(Decatur-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker suggests allowing the influx of migrants who have arrived in Illinois to be workers on farms throughout the state. The notion has drawn questions. Around 12,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago and other parts of the state over the past year. At a stop in Decatur to the Farm Progress Show, Pritzker was asked about utilizing such workers on farms. The state currently offers the H-2A program that allows permitted immigrants to work on farms after having gone through background checks and other vetting practices. Republicans argued the Governor’s stance would promote illegal immigration.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, and a delegation are scheduled to travel to Israel and Palestine today for several days. The group plans to make stops at religious and historic sites in the region. According to a news release from Welch’s office, the trip will allow the delegation to “connect with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to better understand and learn about the complexities of the Middle East.”

(Rantoul-jm) – A 16-year-old is recovering after they were shot in the hand Tuesday morning in Rantoul. The shooting happened near the intersection of Hamilton Drive and Cantonment Avenue. Police said the suspects shot into the upstairs bedrooms of an apartment with four people inside, hitting one of them. The teenage victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. They are expected to be ok. Police found damage to the outside and inside of the property, including damage to windows, bricks and a TV. They are still investigating.

(Vermilion County-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that four Vermilion County school districts will receive over $700,000 in evidence-based funding to help students. The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors. Vermilion County schools set to receive funding through the formula include: Danville Schools, Oakwood, Westville and the Vermilion Regional Office of Education.

(Decatur-jm) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has just announced new investments in USDA's Rural Energy for America program. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – Emergency responders responded to the University of Illinois campus for a hazardous materials leak. The leak happened at the university’s Engineering Sciences Building, located at 1101 West Springfield Avenue in Urbana. The leak was isolated to a single lab.

(Undated-jm) – Drug overdoses have become an international crisis. The Penington Institute reported the estimated number of people using opioids has gone up 70% from 2010 to 2020. In Champaign, people want to do something about it and make sure others don’t become part of the statistics. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District wants to make Narcan more accessible. Today is International Overdose Awareness Day and they’re bringing light to it now. In 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 3,261 people died from an opioid overdose in the state. CUPHD is passing out free Narcan kits on Thursday at their building at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. The team will distribute them from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. toward the back of the building by the small shed.

(Springfield-jm) – Heading into the final big weekend of the summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and local police are stepping up enforcement efforts and reminding motorists that driving under the influence is a serious crime. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign runs through Labor Day weekend. ISP said troopers will be strictly enforcing the "Fatal Four" violations; DUI, speeding, distracted driving and occupant restraint laws, in an attempt to keep the roads safe for all motorists.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Labor Day Holiday is upon us, but summer activities continue. In the Village of Rantoul, the sports complex continues to see large numbers of participants and spectators. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says another large event starts today at the Rantoul Sports complex…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield-jm) – Three top Illinois Emergency Management Agency workers are out of a job, but the reasons why remain unclear. Chief of Operations Marc Sullivan, Deputy Director Scott Swinford and Legislative Liaison Jennifer March were forced out in late July. All three were involved in responding to disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Sullivan was let go for misconduct, while Swinford resigned the same day. March resigned “in lieu of termination for poor performance.”

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Animal Shelter is pressing charges after two neglected horses were recently seized from their owners. The shelter investigated an undisclosed property after getting calls from people who were troubled by the horses’ appearances. They were taken into the animal shelter’s care two weeks ago, after shelter officers and deputies spoke to the owners and gained grounds for seizure.

(Vermilion County-jm) – One person was killed in a crash on Interstate 74 eastbound in Vermilion County Wednesday morning. Illinois State Police, IDOT and EMS were called to a three-vehicle crash at milepost 208 at 7:49 a.m. Troopers said the crash involved two truck-tractor semi-trailers.

(Decatur-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary talked about USDA's fertilizer initiative at the Farm Progress show in Illinois Wednesday. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – The need for nursing home beds is growing in Champaign County, and a new group has been finalized to fix the issue. Experts said Champaign County is in a nursing home crisis. The closing of one home and the downsizing of another has removed almost 250 beds. Health care providers and community members met in an effort to solve the problem. The Advocates for Nursing Home Care is a group made up of people who have personally struggled with finding care for family members. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District said the county needs more than 700 beds, but there are currently only about 400 available.

(Danville-jm) – A Danville birthing center held a blessing and rededication ceremony ahead of reopening its doors at the end of this week. The OSF Labor and Delivery Unit in Danville closed last October due to staffing challenges. In May, officials announced they were reversing course and opening the doors. They wanted to make sure the needs of infants, mothers, and families were met, and wanted to keep them from driving too far for care. Officials say the re-opening of the OSF Danville Birthing Unit means another change within the hospital system. They are in the process of transitioning all labor and delivery care at the Urbana location to Danville or OSF HealthCare St. Joseph in Bloomington.

(Paxton–jc)  City of Paxton officials have been looking at re purposing uninhabitable properties in the city. Two of those properties were torn down this week and a third was demolished several weeks ago. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says there are more properties being looked at by the City and Land Bank…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield-jm) – In light of the guilty verdict handed to Tim Mapes, former right-hand man of criminally charged ex-House Speaker Mike Madigan, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie is pressing for greater ethics laws in the Illinois House…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. To do that, McCombie has filed legislation to prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. To date, it has been reported that former Speaker Mike Madigan has used nearly $8.5 million in funds from his campaign coffer, ‘Friends of Michael Madigan,’ to pay for legal fees.

(Undated-jm) – National nonprofits Wreaths Across America and the American Legion Auxiliary are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.  Together, they will build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide. The signed MOU between the two groups focuses on engagement with Auxiliary  members and Wreaths Across America volunteers to create opportunities for joint community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions. The Auxiliary will expand its participation in Wreaths Across America’s Group Sponsorship Program – there are already more than 100 American Legion Auxiliary groups participating nationwide – which raises awareness and sponsorships to place veterans’ wreaths and support programming while offering the American Legion Auxiliary an option for fundraising.

(Paxton–jc)  A new fall festival is coming to the city of Paxton this October.  The Paxton Main Street Group is presenting Paxton’s Fall Gathering and Vendor Show on Saturday October 14th in the 200 block of South Market Street. Main Street Director Donna Pepper says fall is a good time for new event for the city…

Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is headed to prison after being found with a gun and drugs. Heaven Gray was sentenced to 15 years in prison after police found meth and a gun with the serial numbers filed off.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Village of Rantoul Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Sub-Committee is set to meet this afternoon at village hall. The committee is expected to  look at drone footage of the missile and also some photographs of the missile. The group is also looking a fundraising ideas concerning the missile. The committee meeting is set for this afternoon at 5-30. The public is invited to attend. 

(Paxton–jc)  Summer weather remains with us, with hot temperatures and sunshine, but Autumn is around the corner. Fall is a time that mice like to invade your home.  Keeping the rodents out of the house is the topic for Scott’s Tips for Success on Saturday. Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen says check out your home now to see how to keep them out…

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.

Scotts Tips For Success may be heard each Saturday morning at 7-30 on WPXN. 

(Decatur-jm) – Mental health for farmers was a topic of conversation Tuesday at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Governor J-B Pritzker joined state ag and FFA leaders to announce increased access to mental health services for rural farmers and ag communities…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.

(Champaign-jm) – In order to construct a new sanitary sewer through portions of South Downtown Champaign, Stark Excavating will be closing more of the eastbound lane of Springfield Avenue. The new closure will be between Locust Street and First Street. The Springfield Avenue and First Street intersection will remain open at this time, as will the westbound lane of traffic on Springfield Avenue. The new lane closure will begin the week of August 28, 2023, and is expected to last several weeks.

(Rantoul–jc)  The 20-23 Farm Progress Show is now going in the city of Decatur. Everything in  agriculture today through Thursday. The Rantoul based Half Century of Progress saw some record crowds and brought business to the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the event, although it had hot temperatures, brought a lot of visitors to Rantoul…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a two vehicle accident west of Paxton late Tuesday morning. Crews were called to the accident at the intersection of Route 9 and 115 just after 11. No word on if there were any injuries.

(Mahomet-jm) – The Village of Mahomet is hoping to bring more people to town to eat, shop, have fun and live. They are looking to hire an economic development specialist to make it happen. Last week, the Village Board voted unanimously to post the position. Officials said they will start advertising for it soon. Officials want more dollars spent inside Mahomet.

WPXN News notes…

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Loda Lutheran Ladies Aid on Saturday, September 2nd from 10-2.

Dennis Stroughmatt will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, September 2nd. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.

The Team Hope walk for Huntington’s Disease will be held on Saturday, September 9th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda.  Activities include a walk, fun zone for kids and silent auction.

Gilman’s Super Saturday is set for Saturday, September 9th in downtown Gilman.

(Undated-jm) – While the White House expects a new vaccine for the latest COVID-19 variant to come out sometime next month, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker doesn't expect more COVID-19 mandates. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a 21.6% increase in hospital admissions in the most recent week with a 21.4% increase in COVID-19 deaths. Over the weekend, President Joe Biden said he approved a proposal for more funding from Congress for a new vaccine. Illinois, according to the CDC, is still a low transmission state. Governor J.B. Pritzker was asked Monday if he’ll mandate a new vaccine for some state employees. Pritzker said despite what people read online, there is no discussion of bringing back certain mandates such as school closures or mask mandates as was the case more than three years ago at the onset of the pandemic. 

(Washington-jm) – Condition ratings for corn and soybeans are down this week. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – Three people are accused of stealing more than $800 worth of clothes from Market Place Shopping Center in Champaign, and Crime Stoppers is asking for help in identifying them. Officials said that on April 24, the trio entered Old Navy around 6 p.m., collected numerous clothing items and began stacking them at the back of the store. As one suspect distracted an employee, the other two began hiding the clothes on their person and in a stolen bag. The three suspects then walked out the store without paying for the clothes. The suspects were captured on store security cameras as they were leaving. One appeared to be a Black man wearing a blue denim jacket, a white shirt and black pants. The other two suspects were Black women; one was wearing a pink sherpa-type jacket and blue shorts while the other was wearing a silver puffer coat and black pants.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man will spend the next 58 years in prison for murder. Quionte Chaney received the sentence after being found guilty of shooting and killing a man assisting in the eviction of Chaney out of an apartment.

(Loda–jc)   The Huntington’s Disease “Team Hope” event is coming up in early September at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Event Coordinator Samantha Cox says the day starts with the walk registration in the 7am hour, the walk at 8am. Other events are a scramble golf tournament, silent auction, kids zone. Cox provides more information on a dinner at the club on September 9th…

Huntington’s Disease Team Hope Event Coordinator Samantha Cox

(Paxton-jm) – Ford County Public Health Department is hosting a ‘Going Away Open House’ and card shower for outgoing Administrator Lana Sample on Wednesday August 30th from 11-2 at the Health Department, 235 N Taft Street. The public is invited. Cookies will be served. Sample is leaving her role as Administrator, as she has taken another position in another state. Please join their staff in wishing her good luck on her new endeavors.
 

(Springfield-jm) – After the most recent conviction in what federal prosecutors called the “Madigan Enterprise,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said more can and should be done on ethics reforms. Last week, former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s chief of staff and House Clerk Tim Mapes was found guilty of lying to investigators and obstruction of justice. Mapes’ guilty verdict last week followed guilty verdicts earlier this year for a former ComEd utility official and three lobbyists including a close confidant of Madigan. Prosecutors allege a nearly decade-long scheme of the utility giving little- to do-nothing jobs to Madigan associates in exchange for favorable legislation. Pritzker said there aren’t many lessons to learn from Mapes’ trial that should lead to legislative action. One lesson Pritzker said is clear for anyone in the future that wants to act corruptly that they will be caught eventually. Madigan, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 federal crimes, faces trial in April.

(Washington-jm) – Soybeans are continuing to mature as we hear in the latest USDA report. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey…

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

(Champaign-jm) – Firefighters from Champaign, Savoy and other towns and agencies were among those who responded to a two-alarm fire at a Bondville storage facility on Monday. The fire happened at the Frazier Properties on Tiffany Court, just off West Springfield Avenue.

(Urbana-jm) – OSF Heart of Mary Urbana’s birthing center is closing today. Services are going to be moved back to OSF in Danville starting September 1st. Nurses are either transferring to Danville or joining other units in Urbana.

(Springfield-jm) – A recent report by the state’s auditor general has found several state agencies for waste, fraud and abuse. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated-jm) – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John Kim announced a third funding opportunity of $10 million to assist communities in meeting the requirements outlined in the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. Paxton is receiving $39,168. Homer is receiving $29,874. Watseka is receiving $40,000. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the CDC is reporting all 102 Illinois counties remained at a low level for COVID-19 hospital admissions as of the middle of August, though wastewater surveillance is detecting rising Covid-19 activity. IDPH is continuing to watch COVID-19 data and also monitoring other respiratory viruses, particularly flu and RSV, ahead of the fall and winter seasons. The CDC is expected to issue guidance in September about the newly developed COVID-19 boosters for fall.

(Springfield-jm) – The West Nile Virus has been popping up around the state so the Illinois Department of Public Health has some advice to help “fight the bite.” Using insect repellant is one of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The State’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Arti Barnes explains which ingredients are the most effective…

Illinois Department of Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Arti Barnes. Other effective ingredients are oil of lemon eucalyptus and I-R-35-35. Barnes says you can use most repellants on kids, but check with your doctor if your child is under 3 years old. It’s also a good idea to dump out any standing water on your property where mosquitoes can breed.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department personnel working at one station had to leave it on Friday after the HVAC system had to be shut off following the discovery of asbestos. Champaign Fire officials said that on August 17, a contractor servicing the water heater at Station 4 on John Street noticed exposed insulation with visible dust particles on the surface. Unsure of what these dust particles were, the city called another contractor to collect a sample for testing. Testing found that 2% of the sample contained asbestos. Personnel at Station 4 were relocated to Stations 5 and 6 on a temporary basis.

(Clarence-jm) – Emergency crews from Paxton and Rankin battled a house fire in Clarence late Saturday morning. Crews were called to the fire on South Main Street a little after 11 am Saturday. There’s no word on the cause of the fire.

(Loda–jc)  The Annual “Team Hope” Fundraising event to help find a cure for Huntington’s Disease is set for Lakeview Country Club in Loda in September. Team Hope Spokesperson Samantha Cox says the September 9th golf outing is full, but they added a second date for Friday September 8th and are registering teams. A walk around the golf course is planned and walkers are needed. A fun zone for kids, silent auction and more during the day with more activities on Saturday September 9th says Cox…

Huntington’s Disease Team Hope Walk Spokesperson Samantha Cox. Those interested are asked to find the event on Facebook.

(Champaign-jm) – The Marching Illini are set to take center stage in a much-anticipated concert return to State Farm Center following a decade-long hiatus.  The Nation’s Premier College Marching Band, directed by Barry L. Houser, will perform on Sunday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m., continuing what was an annual tradition that began in December of 1991.  Their string of 23 straight years performing at the venue was interrupted after the concert in October of 2013 due to the comprehensive arena renovation that began the following year.  Marching Illini fans can expect to hear all of the traditional gameday music they have come to know and love, with a few surprises thrown in. Tickets go on sale to the public Wednesday, August 30 at 12 p.m.

(Urbana-jm) – 135 people will be out of a job after an Urbana plant announced they are closing. Dart Container Corporation, the parent company of Solo Cups, is  closing their Urbana plant by the end of the year. Company officials said the closure is happening due to declining production volume. The plant, located at East Main Street and South Lierman Avenue, makes several items including Solo’s iconic red cups. Solo operated the factory until 2012, when it was bought by Dart.

(Washington-jm) – USDA is making changes to its Livestock Indemnity program to better support cattle producers who have lost animals due to severe heat. Gary Crawford reports…

(Chicago-jm) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and city officials are pushing to tax Chicago homes and businesses that are valued at or above $1 million.  The proposed plan would raise the city's real estate transfer tax on properties valued at $1 million and above if enacted by the mayor and approved by the City Council.  

The tax has a progressive three-tier structure, with different effective tax rates for property values under $1 million, between $1 million and $1.5 million, and more than $1.5 million, according to Wirepoints. The proposed "mansion tax" will still need to be approved by the Chicago city council.

(Undated-jm) – Last week’s high temperatures broke records in parts of the state. Highs reached the mid to upper 90s and with the humidity, heat index values topped 110. State Climatologist Trent Ford says it was the hottest in decades…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Temperatures are expected to be cooler this week however, Ford says the outlook for the beginning of September shows above average temperatures returning.

(Urbana-jm) – Three people have been arrested in connection to a robbery that happened on the University of Illinois campus last week. The robbery happened Tuesday night at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Wright Street. The victim reported that he was walking near the intersection when he was hit from behind with a tree branch. Three offenders stole his backpack and then left the area. Officials said that on Friday, investigators went to the home of one possible offender to talk to him and his mother, as the suspect is under the age of 18. The other two people believed to be involved were also present: another juvenile and 18-year-old Isaiah Rhoads-Linzy of Champaign.

(Mahomet-jm) – Farmland values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 8.1% on average from last year, according to the 2023 study of 20 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois appraisal team. Land values had a dramatic run-up beginning in 2003, until peaking in 2014. The first decline in more than a decade began in 2015 and continued a slight decline through 2018. From that point, land values increased again for five consecutive years, hitting new highs in 2023. While this sets a new peak for the study, 2023 values rose more moderately than reported in 2022. Fifteen of the 20 benchmark farms increased in value while one showed a slight decline. Results across all land classes showed considerable variation, reinforcing that agricultural real estate is a location-specific asset. When considering the individual benchmarks values, the year-over-year changes ranged from -5.3% to +31.3%.

(Paxton–jc)  A Free WiFi project in downtown Paxton continues. The Paxton Main Street Group is spearheading the efforts to bring free internet to the downtown area of the city. The group netted a grant from T-Mobile to start the project. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says it's another positive for the downtown area of the city…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper.

(Urbana-jm) – The Chief of the University of Illinois Police Department is leaving Central Illinois for a new job, the department announced. Alice Cary, who took over the job three years ago, said that she has accepted the Chief of Police position in Silverthorne, Color. Her last day at the UIPD will be in late September.

(Undated-jm) – Interstate 72 now goes by a new name, "Officer Oberheim Memorial Highway", which honors fallen Champaign Police Officer, Chris Oberheim, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.

(Washington-jm) – Food price inflation is cooling down and could be down to so-called "normal" levels in 2024. Gary Crawford reports…

(Chicago-jm) –Federal agents have arrested an Illinois woman accusing her of sending emails threatening to shoot former President Donald Trump and his son Barron. 41-year-old Tracy Fiorenza of Plainfield was taken into custody Monday on a charge of transmitting threats to kill or injure. According to an affidavit, she said she would “shoot Donald Trump and Barron Trump straight in the face” in an email to the head of an educational institution in the Palm Beach, Florida area. Trump’s main residence is in Palm Beach.

(Springfield-jm) – It was cooler and a little drier this past week as we hear in the latest crop report. Temperatures were four degrees lower than normal. Rainfall averaged under an inch. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 80 percent of corn acres are in the dough stage…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The condition of the soybean crop also fell, to 65 percent in good to excellent condition and 86 percent of soybean acres are setting pods. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 6 percent very short, 21 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is now 69 percent complete.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Crime Stoppers are seeking information from the public regarding credit card fraud. On June 7, and June 8, an unknown male made numerous fraudulent ATM transactions at two Champaign Chase Bank locations. The suspect made 44 transactions between 301 South Mattis Avenue and 201 West University Avenue locations. The suspect made an additional transaction at the Champaign Meijer Gas Station. In total, the suspect stole over $7,400. The suspect appeared to be a black male with a full beard. He was approximately 25-40 years old with a medium build.

(Springfield-jm) – A new law signed by Governor J-B Pritzker will make it easier for students to pursue activities like 4-H and FFA. The legislation was sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County 2022 Payable 2023 tax bills are scheduled to be mailed on Friday, August 25th. The first due date will be September 29th and the second due date will be November 17th. Taxes may be paid at the courthouse, drop box in front of the courthouse, any Ford County bank or by mail if postmarked by September 29th. After September 29th, interest amounts must also be included in the payment. The amounts are listed on the installment stub. Please contact the Treasurer’s Office with any questions at 317-379-9465.

(Loda–jc)  One local fundraiser is looking for walkers to help with Awareness and a cure for Huntington’s disease. The local Paxton Area “Team Hope” Huntington’s disease walk, golf outing and auction is set for Saturday September 9. Organizer Samantha Cox says the walk begins at 8am on September 9th…

Team Hope Huntington’s Disease Spokesperson Samantha Cox. Those interested in walking, donating to the silent auction or golfing on the Friday before the event can call Samantha 217 249-1421 or google the event on-line.

(Rural Sibley-jm) – A crash in rural Ford County over the weekend left one person dead and two others seriously hurt, State Police reported. In updating our story from yesterday, Illinois State Police say a car was driving westbound on County Road 1100 North when it failed to stop at the intersection with Illinois Route 47. The car drove through the stop sign and hit a car driving northbound on Route 47. The passenger of the westbound car was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The drivers of both cars sustained serious injuries and were airlifted from the scene. There is no word on their current conditions. State Police said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

(Chicago-jm) – Federal prosecutors have wrapped up their case against Tim Mapes, the longtime top aide to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. 

Capitol News Illinois reports Mapes is charged with perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury investigating Madigan and his inner circle in 2021. The jury has heard a recording of Mapes’ entire two-plus hours of grand jury testimony, along with dozens of wiretapped phone calls that contradict his claims that he didn’t know an influential lobbyist was working on Madigan’s behalf in Springfield. Defense attorneys will begin their arguments this morning and are expected to call an expert in psychology and memory. They haven’t yet said whether Mapes will testify, or whether they plan to call the federal prosecutor who’s supervising this case and others related to it – including the bribery and racketeering case brought against Madigan himself. The former speaker is set to go on trial in April.

(Springfield-jm) – It was cooler and a little drier this past week as we hear in the latest crop report. Rainfall was less than an inch on average and temperatures were 4 degrees below normal. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 6 percent very short, 21 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener has an update on the Illinois soybean crop…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The condition of the corn crop also declined, to 64 percent in good to excellent condition with 39 percent of corn acres in the dent stage and 1 percent mature. The third cutting of alfalfa is 69 percent complete.

(Undated-jm) – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John Kim is announcing the issuance of more than $571 million in water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2023. Locally St. Joseph will receive nearly $19.4 million to rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant to increase capacity. Sibley will receive nearly $455,000 to replace all water meters within Village limits; and replace approximately 1,200 linear feet of water main with 6-inch water main. Gilman will receive $2.4 million to install sanitary sewer and related appurtenances.

(Pesotum-jm) – Troop 7 Illinois State Police will be conducting Nighttime Enforcement Patrols in Champaign County ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend. WPXN’s Jason Madden reports…

(Undated-jm) – Ameren Illinois will be holding several open houses around the area this week to address their Central Illinois Grid Transformation Program. An open house will be held today from 11-1 and 5-7 this evening at the Royal Community Building, this Wednesday from 11-1 and 5-7 pm at the Kruse Center in Gibson City and this Thursday from 11-1 and 5-7 pm at the Watseka Elks Lodge.

(Paxton–jc)  –  A familiar business in downtown Paxton has a new owner, but it also comes with a similar business vision that has made it a popular shop in the city. A Picket Fence Florist in the downtown area of the city has been purchased by Dawn Glad. Glad says she worked for several years with former owner Teri Hancock. Hancock passed away earlier this summer and Glad says she decided to make the move into ownership…

Glad says the store will continue to provide fresh flowers and floral arrangements to grave blankets, signs and gifts too…

A Picket Fence Florist Owner Dawn Glad. Glad has an Open House planned on Saturday from 9am to 3pm to showcase A Picket Fence Florist in Downtown Paxton. 

(Washington-jm) – Funeral services are being planned for the husband of Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Nathaniel Horn passed away Friday at the age of 68. Kelly and Horn were married for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two stepchildren and two grandchildren. Details of Horn’s cause of death have not been released. Kelly represents all of Iroquois and Vermilion Counties, most of Ford County except for the Gibson City area and northern Champaign County along and north of U-S 136.

(Springfield-jm) – The Protect Illinois Communities Act bans the possession and sale of assault weapons and requires assault weapons people already own to be registered. Illinois State Police said registration forms will be available by October for people to register guns that were deemed as assault weapons by the state and that they owned before the law was passed. If an individual has lawfully owned an assault weapon before January 10, 2023, they can continue to have them as long as they provide an endorsement affidavit to ISP. ISP said that will be available on October 1 and it must be signed under oath and submitted before January 1, 2024.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing the new Illinois Grocer Initiative into law. The program includes a 20 million dollar investment to help alleviate “food deserts” across the state, says the Governor. He notes that a grocery store anchored and run by people in the neighborhood is more likely to survive…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Up to 20 percent of the program funding can be used by grocery stores to make energy efficiency upgrades. More than three million people in Illinois currently live in food deserts. Governor Pritzker says more information will be available when the state starts accepting grant applications.

(Ford County-jm) – Emergency crews in Ford County were busy over the weekend. Saturday evening, Paxton first responders were called to an accident on I-57 about a mile south of Paxton. Later that night, Sibley first responders were called to an accident on Route 47. The coroner and medical helicopter were called to the scene. Roberts and Melvin firefighters were called to an abandoned structure at 18550 north 1300 east on fire Sunday night. They were assisted by Piper City fire.

(Undated-jm) – Hot and humid weather returns this week with potentially record breaking heat. School is beginning across the WPXN listening area. OSF’s Dr Brian Curtis explains kids and older adults are more commonly affected by the high temps…

OSF Dr. Brian Curtis. Highs this week could reach the upper 90s with heat index values pushing 115. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are already in effect for most of the week.

(Watseka-jm) – The man accused of a shooting that left two people dead and another injured in Watseka last week is charged with first degree murder. 44 year old Scott Peterson of Kankakee is charged with 4 counts of first degree murder in the shooting deaths of 42 year old Amanda Peterson and 38 year old Joseph Robinson. A 21 year old man was also shot and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Bond was set at $7 million. Peterson is due back in court Wednesday.

(Washington-jm) – What are the latest numbers for milk production and price forecasts with USDA's latest outlook? Rod Bain reports…

(Cissna Park–jc) Members of the Cissna Park Legion Post 527, The Sons of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary and volunteers would like to thank everyone that attended this past weekend's Old Settlers Celebration. Huge crowds enjoyed the entertainment, food, and parade. Also congratulations to Don Reutter Junior of Cissna Park. Reutter was the winner of the 20-24 Chevrolet Trax at the conclusion of the event on Saturday night. 

(Springfield-jm) – As school districts across Illinois prepare to welcome back students, a school official is raising concerns regarding a lack of personnel.  The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools conducted an Educator Shortage study and found that 76% of school districts reported problems with staffing shortages. The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to address teacher shortages, including increased pay and retention bonuses and a measure to increase the number of days a substitute teacher can stay in the classroom.

(Springfield-jm) – Vets and pets are the subject of a new state law. The law waives the fees for veterans to adopt a dog or a cat from a shelter or animal control facility. Fees vary across the state but can range from 30 dollars to 275. It was supported back in May by Senator Steve McClure of Springfield…

State Senator Steve McClure of Springfield. The law takes effect January 1st.

(Mahomet-jm) – Firefighters were called to battle a huge fire that broke out at Main Street Fencing in Mahomet Saturday night. The Cornbelt Fire Department was called at 11 p.m. to the business in the 500 block of W. Hickory Street. Heavy fire was showing throughout the structure. Crews reported explosions occurring due to combustible materials on property. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. No injuries were reported. The Cornbelt Fire Department was assisted by Bondville Fire, Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District, Arrow Ambulance, Mahomet Police Department, and METCAD.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker vetoed a bill that would have lifted the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear energy facilities. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City supported the legislation and urged legislative leaders to call up the bill in the fall veto session…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Milford-jm) – A Milford man is dead following a single vehicle crash. 24 year old Tyler Fanning died in the crash Friday on 1050 north near 2540 east in rural Milford. Police say Fanning was driving on 1050 eastbound when for an unknown reason his truck left the roadway twice, went airborne both times, with the second time causing the truck to roll. Fanning was pronounced deceased on scene. The accident remains under investigation.

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s latest meat production forecasts show varying changes in categories for this year and next. Rod Bain reports…

(Gibson City–jc)  Officials with Gibson Area Hospital would like to thank all those who attended the Gibson Summer Bash on Saturday in the city. The 38 Special and Winger concert was a huge success. The crowd of concert goers filled several blocks of downtown Gibson City on Saturday. The two bands delivered on another great concert in the city. 

(Paxton-jm) – A blind attorney from Champaign has filed a petition in Ford County Circuit Court seeking to hold Circuit Clerk Kamalen Johnson Anderson in indirect civil contempt for allegedly violating state and federal anti-discrimination laws by refusing to allow the filing and exchange of documents via email in a since-settled civil case. According to our partners at The Ford County Chronicle, a petition for adjudication of indirect civil contempt was filed August 3, against Johnson Anderson, both individually and in her capacity as circuit clerk, by attorney Karla Westjohn. The petition, which alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Illinois Constitution and an Illinois Supreme Court rule, is set for a status hearing to be held remotely via Zoom at 11:30 a.m. August 28, before Livingston County Associate Circuit Judge Mary Koll, who was reassigned the case by 11th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Casey Costigan upon Ford County Circuit Judge Matt Fitton’s recusal. The petition also seeks the awarding of $2,500 each to both Westjohn and the client she was defending in the now-settled civil case and also urges the Illinois Supreme Court to “solve this problem permanently” by “insisting upon a fully accessible e-filing system, something which has been possible for more than 20 years.”

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair closes out this Sunday, and one area families don’t want to miss is Conservation World. Conservation World is 30 acres of rolling hills and free activities at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, says Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. There’s also a lumberjack show and Chris Camp, the “Whip Guy.” Phelps Finnie says for the first time, there will be a food truck featuring “copi.” Copi is the state’s name for Asian carp and menu items include copi sliders, rangoon, empanadas and nuggets. Conservation World is open from 10 am to 7 pm each day.

(Champaign-jm) – People living near the Kraft factory in Champaign may have been breathing in a toxic chemical lately. The Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District, said Kraft had an issue with their pretreatment system on August 3, which caused an ammonia-based problem as water left the plant. The district has been working with Kraft to fix the issue, but it has not fully resolved yet. 

(Cissna Park–jc)  The 20-23 Old Settlers Celebration got underway last night in downtown Cissna Park. Schwer Amusements is on the midway and all around the park. Someone will also win a 20-24 Chevrolet Trax on Saturday night. Cissna Park American Legion Spokesperson Dick Swing has some information about events tonight…

Cissna Park American Legion Spokesperson Dick Swing. A 5-K run kicks off events on Saturday, The annual parade is at noon. Kids Waterball and Kids Tractor pull, Logan Kirby and more highlight the day on Saturday. 

(Vermilion County-jm) – Two veteran members of the Vermilion County Board are calling for some changes in the way the board operates. Board members Kevin Green and Nancy O’Kane are calling for the creation of a separate finance committee instead of the current finance and personnel committee.  Green noted there was a separate finance committee created in 1994, but in 2010 a combined personnel and finance committee was formed. Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy informed the board in a legal opinion that the two committees should not have been combined. Green and O’Kane also want to change the Board’s Rules of Order and are suggesting that no board member – except the County Board Chairman – should serve on more than three standing committees. A vote on the changes could come as early as next month’s county board meeting.

(Springfield-jm) – Drought conditions are easing in Illinois. Most of the state has seen an improvement over the past month, especially central and far southern Illinois says State Climatologist Trent Ford. A few areas are still too dry…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Ford says thanks to recent rains, crop conditions have improved dramatically and soil moisture is increasing. But the forecast for the next week is calling for hotter and drier weather so drought conditions could worsen in some areas.

(Bloomington, Il)      The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Governor Pritzker’s new Megasites Development Program funded through Rebuild Illinois Capital Funds. One of only nine grants awarded across the state, these funds will be combined with Airport Authority dollars to aid in the development of a new industrial, manufacturing and distribution site offering multimodal capabilities.

(Watseka-jm) – Multiple shooting victims were discovered in Watseka Thursday afternoon. According to the Watseka Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of W. North St. for a report of a shooting victim. Once on the scene, police discovered multiple shooting victims. Illinois State Police say one person was pronounced deceased. The shooter is in custody. WPXN News will continue to follow this story.

(Springfield-jm) – With kids heading back to the classroom, the Illinois State Police say it’s a good time to review school bus safety laws. The rules can be a little confusing since they depend on the number of lanes in the road. Trooper Josh Korando (co-rondo) explains…

Illinois State Police Trooper Josh Korando. Korando says when a school bus stops on a road with four or more lanes, and at least two lanes have traffic going the opposite way, only drivers going the same direction of the bus need to stop. Violators can face a 300 dollar fine and lose their license for three months.

(Urbana-jm) – After a five-year hiatus, a community-loved costume sale is back. The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, located on the University of Illinois campus, is gearing up for its first sale since the pandemic. Student-made hats, dresses and props will be up for the taking. This year the center has more than double the inventory to move out. The sale kicks off on August 26th. Early birds can buy a ticket to start shopping at 8 a.m. Everyone else can shop at 12 p.m.

(Champaign-jm) – Charges have been dropped in a 2020 Champaign murder. Christopher Kelly was shot and killed in Champaign August of 2020 in the Star Fox Liquor parking lot. Prosecutors say they can’t find the only witness.  

Trevoy Fonville and Johnnie Holbrook were originally charged. Holbrook remains in jail for separate felony charges.

(Paxton–jc)  School has started, but the PBL Youth Football and Cheerleading group continues to prepare for league games on Saturdays. PBL Youth Football and Cheerleading President Matt Quinlan says the kids work hard each week to get ready for competition…

PBL Youth Football and Cheerleading President Matt Quinlan. The PBL teams head to Iroquois West in Gilman on Saturday for week two. 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The first installment of real estate taxes in Iroquois County is due today. The second installment comes due September 18. Corrected tax bills were mailed last week for those affected by an extension error in four drainage districts.   The correction is due to an error made in the extension of taxes on four of the Drainage Districts in Iroquois County.  The drainage districts with extension errors include: Eastburn Drainage District #1-Belmont and Sheldon townships, Eastburn Drainage District #3-Sheldon township, Union Drainage District #2 Ashkum/Danforth Sub 2-Danforth township and Mud Creek Special Assessment-Artesia, Ash Grove, Fountain Creek, Onarga, and Pigeon Grove townships.

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The 147th annual Fairbury Fair runs through Sunday. Tonight Country music group  Sawyer Brown will perform at 7:30, stock car racing on Saturday at 5:30, Sunday at 1pm its the demolition derby.

Cissna Park Old Settlers Reunion will take place through Saturday. Tonight its live music with A Natural High at 7:30 and The Allen Quartet at 8:30. Saturday, its 5k run/walk at 7:30, parade at noon, kiddie waterball at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, Logan Kirby at 8 and the drawing for the 2024 Chevy Trax or $20,000 cash at 11.

Gibson City will hold their Friday night cruise night tonight from 6-10 pm.

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Glo Bingo will take place tonight. Doors open at 6:30 with Bingo beginning at 7. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Boy Scout Troop 32 on Saturday from 10-2.

Gibson Area Hospital’s Summer Bash will take place on Saturday in downtown Gibson City with Classic Rock group 38 Special performing.

The Buckley St. John’s Ladies Aid will have its Ice Cream Social on Sunday from 10:30-1pm at the St. John’s Grade School lunchroom. Hot Beef, ham, or cheese sandwiches will be available along with ice cream, pie and cake.

The Cornbelt Shrine Club will hold their kids day on Sunday from 12-3 at North Park in Gibson City. Activities include go-karts, jump house and more.

(Champaign-jm) – A major part of the interchange between Interstates 57 and 74 is closing this week for the next two years, IDOT officials announced. The ramp leading from westbound I-74 to northbound I-57 will be closing tonight as part of the overall reconstruction of the interchange, a cornerstone of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. The closure, officials said, is to replace the current ramps with new ones. Officials said a detour will be posted to accommodate the ramp’s closure. Drivers intending to drive north will have to take southbound I-57 to Curtis Road in Savoy and then turn around at the exit there. Its scheduled to reopen in 2025.

(Springfield-jm) – A number of healthcare related issues are addressed in a recent round of bills signed by Governor J-B Pritzker. Among the new state laws is one creating a lyme disease awareness program that will encourage people to get treatment as soon as possible. Another, sponsored this spring by Representative Lindsey LaPointe of Chicago, requires most health insurers to cover one annual mental health visit per year…

State Representative Lindsey LaPointe of Chicago. That law won’t take effect until 2025. There’s also a new law creating a task force to work on recruiting and retaining more EMT’s to the profession.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill giving Ameren Illinois the right of first refusal to build high-voltage power lines has been vetoed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The 18-month right of first refusal would have allowed Ameren to choose whether the utility wants to build the new power lines, thus eliminating the competitive bidding process for such projects. Pritzker said eliminating competition would cause rates to increase in the region.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be installing electric vehicle charging stations at state parks. The move is part of a comprehensive climate action plan to reduce the agency’s carbon footprint, says Director Natalie Phelps Finnie…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. Plans are underway for DNR to develop a pollinator friendly solar installation to combat climate change, and to reduce the waste generated at state sites. No dates were given but Phelps Finnie says they are on the cusp of launching the EV charging stations and that some energy saving measures are already underway.

(Urbana-jm) – A new round of Illini is moving onto the University of Illinois campus. Wednesday was the official move-in day for the freshman class of 2027. Other returning students will come back this weekend.

(Springfield-jc) – Democrats rallied at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, with Governor JB Pritzker calling the state quote – “a bright light of freedom in the center of the nation.” The governor says actions to help unions, protect abortion and controlling guns were at the top of the democrats agenda…

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. It’s Republican Day at the State Fair today.

(Savoy-jm) – Big changes are on the way for a Champaign County nursing home. The facility has new owners, and they have Central Illinois roots. Accolade Healthcare is taking over Champaign-Urbana Nursing and Rehab in Savoy. The facility can hold up to 214 beds; right now, it’s set up for 195. 132 people call it home right now. This is their seventh skilled nursing facility in the region. They also have locations in Danville and Paxton.

(Loda–jc)  A Golf Scramble, Golf Course Walk, Silent Auction and Fun Zone are set to raise money and awareness for Huntington’s Disease at Lakeview Country Club in Loda on September 9th. Organizer Samantha Cox says the invitation is open to walkers and they have some Friday openings for golf…

Huntington’s Disease Golf and Course Walk Spokesperson Samantha Cox.  Those interested in walking on Saturday or golfing on Friday are asked to contact Lakeview Country Club or go on-line for official information. 

(Elliott-jm) – The Ford County village of Elliott is receiving 1.5 million for water treatment system improvements. State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City made that announcement Wednesday. The project is expected to start in 2024.

(Washington-jm) – While many nations, including the U.S., report lower corn production forecasts, Ukraine is expected to have a larger crop than the previous year. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will cap the cost of epi-pens. Epi-pens are the first line of defense in combating severe allergic reactions. Senator Mike Halpin of Rock Island sponsored the legislation and explains how the cap will work…

State Senator Mike Halpin of Rock Island. Halpin says keeping epi-pens affordable is especially important since families usually have multiple pens for work, school, daycare, to give to coaches and to keep in a purse or backpack. The cap does not go into effect until 2025.

(Springfield-jm) – As schools get back into session in the coming weeks, the Illinois State Police are reminding drivers to watch out for increasing foot traffic. ISP encourages drivers to be vigilant around crosswalks, obey posted school zone speed limits, and avoid distracted driving. They said parents and caregivers should also educate their children on proper crosswalk procedures and the importance of not running in between parked cars.

(Springfield-jm) – Things went a little differently at this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. In years past, when the grand champion steer was presented, Governor J-B Pritzker and First Lady M-K Pritzker would get into a bidding war. Mrs Pritzker always came out on top. This year, the Pritzkers donated 105 thousand dollars towards the purchase of the champ. Comments from the Governor…

Ellerbrock is from Atkinson, Illinois. The public was also asked if they wanted to make donations, with the proceeds to be split among all the grand champion winners.

(Champaign-jm) – Five area libraries and library services are set to receive a total of $1,147,850 to enhance community and family literacy, improve library services and upgrade current technology to ensure they are providing effective, accessible services to their residents. Danville Community College will receive a Community Literacy Grant for $68,025 and Parkland College will receive a Community Literacy Grant and a Family Literacy Grant for a combined total of $125,954. Danville Correctional Center will receive $15,000 for library services. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will receive a $907,501 technology grant to support Illinois library delivery services.

(Chicago-jc) – Amid the MeToo movement in 2018, close advisors to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan worried the scandal would bring down his leadership. Capital News Illinois reports wiretapped phone calls and email conversations in a federal perjury trial of former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes show Madigan’s inner circle was concerned that a special anti-harassment panel the speaker appointed had gained too much independence. In one recording, Madigan is heard considering what he can do and the consequences of potential plans…

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The recordings and emails are being used to illustrate Mapes’ relationship with Madigan. Prosecutors say Mapes lied to a grand jury investigating Madigan and others in his circle, testifying he didn’t know or didn’t remember that another close advisor, lobbyist Mike McClain, was working on Madigan’s behalf. The trial is in its second week in Chicago.

(Champaign-jm) – The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is announcing the return of the Solar Urbana-Champaign group buy program. In partnership with Urbana and Champaign, the educational and group purchasing program has helped homeowners and businesses save money on their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint. Larger tax incentives are available this year. Solar Urbana-Champaign is open to residents and small businesses in Champaign, Piatt and Vermilion Counties. The first Power Hour will be on August 30 at the Common Ground Food Co-Op in Urbana from 5:30-6:30. To learn more about the Solar Group Buy program, including an evolving schedule of Solar Power Hour presentations, visit solarurbanachampaign.com.

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The 20-23 Old Settlers celebration is set for today, Friday and Saturday in downtown Cissna Park. The three day event is sponsored by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527. Event Spokesperson Dick Swing says it all starts around 5pm on this afternoon. 

Cissna Park Old Settlers Celebration Spokesperson Dick Swing. WPXN will be broadcasting the parade live at noon on Saturday. Someone will win a 20-24 Chevrolet Trax at 11pm on Saturday night. 

(Hoopeston-jm) – Join the Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy team on September 9th from 9 AM to 12 PM at Olson Farms (11342 E 4000 N Rd, Hoopeston, IL. 60942). At this Field Talk, farmers will learn about cover crop and nitrogen management. Olson and a line-up of expert speakers will explain the 1st year of a multiyear on-farm research plot pertaining to legume cover crop after wheat and nitrogen management. The study aims to assess the cost, return on investment, and average yield of this multiyear legume cover crop and nitrogen management strategy. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and CCA credits will be available. The first 50 registrants receive a free Illinois Soybean Association bag chair.

(Washington-jm) – Global production, and both world and domestic balance sheets, in USDA's August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates were centered mainly on U.S. production updates. Rod Bain reports…

(Charleston-jm) – Eastern Illinois University confirmed that a shooting occurred at a Domino's Pizza on Lincoln Avenue across from the university. Around 3 p.m. Charleston police responded to the Domino's Pizza on Lincoln to investigate a report of a male subject that had been shot in the arm. Police say that their investigation determined the incident was isolated and stemmed from an argument between two male acquaintances.

(Springfield-jm) – As school starts back up in some areas, the Illinois State Police is urging the public to be extra cautious about roadway safety. Back to school means more vehicle, bicycle and foot traffic says Trooper Josh Korando (co-rondo)...

Illinois State Police Trooper Josh Korando. State police also remind that the speed limit for posted school zones is 20 miles per hour. That’s the effect from 7 am to 4 pm on school days when children are present. Fines increase for talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone while driving through a school zone.

(Springfield-jm) – Just days after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a measure allowing lawsuits against firearms industry members for a variety of things, the law is being challenged in federal court. House Bill 218 allows lawsuits to be brought against firearm industry members for allegedly making less safe conditions or for advertising to children, or for “unlawful” paramilitary or militia activity. Monday, the National Shooting Sports Foundation filed a challenge to the law in Illinois' Southern District federal court. The foundation alleges the measure doesn't just violate the First and Second Amendments, it also violates interstate commerce and due process rights. Tuesday, United States Magistrate Judge Mark Beatty was randomly assigned to the case in the Southern Illinois federal court district. Beatty was appointed to the position in 2019 during the presidency of Donald Trump.

(Springfield-jm) – Children who work as social media influencers will be getting some protections come next summer. Illinois is the first state in the country to enact a law ensuring so called “kid-fluencers” are adequately compensated. It requires a percentage of any earnings from posts on sites like Twitter and Tik-Tok to be put into a trust fund for the child, said Senator David Koehler (kay-ler) of Peoria this past spring…

State Senator David Koehler of Peoria. This applies to children under 16 and takes effect next July 1st.

(Watseka-jm) – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Tuesday joined officials from Iroquois Memorial Hospital to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved “Critical Access Hospital” status for the Watseka health care facility. The designation pays certain rural hospitals a higher Medicare reimbursement rate, helping to stabilize and provide a critical financial boost for hospitals like Iroquois Memorial.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in tracking down a bicycle rider who they said was responsible for a theft. Officials said the theft happened in the area of Neil Street and Columbia Avenue on July 9. They didn’t provide details about what was stolen or how it happened, but did provide a description and photos of the suspect. The suspect appeared to be a Black man with short hair. He was wearing a pink, white and gray long-sleeved shirt, black pants and light-colored shoes. He was also carrying an orange and black backpack and was riding a red bike.

(Washington-jm) – Export sales receipts for soybeans are up so far this year, but sales volumes are down slightly. Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated–jc)  The Farm Progress Show is coming to Decatur later this month. Innovations in Agriculture are keys to the show. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…

(Chicago-jm) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city of Chicago has had conversations with suburban leaders in Cook and other counties about the possibility of moving migrants into their communities. Thousands of migrant families have arrived in Chicago over the past year. City officials have placed many in police stations, YMCAs and Daley College. Johnson said the city is looking at other towns to help with housing migrants. So far, city and state taxpayers have set aside $94 million for migrant housing. The state budget has $550 million in taxpayer subsidies for health care of migrants over the age of 65.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law lets businesses offer gender neutral multi-occupancy restrooms. This is not a mandate, but an option for businesses. Opponents argued back in May that men and women don’t want to share a restroom, and worry this could lead to sexual assault. Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago said this shouldn’t be a big deal…

State Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago. Under the law, gender neutral bathrooms must have fully enclosed stalls and no urinals.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law requires the Illinois Department of Human Services to launch a public education campaign to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and wellness. The plan will also allow people with most commercial insurance to have one free no-diagnosis mental health and wellness visit each year. Illinois is the third state in the country to implement such a plan. Patients needing further treatment will be able to get referrals to see mental health professionals in their insurance network. However, the free mental wellness visit would not apply to people with a health savings account.

(Springfield-jm) – There’s plenty of free entertainment at the Illinois State Fair this year. First up is: Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show, which features stunts, tricks, frisbee catching and the high jump. Owner and Trainer Lou Mack uses 10 dogs, all with their own specialty. The best part? They are all rescues…

Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show Owner and Trainer Lou Mack. There’s also the high dive show, a long-time fair favorite and “cycle circus live”, billed as the largest FMX freestyle entertainment show of its kind. And of course, there is live music at several stages scattered around the fairgrounds daily.

(Rantoul-jm) – Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, 5:45 pm at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, Scouts BSA Troop 30 will be hosting a Challenger Baseball Game! This event will bring scouts and local challenger players together to PLAY BALL! There will be an Opening Flag Ceremony at 5:45 pm with a special presentation and then (2) ball games will be held, the first at 6pm, and the second at 7:10pm. The Village of Rantoul has generously provided the use of their facility at no cost and will have concessions open along with the use of their spray playground for the kids to enjoy! Rantoul Scouts BSA Troop 30 will have information at this event on how to join scouting. The troop meets regularly on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Rantoul American Legion Post 287.

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County Treasurer Krisha Whitcomb has emailed county board members to tell them that, if all goes as planned, she tentatively expects to have property tax bills for 2022 printed and mailed to Ford County taxpayers by Tuesday, Aug. 29, with payment of the first and second installments due Friday, Sept. 29, and Friday, Nov. 17, respectively. This is the third time in four years that the county’s tax bills have been delayed. The county’s real estate tax bills are usually mailed in late May with the first payments due in early July. Not only were the tax bills late again last year but Gibson City landowners were accidentally overcharged on the city portion of their bills. This year, they will see a credit on their bills for the amount they overpaid.

(Washington-jm) – Tighter supply numbers reflected in lower production and yield forecasts from the previous month, are found in USDA’s August domestic corn balance sheet. Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The 147th annual Fairbury Fair will take place today through Sunday. Evening entertainment includes: American Idol alum Leah Marlene will perform at 7:30 tonight, golf cart rodeo on the 17th at 6:30, Country Music Group Sawyer Brown will perform on the 18th at 7:30, stock car racing on the 19th at 5:30, the 20th at 1pm its the demolition derby.

Cissna Park Old Settlers Reunion will take place tomorrow through Saturday. The 17th its Bingo at 6:30 and the talent show at 7:30. On the 18th its live music with A Natural High at 7:30 and The Allen Quartet at 8:30. On the 19th, its 5k run/walk at 7:30, parade at noon, kiddie waterball at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, Logan Kirby at 8 and the drawing for the 2024 Chevy Trax or $20,000 cash at 11.

(Springfield-jm) – While a split Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state’s gun and magazine ban, Governor J.B. Pritkzer acknowledges the chances it survives a federal challenge aren’t great. Pritzker praised Friday's ruling in a statement. Friday's outcome was “the best justice money can buy,” State Representative Dan Caulkins said. Caulkins' attorneys motioned for Justices Elizabeth Rochford and Mary O'Brien to recuse themselves before the case was heard in May because of $1 million political donations they each received from Pritzker last year. The justices denied those motions. Rochford wrote the majority decision upholding the law Friday. O'Brien joined the dissent. Pritzker previously downplayed concerns over donations he gave to two of the justices’ campaign accounts last year.  Separate challenges of the law in federal court focus on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. It’s unclear when the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals will rule on the Second Amendment challenge in federal court. That could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Pritzker acknowledged the outcome in federal court could trump that.

(Springfield-jm) – The deadline for licensed daycares to apply for free HEPA air purifiers is being extended. The Illinois Department of Public Health launched a 10 million dollar, federally funded program to get the air purifiers into daycares, and some are still available. The agency’s Charles Williams says they can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID, the flu and RSV. He especially urges daycares in central and southern Illinois to apply…

Illinois Department of Public Health’s Charles Williams. Only daycares outside of the City of Chicago and licensed by the state are eligible. The deadline to apply is now August 25th.

(Melvin–jc)  The Annual Knight for Christ Fundraiser for Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School is set for Saturday August 26th starting at 4pm. The event is set for the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. Event spokesperson Larry Abbe says its 4 hours of bidding, fellowship, heads or tails and a live auction too…

Knight for Christ Fundraiser Event Spokesperson Larry Abbe. Tickets for the event are available by calling the school in Buckley, stopping by Abbe Insurance of Buckley or the WPXN studios. 

(Watseka-jm) – U-S Senator Dick Durbin will be in Watseka this morning. Senator Durbin will be at Iroquois Memorial Hospital to make a major federal announcement regarding the long-term future of the hospital. WPXN News will follow this story.

(Gifford–jc)  A weather anniversary is coming to one small town later this year. It was ten years ago on November 13th 20-13. Gifford Mayor Adam Pannbacker says he remembers how quickly, aid from everyone, came to those affected by the tornado in 20-13…

Gifford Mayor Adam Pannbacker.

(Springfield-jm) – Corn and soybean crop conditions continue to improve in Illinois. This past week was slightly cooler and wetter than normal in most parts of the state. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says soybeans were blooming on 95 percent of acres…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The condition of the Illinois corn crop also improved and is rated as 64 percent in good to excellent condition. 71 percent of corn acres have reached the dough stage and 20 percent have hit the dent stage. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is now 55 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture came in at 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker is talking publicly about an ongoing probe into Paycheck Protection Program fraud by Illinois state workers. According to the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General, the employees facing discipline sought loans for small businesses outside of their state work. But those businesses may not have existed, or if they did, may not have earned the income they claimed. In total, the Illinois Department of Human Services reports that, as of early August, 47 of its workers had been fired, resigned or face pending discipline related to PPP loan fraud. Pritzker says at one facility, the word got around. That facility with 37 disciplinary actions is the Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, which included 32 mental health technicians, three supervisors, one program coordinator and a nurse. PPP fraud has been a problem nationwide. The inspector general for the Small Business Administration estimated that the agency paid out more than $200 billion in “potentially fraudulent” aid during the pandemic.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law will make it easier for students to pursue activities like 4-H and FFA. Instead of being considered absent, kids attending work-based learning events will have that time count towards the school day. Senator Doris Turner of Springfield sponsored the bill…

State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield. It will be up to the student to make up any missed school work

(McLean County-jm) – A mosquito pool collected by the McLean County Health Department in the 61705 zip code area of west Bloomington has tested positive for West Nile virus.  A bird sample from the 61701 zip code area of Bloomington submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health has also tested positive. On July 28, 2023, the health department also reported that a dead bird tested positive for west nile in the 61761 zip code area in Normal.

(Springfield-jm) – Local governments around the state can take advantage of funding for parks and other open spaces. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Paxton–jc)  The Ford County Veterans Service Center has been open for around 4 months now. Center Director Rebecca Rutledge says the mission is going well…

Ford County Veterans Service Center Director Rebecca Rutledge. The center is located in the State Street Mall, along Route 45 in Paxton. 

(Springfield-jm) – Corn and soybean crop conditions continue to improve in Illinois. 95 percent of soybean acres are blooming and 80 percent are setting pods. That’s ahead of the 5 year average. 70 percent of the soybean crop is rated in good to excellent condition, a nice jump from the previous week. Crop Statistician Mark Schleuener looks at corn…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The third cutting of alfalfa is now 55 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture increased to 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on assault weapons. In a 4 to 3 decision, the court found a law prohibiting the sale or possession of certain semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines is constitutional. Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis says he’s disappointed but not surprised. He’s hopeful another challenge, now before a federal appeals court, has a different outcome…

State Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis. Governor J-B Pritzker praised the state Supreme Court’s decision, calling the law “common sense gun reform to keep mass-killing machines off our streets.” A new state law signed by Governor J-B Pritzker Saturday holds gun retailers accountable. Under the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, gun manufacturers and retailers can be sued for marketing firearms to people under 18 and for promoting illegal private militia activity. Governor Pritzker signed the legislation at the “Gun Sense University” event at McCormick Place in Chicago…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The law takes effect immediately.

(Springfield-jm) – Sunday was Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the Illinois State Fair. The families of fallen soldiers were honored at a special brunch to start off the day. Joe Schaler (shay-ler), Illinois State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart told the crowd that when he was serving, it was all about surviving, not necessarily considering the families back home…

Illinois State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Joe Schaler. A Veteran’s Day program followed the brunch, with more speakers and the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army Band played music representing each branch of the military. The Illinois State Fair runs through Sunday, August 20th.

(Rural Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a two vehicle crash Saturday morning. The accident happened on Route 115 near 700 north around 7:45 am between a car and a semi. No word on if there were any injuries.

(Champaign County-jm) – One central Illinois county is warning pet owners about parvo after seeing a major increase in cases. Experts say most cases are seen during late summer and early fall, but Champaign County is already reporting a higher number of cases than normal. Parvo is a highly contagious disease that mostly affects young puppies, though it can affect older dogs if they are unvaccinated. Parvo is a viral disease that attacks the GI system and bone marrow. To prevent parvo, puppies need to be vaccinated against the disease at 6, 8, and 12 weeks old, with a possible booster around 15 weeks. Vets say t's important for puppies not to be around other animals until they are fully vaccinated.

(Washington-jm) – USDA has just issued its first crop production forecasts based on farmer surveys. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritkzer is vetoing a bill lifting the current moratorium on building new nuclear plants in Illinois. In his veto message, the Governor cited concerns about the bill such as not having regulations to protect the people who live and work near the plants. Senator Sue Rezin of Morris, who sponsored the legislation, says the state needs access to nuclear power…

State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris. The ban has been in place since 1987. Rezin says she will be pushing for a veto override this fall.

(Gibson City-jm) – First responders and community members are looking back at the last two years of emergencies in one Ford County town. On Saturday, they all came together to honor one another and reflect on their quick, lifesaving efforts. Rain flooded Gibson City two years ago and damaged homes and businesses. That was the beginning of significant events emergency crews would respond to over the next few months. A Fourth of July fire damaged downtown businesses, and it happened again just across the street in May. 

(Danville-jm) – VA Illiana is getting a new phone system to enhance telephone access for all Veterans and improve overall communications. Phone numbers will not change at VA Illiana locations of care, but extension numbers will. Veterans can call the main clinic number for their clinic to contact anyone on their Patient Aligned Care Team. All Clinic phone numbers are available online. Veterans are also encouraged to visit My HealtheVet to communicate with their PACT through secure messaging. My HealtheVet offers secure messaging, as well as information about upcoming appointments, health records, and prescription refills.

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s first producer-oriented field surveys show soybean production for this year’s crop down from the previous year. Rod Bain reports…

(Undated-jm) – Two school boards, the Ford County Board and community planning meeting are all taking place around the area tonight. The Gibson City planning committee will meet at 6 to discuss a possible amendment to the Falcon Pointe subdivision plat. In Rantoul at 6, the Rantoul Township High School board will consider a proposal for landscaping at Eagle Academy, consider a weapons detection system and hear an update on the East wing project. The Ford County Board will meet at 7 where they will consider allowing the Probation Department to hire a full time deputy clerk and allow the circuit clerk’s office to have more than one chief deputy. They will also consider using ARPA funding for the courthouse entry security glass wall and adopting a risk management ordinance. Also at 7 tonight in Gilman, the Iroquois West School Board will hear an update on a teacher vacancy grant pilot program, hear a presentation from the district’s math interventionist, consider a sunken garden, approve the tentative FY 24 budget and more.

The City of Paxton will be doing brush pickup this week and flushing hydrants.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court is expected to rule today on the state’s ban on assault weapons. At question is whether the ban, which also prohibits high-capacity magazines, is constitutional. There is also a challenge at the federal level that’s still pending. At an unrelated event Thursday, Governor J-B Pritzker was asked about the potential outcome…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Protect Communities Act also requires those who currently own an assault rifle to register it with the state police. A decision is expected to be announced around 9 am. WPXN News will have the latest at noon, 4 and 5.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois unemployment numbers for June were the fifth worst in the nation. The latest monthly data follows an Illinois Auditor General report showing more than $5.2 billion in unemployment benefits were overpaid during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data from the Illinois Policy Institute show the state lost 9,500 jobs in June. The industries hit the hardest in Illinois during June were the professional and business services sector, which lost 5,400 jobs. The manufacturing industry lost 2,100 jobs, and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector lost 2,000 jobs in the month. According to the IPI numbers, Illinois' June unemployment rate of 4% was the fifth-worst in the nation, with 45 other states having rates below 4%.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is officially underway. Carnival rides, high dive acts, corn dogs and concerts. The state fair is open and ready for business and Governor J-B Pritzker says he hopes to break last year’s record attendance numbers…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. There is plenty of free entertainment including diving dogs and magic shows as well as music acts spread throughout the fair. You can find more information online at: state fair dot illinois dot gov. The Illinois State Fair runs through Sunday, August 20th.

(Champaign-jm) – In order to ensure public safety, Logan Street between Market Street and Water Street was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, after small pieces of concrete were found falling from the viaduct under the railroad tracks. This area will remain closed until it can be inspected by railroad authorities.

(Iroquois County-jm) – Approximately 1,700 corrected tax bills were mailed due to an error made in the extension of taxes on four of the Drainage Districts in Iroquois County. The districts that extended that should not have are as follows: Eastburn Drainage District #1-Belmont and Sheldon townships, Eastburn Drainage District #3-Sheldon township, Union Drainage District #2 Ashkum/Danforth Sub 2-Danforth township, Mud Creek Special Assessment-Artesia, Ash Grove, Fountain Creek, Onarga, and Pigeon Grove townships. The corrected tax bills were mailed on August 10, 2023. For property owners that have not paid either installment of the tax bill that was issued in July, the corrected bill will show the current and correct amount due. The first installment is due and payable on August 18, 2023 or upon receipt. For property owners that have paid the first installment of their tax bill, a credit in the amount incorrectly charged will be seen on the second installment of the corrected bill. The second installment is due and payable on or before September 18, 2023. For property owners that have already paid their entire tax bill, a refund in the amount incorrectly charged will be issued by the Iroquois County Treasurer.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker recently signed over 100 new laws into effect. Some of those new laws were sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City who talks about some of them…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Emington-jm) – State Representative Jason R. Bunting of Emington announced that he will be hosting traveling office hours in Gibson City and Fairbury on Tuesday August 22. Representative Bunting will be at The Kettle 217 in Gibson City from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. He will be at Fairbury City Hall from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.

(Washington-jm) – What are the production prospects for the major row crops? We'll have a much better idea about that in just a few hours. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois consumers pay the second highest taxes in the nation when they buy legal recreational marijuana, but an industry expert says sales may increase with lower taxes. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Labor has completed ride inspections at the Illinois State Fair. The fair is home to the carnival midway, with rides like the freak out and Pharaoh's Fury. And there’s also Adventure Village, for younger kids. Brian Fox with the Department’s Carnival Division says they have looked at everything and are very thorough…

Illinois Department of Labor Carnival Division’s Brian Fox. Fox says inspectors will be keeping an eye on rides during the fair, to ensure everything is in good working order. He says a good rule of thumb, you should look for a green 2023 sticker at any carnival ride in Illinois to indicate it’s been inspected by the state.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in tracking down a man from Urbana wanted on fleeing and eluding charges. Officials said Michael Huffman, 43, is wanted on a warrant charging him with aggravated fleeing and attempted eluding. Bond is set at $200,000. Huffman is described as being Black with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 10 inches in height and weighs 205 pounds.

(Urbana-jm) – Looking to add 20 or more years to your life? One U of I researcher might know the way. Mai Nguyen, a student at the Carle College of Medicine, studied thousands of veterans and their lifestyle choices over eight years. She said that’s because they already had information about their medical backgrounds. She found these eight factors could help add 23 years to your life: Be physically active, 

don’t smoke, don’t get addicted to opioids, don’t binge drink on a regular basis, eat a healthy diet, manage stress, practice good sleep habits and maintain positive social relationships.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is unveiling a civilian crash reporting system. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the program and how it works…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated-jm) – A survey has revealed the most feared road in Illinois. According to Gunter Mitsubishi, Route 24 is the worst in Illinois, ranking number 19 out of 50 overall across the country. The highway runs 255 miles through the middle of the state from the Mississippi River to the Indiana border. The Peoria Journal Star reports the stretch of road saw 23 crashes between 2010 and 2015, resulting in 30 injuries. The survey involved 3,000 motorists.

(Washington-jm) – How does USDA ensure the accuracy of its survey-based crop production forecasts? Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

St Joseph will hold their community festival through Saturday. Tonight its carnival rides and vendors from 5-10, American Legion fish fry at 5, bags tournament at 5:30, Little Prince and Princess Coronation at 6 and SJO FFA kiddie tractor pull at 6:30. Saturday, its the 5k wine run at 9, antique car show at 10, mutt show at 10:30, garden tractor pulls at noon, parade at 3, American Legion fish fry at 4, women’s club Bingo from 5:30-7:30 and fireworks at dusk.

Heritage FS in Gilman will host a community tire and used oil collection day today from 8-noon.

The St. Joseph Stanton Firefighter’s Association all you can eat sausage and pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held on Saturday from 6:30-11 am. Cost is $7 for adults, kids 3-12 are $3.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the 1st Lutheran Youth Group on Saturday from 10-2.

The Paxton Police Department shooting range will be open to the public on Saturday from 10-noon. Cost is $10.

(Springfield-jm) – One of the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuits against Illinois’ gun and magazine ban expects more lawsuits to be filed. Law Weapons sued the city of Naperville last year and expanded its lawsuit to include a challenge of Illinois’ ban from earlier this year. Owner Robert Bevis’ request for an emergency preliminary injunction while the case played out went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the case is now tied up in the appeals court with a ruling still pending. He said a right delayed is a right denied. Law Weapons has lost a million dollars in sales since last year and legal bills have cost half-a-million dollars, Bevis said. Another challenge Bevis said is likely deals with legislation on the governor’s desk. House Bill 218 would allow the state to sue gun manufacturers for advertising to children or showing paramilitary themes. If signed, the measure would also allow legal action against manufacturers who “knowingly create” conditions in Illinois that “endangers the safety or health of the public.”  After the bill passed, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he’ll sign the bill. Law Weapons is also a firearms manufacturer. Bevis said they’re not responsible for someone acting nefariously.  Another lawsuit Bevis expects wraps in some of the thousands of plaintiffs that have secured state-level temporary restraining orders against the state enforcing the gun and magazine ban against them. The status of those cases depends on the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on a separate challenge of the state’s ban still pending before the court.

(Springfield-jm) – The 2023 Illinois State Fair butter cow was unveiled Wednesday. The scene inside a rotating glass case in the dairy building features a girl milking a cow, and is a depiction of real-life dairy farmer, Lorilee Schultz of Orangeville Illinois…

Dairy farmer and butter cow influence Lorilee Schultz of Orangeville Illinois. A butter figure of Lorilee’s daughter Lucy is included in an additional sculpture, where she is kissing a calf. The Illinois State Fair runs through August 20th.

(Kankakee-jm) – On August 7 and August 8, 2023, KAMEG Agents, assisted by the United States Marshal Service, and local Kankakee County agencies, conducted a warrant sweep based on KAMEG investigations. 17 people were arrested on various warrants and drug charges.

(Paxton–jc)  –  A clothing swap is set for Saturday in Paxton, just in time for the start of a new school year. The Paxton American Legion, Auxiliary Post 150 and the First Lutheran Church are  sponsoring the event. Event Spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge says its a chance to help others…

PBL School Clothing Swap Event Spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge. The event takes place on Saturday from 8am until 2pm at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton

(Champaign-jm) – In collaboration with Community Choices and the University of Illinois College of Education, Experience Champaign-Urbana launched Accessible CU, a new section on their website that helps users find local businesses that meet their accessibility needs, outlining the physical, sensory, cognitive, and accommodation-ready characteristics of local businesses.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA's annual look at cash rents shows a continuing trend of increased value year over year. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation significantly increasing regulations on Illinois businesses who use temporary workers, including mandating pay rates, is now law. Business groups say the law will have negative consequences.  Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed the Temp Worker Fairness and Safety Act into law. The measure restricts the practice of so-called “permatemping,” where workers are kept in temporary assignments for long periods of time. The act, which goes into effect immediately, requires temporary workers assigned to work for more than 90 days to be paid the same as a full-time employee. The law also ensures that all temp workers have the right to refuse a strikebreaking assignment without being retaliated against, and increases funding for enforcement through increased fees and increased fines for employers who violate the act. Opponents argued it is likely the 90-day requirement will discourage third-party clients from working with particular temporary laborers on a long-term basis. A separate law Illinois business groups opposed that Pritzker also signed, House Bill 1122, creates the Freelance Worker Protection Act. The governor's office said the law, which goes into effect July 1, 2024, aims to "protect freelance workers from intimidation, harassment, and discrimination from hiring parties, requires timely compensation and requires employers to provide freelance workers with written contracts."

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair is changing things up a bit and will hold “Ag” Day this Friday. Ag Day is usually held on Tuesday, but with school starting next week for some, fair officials wanted to make sure young exhibitors have a chance to show off their hard work, says1 Manager Rebecca Clark…

State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. The day kicks off with an Ag Day program and the State Department of Agriculture tent will have an artisan’s market and specialty growers farmstand. There’s another schedule change this year. The Governor’s Sale of Champions will now be held on Wednesday the 16th which is Governor’s Day.

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci championed legislation that will waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats. Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. The measure requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

(Loda–jc)  The 5th annual Huntington’s Disease Golf Tournament and Course walk is set for Saturday September 9th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Organizers are looking for silent auction items, walkers and golfers. The golf on Saturday is full, with more golfers welcome for a Friday September 8th A-M Flight. Organizer Samantha Cox of Paxton says the goal is to raise dollars and awareness…

Huntington’s Disease Golf Tournament and Course Walk Spokesperson Samantha Cox.

(Champaign-jm) – The State Farm Center will be holding walk-in interviews for the 2023-2024 season. No appointments are necessary and casual dress is acceptable. Interview Times for Event Staff & Security: Tuesday, August 22 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 23 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 24 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Applicants should enter through the Lower East Entrance. Parking is available in the Northeast Lot, accessible off Kirby Avenue and Fourth Street. The entrance is the side of the building facing Fourth Street, and not the West Grand Entrance to the building.

(Washington-jm) – The Value of U.S. farmland continues to grow, despite economic headwinds. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN News Notes…

St Joseph will hold their community festival tonight through the 12th. Tonight its the American Legion Fish fry at 5 and carnival rides and vendors from 5-10. On the 11th its carnival rides and vendors from 5-10, American Legion fish fry at 5, bags tournament at 5:30, Little Prince and Princess Coronation at 6 and SJO FFA kiddie tractor pull at 6:30. On the 12th, its the 5k wine run at 9, antique car show at 10, mutt show at 10:30, garden tractor pulls at noon, parade at 3, American Legion fish fry at 4, women’s club Bingo from 5:30-7:30 and fireworks at dusk.

The Gibson City Police Department will open their shooting range to the public tonight from 5:30-8. Cost is $5.

(Springfield-jm) – Revenues at Illinois casinos in July hit their highest mark in nearly a decade. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, Illinois casino revenue for July was about $133 million, an increase of 9% from June. The July cumulative revenue total for the state’s 13 commercial casinos is the highest since March 2014, when it was $138 million.

(Springfield-jm) – Tired of having to renew your fishing license every year? You won’t have to starting in 2024. A new state law creates a fishing, trapping, hunting or sportsmen’s combination license that’s good for three years. It was sponsored back in May by Senator Neil Anderson of Andulusia…

State Senator Neil Anderson of Andulusia. The three-year license won’t be at a discounted rate. It will cost three times the amount of the one year license. The law takes effect January 1st.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 2195, also known as the “So Kids Can Move” initiative, which will allow thousands of children and youth with limb loss or limb differences to afford prosthetic care that enables them to participate in physical activities. The legislation requires insurance coverage for medically necessary prosthetic or custom orthotic devices to maximize the patient’s whole-body health and function. It amends the Accident and Health Article of the Illinois Insurance Code and codifies that with respect to an enrollee at any age, coverage of a prosthetic or custom orthotic device shall be provided. This legislation makes Illinois just the fourth state in the nation to pass this act.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair is offering some bargains this year to help families save money. Manager Rebecca Clark says the event is already the most affordable state fair in the midwest, and new promotions will get visitors an even better deal. One is for Tuesday…

State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. There’s also ways to save money on carnival rides. The mega pass or the jumbo pass is good for unlimited rides all 11 days of the fair. The jumbo version includes the giant slide. There’s also the bargain bracelet for one day of unlimited rides for $35. More details are online at: state fair dot illinois dot gov.

(Gilman-jm) – Sweet corn stands across Central Illinois are finally starting to open after a long and dry summer delayed the corn harvest. Farmers have been feeling the effects of the weather all season. In Gilman, Parkside Farmer Stand only just started to sell its sweet corn, whereas in a regular year, they would have had their product available in mid-July. A cold spring also delayed his planting, which led to a prolonged harvest. In addition, the drought affected some of the crops. Parkside Farm Stand also sells pumpkins in the fall as well, but those are expected to be ready on time.

(Gibson City–jc)  Classic Hits Band 38 Special is set to perform in Ford County on Saturday August 19th. The 3rd annual Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash takes place in downtown Gibson City. This is a free concert. There are some VIP ticket areas. Gibson Area Hospital Event Spokesperson Bill Kirby says this year’s choice was an easy one…

Gibson Area Hospital Event Spokesperson Bill Kirby. The group “Winger” will also perform on the 19th in Gibson City. 

(Urbana-jm) – A convicted murderer who was on parole for a 1997 killing was arrested in Urbana Monday after police said he fired shots from a stolen gun. 

On Monday at 9:05 p.m., Urbana police responded to Beech St. and Romine St. for a report of shots fired. Officers did find a shell casing near a porch of a residence in the 1400 block of Beech St. More shell casings were recovered in the driveway, and one was later recovered in the home. Urbana officers made contact with an occupant of the residence, identified as 43-year-old Eduardo Carrillo. Police said Carrillo was in possession of ammunition and a 9mm pistol that was reported stolen out of Kankakee. Carrillo is a felon and is on parole for a 1997 murder conviction. He was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

(Urbana-jm) – A woman from Urbana is under arrest after police said she stabbed her boyfriend during a domestic dispute on Monday. Officials said Dewandee Carter, 66, admitted to officers that she stabbed her 69-year-old boyfriend after their dispute turned violent. The stabbing is believed to have happened around 11 a.m. outside an apartment building in the area of Colorado Avenue and Cottage Grove Avenue. The victim walked into a business on nearby Philo Road and reported being stabbed; officers found him there when they responded. He had a half-inch laceration to his arm, which medical personnel evaluated on the scene. Officials said Carter was identified in the investigation and she was found near the scene of the stabbing. She was arrested on charges of aggravated domestic battery and was taken to the Champaign County Jail.

(Washington-jm) – Rains and cooler weather have combined to boost the condition ratings for the soybean crop. Gary Crawford reports…

(Melvin–jc)  –  The annual fundraiser for Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley is set for Saturday August 26th at the Ford County fairgrounds in Melvin. The event starts at 4pm with a silent auction.  Event Spokesperson Larry Abbe says hundreds of items, something for everyone, will be available…

Knight for Christ Event Spokesperson Larry Abbe.  Along with the silent auction, a live auction, bidding frenzy and heads or tails, also highlight the evening. Tickets are available by calling the school in Buckley, Abbe Insurance or WPXN.

(Chicago-jm) – City of Chicago officials are refusing to turn over records detailing how they spent more than $100 million to care for migrants that have arrived. Migrants have been bused to the city since August of last year, with nearly 12,000 asylum seekers making the journey. According to a Chicago television station, the Chicago Office of Budget and Management had denied requests for spending records. An official for the city said there were no records. 

(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging more minority Illinoisans to sign up to give the gift of life. This is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. It’s a chance to emphasize the importance of registering to become an organ and tissue donor, says Secretary Giannoulias….

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. About 4 thousand people are waiting for an organ in Illinois, and more than 60 percent of them are racial or ethnic minorities. Giannoulias says it’s easy to sign up at: life goes on dot com.

(Springfield-jm) – Community college major credits will soon be able to transfer to all Illinois public colleges and universities. The Illinois Community College Board believes a new law will help equalize the value of hard work students put in. There are already mechanisms in place requiring credits to transfer for general education courses. However, some students transferring to universities are stuck repeating courses for their specific major in order to get their degree. The plan also creates a new panel for education degrees. Sponsors said this will help community college students have an accelerated path to a teaching degree.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’s state flag may be redesigned under a new law. The law creates the Illinois Flag Commission, which will explore whether the current flag should be replaced and potential designs. It was sponsored by Senator Doris Turner of Springfield, who wants the public to get involved…

State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield. The group will select up to 10 new designs by September of next year and submit a report to lawmakers by December 2024. The current state flag is white and features the great seal of Illinois.

(Danville-jm) – Veterans, caregivers and their families are now able to navigate the campus of VA Illiana in Danville a little easier, thanks to two new courtesy shuttles. The service is being run by the Illiana’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement. Volunteers will drive zero-emissions gem carts that will take people anywhere they want or need to go on the VA’s campus. The shuttle service will run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(Paxton–jc Several Paxton Area groups have put together a PBL School Clothing Swap set for Saturday in the city. The Paxton American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and the First Lutheran Church continue to seek donations of school clothes now until the event on Saturday. Event Spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge says donations are needed…

PBL School Clothing Swap Event Spokesperson Rebecca Rutledge. Questions may be forwarded to Rutledge at the Veteran’s Information Center in the State Street Mall in Paxton

(Urbana-jm) – A man was arrested after police said he broke a window at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Urbana Monday. Police were called to the church at 708 S. Main St. for a criminal damage report. A window, valued at $750, was broken. The incident took place in the late-night hours of August 4. Police viewed surveillance video and said they were later able to identify the offender, 25-year-old Trevon Bailey, who lives in Urbana. Bailey was located, and police said he admitted that he accidentally broke the window after becoming frustrated about not getting an answer at the door when he knocked.

(Gibson City-jm) – Illinois is working towards overcoming the teaching shortage in schools by removing the often-criticized edTPA requirement for education programs. This is due to legislation filed by State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City that was recently signed into law. This new law will make it easier for prospective teachers to start their career in the classroom. Students who plan to become teachers are no longer required to pass the heavily criticized edTPA standard. edTPA is routinely pointed to as one of the major roadblocks for new teachers and has been cited as a contributing factor in the ongoing teacher shortage. The requirement is expensive, takes significant time away from in-classroom training, and is often described as being ineffective at gauging the potential of prospective teachers. edTPA has also been blamed for keeping diverse teachers out of classrooms.Senate Bill 1488, filed by Bennett, would waive the edTPA requirement through August 31, 2025.

(Washington-jm) – The nation's corn crop condition improved during this past week. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Flash Index for July rose to 103.2, up from 103 in June. According to the authors, the combination of moderating inflation and an unexpectedly strong second-quarter GDP growth rate of 2.4% has generated a more optimistic view that the economy may avoid what was once thought to be an inevitable recession. The Flash Index is a weighted average of Illinois' growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as estimated from receipts for various taxes.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker has been signing dozens of bills into law. Here’s a look at a few of them. One law requires the state to investigate the electronic theft of “SNAP” benefits, while another expands access to Fentanyl test strips. Representative Rita Mayfield of Waukegan sponsored a bill requiring ambulances to slow down and activate both lights and sirens when proceeding through a red light. She explained to her colleagues earlier this year that it was prompted by the 2022 death of D-J Stallworth, who was hit while on his motorcycle…

State Representative Rita Mayfield of Waukegan. There’s also a law requiring Cook County to set up a vehicle theft hotline as well as one letting someone convicted of a felony serve as an executor of an estate in certain cases.

(Springfield-jm) – More than 47,000 people in Illinois have lost their Medicaid coverage after a pandemic-era extension on their eligibility ended last week. The federal government paused the yearly renewal process because of the public health emergency, keeping people on Medicaid throughout the pandemic. But now, the renewal process is restarting, and people have to show they are still eligible. The Illinois Department of Family and Health Services started to send out renewal notices as the pause came to an end. Of the 47,000 who lost coverage, 13,000 were no longer eligible, but 34,000 either didn’t respond and show proof of their eligibility or didn’t provide additional information to the state.

(Springfield-jm) – Visitors to the Illinois State Fair can expect to see several improvements this year. After years of deferring projects, nearly 65 million dollars has been pumped into renovations over the last five years. That includes the multi-purpose arena, which was under construction in 2022, says State Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello…

State Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. Phase two of work on the historic coliseum is underway, with most of the new seats in, says Costello. An HVAC system is being installed to enable the coliseum to be used year round and two elevators will make the facility more accessible. Other improvements include repaved roads near the cattle and swine barns and new roofs at the Emmerson and Expo buildings. The Illinois State Fair opens Thursday.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is looking for tips from the public that can help solve a wallet theft on the University of Illinois campus. Officials said that on June 23, a suspect walked into the Activities and Recreation Center around noon and stole a wallet. Two hours later, the credit card inside the wallet was used in an attempted purchase at Champaign’s Best Buy. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage as he walked out of the ARC. He was a dark-skinned, Black male approximately 30-40 years old. He was between 5′ 11″ and 6′ 3″ in height and weighed 175 to 200 pounds. The suspect was wearing a black t-shirt, bleach-washed blue jeans, white gym shoes and a Chicago White Sox hat. He was driving a gray or silver Buick sedan with tinted windows and a sunroof.

(Springfield-jm) – Conditions improved in this week’s crop report. Temperatures were about average but it was wetter than normal this past week. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says soybeans were blooming on 93 percent of acres, which is ahead of the five year average…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The condition of the Illinois corn crop also improved to 58 percent in good to excellent condition. The second cutting of alfalfa is nearly complete and 43 percent of the third cutting is done. Average statewide topsoil moisture increased to 9 percent very short, 21 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.

(Gibson City-jm) – Three buildings damaged by fire in Gibson City this summer are coming down. Demolition crews began the process of tearing down the fire damaged buildings. It’s unknown what the future will hold for the property.

(Springfield-jm) – Prices at the pump have jumped 30 cents a gallon over the last month after months of holding relatively flat, which has helped bring inflation down and eased the stress on wallets. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.83, about 31 cents higher than a month ago, according to AAA. Despite the recent uptick in prices, it is still below the highs reached last summer when gas was over $5 a gallon amid a supply shortage due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sputtering production and a failure to meet quotas from some countries in OPEC.

(Springfield-jm) – Have a bunch of old latex paint lying around? There’s now a state law for that problem. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes of Aurora, who says it’s a common household issue…

State Senator Linda Holmes of Aurora. Holmes says the trouble is, latex paint is not considered hazardous waste, so municipalities are stuck with the can or people toss them in the garbage. Under this new law, Illinois is joining 11 other states in the “Paintcare” program, which will offer free latex paint drop off sites starting in 2025.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law a requirement that each school board establish a kindergarten program with full day attendance, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The law establishes the Full Day Kindergarten Task Force, which will conduct a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full day kindergarten programs. Districts that currently do not offer a full-day program can apply for a waiver to extend the implementation date up to two years if they meet certain criteria.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker has been signing dozens of bills into law. Here’s a look at a few of them: Among the new laws are ones making it easier to get Fentanyl testing strips and requiring inmates to receive a state ID card upon release. There’s also one protecting freelance workers to make sure they get paid, said then Senator Christina Pacione-Zayas of Chicago…

Former State Senator Christina Pacione-Zayas of Chicago. Other laws spell out when employers can be held liable for gender-related violence in the workplace and address lewd acts by prisoners to better protect corrections staff.

(Gibson City-jm) – Illinois Senate Bill 2340 is in place to keep kids safer while riding school buses to-and-from.  The bill aims to provide safety by reducing the chance of them being struck by a vehicle while getting on or off a school bus.  Any bus is required to be equipped with an extended stop-arm with flashing red lights that partially obstruct the roadway.  It's required on a route where a child must cross the road.  The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Tom Bennett.  Effective immediately, school buses must meet this new requirement.  The new law also allows schools to operate buses with up to two extended arm-stops to provide additional safety.

(Springfield-jm) – Conditions improved in this week’s crop report. Soybean progress is ahead of the five year average with 93 percent of acres blooming and 73 percent setting pods. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 58 percent of the soybean crop is rated in good to excellent condition, better than the previous week…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 43 percent of the third cutting of alfalfa hay is now complete and average statewide topsoil moisture increased to 9 percent very short, 21 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.

(Kankakee-jm) – Riverside Medical Center is included in the latest “Great Community Hospitals” listing” from Becker’s Hospital review. The 2023 edition lists Riverside on the list of 153 hospitals. Riverside Medical Center is a 312-bed hospital with a full scope of inpatient and outpatient care. It is a nationally recognized, award-winning level II trauma hospital with advanced programs in heart care, cancer care, neurosurgery and orthopedics.

(Springfield-jm) – Future kindergartners in Illinois will be spending more time in the classroom. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law requiring school districts to establish a full-day kindergarten program within the next four years. Under the law, every district must also establish a half-day program that is developmentally appropriate and provides opportunities for play-based learning. Proponents point to research that indicates that children’s early reading skills are enhanced with additional instruction time. Some are questioning the costs for districts and taxpayers.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is launching a new childhood vaccination campaign. “Don’t wait, get your kids up to Date” is the theme and the goal is to make sure children get all the lifesaving shots they need, says State Public Health Director Dr Sameer Vohra…

State Public Health Director Dr Sameer Vohra. Vohra says recent outbreaks of Chickenpox and the Measles underscore the importance of receiving timely vaccinations. He recommends speaking to your child’s doctor about which shots are recommended and notes the CDC has not yet issued guidance for getting a COVID-19 booster this fall.

(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will allow people to take up to two weeks of unpaid leave if a loved one is killed by any type of violence. Advocates told lawmakers this spring that survivors should never fear losing their job while mourning.  The law states that people can take bereavement to make arrangements following the death of a family or household member, attend a funeral or celebration of life, and grieve the loss of their loved one. Workers will be entitled to 10 days of unpaid leave that must be used within 60 days of a death caused by violence.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a series of laws to expand protections for Native Americans in Illinois. One new law allows Native American remains to be buried on state land. Another prohibits restrictions on cultural representation at graduation, says Governor Pritzker. That comes from an Evanston High School student who was not allowed to walk across the stage because he was wearing a sacred eagle feather on his cap…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The third law requires Native American history to be taught in schools, especially focusing on the genocide and resettlement of Native Americans by settlers.

(Springfield-jm) – Lots of farmers and gardeners sell compost to friends and neighbors, though that practice may have been illegal, due to an issue with the way the law was written. State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City passed legislation designed to fix the issue. His legislation, which was recently signed into law, changes statutes so that private landowners no longer need a permit to transport their compost. House Bill 3277, sponsored by Senator Bennett, will ensure that on-farm composting is exempt from having to receive a permit if the constituent is selling the compost as a soil nutrient. The sale of compost has to be no more than 20% or 300 cubic yards of the total compost created annually by the landowner.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law will improve drug overdose education standards in K-12 schools to help students understand substance use and overdose trends. The plan requires education on the history of drugs and health policy in Illinois and the United States, the impact of zero tolerance, and restorative justice practices. Lawmakers filed the bill this spring in memory of Louie Miceli, who died from an overdose in 2012. His mother said young people haven't properly learned the truth about drugs or potential risks they could face. The Illinois State Board of Education would be required to collaborate with the Department of Human Services, Department of Child and Family Services, Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council to improve the health education standards by July 1, 2024. High school students will have the opportunity to learn how to recognize an overdose, use fentanyl test strips, and administer Naloxone. The legislation is also non-punitive, as advocates explained punitive drug policies contribute to the stigma against people with addiction.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker has signed a handful of new state laws that will help soldiers, veterans and their families. Some of the changes are small but address significant issues facing military members says Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince…

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince. Prince says the U-S Department of Defense has cited that law as a model for reform. Under another new law, a veteran’s death certificate may include or be amended to include whether or not a service-related injury contributed to their cause of death. That can help with benefits.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals. Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from bats tend to be more frequent during the summer months, especially July and August. The disease can also be found in other wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. So far this year, 27 rabid bats have been found in 14 Illinois counties.

(Springfield-jm) – July weather brought a little bit of everything to Illinois. It was slightly cooler last month, but that doesn't tell the whole story, says State Climatologist Trent Ford…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Last month ended up being the 22ne wettest July on record in Illinois, with rainfall about an inch above normal. Most of that was in southern Illinois and the Chicago area, where 7 to 8 inches of rain fell and thousands of basements flooded. Much of northern and central Illinois continued to see poor air quality days thanks to Canadian wildfire smoke and cleanup from June’s derecho event continued into July.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci aimed at creating a hunger-free campus grant program was signed into law. Faraci’s legislation aims to address student hunger by providing funding for grants to higher education institutions that have one or more campuses designated as hunger-free campuses. The grants will be used to leverage sustainable solutions, raise awareness of existing services on campus and build strategic partnerships to address food insecurity among students. The legislation also requires each institution to establish a hunger task force to determine strategies for achieving a hunger-free campus in order to be eligible for the grant. Representative Carol Ammons sponsored this measure in the House.

(Springfield-jm) – Residents and consumer advocates have urged state regulators to reject a proposed $402 million rate hike sought by Peoples Gas. A meeting this week was organized by the Illinois Commerce Commission, which has until the end of the year to rule on the request. The company filed the increase request in January. Company officials said it is the first request for a hike in nine years. Peoples Gas made $208 million in profits in 2022, breaking its earnings record for the sixth year in a row.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair kicks off next week. Here’s a preview. The fair opens next Thursday, which will also be county fair and horse racing day. Harness racing on what’s considered one of the fastest dirt tracks in the world is scheduled for five days of the fair. There’s also character brunches and free entertainment. State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark says the arena will be back open this year…

State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Rides will be running in the carnival midway and adventure village with special passes and bargain bracelets available. You can find all the details and purchase tickets online at: state fair dot illinois dot gov. The Illinois State Fair runs August 10th through the 20th in Springfield.

(Springfield-jm) – Those who partake in legal marijuana in Illinois are paying a considerable amount more than the rest of the country. Illinois’ taxes are part of the story, with a 6.25% sales tax and an excise tax of up to 25% depending on the amount of THC. Research by the company Headset shows that the average cost of marijuana is 89% higher than the rest of the country. There are fewer choices in Illinois as well. Headset found that Illinois dispensaries have 118 brands, while Michigan has about 800.

(Springfield-jm) – Signage for the new Emmett Till National Monument in Chicago was unveiled. The site of 14 year old Emmett Till’s funeral, the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, was designated a historic site by President Biden. It honors the short life of Till, who was lynched in Mississippi after being accused of  whistling at a white woman. It also recognizes Mamie Till-Mobley, who in 1955 insisted the casket remain open during the service, so that the world could see the brutality inflicted on her son, says Governor J-B Pritzker…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says Mamie’s activism helped spur the March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Emmitt Till Anti-Lynching Act which passed just last year.

(Effingham-jm) – The five-year-old girl injured in an accident at the Effingham County Fair has died. Harper Finn of Altamont passed away Wednesday night at St. Louis Children's Hospital. While attending a horse harness race, Finn was struck by the folding arm of the pace car, which failed to close due to a malfunction and extended into the grandstand. The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association set up a GoFundMe page for the Finn family, with over $70,000 raised as of Thursday.

(Fisher–jc)  –  The annual Lucky foot Festival takes place in Fisher tomorrow. The event starts with a car show at 9am with a fun run at 10. Inflatables and games for kids also begin at 10am. A Bags tournament also hilites the event. Then it’s  music with Seasonal Disorder from 6pm to 10pm

(Springfield-jm) – A recent report from the auditor general shows the extent of fraud from the state’s handling of unemployment claims during the pandemic. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law establishes the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers. The bill creates mechanisms for acquiring and distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, and dairy to organizations providing free food for those in need. Food acquired through the program must be from Illinois producers and must meet market-grade quality. However, much of the food going to the program is excess food that would have been wasted without food banks as an outlet.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has a new law that will require schools to better address student trauma. The law is based on recommendations from the whole child task force, which was created by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to create a more supportive environment for students. It was spearheaded by Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood…

State Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood. The law requires the State Board of Education to develop an index to measure a child’s exposure to various forms of trauma. There will also be training workshops for teachers on the issue.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that the roadside mowing period is underway, requiring drivers to slow down, avoid all distractions and proceed with caution when encountering equipment and personnel. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks, started July 1 and includes areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices and other structures. The heaviest mowing operations will continue until August 15.

(Chicago-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker was on hand this week to highlight a major expansion project at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. More details about the 500 million dollar multi-year project at Shedd in celebration of the aquarium’s 100th anniversary in 2030 are being announced. Plans include a new learning center and the “living lakes” gallery which will showcase freshwater fish and learn about the ecosystem of the Great Lakes…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the project at Shedd is also creating jobs in the Chicago area. Other upgrades include the immersive “changing oceans” exhibit which has a 40 foot Caribbean tunnel visitors can walk through. They will also learn about the effects on climate change on aquatic life.

(Champaign-jm) – An iconic Champaign building could see new life. The owners of the over 100 year old Round Barn are seeking new tenants for the space. Famous Dave’s left the Round Barn a decade ago. They hope another restaurant will fill the space.

(Springfield-jm) – Changes are coming to DMV’s in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the changes that are taking place starting September 1st….

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Glo Bingo will take place tonight at the Pueblo Lindo Event Center.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Class of 2024 on Saturday from 10-2.

Cultivators Kids Club in Rantoul will hold their 15th annual back to school hope fest on Saturday from 3-5 pm at their location at 555 S. Maplewood Drive. Activities include bounce house, kids games, food and free school supply giveaway.

The Bement Country Opry will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.

Paxton’s fireworks will take place on Saturday at dusk at Bixby Park. The rain date is Sunday.

Gospel group Collage of Faith will perform at the Melvin United Methodist Church on Sunday at 3pm.

(Springfield-jm) – With challenges of Illinois’ gun and magazine ban pending in state and federal courts, more litigation is possible, especially with the requirement certain gun parts will need to be registered. A memo circulating online confirmed by Illinois State Police said additional requirements of Illinois’ Protect Illinois Communities Act, the state’s ban on certain semi-automatic firearms and magazines, require people with not just the banned firearms, but “assault weapons attachments,” to “have provided an endorsement affidavit signed under oath to the ISP no later than January 1, 2024.” Noncompliance could lead to criminal penalties. State police are set to open the portal for registration beginning October 1. Adding to the concern could be that in August 2021, hackers attempted to breach the ISP Firearm Owners ID database, possibly exposing more than 2,000 individuals’ private information.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law requires all school districts to offer full-day kindergarten by the 2027-2028 school year. The legislation was championed by Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood, who said back in May that it gives districts plenty of time to comply…

State Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood. Supporters say this gets kids off to a good start and helps working parents who may have had a hard time getting daycare if their child only goes to Kindergarten for half a day. The new law also creates a task force to study the current state of full day kindergarten in Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – Questions persist on how Illinois taxpayers will be able to afford the subsidies for undocumented immigrant health care. As part of the state's fiscal year 2024 budget that began July 1, Pritzker modified the state's health care program to provide coverage for migrants only over 65 for a total budgeted amount of $550 million. Questions remain on how the state will afford it. 

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law takes aim at users of “deepfake” technology. Deepfakes are essentially digital forgeries and are often used to artificially create sexual videos of women without their consent. The bill sponsor, Senator Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville spoke about the legislation back in May…

State Senator Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville. The law lets deepfake victims sue for civil damages. It takes effect in January.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in Central Illinois to warn of scammers impersonating them to members of the community. Officials shared on social media that several people in Champaign reported to them that they received a call from a purported Champaign Police Sergeant. The caller claimed the would-be victim had a warrant out for their arrest and requested an immediate payment to avoid arrest. Caller ID records indicate that the call did not use a phone number tied to the Champaign Police Department. People who receive such calls from any organization, law enforcement or otherwise, are encouraged to hang up immediately and contact the organization at their published phone number.

(Undated–jc)  The Ford, Iroquois, Vermilion and Champaign County fairs are complete for this year. The selected county queens still have a lot to participate for the next year. Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Katie Landers of Fisher says it’s time for parades, a trip to the state fair next week and the state pageant too, coming in January in Springfield…

Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Katie Landers of Fisher

(Coles County–jc)  Traffic is back to normal along Interstate 57 in Coles and Douglas counties after an accident on Wednesday afternoon and then two additional accidents near the scene. State police and emergency personnel were re-directing traffic around the scene through the early morning hours today. Late last night investigators were looking for the cause of the crashes. 

(Melvin–jc)  Now is the time to get your tickets to the annual Knight for Christ Fundraiser to benefit Christian education at Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School. The event is set to start at 4pm on Saturday August 26th at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. Knight for Christ event spokesperson Larry Abbe says the delicious food stations will be ready…

20-23 Knight for Christ Fundraiser event spokesperson Larry Abbe. 

A silent auction, live auction, bidding frenzy, to heads and tails are all part of raising money at the event for Christ Lutheran High school in Buckley. 

(Danville-jm) – Golden Nugget Casino’s Grand Opening Celebration in Danville promises an unforgettable day of fun and excitement!  This Friday at 11:00 AM will be the highly anticipated official grand opening of the Golden Nugget Casino in Danville, located at 204 Eastgate Drive, Danville. The Danville Golden Nugget casino gaming floor features almost 500 slot machines. The slot mix has plenty of traditional slots and the latest video technology. They have all the favorite table games with 14 Las Vegas style table games including Baccarat, Blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Craps, Mississippi Stud, Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em.

(Chicago-jm) – As Governor J.B. Pritzker weighs whether to use the National Guard in Chicago to help officers deal with crime, some city officials are speaking out against the possibility. According to Chicago Police statistics, overall crime in the city is up 36% compared to last year. During a recent discussion on how to prevent violent crime in the city, Pritzker answered questions regarding using the National Guard. Pritzker praised state police officers but said due to numbers, they could use extra help. Pritzker said he doesn't plan to use the National Guard to combat crime. The topic has led to different opinions by state and city officials.

(Springfield-jm) – Get your bids ready, Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ office is holding a live unclaimed property auction at the Illinois State Fair. All sorts of items are up for grabs include a 14-karat gold women’s ring, rare coins, basketball cards, political memorabilia and more. Treasurer Frerichs says they come from old safe deposit boxes that people have forgotten about and the proceeds are saved…

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. The live auction will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 11 am on the Lincoln Stage at the fairgrounds in Springfield. Visitors can preview the items in person starting at 9 am that day.

(Springfield-jm) – Unless there are changes, a bill giving Ameren Illinois the right of first refusal to build high-voltage power lines will most likely be vetoed by Governor J.B. Pritzker.  The 18-month right of first refusal would allow Ameren to choose whether they want to build the new power lines, thus eliminating the competitive bidding process for such projects. The utility has testified in other states considering similar legislation, including Missouri, that the competitive bid process leads to delays and cost overruns. Opponents of the proposal said it would reduce competition, leading to higher costs for construction projects and ultimately higher costs to energy consumers.  

(Decatur-jm) – A new electric vehicle innovation hub is coming to Decatur. Governor J-B Pritzker and T-C-C-I Manufacturing broke ground on the new facility which will support one of the first made-in-America electric compressor manufacturing facilities…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The hub will also house the E-V Plus Energy Workforce Training Academy to get skilled workers into good paying electric vehicle and clean energy jobs with an associate’s degree.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in tracking down a man wanted on a drug charge.  Christoper Pope, 35 of Urbana, was charged with possessing over five grams of methamphetamine in November of 2022. He pleaded not guilty and posted bail, but later failed to appear in court the following March. Pope was later caught and was deemed eligible to be assessed for drug court. He later charged his plea to guilty and was sentenced to 180 days in the Champaign County Jail, with 40 days of credit given for time already served.  Pope was also ordered to report to a drug court after his release. He appeared at the first few hearings of drug court, but then missed a court date. Pope is described as being White, 5′ 10″ in height and weighing 125 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.

(Gibson City–jc)  The 3rd annual Summer Bash Concert is set for downtown Gibson City later this month. Officials with Gibson Area Hospital say the band 38 Special will perform live in Gibson City on Saturday August 19th. G-A-H spokesperson Bill Kirby says the free concert started as the area was moving out of the Covid pandemic three years ago…

Gibson Area Hospital Event Spokesperson Bill Kirby. More about the Summer Bash in Gibson City is found on line or contacting the hospital.

(Henning-jm) –  A former Vermilion County pastor is facing sexual abuse charges. Gary Arivett was arrested and is facing three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a family member under the age of 18. Arivett has been a pastor at Shiloh Apostolic Church in Henning for nearly 30 years. Bond was set at $100,000.

(Springfield-jm) – The 2023-2024 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations is now available online, and printed copies will be available in Conservation World during the 2023 Illinois State Fair Aug. 10-20. To access the electronic version, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunttrapdigest.html.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is clarifying a new state law that lets some non-citizens become a police officer in Illinois. Governor Pritzker says despite what you may have heard, the law he signed last week does not let illegal immigrants become cops…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says only non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the U-S under federal law would be eligible and points out that this is the same category of people that can already serve in the U-S military. Critics say the law is a “breach of democracy.”

(Paxton-jm) – Local first responders will be honored as part of afternoon and evening activities that will occur at Bixby Park prior to Paxton’s postponed Fourth of July fireworks show taking place there at dusk on Saturday. According to our partners at The Ford County Chronicle, in addition, there will be food trucks, an inflatable obstacle course, a bounce house and a few children’s games set up at the park on the city’s southeast edge. In addition to being publicly thanked by the mayor, the first responders will be honored on the city’s Facebook page. First responders’ names can be shared via a post on the city’s Facebook page, emailed to Ward 4 Alderman Kristen Larson at klarson@cityofpaxton.com or submitted in person at City Hall, 145 S. Market St., by noon Friday.

(Paxton-jm) – Ford County Public Health Department is announcing a Back to School Immunization Clinic for children ages 18 and younger on Monday, August 7th at the Health Department, 235 N Taft St, in Paxton. Times are from 9-11AM or 2- 4PM. Appointments are available and walk ins will also be accepted. To schedule an appointment, please call the health department at (217) 379-9281.

(Paxton–jc) The recent hot weather has canceled a scrimmage for local youth Football and Cheerleading, but some fund raising will still go on.  With practice time at a premium, the scrimmage at the Rantoul Sports Complex between Paxton and Gibson City set for tonight is canceled. The Paxton teams though will have a practice at the Rantoul Sports complex.  The Paxton football players and cheerleaders are gathering non perishable food for the Gibson Area Hospital food bank says Paxton Youth Football and Cheerleading President Matt Quinlan…

Paxton Youth Football and Cheerleading President Matt Quinlan. See any player or cheerleader to donate. Games for the local youth football begin later this month. 

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in finding the people who shot at a mobile home on the outskirts of Urbana. Officials said the shooting happened July 17 in the Loral Mobile Home Park. Deputies from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene around 9:45 p.m. and learned that two men fired toward the backside of a home on Beeson Drive before fleeing. Deputies found shell casings at the scene and damage to the home. Video evidence showed that the suspects parked a dark-colored SUV on Fern Street during the crime and left in the same car. One was wearing a hoodie and light-colored pants, possibly gray or white; the other was wearing all black clothing. Authorities could not determine their race.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA June prices report shows producers getting lower prices than June of last year for almost every product. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday announced the reopening of a homeownership program designed to help working-class families and underrepresented communities of color throughout the state of Illinois. Offered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Opening Doors or Abriendo Puertas program is designed to aid households who have historically faced steeper barriers in their path toward homeownership with $6,000 in forgivable assistance for down payment and/or closing costs. This latest round of assistance is funded through $20 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act and appropriated from the Illinois General Assembly.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is launching an online crash reporting system. If you get into a single vehicle crash on the interstate, Illinois Route or U-S Route and there are no injuries, you can fill out all the details online says Master Sergeant Joey Watson…

Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Joey Watson. Watson says this will also be safer for troopers, who are sometimes struck by passing motorists, and frees police up to respond to emergency situations. You can fill out the report at: isp dot illinois dot gov, and then click on “crash reports.”

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign will have contractors performing annual outdoor warning siren maintenance to each of the sixteen sirens in the City’s alerting system on August 2 and 3, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Part of this maintenance requires that the contractor activate the warning sirens for short periods of time, not to exceed thirty seconds, to ensure proper performance during emergencies. Should an actual emergency exist, the warning sirens will activate as normal, for a period exceeding two minutes.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana City Council has voted to approve funds that will allow homeless services provider C-U at Home to purchase a property on Springfield Ave. in Urbana to serve as the new home for its men’s shelter program. Since last December, C-U at Home has been searching for a property to house its men’s shelter program, which remains at the 70 E. Washington St. location until the new home is operational. Their women’s program moved quickly to a four-bedroom home in west Champaign, but the men’s program has remained temporarily at the old location.

(Melvin–jc)  The 20-23 Knight for Christ Fundraiser to benefit Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley is set for Saturday August26th on the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin.  Event Spokesperson Larry Abbe says officials at the Christian School hope this year they will raise enough money to pay for health insurance for teachers and staff and also pay off the school mortgage…

Knight for Christ Fundraiser Spokesperson Larry Abbe. Those wanting tickets may call the high school in Buckley, stop by Abbe Insurance of Buckley or the WPXN studios. 

(Ford County-jm) – A new program in Ford County is helping those with addictions avoid a prison sentence while staying sober. Sentencing Alternatives for Rehabilitation, Addiction Recovery & Healing began a year and a half ago. Two people have already successfully completed the program. There is an extensive process before being selected for the program and the process begins before the defendant is sentenced.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has just come out with its first forecast for 2024 retail food prices. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Several pieces of legislation passed during the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly dealt with opioid overdoses, and now two more will become law.  Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a measure that amends the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act and allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl testing strips over the counter beginning January 1. Another law requires schools to carry opioid antagonists on campus beginning next year. 

(Springfield-jm) – State Treasurer Mike Frerichs is launching the new “Illinois First Steps” college savings program. The goal is to entice families to start saving for future expenses right away, says Treasurer Frerichs…

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. Families receiving the 50 dollar seed money will then need to open a 529 college Bright Start or Bright Directions savings account. Claims must be submitted before the child’s 10th birthday. You can learn more online at bright start dot com.

(Paxton-jm) – The onetime owner of the now-shuttered Doug’s Compounding Pharmacy in downtown Paxton was ordered by a Ford County judge Monday to reveal the locations of all items she removed from the building in the last six months so that the county’s sheriff can obtain the items from her or anyone else who still has them. According to our partners at The Ford County Chronicle, the immediate forfeiture of those items was among several stipulations ordered by Judge Matt Fitton in a preliminary injunction he entered against Dr. Jenna Vogel following a brief hearing in Ford County Circuit Court. A motion for the injunction was filed Wednesday, July 26, by attorneys for the Arkansas-based First Financial Bank, which earlier secured judgment in its favor in a foreclosure case the bank filed last August against Vogel, who allegedly defaulted on a $1.75 million mortgage she secured to acquire the pharmacy in 2019. 

(Savoy-jm) – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski , and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Monday joined local officials to announce that the Village of Savoy will receive more than $22.6 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program for the Curtis Road Grade Separation and Complete Streets Project. The Curtis Road Grade Separation and Complete Streets Project will create a new railroad grade separation and improve two miles of railroad from Windsor Road to Old Church Road by relocating the railroad track.  The work will include constructing a roadway underpass by raising the railroad tracks by 15 feet and lowering Curtis Road by five feet.  Additionally, the project will reconstruct one mile of Curtis Road to add two additional lanes, on-street bicycle lanes, and new traffic signals with pedestrian countdown signals, drainage improvements, and enhanced transit stops.

(Springfield-jm) – There was a slight improvement in Illinois corn and soybeans this past week. It was a hot week, with 89 percent of soybean acres blooming and 9 percent setting pods. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener takes a look at corn…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 49 percent of corn and 46 percent of soybeans are considered to be in good to excellent condition. The 2nd cutting of alfalfa hay is now 91 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture is now rated as 17 percent very short, 30 percent short, 51 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

(Paxton–jc)  A Picket Fence Florist has a new owner. Dawn Glad of Paxton has purchased the store from the Hancock Family. Former owner Teri Hancock passed away earlier this summer. Glad has been  a manager at the store for several years.  Glad will continue to offer flowers, gifts and more at the downtown Paxton location. 

(Undated-jm) – Another local politician is leaving the political arena. 104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian has announced he will not seek re-election. This comes after 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City announced his retirement last week. State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur also announced earlier this year he too would not seek re-election.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker signed five bills Monday expanding protections for veterans, active-duty soldiers and military dependents. One measure creates the “Veteran Service Organization State Charter Act.” This act lays out specific requirements organizations must meet in order to be considered state-chartered veterans service organizations. Another bill eases the process of obtaining a civil no contact order of protection for victims and survivors of military sexual assault.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing a series of new initiatives to increase access to reproductive healthcare in Illinois. First up is the Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access or “CARLA” program, to help patients with complex medical needs navigate local hospital systems…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says CARLA will also help arrange transportation and childcare for treatment. Additionally, there will be a family planning program for low-income Illinoisians who earn just a little too much to qualify for Medicaid and a grant program for overwhelmed reproductive care facilities to make repairs or expand.

(Champaign-jm) – Registration for the fall semester at Parkland College continues with weeks to go until the first day of class, Monday, August 21. The college's academic advising and admissions offices are offering Walk-in Wednesdays and Enrollment Express services through Wednesday, August 2. Enrollment Express will also take place the week of August 14, with special hours Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The last day to register for fall classes is August 20 as the full-semester and first eight-week classes will begin Monday, August 21. The last day to register for 13-week (late-start) classes is September 10.

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City Police have released their recent activity report. On July 19th, Morgan Liska of Gibson City was arrested for aggravated assault and domestic battery. On July 27th, Shane Ziegenhorn of Chatsworth was arrested for disorderly conduct, resisting a peace officer and public indecency. 

(Champaign-jm) – August is National Breastfeeding Month. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is announcing the second annual breastfeeding supplies drive. The drive will take place throughout August. Supplies donated will be given to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. The program provides support to expectant and postpartum parents to help them learn about breastfeeding and overcome obstacles they may face. According to the 2022 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 84.9% of babies born in Illinois in 2019 were breastfed at least once. At six months, only 58.7% continued to breastfeed, with less than half of those babies being exclusively breastfed.

(Paxton–jc)  –  It’s official, the 20-23 Paxton Christmas parade is set for Saturday November 25th at 1-30pm in downtown Paxton. This year’s theme is Christmas Trees and Memories. The parade will honor Founding Pride Member Teri Hancock who passed away this summer. Hancock was also longtime chair of the Paxton Christmas Parade Committee. Entry forms are being sent to those who have participated in past years.