(The Center Square) – Governor J–B Pritzker has appointed Jim Montgomery to serve as the new director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, effective today and pending Senate approval. Montgomery previously worked as executive director of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. He was mayor of Taylorville from 1997-2005.

 

(Roberts–jc) One local non-profit is setting up for two health fairs and free produce events. Jeremiah 33-6 Spokesperson Valerie Wright says the events are coming to Roberts in September and October…

 

Jeremiah 33-6 spokesperson Valerie Wright

 

(CHAMPAIGN –dm)- In order to complete work at Gies Memorial Stadium, the University of Illinois and Stark Excavating have closed all lanes of Kirby Avenue between First Street and Fourth Street. The closure began on Wednesday, August 26, and will now reopen on Friday, September 4, 2026, weather permitting.  During the closure, drivers are encouraged to seek an alternative route.

 

(Washington–dm)-USDA's top two officials were on hand in Louisiana Wednesday for a groundbreaking ceremony for what is expected to be the world's largest fertilizer production facility once complete. USDA’s Rod Bain reports.

   

(Springfield–jc) The State Treasurer’s Office made $1.45 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Fiscal Year 2026, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs made the announcement  today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio. Also in Fiscal Year 2026, the Treasurer’s Office made nearly $759 million in gross investment earnings for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government.

 

(Rantoul–jc)   The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation will unveil a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen today at 2pm at 707 Veterans Parkway in Rantoul. 

Community members, supporters, and media are invited to attend. The mural was created by Artist  Dwight White II, and pays tribute to the service, courage, excellence, and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing Rantoul’s meaningful place in their story through the former Chanute Field. The public is invited to attend the event this afternoon.

 

(Paxton–dm)-Mark your calendar for Saturday Sept. 12th as the Paxton Library will be hosting a book reading and signing by a former Paxton resident.  Paxton Library Director Deb Mason has the details.

 

Paxton Library Director Deb Mason

 

(The Center Square) – New research analysis has Illinois ranked eleventh nationally in federal tax burden per filer, with a 5-year average of $23,315 between fiscal years 2021 and 2025. According to J David Tax Law’s analysis of IRS statistics, the state's net federal burden per filer increased +64.1% over the five-year period, below the national average rise of +79.8%.  Missouri ranked 13th with an average net burden of $21,306. Indiana ranked 30th at $16,047, Kentucky 31st at $15,776, Wisconsin 32nd at $15,377, and Iowa 38th at $13,785. Delaware had the highest federal tax burden per filer at $33,353.

 

(Savoy-jm) – Construction has begun at the University of Illinois’ Willard Airport. The $1.5 million project is meant to extend the useful life of the general aviation apron. The project is expected to take 3 months.

 

(Paxton–jc)  One of the goals of new Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Eric Bohm is to instill panther pride throughout the schools in the district. PBL Superintendent Eric Bohm says that means everything from the classroom to athletics to the buildings and grounds…

 

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Eric Bohm

 

Illinois State Police have announced the results of a joint law enforcement detail with federal and local agencies in the Peoria area. Officers arrested 16 people on Wednesday for alleged offenses, including probation violations, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and driving with a suspended license. ISP said a total of 19 people were brought into compliance with the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act or the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offenders Against Youth Act.

 

(Buckley–dm)-St.John’s Lutheran School PTL will be holding their one day Mum Sale on Thursday Sept. 10th starting at 11am.  St. John’s Lutheran School PTL President Kelcey Vaughn has the information.

 

St. Johns Lutheran School PTL President Kelcey Vaughn

 

(Gibson City–jc)  Gibson City leaders are looking to re-submit a request for funding for a 500 thousand gallon elevated storage tank for the city. With the proposal, the city looks to the Illinois Environmental Association for the dollars needed for the project. The issue is expected as an agenda item for the Gibson City Water and Sewer Committee on Tuesday at 5-30pm at city hall.

 

(Paxton–dm)-It’s that time of year when you think about canning all of the vegetables you grew in the garden.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen gives us a history of canning.

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s tips for Success

 

(The Center Square) – The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law wants the U.S. government to investigate whether Northwestern University’s relationship with Qatar is violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Brandeis Center general counsel Evan Slavitt wrote that the Qatari government-controlled Qatar Foundation paid Northwestern $737 million in connection with its satellite campus in the Qatari capital, Doha, including annual operating support ranging from $25 million to $35 million, annual management fees which are used in part to support the university’s communications and journalism schools in Evanston, and a $15 million capital investment. Slavitt told The Center Square that Northwestern agreed to abide by Qatari law at its campuses in both Qatar and Evanston.

 

WPXN News notes…

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Paxton Church of Christ on Thursday, September 3rd from 12:30-5:30 pm.

 

The 78th Annual Central State’s Thresherman’s Reunion in Pontiac will take place September 3rd through the 7th.

 

The 82nd Annual National Sweetcorn Festival will take place September 3rd-7th at McFerren Park in Hoopeston. 

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on Friday, September 4th from 4:30-6:30.

 

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, September 4th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.

 

Middlefork Forest Preserve in Penfield will host their 3rd annual Cardboard Boat regatta on Saturday, September 5th registration and inspections begin at 2:30 pm with races beginning at 3:30 pm.