(Springfield-jm) - A program enhancing communication between drivers on the autism spectrum and law enforcement is expanding statewide. For years, the Blue Envelope Program has been used across various communities. Now the state is pushing for all law enforcement agencies in Illinois to have them. The envelope is a visual signal to officers, letting them know that a person they’re interacting with on a stop may need extra communication. The envelope shows a contact support person and their phone number, so that if an issue happens, a guardian can be called. It also shows both communication tips for the driver and the police officer. It will be available for free for police departments and anyone at DMVs starting January 1st.
(Washington–jc) The corn crop continues to move through the silking and ear setting process. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at the progress of the corn crop around the state and nation…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Vermilion County-jm) — A Vermilion County Judge sentenced a former Hoopeston resident to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for a 2023 home invasion in Rossville. 34-year-old Dwight Rowe pleaded guilty to the home invasion case on October 11, 2023. Rowe will also serve 18 months of supervised release for the Class X felony. Vermilion County State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said the victim had previously obtained an Order of Protection against Rowe, prohibiting him from having contact with her. Evidence showed the victim reported to police that she was working from home, when the defendant entered her bedroom and attempted to initiate a sexual encounter. The victim was strangled until she lost consciousness. The victim suffered from physical injuries.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Park District pool remains ready for special events and special swims throughout the next several weeks. School will start soon and the local pool has daily hours through August 8th says Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton…
Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton
(Livingston County-jm) – Officials say one of the largest drug seizures on I-55 in Livingston County history netted police authorities $1.85 million worth of illegal substances during a traffic stop near Odell last week. State Police seized 165 pounds of cocaine and thousands of dollars in cash. A truck driver faces felony charges following a stop for a motor carrier inspection. The un-identified man could be looking at 60-years in prison.
(Paxton–jc) The number of shoppers, and visitors to the city of Paxton continues to rise as we get into the middle part of summer. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says everyone is busy with summertime activities, but the numbers are good for Paxton being a destination for shopping and entertainment…
EPaxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Springfield–jc) An Illinois House Democrat has joined Republicans calling for the release of the Legislative Inspector General’s report into the conduct of former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield. State Rep. Justin Cochran, D-Des Plaines, said in a statement that transparency and ethics are inseparable, just like ethics and the public trust. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, Republican Statehouse candidate Gabby Shanahan and state Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, also called for the LIG’s report to be released to the public.
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says electronic monitoring of a suspect on pretrial release did not work in the case of a ten-time convicted felon who was arrested in the governor’s back yard. Dwayne Milton, 46, was on electronic monitoring for a retail theft case when state police detained him at Pritzker’s Chicago residence on July 4th. C-W-B Chicago reported that Milton’s Cook County criminal court history includes more than 60 cases, including felony convictions for burglary, retail theft and robbery. When asked by The Center Square on Wednesday if he might have second thoughts about pretrial release in Illinois, Pritzker said there’s a reason the process involves a judge.
(Chicago–jc) A former Big Ten Network employee has been sentenced to 28 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution after he pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges. Prosecutors said Weston Goldstein, 48, used company credit cards and the Big Ten Network’s procurement process to buy electronic devices and sell them online over a period of eight years.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson City Restoration Committee had their weekly Queen of Hearts drawing last night. The Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at $4,111. David Benningfield had his ticket pulled from the tumbler. He chose to see what was behind card #43. It revealed the 9 of spades. David won $25 for having his ticket drawn.
(Champaign-jm) – The VA Illiana Health Care System has opened a new clinic in Champaign. The clinic is located at 1702 South Mattis in Champaign. Services are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 4.
(Paxton–jc) The City of Paxton will again be participating in the I-C-E program at Paxton Buckley Loda High School this year. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city continues to offer opportunities…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after an investigation into a 2024 shooting led to the discovery that he had a large criminal history. Kyantae Jones Weatherall pleaded guilty to one count of being an armed habitual offender. With the pleas, three other counts were dismissed.
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Department of Labor has recovered more than $67,000 in unpaid wages for eight employees after an investigation found prevailing wage violations by Absolute Home Improvements & Cleaning Service on a public works project in Lake County. The investigation found the employer failed to pay required fringe benefit rates to employees and did not comply with payroll reporting requirements under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The company also paid more than $6,700 in penalties.
(Chicago–jc) – All seven Save A Lot stores across Chicago could shut down this Saturday after the company decided to end its partnership with grocery operator Yellow Banana. NBC Chicago reports that city officials attributed the end of the partnership to the recent death of Yellow Banana CEO Joe Canfield and cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The city gave $13.5 million in taxpayer funds to refurbish the grocery stores in 2022. A Save A Lot spokesperson said Yellow Banana is exploring options to keep the stores open.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Masonic Lodge is raising dollars for local charities with its 8th annual “Get out of Dodge” raffle. Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl says the grand prize is a trip to Hawaii to see the Broadway Show Hiiaka,(HEE?ee?AH?kah) the Hawaiian Goddess and tickets are available in town…
Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl. The grand prize and many other prizes will be given away at the Paxton Swine and Dine , September 19th in Paxton 4 syllables
(Champaign County-jm) – A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital following a crash near Homer Wednesday afternoon. It happened around 2pm on Route 49 near county road 700 north. The accident remains under investigation.
(Melvin–jc) One of the next stops on the event schedule for Miss Ford County Fair Queen Londyn Roderick of Gibson City is Springfield. Roderick says its the state fair in August…
2026 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Londyn Roderick of Gibson City
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s next EV Rebate Program application cycle is scheduled to run from Saturday, August 1 through Thursday, December 31, 2026. The rebate is $2,000 for an eligible new or used electric vehicle. Low-income applicants are eligible to receive an additional $2,000. The rebate amount for eligible motorcycles remains $1,500. The General Assembly has appropriated $14 million to the Illinois EPA for the program in the current fiscal year.
(Sparta–jc) –The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta will host the 2026 AIM Grand National Youth Trapshooting Championships from Thursday, July 23 through Monday, July 27. The event precedes the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships at the site the following week.
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gilman on Thursday, July 23rd from 12-6 pm.
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 village of Rantoul will hold their final Freedom Friday of the season on Friday, July 24th in downtown Rantoul with 90s Daughter 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 Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, July 24th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, July 25th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
