(The Center Square) - Today is the first day of fall archery deer and turkey hunting season across Illinois. More information about season dates and regulations can be found on the Hunt Illinois website.
(The Center Square) – With five weeks remaining until election day, spending has ramped up in races across Illinois on both sides of the aisle. Leaders from the statewide Republican party and the statehouse level explained their approach to the midterms. Early voting started across most of the state last week, and parties have begun ramping up races. Bob Grogan, who has only served as the Illinois GOP chair since May, spoke with The Center Square about the party’s approach to races up and down the ballot this fall.Both the Democrat and Republican political wings for the statehouse are spending in places where they typically lead by comfortable margins.
(Washington–jc) How do the crops look as harvest time is here. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey covers condition ratings for fall planted crops…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Champaign–jm) – Champaign is getting $100,000 from the state to promote tourism. It’s part of a $4.5 million grant to increase tourism in the state. Illinois has also set aside $2 million to preserve destinations along Route 66. $600,000 will be spent advertising Illinois internationally.
(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Republican Party will hold its monthly breakfast on Monday October 5, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. at The Slotted Spoon 401 N. Gilbert St in Danville. Everyone is welcome to attend. Featured speakers are Max Solomon candidate for Illinois Treasurer and State Representative Brandun Schweizer of the 104th District. Breakfast will be available for $10.
(Paxton–jc) And the theme is….The 20 26 city of Paxton Christmas parade will step off Saturday November 28th in downtown Paxton a 1-30pm that afternoon. The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee says this year’s theme is “a Holly Dolly Christmas.” Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes talks about the theme for 20-26…
Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes
(Urbana–jc) Champaign County needs you. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons office says the county does not have enough Election Judges to staff the 64 polling locations they plan to open for the November Third General Mid-Term Election. Currently they have 148 judges trained and signed up. They need a minimum of 270 judges. The Champaign County Clerk’s office has one more training period set up on October 5th through October 8th. More information is found by contacting the Champaign County Clerk’s office in Urbana and on the county clerk’s website.
(Cissna Park–jc) The Cissna Park F F A has pumpkins and more on Saturday in the village. It is their annual “Pumpkins in the Park” event. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says a breakfast, vendors, lunch and pumpkins hilite the day in the village…
Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton
(Illinois–jc) The price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois dropped 2 cents on Wednesday, according to AAA. The average price of $4.74 is 46 cents higher than it was one month ago and $1.37 higher than it was one year ago.
The average price in Indiana on Wednesday was $3.83, or 91 cents lower than the Illinois price. The national average was $4.43.
(The Center Square) - The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on President Donald Trump to appoint a director to the U.S. Census Bureau. State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Hindsboro, filed House Resolution 1033, urging the president to nominate a qualified director and the U.S. Senate to confirm the appointment in order to increase oversight and implement reforms before the 2030 Census. “The Census determines legislative redistricting. It determines funding levels for states and municipalities. It is used in determining grant allocations and has a direct bearing on the balance of power in the country,” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said in a statement.
(The Center Square) - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced, starting on Thursday, select licensing examinations for barber, cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology professions will be offered in five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Information about exam fees and licensing requirements for these professions is available online.
(Paxton–jc) A Redevelopment agreement with one area downtown building owner will help recover some losses from rain and fire damage. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the building is at 132 South Market in the city…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Urbana–jc) Two Urbana teens were hurt in a Wednesday morning car versus electric bike crash in the city. The accident happened along Main and Vine Streets around 7-30 Wednesday morning. The two teens were taken to area hospitals with one in critical and the other in stable condition.
(Urbana-jm) – The annual University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign homecoming parade is set for tomorrow, and to prepare, the university is alerting the community about road closures, traffic changes and a featured guest. The university said the section of Kirby between First and Fourth streets will be closed at 11 a.m. on Friday and remain closed until after the football game that night. The parade will feature Mike Hopkins, a retired NASA astronaut, as the grand marshal. Hopkins is an alumnus from the U of I and co-captained the Fighting Illini football team in 1991. After the parade, there will be a post-parade party in Lot 31.
(Gibson City–jc) There are two more full weekends of scary movies and cool promotions at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn route 47 South in Gibson City. Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn Co Owner Ben Harroun says this weekend has a trunk or treat and a “fright fest”...
Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn Theatre Owner Ben Harroun.
(Springfield–jc)The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that grant applications will be accepted through October 30th from downstate transit providers for new capital projects. The call for applications will determine the distribution of up to 100 million dollars for projects that expand and improve transit, increase transportation options and enhance quality of life in downstate communities. Awards will be announced by the end of the year. An informational webinar on the program will be held on Thursday. More information is found on line.
(Gibson City–jc) The Gibson City Restoration Committee Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at $6,050 last night. Leslie Merritt had her ticket drawn. She chose to see what was behind card #23. It revealed the 10 of clubs. Leslie won $35 for having her ticket drawn. Money raised goes to building preservation in Gibson City. The next drawing is next Wednesday.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day, today is the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Dawn Stack says the chamber's main goal is to feature the city and grow the community…
She says this year’s annual Wine and Chocolate event sold out in less than two weeks…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack
The local chamber has its 8th annual Wine and Chocolate Walk on Saturday. The event has sold out again.
The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce, The WPXN Business of the Day, today.
WPXN News notes…
The Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Elliott will be celebrating 150 years with a reunion and anniversary service. A reunion will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 7pm. On Sunday, October 4th there will be a service at 10:45 am, followed by lunch and presentation and memories to follow.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host CreedSmack Live on Friday, October 2nd at 8pm.
The Vermilion County Health Department will be holding a free electronics recycling collection on Saturday, October 3rd from 8:30-11 at the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College.
The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Chocolate Walk will take place on Saturday, October 3rd starting at 11 am.
Battle Creek Country will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, October 3rd at 7pm. Cost is $10 for those 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30pm.
The Moyer District Library will host a free cooking class for kids in grades 3-5 on Monday, October 5th.
