(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday the unemployment rate was 4-point-seven percent in August, down slightly from July’s revised rate, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total nonfarm payrolls decreased zero--point-one percent over the month in August, to 6 Million,175 thousand.
(Undated-jm) – Thanksgiving is about two months away but Triple A is advising travelers to book flights and hotels now if they can. They say a recent consumer survey found many travelers in Illinois waited to book flights, hoping prices would drop. Most times however, the prices went up and people paid more. Jet fuel and regular gas prices continue to rise, which could make travel costs even more expensive this year. They say families should compare the cost of flying versus driving before making a decision.
(Springfield–jc)_Friday marks the third anniversary of the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act–the provision of the SAFE-T act that ended the cash bail in Illinois Law enforcement groups throughout the state continue to oppose the law.
Dean Abbott reports.
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been arrested for possessing child sexual abuse materials. 34 year old Brandon Morgan was arrested following a search of his home in Urbana this week. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls office is charging Morgan with 3 counts of dissemination of child pornography, each punishable up to 30 years in prison, and 4 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, each up to 7 years in prison. He was ordered to remain detained pre-trial.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton is looking to replace the elevator at the Paxton Carnegie Library located in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they received several bids for the project and are working with the library board on how to proceed…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. The city could use TIF funds to help pay for the project.
(Urbana–jc) The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Thursday approved funding for the new Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion at the University of Illinois Chicago. The project’s estimated 232 million dollar cost will be funded through state of Illinois capital appropriations, and the college’s budget and some gifts The facility will be part of the college's Illinois Innovation Network hub with labs, offices and research space.
(Ford County–dm)-East Central Illinois Community Action Agency is reminding individuals and families throughout its service area that assistance may be available to help prevent homelessness and stabilize housing before a crisis results in the loss of a home. ECICAA -CEO Odette Hyatt-Watson explains.
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency Spokesperson Odette Hyatt-Watson. For more information you can call 217-579-1054
(The Center Square) – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has gone up to 4 dollars 78 cents per gallon Thursday,, according to Triple A. The price Thursday is 30 cents higher than it was one week before and one dollar 34 cents higher than it was a year ago. Diesel prices jumped 15 cents overnight in Illinois, from 6 dollars 26 cents per gallon on Wednesday to 6 dollars 41 cents Thursday. The state’s average price for diesel one year ago was 3 dollars 77 cents per gallon.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois law requires attorneys to file a petition to deny pretrial release within 21 days of a person's arrest and release. However, the Illinois Supreme Court is currently debating whether that requirement is mandatory or directory. The case revolves around a man who was serving time in the Illinois Department of Corrections for an unrelated offense when the state charged him with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. His attorneys argue the state did not file a petition for pretrial release during this first court appearance, instead, waited four months to file the petition to deny release. The Illinois Attorney General’s office said the arrest for a new offense does not begin until the authority for the prior detention ends. In other words, the 21 day timeline does not begin until after the person has served their initial sentence. The state argues judges should look at the 21 day window on a case by case basis, while the attorneys for the plaintiff say the selection of a three weeks suggests an absolute limit.
(Paxton–jc) Today is the final day for Ford County Taxpayers to pay the second installment of real estate taxes. Ford County Treasurer Taylor Burnett says contact the office with questions and also provide the proper information with your payment…
Ford County Treasurer Taylor Burnett
(Undated-jm) – While the election is November 3rd, early voting in Illinois starts next week. The first day for early voting is Thursday, September 24th. It’s also the day mail in ballots can also go out. More information is available by calling your local election authority.
(Paxton–jc) The 20-26 Paxton Swine and Dine is set for Saturday in downtown Paxton. The day begins with the Kansas City Barbeque Society approved grilling competition at 6am. The competition runs through the morning and into Saturday afternoon with the awards handed out around 3pm. Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer says the designation brings another competition level for the event…
Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer. WPXN will be broadcasting live in downtown Paxton at 7am with our “On the Sideline’s” program to help kick off the event.
(Champaign–jc) – The City of Champaign, in partnership with the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, has started its next round of the New and Growing Business Programs. These programs are designed to help start and grow small businesses in the City of Champaign by providing financial assistance and technical support to local entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. They include up to 10 thousand dollars reimbursement for entrepreneurs starting a new business, or for businesses less than two years old. They also have a growing business program. This program provides up to 20 thousand dollars for business expansion in the city. Applications are due October 23rd
(Champaign–dm)-Men should start talking to their primary care provider about prostate cancer screening at age 40. Doctors say the method that most men know – a digital rectal exam – has actually fallen out of favor with medical professionals. OSF’s Tim Ditman has more information
(Illinois–dm)-The Food & Drug Administration has classified six recalled hand soaps sold in 15 states as Class II due to potential bacterial contamination. St. Louis-based Intercon Chemical Company initially recalled the six products in June, but the FDA updated its classification last Friday. Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are among the states where the soaps were sold. The recalled products include Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe, Clearly Better Foaming Pear Hand Soap, Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, Vestis Foaming Hand Soap and two Laura Lynn soaps distributed by Ingles Markets.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the day is The Paxton Masonic Lodge 416. The local group has been part of the community since 1885. Paxton Masonic Lodge spokesperson Jim Shearl provides some background on the local masons…
The group has been busy raising money for local projects with their 8th annual “get out of Dodge” giveaway. The first prize is a trip to Hawaii to see a broadway musical show.. Jim Shearl talks about the grand prize…
Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl.
They also have a large number of additional prizes to give away on Saturday.
Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 members will also have an open house and tours of their lodge on Saturday during Swine and Dine
WPXN News notes…
Paxton’s annual Swine n Dine BBQ Competition and Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19th in downtown Paxton. The evening's entertainment includes live music with Gina Miles and Gabby Barrett.
The Champaign County Farm Bureau will host From Seed to Prairie: How tallgrass prairie plants got their start on Monday, September 21st at 7pm. The event is free but registration is required .
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk-in flu clinic on Wednesday, September 23rd from 8:30-11 am at the Kempton American Legion.
The Ford County Historical Society’s annual meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6pm at the Arcade restaurant in Paxton.
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on Friday, September 25th from 12-4 pm at the health department office in Paxton.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, September 25th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, September 26th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The Milford Christian Church will hold their Harvest of Talents on Saturday, September 26th from 8-2. Activities include breakfast and lunch, kids games from 9-11 and live auction at 1pm.
The 58th annual Clinton Apple n Pork Festival will take place on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th.
