(Elliott-jm) – One person was killed in a car versus school bus accident Saturday morning near Elliott. Ford County Coroner Brandon Roderick identified the driver of the car as 38 year old Tanya Collier of Romeoville. Illinois State Police say the accident happened on Route 9 at 1000 East Road just after 8:30 am. They say Collier failed to yield at the intersection and entered onto Route 9 in front of the Hoopeston School District bus carrying middle school softball players. All 20 of the players were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Three other occupants of Collier’s car were taken to the hospital.
(Effingham County-jm) – A 20-year-old woman from Champaign County died after her vehicle struck a guardrail just south of Effingham Friday morning. In a release, Illinois State Police said its Troop 9 responded to I-57 southbound in Effingham County at approximately 4:18 a.m. for the report of a single-vehicle fatal crash. Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said the crash took place approximately three miles south of Effingham. She said 20-year-old Alyashailyassa Muhammad of Dewey was traveling southbound on I-57 and lost control of her vehicle on the wet roadway and struck the guardrail. Rhodes said there was “very heavy” rainfall in the area just before the crash took place. Muhammad was pronounced dead on the scene. Rhodes said family members were contacted and advised she was heading to Atlanta, Georgia.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash 20-26 is one week from tomorrow in downtown Gibson City. Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby says tickets are available and some for the party pit…
Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby
The national band Night Ranger and Solo Artist Rick Springfield will perform live in downtown Gibson City on August 15
(St. Louis–dm)-According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average fixed 30-year mortgage rate increased to 6.69% in the week ending Aug. 6.
The average fixed 15-year mortgage rate ticked down to 6.01%.
(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul business is offering peace meals to those inside and outside of Champaign County. Ott’s Drive In is accepting peace meals Tuesday through Sunday. People over 60 can call 217-893-1100 or speak to their local peace meal representative for details.
(Paxton–dm)-If you have a garden but it seems like the garden pests are getting more enjoyment out of it than you are, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some ideas on how to keep the pests away from your garden.
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success.
(Illinois–dm)-On Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Regional Site Readiness Program awards totaling $35 million to support site readiness activities at 22 sites across Illinois. The taxpayer investment is part of the state’s record-high
$500 million site readiness initiative in fiscal year 2026, aimed at making more sites across Illinois ready for business.
(Paxton-jm) – Firefighters from half a dozen fire departments responded to a house fire in Paxton Sunday afternoon. It happened in the 400 block of East Orleans Street around 3:15pm. Firefighters from Buckley, Loda, Elliott, Gibson City, Ludlow and Rantoul assisted Paxton firefighters. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene for just over 2 hours.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ back-to-school shopping tax holiday began Friday and will last through August 16. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the temporary drop in sales tax on school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%. Clothing and shoes under $125 are also covered under the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more money than ever before on school supplies. Nationwide, it is estimated that $43 billion will be spent on kids in K-12 this school year.
(Washington–dm)-USDA August Crop Production Reports and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates are scheduled for release Wednesday, August 12th at Noon Eastern Time. What are some of the key pieces of information that will make up highly anticipated USDA August Crop Reports? USDA’s Rod Bain has the story.
(Gibson City–dm)-The Gibson City City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include discussion to make improvements to the city building located at 215 E 3rd Street. Also approving and authorizing the execution of a TIF District Commercial Facade Renovation Program Grant Application by and between the City of Gibson City and Eric and Tammy Lundquist. The Meeting is scheduled to start at 7pm at the City Council Chambers.
(Buckley–jc) Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School has their annual Knight for Christ fundraiser set for Saturday August 22nd at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. They are also offering a 20 26 Golf Cart and Buckley Christ Lutheran High School event spokesperson Larry Abbe says tickets are available…
Christ Lutheran High School Knight for Christ Fundraiser Spokesperson Larry Abbe
(Springfield–dm)-Governor Pritzker signed several new laws late last week, including legislation that requires some retailers to accept cash payments, most employers to pay employees their full rate of pay for jury duty and higher education institutions to provide more transparency regarding credit hours being taught by faculty. HB4592, is intended to ensure that consumers can pay with cash at specific types of brick-and-mortar businesses. HB4844, requires employers to pay employees their regular rate of pay while they are serving on jury duty and permits employees to receive the normal juror compensation provided in addition to their regular wages. Employers with 25 or fewer employees are exempt from this legislation. SB3314, requires public higher education systems to collect and publish annual data showing who is teaching college credit hours.
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois leaders and Indonesian officials have announced a memorandum of understanding focused on expanding trade, opening new markets for Illinois farmers, and strengthening cooperation across business, education, and workforce development. Illinois Soybean Association Director of Market Development Todd Main said Indonesia is one of the most important soybean markets for Illinois producers.
(Springfield–jc) – The Illinois State Fair has announced that Route 66 will be the honorary grand marshal of the fair’s 2026 twilight parade Thursday, in honor of the mother road’s 100th anniversary.Fair officials say classic cars will lead the parade, which is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and enter the fairgrounds through the main gate. Route 66 was established in 1926, beginning in downtown Chicago.
WPXN News notes…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.
The Cissna Park Fire Department will hold a community safety day on Thursday, August 13th from 10-2 at the Cissna Park Fire Station.
Cissna Park Old Settlers Reunion will take place Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 15th.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, August 14th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The PBL High School Athletic Boosters Pork Chop Kick Off will take place on Friday, August 14th at 5pm.
