(East Central–jc) Residents and businesses throughout East Central Illinois continue to recover from several days of flooding over the past 5 days. Paxton was hit with flooding and high water in several areas of the city. Flooding also occurred in the village of Rantoul to Thomasboro, in Gibson City and into the Southern Iroquois County communities of Buckley Loda and Cissna Park. Flooding occurred in Dewey, Royal to several points around Champaign and Urbana. The red bridge in Mahomet was closed due to high waters over the weekend. A plethora of county roads, state routes were closed for hours during the recent storms. Wet grounds also closed the Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn Theatre in Gibson City. Hundreds of local residents continue to repair flooded areas of homes and businesses. Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s.
(Dewey-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and multiple emergency responders were called to a water emergency near Dewey Saturday. It happened just before 5pm when METCAD received a 9-1-1 call from a driver stating they had left the road at County Road 1000 East at approximately 2850 North and the vehicle was filling up with water before dispatchers lost contact with the driver. On Sunday, crews recovered a submerged vehicle, however the driver was not located. The search for the driver continues. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to let first responders take the lead on the search.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul based Flyover Studios has been busy with several projects and also doing some filming in the village and area. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says Flyover Studios has made a large investment in Rantoul with some property location purchases…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(The Center Square) – A civil justice watchdog says a new Illinois law could reverse the state’s gains in workers’ compensation reform. House Bill 5228 to amend workers’ comp provisions took effect immediately upon being signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 7. Phil Melin, executive director of Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, pointed to two issues with the legislation. Melin said the surcharge would be $7 million in total and would increase 3.5% each year.
(Urbana–jc) Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has released the name of an individual who died from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash early Friday morning along Interstate 57 near Ludlow. Brauer says 69 year old Elease Tolar, of Chicago, Illinois, died at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana following the multi unit crash. The accident remains under investigation.
(Cissna Park–jc) The 2026 Old Settlers Reunion was another huge success. The three day event concluded with a drawing for a new 20-26 Chevrolet Trax vehicle. The winner was Justin Rayfield of Cissna Park. The Cissna Park American Legion Post 527 would like to thank all those who helped with the event.
WATSEKA – 106th District State Representative Jason R. Bunting Republican from Emington applauded the recent signing of legislation which would provide Illinois farmers with additional flexibility in transporting goods and allow larger, modern farm equipment on the state’s highways. Senate Bill 32-0h-8 passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously this spring, with Bunting as a co-sponsor. It changes the law to allow farm vehicles up to 44,000 pounds on any two or more axles to operate on Illinois highways. The measure becomes law on January First.
(Gibson City–jc) Thousands of people attended the annual Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash on Saturday in the downtown area of Gibson City. The crowds heard the national band Night Ranger and also Rick Springfield. The brothers group “Nelson” also started the concert. Plans are underway, already, for next year
(Chicago–jc) The National Federation of Independent Business Optimism Index rose 2 point 4 points in July to 99- point- 8, moving above its 52-year average of 98.0 and reaching its highest level since August 2025. The NFIB Uncertainty Index, however, went up 2 points and remained well above its historical average of 68.
(DeWitt County-jm) — A portion of Route 54 north of Farmer City is set to close this week for bridge work. IDOT announced the road will be closed in Weedman so that the bridge carrying Route 54 over Salt Creek can be worked on. The closure will take place on Thursday.
(Rantoul-jm) – A new business is coming to Rantoul. The village says Wingstop has pulled permits to go in the spot where Main Scoop once occupied on the village’s west side.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing child pornography charges. Alexander Hernandez was charged with six felony counts of possessing child pornography dating back to 2024. He pleaded not guilty and was allowed to be released. He’s due back in court September 15th.
(Paxton-jc) – The city of Paxton will again be the scene for a film project. Flyover Studios will use a portion of the downtown area for several days this week for scenes of the movie "The Boy Code.” Filming is expected to be indoors at locations along the 100 block of Market Street in Paxton. Film company vehicles will be parked in the downtown area. Please be courteous and welcoming to the film crews.
(Paxton–jc) It was Masonic Awareness Day on Saturday. Paxton based Masonic Lodge 416 has been part of the area since 1864 and member Ethan Freehill talks about serving the community as part of the masons…
Paxton Mason Lodge 416 member Ethan Freehill
(Belvidere–jc) Stellantis has announced that the next-generation Jeep Cherokee will become the first U.S. vehicle assembled on the new S-T–L-A One platform, with the Belvidere Assembly Plant to serve as the platform’s U.S. launch site.
According to a company statement issued today, investment in Belvidere is expected to grow by $200 million to more than $800 million as preparations for production continue. Pilot production of the Belvidere-assembled next-generation Cherokee is expected to begin in the first half of 2028.
(Springfield–jc0 The Illinois Housing Development Authority has published its 2027-2028 Qualified Allocation Plan, which establishes the rules and criteria governing Illinois’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. The Housing Authority says the low housing tax program has been utilized to finance 147 developments over the last five years, resulting in the creation or preservation of 7,541 affordable housing units.
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Thursday, August 20th from 11-5:30 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Gibson City.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, August 22nd from noon-2pm. Cost is $15.
The Rantoul-Paxton VFW will host live music with West End Boogie on Saturday, August 22nd from 6-9 pm.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich supper on Friday, August 28th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8.
The 2026 Watseka Family Fest will take place on Friday, August 28th and Saturday, August 29th. Performing Friday night is Kentucky Headhunters with Confederate Railroad. Performing Saturday night is Rodney Atkins with Montgomery Gentry.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, August 29th from 9-2.
