(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced there is $2.4 million in tourism funding. The Tourism Attraction Grant Program has $1.8 million available for grants to update new or existing tourism attractions. The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program has $600,000 available for grants to support and attract events and festivals. Eligible applicants can receive grants between $15,000 and $200,000 through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program, with a 1:1 match requirement for nonprofits and a 3:1 match for for-profit applicants. Through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, applicants can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in grants, with a 1:1 match requirement.
(Washington–jc) Egg prices are down, gas prices remain higher. What about the projection for prices of things like cheese and butter. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski looks at the cheese and butter forecast…
World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has been recognized as an AARP age-friendly state following work to help seniors live and age well. State leaders believe this designation shows the important value of older adults’ lifelong experiences and contributions to Illinois. Illinois is only the 16th state to join the AARP network of age-friendly states. AARP leaders said this will help Illinois cities and counties join a network of age-friendly communities, improving housing, transportation, health, and economic security. The announcement comes as the Illinois Department on Aging created the state’s first comprehensive, multi-sector plan for aging this year. EngAging Illinois focuses on making communities more livable and connected by improving health, supporting caregivers, and making aging more affordable.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton continues to grow its businesses and with the holidays around the corner, the city draws shoppers from the city and surrounding area. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says its groups like the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street that promote the city's shops and draw those shoppers from a wide area…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. The chamber has set its Christmas Open House date for the weekend of December 4th. The annual Christmas parade will step off on Saturday November 28th at 1-30pm ,
(Champaign–jc) –A Champaign man is in custody for his alleged role in an August shooting incident. Champaign Police say they believe the man who fled the scene in August is the man they arrested yesterday morning. Arrested was 20-year-old Davondrae Manus of Champaign.. Manus now faces charges including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Even with an arrest, the investigation remains ongoing.
(Watseka–jc) The Iroquois County Zoning Board of Appeals will meet at 7pm on November 17 in Watseka to consider an application for a zoning variance request linked to the established community solar project.Satrales Solar is wanting to operate a community solar energy facility in Loda Township. The proposed request would be to operate the solar farm on that property for a permit of 40 years.
(The Center Square) – Signs reading “no data center” still pepper some Sangamon County neighborhoods months after the county board approved a data center after hours of contentious public input. To counter public mistrust in the approved CyrusOne data center, the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance – a public-private economic development organization – is attempting to correct some local worries. One of the key factors the group says would benefit the community is increased property tax income, as the property will go from generating $30,000 per year to $6.5 million. Data Center inquiries have happened closer to home in Mahomet and Tolono in Champaign County.
(The Center Square) – Illinois First Lady M.K. Pritzker has announced that she is investing $500,000 to support Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s wife said in a statement that Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Republicans are wrong and Ohio deserves Acton.
(Gibson City–jc) – Voters go to the polls in the midterm elections on Tuesday November third. Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about issues…
Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Board will consider refusing county tax incentives for hyperscale data centers and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements concerning county business when it meets tonight. The agenda also calls for discussion of a possible nonbinding referendum on data centers. The proposals come as the county’s Data Center Task Force continues developing regulations for the facilities. A resolution in the meeting packet cites months of public concern about potential environmental impacts, local water resources and noise from operating equipment. The proposed NDA prohibition would apply broadly to county business, not just data center negotiations. Neither that ordinance nor the proposed tax policy would itself prohibit data center construction.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois State Police opened their newest Firearm Owners Identification kiosk in Ullin. The kiosk at I-S-P Troop 10 headquarters on Shawnee College Road was created to assist individuals experiencing difficulties with the online FOID and CCL website, or those without online access.
The State police currently offer other kiosks in Springfield, Du Quoin and Effingham.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Park District with help from the Paxton Chamber of Commerce and Paxton Mainstreet are ready for trick or treating in the city. The annual parade steps off at 4pm on Saturday October 31st says Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Danville–jc) –Danville Area Community College is set to offer a free, five-day
C-N-C Machining Bootcamp in December. The December 14th to 18th camp is set for the Technology Center on the DACC campus. It is sponsored by the Gene Haas Foundation and Fastenal.
(Gibson City— The Gibson City Restoration Committee held their Queen of Heart weekly drawing. The 50-50 was won by Pat Farris. The Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at $6,722. Tracy Ford has his ticket drawn . He chose to reveal card #10. It was the King of Spades. Tracy won $40. The next drawing is set for next Wednesday and all money raised goes to building renovation in downtown Gibson City.
(Watseka–jc) –It’s a presentation from the Iroquois County Historical Society. The date to remember is Sunday November First at 1-30pm at the Old Courthouse Museum in Watseka. The program is "Uncle Sam Wants YOU to Remember the Women of Independence." The event is part of the historical societies celebration of the 250th birthday of our country
(Gibson City–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the day is Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services and The Gibson Foundation. Planning for the hospital started around 1948 and the hospital started with 14 beds and is now a major independent regional healthcare provider. Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby says the hospital has grown from Gibson City to a wide variety of communities, with new clinics this year in Urbana and Bloomington…
He provides some insight into serving the entire area with the expertise that each patient needs…
Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby
WPXN News notes…
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will be at the Moyer District Library in Gibson City on Tuesday, October 27th from 2-5 pm for their I-Cash unclaimed cash and property program.
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on Wednesday, October 28th from 8:30-11 am at the Kempton American Legion in Kempton.
Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Wednesday, October 28th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host The Subliminal Versus with Wonkzilla’z on Friday, October 30th at 7pm.
The Animal Medical Center in Gilman will hold their 4th annual Labrador Lap and Schnauzer Shuffle Run/Walk to benefit breast cancer research on Saturday, October 31st from 9:15-noon.
The Paxton Park District will hold their trick or treat costume parade on Saturday, October 31st at 4pm starting at the library and going to the fire station.
The Iroquois Memorial Hospice annual brunch will take place on Sunday, November 1st from 8 to noon. Activities include brunch, silent auction and live music by A Natural High.
The Gibson Area Restoration Association will hold a Purses, Pastries and Preservation Fundraising Auction on Sunday, November 1st from 2-5 pm at the Kruse Event Center in Gibson City. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Tickets are available by calling 217-249-8103.
