(Paxton-jm) – A bus carrying PBL students and parents on its way back from Washington D.C. was involved in a crash Saturday morning. Five students and one parent were taken to the hospital for evaluation as precautionary measure. All were treated and released.  On Facebook, PBL Junior High School Principal Josh Didier put out an announcement that the bus being used for their 8th grade trip, with Grand Classroom and Peoria Charter, was involved in an accident in Myersville, Maryland. The group made it home safely early Sunday morning.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A 16-year-old died from injuries sustained in an early Saturday morning shooting in Champaign. Police say it was a  homicide. In a release, the Champaign Police Department said officers were dispatched just after midnight on Saturday morning  the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive for a report of a shooting with injuries. On scene, officers located Trai’Vvone Wesley with life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. Wesley was then transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police said the circumstances around this shooting remain under investigation. Regarding this incident, 9-1-1 callers reported hearing shots, and investigating officers located evidence indicating multiple rounds were fired.

 

(Washington-jm) – Livestock are not the only animals of concern about the threat of New World Screwworm in South Texas, according to the Agriculture Secretary. Rod Bain reports…

   

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Health Department is warning people of the Lone Star Tick as it becomes increasingly common in many parts of Illinois. The health department explained on Facebook that these ticks are present in Vermilion County and have been associated with Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia and Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy linked to tick bite. They are “aggressive biters” that actively seek out hosts. Lone Star Ticks are distinguishable by a white dot on the backs of females, while males have scattered white markings around the edges of their backs.

 

(Melvin-jm) – Three ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Ford County Queen 2026.  Raven Armstrong, Kyra Kietzman, and Londyn Roderick seek the crown.  The pageant is in the Dance Building at the Melvin Fairgrounds on June 15th.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The city of Paxton officials have been successful netting grants and appropriations for city projects recently. They include money for the second block of the downtown streetscape project and money for the Clayton Hale bridge upgrades. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says city officials and grant writers have done the city a great service…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Undated-jm) – A major state prison project is moving forward without Logan County in its plans. Illinois officials said on Friday that two new correctional facilities will be constructed in Crest Hill to replace aging prisons, including Logan Correctional Center. Crest Hill is a city located in Will County and is just over two hours from Lincoln.  A state analysis found Crest Hill would offer more space, infrastructure and lower costs. The new facilities are expected to house up to 2,300 people. Logan Correctional will remain open during construction, and there is no tentative opening date for the Crest Hill facility.

 

(Illinois–dm)-Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to pause data center tax credits, starting July 1. Pritzker’s move follows The Center Square’s report last week, detailing the state legislature’s decision to not advance data center regulation during the spring session that ended on June First. A statement from the governor’s office said existing incentive agreements under the data center investment program will be honored.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A plan heading to Governor JB Pritzker's desk could protect consumers and ensure a fairer, more transparent ticket resale market. The bill bans ticket resellers from selling, listing, or advertising tickets unless they have actual possession of the tickets at the time they're offered. Sponsors said selling tickets you don't own is a gamble with someone else's money.

 

(Washington-jm) – This year's U.S. winter wheat crop will again be a focus for key June reports from the Agriculture Department. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

The USDA’s June Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates are scheduled for release Thursday, June 11 at 11 am Central time.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A fighting involving 50-60 people in Urbana Friday night led to shots being fired into the air, and two people were ultimately arrested. In a release, the Urbana Police Department say around 10 on Friday night, officers responded to the 2000 block of South Philo Road for the report of a large fight involving approximately 50-60 people and reports of gunfire.The investigation then determined that the incident began as an argument between adults and escalated into multiple physical altercations. During the incident, a firearm was shot into the air several times.  No people or property were struck by gunfire, and officers ended up arresting two individuals on the following charges: 42-year-old Anthony Teat of Urbana was arrested for aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery and 33-year-old Jessica Morris of Urbana was arrested for aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated battery in a public place and resisting/obstructing a peace officer. In all, more than 30 law enforcement officers from surrounding agencies responded to assist during the incident.

 

(Paxton–dm)-If you’re going to be using a chainsaw, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some important safety tips to follow.

 

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott on Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success.

 

(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul Township High School District 193 will hold their monthly meeting this evening. Items up for  discussion include approval of the Fiscal Year 26 amended budget. Also renewal of property and casualty and workers compensation insurance. Other items to be discussed is the approval of Administrator contracts, Non-Certified contracts, and approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Rantoul Township High School Education Association. A budget Hearing is scheduled for 5:45pm with the  regularly scheduled meeting to start a 6pm

 

(Springfield-jm) — Changes could be coming to Illinois high schoolers’ foreign language requirements if a unanimously passed bill is signed into law. Right now, students are required to take two years of a foreign language. Senate Bill 3070 would give schools and students the flexibility to choose to take two years of a language, or take two years of “career and technical education” courses. If signed into law, the bill would first take effect for incoming high school freshmen in the 2028 to 2029 school year.

 

(Melvin–jc)  The 2026 Ford County Fair starts on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Melvin. A county fair brings lots of food options. WPXN ‘s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

WPXN News Notes…

The 2026 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour will stop in Rantoul on Tuesday, June 9th at 11 am.

 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Onarga American Legion on Tuesday, June 9th from 1-6 pm.

 

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, June 11th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Promise Healthcare in Rantoul.

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual golf outing on Friday, June 12th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, June 12th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 12th with Candy Foster and Shades of Blue performing downtown from 6-9pm .

 

The 2026 Mahomet Soda Fest will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 10-6.