(Ludlow-jm) – Traffic on Route 45 had to be detoured through Ludlow Wednesday afternoon following an accident. Details are limited but emergency crews had both the northbound and southbound lanes blocked with drivers having to go through town to get back on the highway.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton has several major projects in the works that include street improvements, a walk bridge and the next block of the planned streetscape program. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says city leaders continue to meet with engineers and state officials on the improvements for the city…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Onarga-jm) – A second fatal accident on I-57 in Iroquois County occurred this week. A passenger in a southbound vehicle died after the vehicle hit a guardrail between Gilman and Onarga. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene while the driver was taken to Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. A fatal accident occurred Monday morning near Buckley.
The Center Square) – The executive vice president of a coalition advocating for data center development says reversing course on incentives in Illinois could have “detrimental” economic consequences. Last week, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker told the Aspen Climate Summit he reversed course on offering tax exemptions to data centers to send a message that developers need to address concerns.
In 2019, Pritzker, along with a bipartisan group of state legislators, hailed policies providing tax incentives to develop data centers in Illinois. Earlier this year, Pritzker announced he was putting a hold on tax exemptions for data centers.
(Urbana–jc) The 20-26 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen and Little Miss Fair Queen are both from Rantoul and they are sisters. Newly crowned Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Katelyn Graham of Rantoul says she was happy for her sister and herself…
2026 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Katelyn Graham of Rantoul. Little Miss Jo Jo Graham of Rantoul says she was happy her sister won too…
2026 Little Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Jo Jo Graham of Rantoul
Tonight at the fair the rodeo highlights the entertainment at 7. On Friday, its MotoCross racing at 7pm and Saturday at 6pm it’s an ITPA Tractor and Semi Pull
(CHampaign–jc) –The Illinois Soybean Association elected new leadership during its annual public meeting this afternoon in Champaign. At the meeting, Bryan Severs was re-elected Chairman of ISA. Severs is a third-generation farmer in Vermillion County, where his family raises corn, soybeans and cattle. He has served as ISA’s District 7 Director since 2020 and previously took on additional leadership roles including Treasurer and Soybean Production Committee Chairman.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Park District is hosting a fundraiser on August 22nd at the Paxton pool area. It’s the “Lucky Ducky” event. The event will feature a raffle, games, food trucks, music and lots of fun. Lucky Ducky tickets are available. Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton says for more information on the fundraiser or other park district sign ups and more give them a call…
Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton
(Rantoul–jc) A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Friday in Rantoul. The Rantoul Chamber of Commerce says they are welcoming near business, Lanee’s Grill to 326 South Century Boulevard on Friday afternoon at 2. The First 400 customers will receive a free burger.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson City Restoration Committee Queen of Hearts drawing last night revealed the 7 of diamonds and Mike Utterback won 25 dollars. Betty Ford won 110 dollars in the fifty fifty drawing. The Jackpot for the Queen of Hearts stands at 4 thousand 291 dollars for next week. All funds raised go to restoration of buildings in Gibson City.
(Washington-jm) – Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan appealed bribery and other convictions to the U-S Supreme Court Wednesday. Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts including bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud. Madigan is asking the Supreme Court to hear his case arguing that for an official to be guilty of bribery, they must personally intend to break the law, rather than just knowing a company is trying to win their favor. He also argues he didn’t provide clear promises to take official action, like recommending a person for a job to an incoming governor, which the appeal describes are normal political actions someone might take. Madigan is currently serving a 7 and a half year federal prison sentence. The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision in October.
(Washington–jc) What do the numbers look like on the latest Ag Department cattle report. U S D A Livestock Analyst Anthony Fischer has the details…
U S D A Livestock Analyst Anthony Fischer
(Kankakee-jm) – A Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office employee was terminated after an online video spread across social media. According to the sheriff’s office, as of Wednesday morning the employee was let go. The sheriff’s office says the off duty employee made insensitive and derogatory remarks.
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul is finishing up a year’s long plus effort to replace utility meters in town. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the final group of meters has been purchased and will be in place soon…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Champaign–jc) – Two people are in custody and facing charges for Murder for their roles in a June shooting incident that killed a Champaign teenager. Champaign Police say they were called to the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive in Champaign, following reports of a shooting with injuries. On-scene, officers quickly located 16-year-old Trai’Vvone Wesley with life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. Wesley was transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police learned that several people discharged multiple firearms in the shooting. Upon investigation, a 17-year-old from Champaign was arrested and now charged with first degree murder Also arrested on a first degree murder charge was 21 year old Robby Mathis, of Urbana, The investigation continues and anyone with additional information is asked to call Champaign police at 217-351-4545. Or Champaign County Crimestoppers at 217-373-8477.
(Gilman–jc) As we close out the month of July, a quick look at the crops and a potential earlier harvest this year. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire says the crops can always use a gentle rain at this time of year…
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire
(Urbana–jc) Today at the Champaign County Fair…
Today is 4-H Day
8:15 a.m. – 4-H Livestock Shows
10 a.m. – Gates Open
5 p.m. – Carnival Opens
6 – 8 p.m – Free entertainment in the park – Cliff Stoker’s Showcase
7 p.m. – Rodeo – $10 admission
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Republican candidate for U.S. Senate says his Democratic opponent may be scared to debate over the issues. The November midterm election is still months away, and the seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat from Springfield, has Democrat Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton going up against Republican Don Tracy. Tracy said he’s looking to debate Stratton, but hasn’t seen the Stratton campaign commit. Tracy says she maybe afraid of exposing some of her far left stances on the issues, including open borders, open jails and open checkbooks
WPXN News notes…
A Golf Cart Fun Run Ride for a Cure Breakthrough T-1-D in Gibson City on Saturday, August 1st from 12-4. Cost is $30. RSVPs are required by calling or texting 217-781-4895.
The St. Joseph Community Festival will take place Thursday, August 6th through Saturday, August 8th.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, August 7th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
Paxton Main Street will hold their final First Friday concert series of the season on Friday, August 7th from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. The Back Paiges will perform. Paxton’s Resurrection Brass Band will open at 6:30.
Gibson City Cars and Coffee will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 7-9 am at the Longview Bank parking lot.
Shop in the Park in downtown Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 9-1.
