as responsible food practices.
(Paxton –jc) The First Free Friday Night concert at Veteran’s Square in downtown Paxton is this Friday night. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says it is the sounds of the Philo Country Opry at 7pm on Friday…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Chicago–jc) –The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction on ten counts of public corruption. The ruling came down Monday after Judges Frank Easterbrook, Nancy Maldonado and Michael Scudder heard oral arguments in the case on April 9.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is looking for tips from the public that can help Champaign Police solve a retail theft. The theft happened at the Old Navy at Market Place Mall. Officials said that at 4 p.m. on April 11, a woman walked into the store and obtained a theft detection device. She used it to remove multiple anti-theft devices from clothing, concealed the clothing in a bag and then left without trying to pay. Officials added that she reentered the store five minutes later and repeated the process. The stolen clothing was valued at just under $600. Crime Stoppers is seeking help in identifying the woman, who was recorded on store surveillance cameras. She was described as Black and wearing a light blue jacket with white lettering, black leggings and black shoes.
(Champaign–jc) The Christie Clinic Race weekend is now complete for the year. Over 5 thousand runners competed in the various races from a fun run to the annual Christie Clinic Marathon on Saturday. Christie Clinic Race Weekend Director Jan Seeley says over the lifetime of the races, they have now surpassed the 2 million dollar mark in donations…
Christie Clinic Race Weekend Director Jan Seeley. The group has already started plans for the race weekend set for April in 20-27. Charities this year include the American Cancer Society, Champaign County Humane Society, The Immigration Project, Crisis Nursery, and Embrace Mental Health Foundation. The event has an over 5 million dollar positive impact on Champaign County.
(Gilman–dm)-Weather has been a big factor in this year’s planting progress. We had a chance to talk with Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire about planting progress in Ford and Iroquois County.
Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire
Bloomington, IL — In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week , McLean County Health Department is encouraging parents and caregivers to stay informed and follow recommended immunization schedules to protect infants and young children from serious diseases. Parents want to make informed choices for their children, and when it comes to vaccines, it’s both appropriate and responsible to ask questions about their safety, effectiveness, and potential risks. The Illinois Department of Public Health continues to recommend the immunization schedule supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
(Paxton–jc) In our new news segment called P-X-N area people to know, we want you to know about Pat Milchuck of Paxton. Milchuck has been making hats, as her latest career, for the past 19 years. Her business is Simply Pats Hats and the business is in the State Street Mall on Route 45 in Paxton . Milchuck sales all types of self fashioned headwear and that includes Kentucky Derby hats…
Milchuck has been involved with several businesses, as a seamstress, but for the last 19 years she has owned Simply Pats Hats in the State Street Mall on Route 45 in Paxton . Milchuck’s Hats have been featured in photographs at the Kentucky Derby…
Simply Pat’s Hats, State Street Mall Owner, Pat Milchuck of Paxton
(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers could pass a historic package of bills during the final month of session to increase housing supply and lower costs. The Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD plan, is a top priority for Gov. JB Pritzker. Illinois has a shortage of roughly 142,000 housing units, and experts believe the state needs to build over 225,000 units within five years to keep up with demand. The Pritzker administration hopes to legalize a wider range of middle housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes and four flats, to expand access to homes that families can afford. Lawmakers could also streamline the permitting process for developers to have clear and predictable timelines for housing permit reviews and inspections. The measure could modernize outdated building codes to maintain resident safety, free up space for additional housing and drive down costs as well. The Illinois Municipal League said the state cannot preempt local authority and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for housing.
(Springfield–dm)-Legislators in Springfield discussed a proposal to make it easier to redraw congressional lines by adding an amendment to the Illinois constitution. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting (R. from Emington) talks about why he voted no on the amendment.
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington
(Kankakee-jm) – More than 250 students will receive degrees and certificates at the 57th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony at 10 am Saturday, May 16 in the George H. Ryan Gymnasium in the college's Activities Building. The speaker at KCC’s ceremony will be Ellen Bollino, vice president and chief nursing officer for Riverside Healthcare.
(Melvin–jc) The 20-26 Ford County Fair in Melvin Schedule has been released. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Danville-jm) – The War Museum’s May edition of First Saturday events in observance of American’s 250th Birthday and Vermilion County’s 200th will be on May 2nd starting at 1:00 p.m. Retired history teacher, museum board member and volunteer Fred Rinehart will present the program: “Deadlier by Design: The Transformation of Small Arms from 1775 to 1900.” In addition to talking about those technological advances, Mr. Rinehart will have a display of several weapons to exhibit those changes. Admission is free. The first Saturday in June event will showcase the Medal of Honor received by Civil War hero General John Charles Black of Danville.
(Champaign–dm)-The Weather has been a big factor in this year’s planting season. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady tells us about the progress for the year.
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady.
(Paxton–jc) There is another reason to put September 19th on your calendar of things to do this year. It is the annual Paxton Swine and Dine. There is a barbeque competition, family games and lots of vendors and food. This year's musical lineup includes American Idol Finalist Gabby Barnett and also 20-23 The Voice Champion and Paxton native Gina Miles. All events are in downtown Paxton .
(Cissna Park–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Cissna Park Coop in Cissna Park, The Cissna Park Coop was formed in 19-07 The Coop has locations in Cissna Park, Rankin and Woodworth. Cissna Park Coop General Manager
Dan Martinek talks history and the average price program
Cissna Park Coop General Manager Dan Martinek
Cissna Park Coop Feed Mill Manager
Rowdy Murray says they have the feed and mixes for a wide variety of animals…
Cissna Park Coop Feed Mill Manager Rowdy Murray
The Cissna Park Coop is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
WPXN News notes…
Cissna Park and Kellart Lake Garage Sales will take Thursday, April 30th, Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd. Hours Thursday and Friday are 8 am to 7 pm and Saturday 8 am to noon.
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.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive at Kirby Foods in Paxton on Saturday, May 2nd from 10 am to 1pm. To sign up for a spot email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.
The Gibson City Restoration Association will hold their Sip and Shop Wine Hop on Saturday, May 2nd. Check in begins at 10:30 am at 107 North Sangamon Avenue with the event running 11-2:30. Cost is $20 per person.
The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Eric Gordon on Saturday, May 2nd.. Doors open at 5:30pm with music starting at 7pm.
