(Springfield-jm) – New laws in Illinois, ranging from how seniors renew their drivers license to changing the definition of cyberbullying took effect yesterday. The motor fuel tax rate will be remain unchanged for six months, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services will be required to prepare youth ages 15 and older for their transition out of care and into independence, the state’s temporary cocktails to go is now permanent, the age for mandatory in person renewals for drivers licenses is raised from 75 to 79 and healthcare workers who provide maternal healthcare services are now required to participate in a training course in implicit bias awareness.
(Champaign-jm) – A mulch fire destroyed a school playground in Champaign Wednesday afternoon. It happened at Kenwood Elementary School. No injuries were reported. It’s unknown the cost of how much damage was done but officials say the playground was heavily damaged.
(Rantoul–jc) The U S Air Force has set its annual meeting on “forever chemicals of P-Fas remediation numbers on the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul for next Wednesday. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says that Air Force officials continue to take water and soil samples and report the findings…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Undated-jm) - With the extremely high temperatures and humidity impacting the entire state, the Illinois Department of Transportation is cautioning the public to be on the lookout for pavement failures on roads and to stay alert for crews making emergency repairs. Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling 1-800-452-4368 or by reaching out to your local law enforcement.
(Ford County–jc) Area county Emergency Management Agencies, local police and county officials are offering cooling centers to help with the heat. Ford County Emergency Management Agency Outreach Coordinator Kim McGuire says there are a variety of cooling centers open at various hours…
Ford County Emergency Management Agency Outreach Coordinator Kim McGuire
(Watseka–jc) –If you or someone you know would be interested in a career as a dispatcher, there is an opportunity in one area county. Iroquois County officials are seeking applicants for the local dispatch office. Those wanting to apply may call the office in Watseka or go on line for more information.
(Melvin–jc) The 100th Ford County Fair is complete for the year. The vision for the local fair is to continue and grow for the future. The local fair will continue to host a national music act, along with cattle, pig to rabbit shows, a carnival and more, says Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor and Ford County Fair FFA Manager Kirsten Wyatt…
Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor and Ford County Fair F F A Manager Kirsten Wyatt
(Chicago–jc) –The Citizens Utility Board says it uncovered more than $1 billion of questionable spending in Commonwealth Edison’s proposed four-year plan for improving its power grid. CUB says the 15-point-three Billion, four-year plan ComEd filed in January represents a 21% spending increase over its current plan.
CUB said it found more than $300 million of wasteful or questionable spending in Ameren’s four-year proposal.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson City Restoration Committee Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at 3,365. Roger Cramer had his ticket pulled from the tumbler. He chose to see what was behind card #16. It revealed the six of spades. He won $25 for having his ticket pulled from the tumbler.
Next week the group will be raffling off a new summertime basket. Also, they will be selling pork burgers and hotdogs at this year's Sibling 4th of July. Find them under the pavilion.
(Washington–jc) – 4th of July cookouts continue to be a big part of the annual 4th of July celebrations. U S D A Food Safety and Inspection Service Spokesperson Meridith Carothers explains the importance of cold sources to keep perishable foods safe during that outdoor cookout on a hot summer day…
U S D A Food Safety and Inspection Service Spokesperson Meridith Carothers
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Commerce Commission is offering energy efficiency tips to help beat the heat this summer. With temperatures on the rise, the commission has put together a list of recommendations to help keep cool while saving on energy bills. Among the recommendations: contacting your utility about programs to reduce energy usage during peak hours, installing a programmable thermostat to control the temperature overnight, schedule regular AC maintenance visits and replacing filters regularly, closing curtains and other window treatments to block the sun, using ceiling or box fans to keep cool and caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows to seal leaks.
(Paxton–jc) Economic development in the city of Paxton continues in 20=-26 as we start the second half of the year. Around 2 million dollars in grants and money will help with three separate projects in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold also says a new gas station, restaurant project and a housing development on the west side of the city is also moving quickly…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Undated-jm) — Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday $27 million in investment to build safer, stronger libraries across the state. Local libraries receiving funding including the Cissna Park Community Library, Moyer District Library in Gibson City, the Gilman-Danforth Library, the Hoopeston Public Library, the Loda Township Library, the Mahomet Public Library, the Melvin Public Library, the Milford Library, Paxton’s Carnegie Library, the Rantoul Public Library and the St. Joseph Swearingen Library. Armstrong Township High School, Cissna Park school district, Crescent Iroquois school district, Fisher school district, GCMS, Iroquois West, Hoopeston Area, PBL, Rantoul City Schools and Rantoul Township High School and the St. Joseph Ogden High School and St. Joseph school districts also received funding for school libraries.
(Rantoul–jc0 The Rantoul Sports Complex has seen some huge numbers of visitors during the Spring portion of the calendar of events. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Branden Denton says the projections for the number of visitors for the year is expected to beat the 1 point 2 million who came in 20-25…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Branden Denton
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Police were dispatched to an area hospital just after 11 last night, following a report of a shooting with injuries that is believed to have occurred in the 1500 block of Hedge Road. Officers were advised that a 17-year-old male victim arrived at the hospital’s emergency room with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hip. He continues to receive medical assistance at the hospital and is in stable condition. The victim was struck by gunfire in the 15 hundred block of Hedge Road. No arrests have been made and thes investigation remains ongoing. Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545.
(Fisher–jc) The 150th celebration for the village of Fisher is coming soon. The Sesquicentennial will take place Friday through Monday in the downtown area of town. Opening ceremonies are set for Friday afternoon and evening. On Saturday, a breakfast, fun run, photo booth, mini golf start the day. Fisher 150th Celebration spokesperson Kim Clemmons talks about more activities, food and music set for Saturday…
Fisher 150th Celebration Spokesperson Kim Clemmons
(The Center Square) – In a 6-3 decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld multiple state bans on transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. The ruling could have an impact on Illinois, and potentially the midterm elections. The court upheld bans in two states, Idaho and West Virginia, which prohibited individuals who identified as transgender women and girls, but were born as biological males, from competing in college and youth sports. Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker said on social media that he was against the ruling, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul reflected Yohnka’s statement, and argued that students in the state have the right to participate in school activities, including sports. The Illinois High School Association, which has oversight of high school athletics in the state, currently determines the participation of transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis, per its policy.
(Nashville–jc) A public high school baseball coach has been charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse and four misdemeanor counts related to obstructing justice. Chad Malawy, 54, of Nashville, Illinois has been placed on administrative leave from Nashville Community High School.
The charges stem from an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with forensic help from Illinois State Police.
(Paxton–jc) It’s hot and humid. Some area communities and counties have set up cooling centers. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
WPXN News notes…
Hoopeston will hold their Red, White and Boom on Friday, July 3rd with a color run at 8 am, car show at 10, chili cookoff at noon, touch a truck from 2-4, golf cart and pet parade at 4, red white and boom party featuring inflatables, cornhole tournament and watermelon eating from 4:30-7:30, 90 proof performing at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk at the soccer fields.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, July 3rd from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
Paxton will hold their Old Fashioned 4th of July on Saturday, July 4th at Pells Park starting with the 5k at 8, community worship service at 9:45, car show 10-2, antique tractor show at 11, bounce houses from 11-2:30, old fashioned kids games at 11:30, bingo from 11:30-1:30, reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, Penny Scavenger Hunt from 1-2. Then a lighted golf cart parade at 8:30 from Pells Park to Bixby Park with fireworks at Bixby Park at dusk.
Sibley will hold their 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th starting with a breakfast at 8 am, fishing derby at 9 am, vendor show at 10 am, parade at noon, barrel train rides at 1 pm, softball tournament and big kids games at 2pm, bingo and little kids games at 3, model airplane and boat show, inflatables, mini golf and golf hole in one at 4pm, music by The Fairchilds at 6:30 and fireworks over Sibley Lake at dusk.
Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.
