(Paxton–jm) - Paxton police are continuing to investigate a robbery that took place at the Paxton Hardees Wednesday. Police responded to the report of a robbery just after 3pm. Police say a tall, thin, young black male dressed in all black clothing entered the restaurant and reached across the counter and grabbed a money bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. An employee attempted to chase down the suspect who fled in a silver four door Toyota near Franklin and Elm Streets. Anyone with information is asked to call Paxton Police.
(Milford-jm) – A Milford man is on trial in connection to a deadly house fire last year. 53 year old Christopher Burton is charged with four counts of first degree murder for his alleged role in a house fire on October 16th that claimed the life of 37 year old Ashley Tucker. Burton was arrested in February of this year and pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to continue into next week.
(Rantoul–jc) Village of Rantoul voters will be asked how they elect local village board members this November. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the question will consider districts or village wide options…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Roberts-jm) – The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved nearly $1.6 million to upgrade railroad crossings in Roberts. The funding will be used to replace outdated warning devices and improve public safety at the Weldon Street, Main Street and Green Street crossings. The project also includes removing the existing track and resurfacing the Weldon Street crossing. All work should be completed in the next 18 months.
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is warning of a recent string of e-scooter thefts. Between June 1st and August 3rd, they received three reports of e-scooter thefts at the Activities and Recreation Center on Peabody Drive.
(Paxton–jc) The last day for the Paxton Park District pool is this Saturday. Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton says community support has kept the pool open this year…
Paxton Park District Director Gillian Littleton.The local park district is planning a “Lucky Ducky” pool fundraiser on Saturday August 22nd. Those interested may get a duck for 50 dollars. On the 22nd there will be games, food trucks, music and fun for all.
(Champiagn–jc) – Parkland College and Cache Energy have partnered to launch a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for Industrial Manufacturing Technicians, creating a talent pipeline to support advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy technologies. The one-year apprenticeship program combines paid on-the-job learning at Cache Energy with technical training at Parkland, including coursework in blueprint reading, industrial Cache Energy control devices, electronic systems repair, and welding. Apprentices will develop skills in equipment operation and maintenance, quality systems, technical documentation, and continuous improvement while earning progressively higher wages as they demonstrate competency.
(The Center Square) – Illinois Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer says it is disappointing that the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry did not advance a farm bill on Thursday before the August recess.The ICGA said in a statement that Illinois farmers and the agriculture industry are left with uncertainty as the current farm bill extension is set to expire on Sept. 30.Bunselmeyer said the Association wants Congress to refine the legislation so it maintains the bipartisan support needed for passage.
(Paxton–jc) – It’s more than just something new, it’s an investment in the city, property and future of Paxton. 2nd District Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Democrat from Chicago, was in Paxton for the presentation of an 850 thousand check for Paxton’s next block of “Streetscape” and talked about the investment…
2nd District Illinois Congressman Robin Kelly, Democrat from Chicago.
(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor . J.B. Pritzker has released a letter to the chief executives of seven oil companies, asking why Illinois drivers are paying higher prices at the pump while the CEOs’ businesses report record profits.
The governor asked the CEOs to return profits to consumers, provide transparency around pricing and operations, and share information on executive compensation.
Pritzker said the companies’ record profits are a result of the war with Iran.
(Champaign-jm) — The second teenager arrested in connection to the deadly MarketPlace Mall shooting in March has been charged as an adult. WCIA 3 reports Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz says she filed a petition to transfer the case against 16 year old Jaden Wright to adult court. He’s charged with four counts of first degree murder in the shooting death of 16 year old Jaylen Bailey outside of Dicks House of Sport. 15 year old Braylin Vellon is also charged with murder in the case. If convicted Vellon and Wright both face 20 to 60 years behind bars and because the murder was committed by firing a gun, they face an additional 20 years.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House investigating committee held its first hearing to discuss misconduct of State Representative Carol Ammons Thursday. A federal grand jury indicted Ammons on wire fraud and other charges. The committee is made up of three Democrats and three Republicans. Ammons did not attend the hearing.
(Washington–dm)-Growers learned Wednesday of some flexibilities within the federal crop insurance system that offers various benefits. USDA’s Rod Bain has the story.
(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul Township High School Board of Education will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday August 10th, Items on the agenda include approval of the purchase of Counseling Center furniture, approval of an amended Fiscal Year 27 Administrator Contract, and authorize The Superintendent to close Student Activity accounts. There will also be a presentation by the Village of Rantoul on Housing Incentives. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6pm in the Rantoul Township High School Boardroom.
(The Center Square) – Gas prices have swung up and down for Illinois drivers in recent weeks, as they have across the country. A spokeswoman for AAA attributed much of the current costs to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to AAA data, the average price for regular unleaded in Illinois was $4.30 per gallon on Thursday, up from $3.42 one year ago. Molly Hart, a spokeswoman for AAA Auto Club Group, told The Center Square prices are a few cents lower than last week’s average price at the pump in Illinois. Hart said the factors that play into the price of fuel include geopolitical conflicts, but also weather impacts on domestic refinery production and regular seasonal price changes.
(Paxton–jc) It’s two bands live in downtown Paxton on Friday night. Paxton Mainstreet is sponsoring the event that opens at 6pm with concessions. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the first band at 6-30 is Paxton’s own Resurrection Brass Band…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will require employers to pay people while they serve on jury duty. The law requires businesses with more than 25 workers to pay their employees the regular pay rate during jury duty. Sponsors say this is an attempt to address the financial disincentives that exist for potential jurors to serve. Federal courts pay jurors $50 per day, but county courts provide a minimal rate. The National Federation of Independent Businesses opposed the change saying the government should pay their employees for jury duty.
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois State Fair has announced its theme and discount days for 2026. The Double the Fun parking promotion will be offered Aug. 13.
“TWOsday” August 18 features $2 admission for adults and $2 carnival rides. Veterans and Gold Star families receive free admission on Aug. 16.Seniors and scouts in uniform get in free on Aug. 17.First responders and health care workers with ID get in free on Aug. 21. The fair runs from Aug. 13 through Aug. 23 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.
WPXN News notes…
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.
The 16th annual Loda Truck and Tractor Pulls will take place on Saturday, August 8th with local pulls starting at 11 am with IPA pulls starting at 5pm.
The Rankin Fire Department will hold their 19th annual pork chop sandwich dinner on Saturday, August 8th from 4-7 pm at the fire station. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 7-18 are $5.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, August 11th from 1-6 pm at the Onarga American Legion.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, August 12th from 8-9 am at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office.
