(Melvin-jm) — The Ford County Public Health Department has confirmed that a mosquito batch in Melvin has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The health department says so far no human cases of West Nile have been reported. Residents should wear insect repellent and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts if outside during peak mosquito hours and remove any stagnant water.

 

(Undated-jm) – A streak of 8 consecutive weeks of falling gas prices was snapped in the last week after the ceasefire between the U-S and Iran collapsed. GasBuddy issued its weekly report on gas prices Monday and for the first time since mid-May it reported a rise in the average gas prices in Illinois and the U-S as a whole. The average price for a gallon of gas in the U–S is now $3.82 and diesel, $4.85. In Illinois, the average is now $4.05.

 

(Paxton–jc)  One new business in Paxton is expanding its property in the downtown area. Countryside Closeouts on South Market Street continues to move forward with an addition for more products. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says Countryside Closeouts has pallets of a wide variety of goods…

 

 

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

 

(Paxton-jm) — Two men were arrested following an investigation into the theft of three stolen bicycles in Paxton. Steven Harding of Normal and Chad Matherne of Hoopeston were arrested and charged with burglary and criminal trespass to property. Paxton police say the combined value of the three bikes was $2,550. Police took the report on Friday in the 200 block of North Union Street. Harding and Matherne were arrested on Saturday in Hoopeston. 

 

(Champaign-jm) — Champaign County Crimestoppers and the Champaign Police Department need the public's help in solving a shots fired incident two weeks ago. On the afternoon of June 29th, officers received multiple reports of people exchanging gunfire in the area of Fourth and Beardsley. When they arrived, they found evidence that shots had been fired including damage to a nearby home. Luckily no one was hit by gunfire. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers.

 

(Iroquois Co.--dm)-The Iroquois County Fair gets underway today with a full day of activities.  Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Deb Krones tells us about some of the activities going on.

   

Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Deb Krones. The Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday July 19th.

 

(Danville–dm)- The Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim of a shooting on Friday, July 10th at approximately 8:27 p.m. on Plum Street in Danville, Illinois. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Krisean M. Watson of Danville. The Danville Police Department, the Illinois State Police and the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate. If anyone has information about this or other crimes, they are encouraged to call the Danville Police or Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIP

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois State Police say two teens have been arrested in connection with a targeted mass shooting that left five members of a family dead and two others seriously injured in East St. Louis. ISP said a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were taken into custody on Sunday after the shootings occurred at multiple locations. The deceased victims were identified as Cherie L. May, 49, Devin D. May, 24, Patricia A. May, 74, Quentin L. Thompson, 21, and Shania W. Thompson, 25.

 

(Springfield-jm) – If he’s elected governor, Republican candidate Darren Bailey said he would ban license plate reading cameras that police agencies believe is an effective crime fighting tool. Bailey said he doesn’t oppose Flock, the largest license plate camera company, because he’s against law enforcement. He’s against what he calls a surveillance state. The Illinois Sheriff’s Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police defended the cameras’ use.

 

(Crestwood–dm)-A man has been sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay restitution after he admitted to submitting and teaching others how to submit false Covid relief loan applications on behalf of themselves and others who paid kickbacks to him and his co-schemers. Prosecutors said James Townsend schemed to obtain more than $2 million in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and received kickbacks from loan applicants.

Codefendant Sarah Stokes, 37 of Crestwood was sentenced in November 2025 to 18 months in prison. Codefendant Amanda Heller, 40, of Crestwood is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28, 2026.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  One local political party spokesperson continues to try to educate the general public on the issues that affect their lives. Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the country republicans continue to communicate the issues, coming out of Springfield…

 

 

Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett

 

(Urbana-jm) – A new program at the University of Illinois is helping military veterans transition to university living. The Chez Veterans Center is a one stop shop for those who served, offering transitional living, academic coaching and more. The new project also offers housing assistance, one on one support and career development for veterans as they move on to higher education.

 

(Hersher–jc)  — The Herscher Labor Day Parade Committee is proud to announce that the theme for the 2026 Herscher Labor Day Parade will be "Stars, Stripes & Strong Communities." The theme comes at a meaningful time in our nation's history as communities across the country celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While America 250 provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation's past, the Herscher Labor Day Parade theme encourages residents to celebrate something equally important: the people, organizations, and shared values that continue to strengthen our communities today.

 

(Champaign–dm)-Doctors have noticed an increase in injuries from people who own Electric bikes, but riding the E-bikes aren’t the only hazards.  OSF’s Tim Ditman has more information.

 

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The summer pool season is going well this year with our area locations. One town pool, though, will close for the season earlier this year due to to necessary repair and upkeep. The Hap Parker pool on  Rantoul’s west side will close for the season on Sunday August 16th. There is still a lot of time to enjoy the pool now through the end of the season .

 

(Crescent City–jc)  – Seven ladies are vying for the title of Miss Iroquois County Fair Queen. The annual pageant is set for 7 tonight at the fair grounds north of Crescent City. Iroquois County Co-Director Samantha Kidwell looks at the field of contestants…

Co Iroquois County Fair Queen Pageant Director Samantha Kidwell

 

(Illinois–dm)-A former Illinois Department of Corrections worker has pleaded guilty to defrauding the state out of nearly $125,000 by falsely modifying her husband’s timesheets. Maggi R. Tudor, 34, began working as an account technician at Pinckneyville Correctional Center in 2022 while her husband was employed at a satellite facility, Murphysboro Life Skills Reentry Center. Prosecutors said Maggi Tudor manipulated her husband’s timesheets to make it look like he worked overtime and holiday hours he did not work. Sentencing is set for Nov. 9 in Benton.

 

WPXN News notes…

 

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Lunch and Learn on today from 11:30-1 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 village of Rantoul will hold their Freedom Fridays at The Fringe on Friday, July 17th from 6-9 pm with Vivacious Audio performing.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold a chicken and rib BBQ dinner to raise funds for next year’s Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 24th from 4-7:30. Cost is $18 and includes your choice of chicken or ribs, baked beans, coleslaw and dinner role

 

The Large Car Takeover on the Tarmac will take place Friday, July 24th through Sunday, July 26th at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.

 

The 2026 Champaign County Fair will take place July 25-August 1st. On the 25th its Military Day with the demo derby at 5, on the 26th its Western Day with $30 armbands from noon to 5 and the draft horse show at 4, on the 27th its kids day with the fair queen pageant at 7, on the 28th its Senior Citizens Day with $30 armbands and harness racing at 5, on the 29th its Livestock Day with Monster trucks at 7, on the 30th its 4-H Day with the rodeo at 7, on the 31st its Motocross at 7 and on August 1st its First Responder Day with IPA tractor pulls at noon, $30 armbands from 12-5 and ITPA tractor and semi pulls at 6.