(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is seeing a higher than average number of cases of a parasite which can cause explosive diarrhea according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. As of yesterday morning there have been 150 confirmed or probable cases of Cyclosporiasis, 68 acquired domestically, 66 from traveling outside of the U–S and 16 pending an investigation in the state. The parasite has sickened thousands across at least 17 states. Cyclospora is most commonly linked to fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, berries and snow peas and can be spread by eating contaminated food or water.
(Springfield-jm) – The black and gold bumblebee has now become the official Illinois state bee. Governor J-B Pritzker signed a bill into law Wednesday designating the species as the state bee. The governor’s office says the black and gold bumblebee serves as a critical prairie land pollinator boosting Illinois’ natural ecosystem and supporting agriculture.
(Washington–jc) What is the crop production forecast and what is the outlook for supply and demand on crops. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski has some numbers…
World Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski
(Champaign County-jm) — Speeders beware, the Champaign County Sheriff’s office has announced they will be increasing the number of speeding patrols through the end of August. During certain patrols officers will only focus on those speeding and deputies will only hand out tickets. Among the areas they will be focusing on includes Route 45 between Urbana and Rantoul.
(Fisher–jc) – The Fisher Fair continues today through Saturday at the fairgrounds on the east side of the village. Newly crowned Miss Fisher Fair Queen Ava Paullin of Farmer City provides some insight about herself…
2026 Miss Fisher Fair Queen Ava Paullin of Farmer City
(Undated-jm) — Two of the state's largest private water companies are trying to merge with one of them asking the state for a significant increase. The Citizens Utility Board says Aqua Illinois and Illinois American are seeking to merge. This comes as Aqua is requesting a $23 per month rate hike from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Illinois American Water is asking for a $14 a month increase for water and $28 a month increase for wastewater. Aqua Illinois provides water service to more than 100,000 people in Kankakee County while Illinois American provides service to several communities in Champaign County.
(Penfield–jc) They have been doing this event for 50 years. What started at Middlefork in 1987 is now a huge ag event in Penfield each year. This year’s Historic Farm Days starts on today and runs through Sunday. I and I Tractor Club spokesperson Russ Buhr provides some history on the event…
Historic Farm Days and I and I tractor Club Spokesperson Russ Buhr. The opening ceremonies are set for 9 this morning and an antique tractor sale starts the events Thursday morning at 10. WPXN will be broadcast live over the noon and 1pm hours today to help kick off the event.
(The Center Square) – Illinoisans will be watching gas prices after the United States launched new military strikes against Iran on Tuesday. AAA listed the average Illinois price for regular unleaded at $3.99 a gallon on Wednesday, up from $3.975 the day before. The national average was $3.80, up less than a penny from Tuesday. At Costco and Sam's Club in Champaign the price is 3-44 per gallon. Caseys in Rantoul are 3-99 per gallon. It's 3-99 at the Casey’s in Gibson City and 4 dollars 14 cents at the Paxton Caseys. The Pilot in Gilman has gas at 3-65 per gallon and the Caseys in Milford is 3-88 per gallon
(Kempton–jc) The next Ford County Republican Party quarterly public breakfast is set for Saturday at Tom’s Tavern in Kempton. Ford County Republican party spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the main reason for the events…
Ford County Republican Party spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City
The event is free to attend.
(Rantoul–jc) – If you want a cool summer drink this month, keep this date in mind…Friday July 24th at the American Lutheran Church in Rantoul. The American Lutheran Church pre-school and Day care group along with summer campers will be offering a great glass of lemonade from 2pm to 4-30pm on Friday July 24th. The children are learning customer service skills, confidence and having some fun too. Additional Fridays may be added.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson City Restoration Committee Queen of Hearts jackpot is $3,568. Tonja Henze had her card drawn from the tumbler. She chose to see what was behind card #8. It revealed the Jack of Hearts! Tonja won $25 for having her card drawn. They have a special Queen of Hearts drawing on Saturday with ticket sales starting at noon and we will draw at 6 pm. Get your tickets in front of the Burwell Building at 107 N. Sangamon Ave.
(Springfield-jm) – The bipartisan plan calling for a statewide school cell phone ban has arrived on Governor J–B Pritzker’s desk. The bill requires school districts to adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time in a way that meets the needs of their community. Districts would need to allow exceptions for high school students, children with IEP’s, emergencies, student health or when the device is used for translation services.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill on Governor J-B Pritzker's desk could speed up lead service lines replacement across the state. Illinois is working to replace the hazardous pipes, but the project has faced some roadblocks. The bill ensures utility companies can access service lines on private property at no cost to property owners and expands who can authorize and perform the replacement.
(Washington–jc) It’s cooler weather this week from the heat and humidity over the 4th of July weekend. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at a better crop growing forecast…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Undated-jm) – The US Department of Agriculture is announcing that Rural Development is accepting applications for the Fertilizer Investment and Expansion for Long Term Domestic Supply Program. The program provides farmers with more access to domestic fertilizer for producing agricultural commodities. The money can be used for domestic production capacity, promote competition, strengthen supply chain resilience and increase fertilizer availability. Applications must be submitted by August 17th at grants dot gov.
(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul voters could potentially see two referendums on the ballot in November. The village board approved a referendum about whether or not to allow cannabis operations within village limits. The other referendum could change how residents in the village elect village trustees. Both were approved at the study session this week and move to the village board meeting next Tuesday. If approved, voters will be asked for their opinions on the November ballot.
(Gibson City–jc) – The Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash is set for Saturday August 15th in the downtown area of the city. This year’s concert will feature two major national band acts with Rick Springfield and Night-Ranger says Gibson Area Hospital’s Director of employee and Community events Bill Kirby…
Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state representative faces multiple counts of wire fraud and providing a false statement, according to a federal indictment released Tuesday night. 103rd District State Representative. Carol Ammons, Democrat from Urbana, was charged with eight counts of wire fraud surrounding an alleged kickback scheme involving campaign contributions. She was also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. Her husband, Aaron Ammons, the Champaign County clerk of courts, also faces charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of evidence. The indictment alleges Carol Ammons benefitted financially from her role as a state lawmaker through direct involvement in increasing appropriated state tax funds granted to nonprofit organizations in her district, of which her daughter, Titianna Ammons, was employed.
(Paxton–jc) The Ford County Finance Committee will look at salaries for the county’s state’s attorney, Public Defender and Sheriff’s position when they meet on Friday morning in Paxton. A look at the county budget is also a topic for the meeting. The Ford County Finance Committee meeting comes to order at 10 on Friday morning at the courthouse in Paxton
(Paxton–jc) With the renovation going for a good amount of businesses in the city of Paxton, local grocery store chain, Kirby Foods, has an upgrade inside and outside its Paxton location, says Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper…
Paxton Mainstreet executive Director Donna Pepper
(Cullom–jc) It’s the middle of summer vacation time for area schools, but one local school district is looking for bus drivers to fill its needs. The Tri Point school transportation group is looking for bus drivers with pay starting at just over 20 dollars per hour to nearly 28 dollars per hour. Those interested are asked to call the school for additional information
(Chicago–jc) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of five attorneys general, Wednesday announced a settlement in their antitrust lawsuit against Deere and Company , resolving allegations the farm equipment manufacturer used unlawful practices to limit the ability of farmers and independent repair providers to perform repairs on Deere farm equipment.
(Fisher–jc) – The Fisher Fair continues today through Saturday at the fairgrounds on the east side of the village. WPXN news caught up with Little Miss Fisher Fair Alaina Hershberger of Champaign and Junior Miss Fisher Fair Ivy Waldron of Fisher…
Little Miss Fisher Fair Alaina Hershberger of Champaign and Junior Miss Fisher Fair Ivy Waldron of Fisher…
WPXN News notes…
The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Erica Neal on Saturday, July 11th at 7pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable will hold their Parish Homecoming on Sunday, July 12th. Mass will be held at 11 with a chicken and pork chop dinner from noon to 5 and tractor pulls and kids games all afternoon.
The 2026 Iroquois County Fair runs July 14-19th. On the 14th its the talent contest at 4 and Queen Pageant at 7, on the 15th its armband night and the IPA tractor pulls at 6, on the 16th its the demo derby at 730, on the 17th its the livestock sale at 1, 4-H style show at 4 and rodeo at 8, on the 18th its the pedal tractor pull at 4 and ITPA super stock garden tractor pull at 6 and on the 19th its the all faith church service at 930 and the tractor pull and car show at noon.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, July 14th at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive at Kirby Foods in Paxton on Thursday, July 16th from 3-6 pm. To schedule an appointment email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.
The University of Wisconsin Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will hold an organic seed to spirit field day at The Cadillac in Paxton on Friday, July 24th. More information is available by emailing Erin Silva at emsilva at wisc dot edu.
The Large Car Takeover on the Tarmac will take place Friday, July 24th through Sunday, July 26th at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.
