(Undated-jm) – GasBuddy reported another week of falling gas prices on Monday, making for five straight weeks of decreasing averages in Central Illinois, the entire state and the country. The statewide average fell by 18 cents to $4.13. Locally, prices in Gilman is $4.10, Hoopeston $4.09, Mahomet $4.20, Milford $4.10, Onarga $4.12, Potomac $4.12, St. Joseph $4.15, Rantoul $4.37 and Paxton $4.40.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker could soon sign a plan to improve public safety by increasing fines for people driving around school buses using an extended stop arm. Drivers stopped by police for ignoring the safety arms are currently fined a minimum of $300 and have their driver’s license suspended for six months. Some Illinois school districts also have stop arm safety technology, but the fine for drivers going past those arms is capped at $150. The plan would create a uniform $300 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation.
(Paxton–jc) With the start of summer, its time for street work with the use of motor fuel tax dollars for many area communities. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city’s street department has the number of dollars to use for upgrades and re surfacing projects in Paxton continues…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Kankakee-jm) — Kankakee police are investigating a Father’s Day shooting that left one person dead. 40 year old Randal Young was pronounced dead at Riverside Hospital. Young’s 59 year old father suffered a non life threatening wound. The shooting happened in the 1100 block of East Merchant Street around 3:30pm.
(Paxton–jc) The Frederick Community Bank and the Buckley State Bank have announced plans to merge into one bank corporation. The merger is expected to be complete by December of this year. The Frederick Community Bank started as the Clarence State Bank in 1908 and now with the merger of the Buckley State Bank has locations in Paxton Cissna Park and Buckley.
(Champaign-jm) — A teenager accused of shooting another teen in January is now facing adult charges of attempted murder. New charges of attempted murder were filed against 17 year old Brandon Huff after he pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated battery with a firearm. Huff entered a not guilty plea. He is accused of shooting two teenagers from Rantoul. A 14 year old was injured but survived, a 16 year old was not injured. He’s due back in court July 22nd.
(CissnaPark)- Some changes are coming to downtown Cissna Park. Cissna Park Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer tells us about those changes…
Cissna Park Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer
(Gilman–dm)-Monday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity celebrated Incobrasa Industries’ new soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman, reinforcing Illinois' position as the nation's leading soybean-producing state and a growing hub for biofuels, food processing, and advanced agricultural manufacturing. The completed project includes a 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to meet the growing demand for its soybean crushing services, creating 40 new full-time jobs for the region while retaining 200 positions. Located adjacent to Incobrasa's existing facility, the new processing plant doubles the company's production capacity and can process nearly 100 million bushels of soybeans annually.
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul and the emergency phone MetCad system are adding the University of Illinois system into their local agreements. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the village continues to work with other agencies for all emergencies…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(The Center Square) – A potential plan to deploy federal immigration agents to polling places this fall is illegal and would suppress voters, an Illinois congressman warned this week, while demanding answers from top brass at the Department of Homeland Security. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., warned that sending ICE or Homeland Security personnel to voting sites would be illegal and create a “chilling effect” on voter rights. Last week, Mullin made the argument to CNN hosts that ICE deployment shouldn’t be ruled out, citing a potential for non-citizens to fraudulently attempt to vote in the coming election.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill banning junk fees and creating price transparency for Illinois consumers has arrived on Governor J-B Pritzker's desk. The plan makes it unlawful for any business to advertise, display or offer a price for products or services that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes. Sponsors say junk fees cost an average family of four $3,200 annually.
(Springfield-jm) – The plan to tackle growing frustration over digital grocery store coupons has arrived on Governor J-B Pritzker’s desk. State lawmakers originally wanted to require grocery stores with digital coupons to have a paper option easily accessible to customers. However, this bill requires retailers to honor digital promotions through automatic or point of sale discounts, barcodes or quick response codes. Grocery stores violating this requirement could face lawsuits and fines under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act.
(Springfield–jc) With the near calendar fiscal year budget already signed by Illinois Governor J B Pritzker, one area Republican Senator continues to blast the amount of increased spending by the majority-democrats in Illinois. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet says this year’s budget is nearly 56 Billion Dollars and the increase in taxes for Illinoisans also continues to grow…
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose Republican from Mahomet
(Decatur-jm) – ADM is set to invest $103 million in improvements to its Decatur facilities. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce announced Monday. ADMs investment will create 50 new full time jobs and keep over 1,000 present full time jobs. ADM will replace old control systems across its west and east soybean plants and the corn wet mill.
(Paxton–jc) The United States of America is celebrating the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Paxton Chamber of Commerce and Paxton Mainstreet are planning a special reading during the 4th of July activities in Pells Park says Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Champaign–jc) No injuries were reported Monday morning after a two vehicle crash happened in the I-72 to I-57 southbound ramp. The accident happened about 8-30 Monday morning. When officers got to the scene, one of the vehicles was overturned in a nearby ditch. The exchange area remains open this afternoon. Police remind the motoring public to take extra precaution in work zone areas like the I-74, I-72 and I-57 interstate construction zone in Champaign.
(USDA–dm)-The first phase of USDA Farm Service Agency's annual election process for county committees is currently taking place with candidate nominations. Rod Bain has the story
WPXN News Notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, June 26th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, June 27th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The 27th annual Rankin Lions Club Truck and Tractor Pull will take place on Friday, June 26th at 6pm at Centennial Park.
Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 26th with In Blue performing in downtown.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a fish fry on Friday, June 26th from 4:30-7pm at the Legion Building at Durham Park.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, June 27th from 9-2.
Onarga will hold their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27th. The parade will take place at 11 am, antique tractor pull at noon, talent show and lazy days car show at 1, firemen's water ball, bingo, and petting zoo at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, Live Music by The Fairchilds at 4 along with adult and kid retro games at 4.
Rankin will hold their Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 27th. The day starts with a fun walk/run at 8 am, community church service at 10, food stands open at 11, bingo 11:30-12:30, kids games 12:30-1:30, car show 1-4, cake walk at 1:30, foam party 2-3, kids activities from 4-8, live music from 3:30-9 and fireworks at dusk.
The Paxton Fire Department will hold their cash bash on Saturday, June 27th from 3-11 pm. Tickets are $100 each. Grand prize is a street legal Denajo Rover XL golf cart.
