(SPRINGFIELD –dm) The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Friday that the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, down -0.2 percentage point from July, and up +0.4 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The revised July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent. Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in August, down -4,400 (-0.1%) to 6,175,600. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +11,700 to +15,300. The August payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
Danville, IL- Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the gentleman who was found on the Vermilion River bank, below Memorial Bridge on Saturday night, as 24-year-old Trevor A. Karuzis of Catlin. Mr. Karuzis’ family has been notified. An autopsy is scheduled for this coming week. No other information is being released at this time. The Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate.
(Paxton–jc) It was another huge crowd for the Paxton Swine and Dine on Saturday in the city. From the Kansas City Certified ribs and chicken competition to the family activities and the musical performance of Gabby Barrett and Gina Miles in downtown Paxton, the event was another success.
(The Center Square) – The average fixed 30 year mortgage rate rose 6.95 percent in the week ending September 17, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The average fixed 15 year mortgage rate increased 6.26 percent.
(Washington–dm)-National Farm Safety and Health Week is today through the 25th,
and taking steps to assure farm safety today builds for future safety on the operation - the message behind this year's National Farm Safety and Health Week. USDA’s Rod Bain has the story
(Paxton-jm) – The former treasurer of the PBL Choral Booster Club is now facing a felony theft charge after she was accused of stealing $21,000 from the club's bank account. Tara Long was charged with theft between $10,000 and $100,000. The PBL School District reported about 60 fraudulent withdrawals were allegedly made from the bank account between June and August. Long is due back in court September 29th.
(Gibson City–jm) — Gibson City firefighters responded to 2 accidents over the weekend. The first one happened at 900 North 500 East Saturday afternoon. Then Sunday evening on Route 47.
(Champaign–dm)-Champaign County Farm Bureau has a new manager, but the face is familiar. Kirk Builta grew up in Bellflower, and has worked out of the Champaign office off and on for several years. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta tells us about his journey to his new position.
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta.
(Paxton–jc) – City of Paxton leaders have set Tuesday night at 6, for a town hall meeting with area legislators. Action by the council, may be accepting a recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission Regarding a Special Use Permit for the property located at 727 E Summer. The open forum will feature 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema and 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting. The meeting will take place on the second floor of city hall.
(The Center Square) - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has taken action against two companies that allegedly provided unlicensed student loan debt relief. IDFPR entered a consent order with Consulting Cafe, LLC DBA Smartfile Services, under which the company is prohibited from engaging in student loan debt relief services in Illinois and is required to provide full restitution of $47,929.44 to affected Illinois consumers. The company is also required to pay a $50,000 penalty. IDFPR also issued a cease and desist order, order of restitution and order of fine against Capital Core Advisors, LLC for unlicensed conduct and other violations of the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act. If the order becomes a final administrative order, the company will be required to cease and desist unlicensed activity, provide restitution to Illinois consumers of more than $79,500 and pay a $318,000 fine.
(The Center Square) - Illinois is tied with New York for 42nd place in Heritage Foundation’s latest election integrity scorecard. The updated report released earlier this month gave Illinois zero out of a possible 13 points for citizenship verification. Illinois got zero out of a possible three points for election litigation procedures, restriction of same day registration, restriction of automatic registration, restriction of private funding of election officials or government agencies and restriction of foreign funding for state ballot measures or referendums. Illinois received 16 out of 21 points for accuracy of voter registration lists. Tennessee ranked first on the scorecard. Indiana ranked 7th, Missouri 8th, Iowa tied for 9th, Kentucky tied for 14th and Wisconsin 17th. Hawaii finished last, just before California.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 honored a Paxton doctor on Saturday during the Swine and Dine. Paxton Lodge 416 honored the late Doctor Ron Grove. Doctor Grove grew up in Paxton and was a lodge member for decades. A bench honoring Doctor Grove was dedicated on Saturday in downtown Paxton.
(Undated-jm) – Rural health advocates are urging men to get more comfortable with regular health checkups, citing research showing men in rural areas face poorer health outcomes and live shorter lives than those in urban areas. Judith Ruiz Branch reports…
(Champaign County-jm) – There will now be a contested race for the 103rd House District. Despite being federally indicted on 10 counts including wire fraud and conspiracy, State Representative Carol Ammons has been pushing forward with her campaign. She was the only candidate on the ballot for the 103rd District until Champaign businessman Keith Smith filed as a write-in candidate. Ammons is also facing an ongoing house investigation over her conduct.
(Paxton–jc) A grant program has been set up for citizens of Paxton affected by the August flooding to help pay for items from water heaters to appliances and more. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city is using some city funds to help those affected…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. Those with questions may contact city hall during regular business hours
(Gifford–jc) No one was hurt Friday morning as a small aircraft made an emergency landing in northern Champaign County near Gifford. Authorities say the incident happened just before 10 in the morning between the village of Gifford and Gordyville. No injuries were reported. The emergency was weather related.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Hardware and Rental. Owner Scott Allen says the “great remodel” sale continues as they bring in more lines of items and also clearance pricing some other merchandise. Allen talks about some new items…
Scott Allen says its time to get ready for fall…
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.
Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
WPXN News notes…
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.
Buckley will hold their townwide fall garage sales on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Friday, September 25th from 11-4 at the Rantoul City Schools Central Office.
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.
