(Illinois–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police say there will be zero tolerance for those driving impaired during the 4th of July weekend. Provisional I-DOT data indicates there were 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 deaths during the 2025 Independence Day holiday, The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is funded with federal highway safety tax dollars administered by I-DOT and runs through the early morning hours of Monday.

 

(Undated-jm) – New statistics show that farm bankruptcies are on the rise for the third straight year in Illinois. Industry leaders say it's a concerning trend for one of the biggest economic drivers in the state. According to the USDA, family farm bankruptcies were up 55 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. They project total farm debt will rise 5.2 percent to a record $624.7 billion in 2026.

 

(Springfield-jm) — Lanes are reopening where possible across Illinois for Independence Day holiday travel. IDOT says non-emergency closures will be suspended through 11:59 pm Sunday night. The following road closures and lane reductions will remain in place: Southbound I-57 over Louis Creek near Buckley and I-57 between mile marker 263 and 271, the eastbound I-74 to southbound I-57, the southbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57 interchanges in Champaign and I-72 at I-57 in Champaign.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  With the second half of 20-26 underway and the 4th of July celebrations underway, the economic development outlook for the village of Rantoul looks “bright.” With the expansion of Maverick Piping, a garbage facility location center, and a 30 Million dollar expansion at Combe Labs, the village continues to grow and add jobs for the village and area. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third looks at what is next for new businesses in Rantoul…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Champaign-jm) – Two people were hurt following a crash on I-74 in Champaign Thursday afternoon. Illinois State Police responded to I–74 eastbound, west of Prospect Avenue just after 2:40 for a two vehicle crash. It’s unknown the extent of the injuries.

 

(Paxton-jm) – Backyard chickens are back on the City of Paxton agenda. The city’s License, Permit, Zoning and Insurance Committee will meet at 6:30 Tuesday in the city council chambers to discuss a proposed draft on an ordinance for backyard chickens.

 

CHAMPAIGN – Due to pavement buckling in the 2300 block of Curtis Road in Champaign, the westbound lanes of Curtis Road between Learning Lane and Wynstone Drive have been temporarily closed.  Public Works crews are setting up traffic control devices to allow westbound traffic to safely use the shoulder.  Pavement repairs are expected to begin Monday morning. 

 

(Watseka–dm)-The First installment  for Iroquois County property taxes is Friday July 10th.  Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers tells us how and where you can make your payment.

   

Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers.  The treasurer’s office is closed Friday July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July Holiday

 

(Undated-jm) – Local blood donation sites say they are looking for more donations. Donations tend to drop off around holidays like the 4th of July. According to ImpactLife, they typically need 35 hundred blood donations a week to cover their area.

 

(Mattoon–dm)-Authorities have identified a man’s remains that were found in Lake Mattoon last Sunday evening. Illinois State Police identified Dalewayne Turner, 38, of Plainfield, Illinois as the victim but said there is no threat to the public.

Authorities say two people have now been arrested in connection with the death

 

(Paxton–jc)  – The annual Paxton Old Fashioned Fourth of July event is set for all day Saturday at Pells Park and Bixby Park in the city. One event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a live reading by a local businessman, councilman and historian. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says Paxton’s Dean Geiken will read the document at noon at Pells Park on Saturday…

 

 

Paxton MainStreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

 

(The Center Square) – According to preliminary quality controlled data from the National Weather Service, Illinois has had more than twice as many tornadoes as any other U.S. state in 2026. As of July 1, 178 tornadoes have been recorded in Illinois this year. Mississippi is second with 81, followed by Indiana with 76, Missouri with 72 and Iowa with 71.

 

(Undated–jc)  The 4th of July brings community events, family get-togethers and grilling. WPXN News asked Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett what’s on the grill…

Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett

 

Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl was asked the same question…

Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill that provides protections for professional journalists on certain college campuses was signed into law last week. House Bill 4420 modifies the College Campus Press Act to include speech protections for public media. Supporters of the bill say many public media employees in Illinois broadcast from college campuses and are often considered school employees. The law will ensure partnerships with public institutions don’t limit journalists.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new law is keeping up with new technology. House Bill 3851 expands cyberbullying protections to include artificial intelligence and deepfake imagery. The law allows school districts to get involved in the cases.

 

(Ford County–jc)  Several area communities in Ford County will be celebrating the nation’s birthday over the weekend. One area Republican party spokesperson says that is a good way to show support for the country and constitution. Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett says that includes events in Sibley and Paxton…

 

 

Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett

 

(Paxton-jm) – The man accused of fleeing from Illinois State Police leading to a massive manhunt last month is facing drug and other charges. 50 year old Rashawn Carter of Chicago is charged with possession and delivery charges of fentanyl, Other charges include aggravated battery to a police officer,  and a revoked driver’s license. The investigation continues this morning Carter is due back in court later this month. .

 

(Melvin-jm) – A Melvin man will spend the next 18 years in prison after taking a plea for child porn charges. 47 year old Michael McPherson took a negotiated plea to child porn depiction and child porn reproduction involving a victim under the age of 13. He was sentenced 9 years for each charge in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Three other child porn charges were dismissed.

 

(USDA–dm)-Retired Smithsonian Institution curator Peter Liebhold explains some of the innovations in the early 20th century that propelled American agricultural productivity.

 

 

Retired Smithsonian Institution Curator Peter Liebhold

 

(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson City Melvin Sibley music department has received a generous donation. The department received a $15,000 donation from the First Presbyterian Church, which recently announced they are closing. The music department will use the money to purchase a new concert piano for the high school.

 

(Paxton–dm)-Paxton Hardware and Rental is undergoing some major updates to their store.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen gives us an update on the progress being made.

 

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success

 

(The Center Square) – An Illinois state lawmaker has been asked to resign by Democrat leadership after allegations of his sexual harassment have been investigated. Late Wednesday, a spokesperson for House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch released a statement that the investigation, conducted by the Legislative Inspector General, had concluded into Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield. The statement from Welch’s office also said that Benton was being asked to resign, or he’ll be removed.

 

(Chicago–dm)-ComEd asked its customers to reduce energy use on Wednesday due to what the utility called “an isolated incident” impacting parts of Chicago and the city’s western suburbs. ComEd did not report any outages but said in a social media post that the grid was “under critical strain.” The 2025 Resource Adequacy Study released last December by three state agencies said grid operators PJM and MISO are expected to face capacity shortfalls unless new capacity and resources are developed.

 

(Undated–jc)  The 4th of July brings community events, family get-togethers and grilling.  WPXN News asked Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper…”Whats on the grill?…

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

 

Ford County EMA Volunteer Kim McGuire of Paxton was asked the same question…

 

Ford County EMA Volunteer Kim McGuire

WPXN News notes…

 

Hoopeston will hold their Red, White and Boom on Friday, July 3rd with a color run at 8 am, car show at 10, chili cookoff at noon, touch a truck from 2-4, golf cart and pet parade at 4, red white and boom party featuring inflatables, cornhole tournament and watermelon eating from 4:30-7:30, 90 proof performing at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk at the soccer fields.

 

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, July 3rd from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.

 

Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.

 

The 85th annual Fisher Community Fair will take place Sunday, July 5th through Saturday, July 12th. On Sunday its the Fair Queen Pageant at 6, on Monday the parade at 7:30 on Tuesday its Multirotar racing at 8:30, on Wednesday its kids day with kids games during the day, armband special from 6-10 pm and the rodeo at 7, on Thursday its music bingo from 6-9 and ITPA truck and tractor pulls at 7, on Friday its the Fisher Amvets fish fry at 5, UTV and side by side racing at 6 and live music with The Arena Rock Show at 8, on Saturday its the 5k at 730 am, mutt show at 10 am, power wheels demo derby at 5pm and the demo derby at 6pm.

 

Congresswoman Robin Kelly and State Senator Paul Faraci will hold mobile office hours in Rantoul at the Rantoul Business Center on Wednesday, July 8th from 1-4pm.

 

(Springfield-jm) – New laws in Illinois, ranging from how seniors renew their drivers license to changing the definition of cyberbullying took effect yesterday. The motor fuel tax rate will be remain unchanged for six months, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services will be required to prepare youth ages 15 and older for their transition out of care and into independence, the state’s temporary cocktails to go is now permanent, the age for mandatory in person renewals for drivers licenses is raised from 75 to 79 and healthcare workers who provide maternal healthcare services are now required to participate in a training course in implicit bias awareness.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A mulch fire destroyed a school playground in Champaign Wednesday afternoon. It happened at Kenwood Elementary School. No injuries were reported. It’s unknown the cost of how much damage was done but officials say the playground was heavily damaged.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The U S Air Force has set its annual meeting on “forever chemicals of P-Fas remediation numbers on the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul for next Wednesday. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says that Air Force officials continue to take water and soil samples and report the findings…

   

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Undated-jm) - With the extremely high temperatures and humidity impacting the entire state, the Illinois Department of Transportation is cautioning the public to be on the lookout for pavement failures on roads and to stay alert for crews making emergency repairs. Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling 1-800-452-4368 or by reaching out to your local law enforcement.

 

(Ford County–jc)  Area county Emergency Management Agencies, local police and county officials are offering cooling centers to help with the heat. Ford County Emergency Management Agency Outreach Coordinator Kim McGuire says there are a variety of cooling centers open at various hours…

   

Ford County Emergency Management Agency Outreach Coordinator Kim McGuire

 

(Watseka–jc)  –If you or someone you know would be interested in a career as a dispatcher, there is an opportunity in one area county. Iroquois County officials are seeking applicants for the local dispatch office. Those wanting to apply may call the office in Watseka or go on line for more information.

 

(Melvin–jc)  The 100th Ford County Fair is complete for the year. The vision for the local fair is to continue and grow for the future. The local fair will continue to host a national music act, along with cattle, pig to rabbit shows, a carnival and more, says Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor and Ford County Fair FFA Manager Kirsten Wyatt…

   

Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor and Ford County Fair F F A Manager Kirsten Wyatt

 

(Chicago–jc)  –The Citizens Utility Board says it uncovered more than $1 billion of questionable spending in Commonwealth Edison’s proposed four-year plan for improving its power grid. CUB says the 15-point-three Billion, four-year plan ComEd filed in January represents a 21% spending increase over its current plan.

CUB said it found more than $300 million of wasteful or questionable spending in Ameren’s four-year proposal.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  The Gibson City Restoration Committee  Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at 3,365. Roger Cramer had his ticket pulled from the tumbler. He chose to see what was behind card #16. It revealed the six of spades. He won $25 for having his ticket pulled from the tumbler. 

Next week the group will be raffling off a new summertime basket.  Also, they will be selling pork burgers and hotdogs at this year's Sibling 4th of July.  Find them under the pavilion.

 

(Washington–jc)  – 4th of July cookouts continue to be a big part of the annual 4th of July celebrations. U S D A Food Safety and Inspection Service Spokesperson Meridith Carothers  explains the importance of cold sources to keep perishable foods safe during that  outdoor cookout on a hot summer day…

   

U S D A Food Safety and Inspection Service Spokesperson Meridith Carothers

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Commerce Commission is offering energy efficiency tips to help beat the heat this summer. With temperatures on the rise, the commission has put together a list of recommendations to help keep cool while saving on energy bills. Among the recommendations: contacting your utility about programs to reduce energy usage during peak hours, installing a programmable thermostat to control the temperature overnight, schedule regular AC maintenance visits and replacing filters regularly, closing curtains and other window treatments to block the sun, using ceiling or box fans to keep cool and caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows to seal leaks.

 

(Paxton–jc) Economic development in the city of Paxton continues in 20=-26 as we start the second half of the year. Around 2 million dollars in grants and money will help with three separate projects in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold also says a new gas station, restaurant project and a housing development on the west side of the city is also moving quickly…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Undated-jm) — Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday $27 million in investment to build safer, stronger libraries across the state. Local libraries receiving funding including the Cissna Park Community Library, Moyer District Library in Gibson City, the Gilman-Danforth Library, the Hoopeston Public Library, the Loda Township Library, the Mahomet Public Library, the Melvin Public Library, the Milford Library, Paxton’s Carnegie Library, the Rantoul Public Library and the St. Joseph Swearingen Library. Armstrong Township High School, Cissna Park school district, Crescent Iroquois school district, Fisher school district, GCMS, Iroquois West, Hoopeston Area, PBL, Rantoul City Schools and Rantoul Township High School and the St. Joseph Ogden High School and St. Joseph school districts also received funding for school libraries.

 

(Rantoul–jc0  The Rantoul Sports Complex has seen some huge numbers of visitors during the Spring portion of the calendar of events. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Branden Denton says the projections for the number of visitors for the year is expected to beat the 1 point 2 million who came in 20-25…

 

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Branden Denton

 

CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Police were dispatched to an area hospital just after 11 last night, following a report of a shooting with injuries that is believed to have occurred in the 1500 block of Hedge Road. Officers were advised that a 17-year-old male victim arrived at the hospital’s emergency room with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hip. He continues to receive medical assistance at the hospital and is in stable condition.  The victim was struck by gunfire in the 15 hundred block of Hedge Road. No arrests have been made and thes investigation remains ongoing.  Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545.

 

(Fisher–jc)  The 150th celebration for the village of Fisher is coming soon. The Sesquicentennial will take place Friday through Monday in the downtown area of town. Opening ceremonies are set for Friday afternoon and evening. On Saturday, a breakfast, fun run, photo booth, mini golf start the day. Fisher 150th Celebration spokesperson Kim Clemmons talks about more activities, food and music set for Saturday…

 

Fisher 150th Celebration Spokesperson Kim Clemmons

 

(The Center Square) – In a 6-3 decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld multiple state bans on transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. The ruling could have an impact on Illinois, and potentially the midterm elections. The court upheld bans in two states, Idaho and West Virginia, which prohibited individuals who identified as transgender women and girls, but were born as biological males, from competing in college and youth sports. Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker said on social media that he was against the ruling, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul reflected Yohnka’s statement, and argued that students in the state have the right to participate in school activities, including sports. The Illinois High School Association, which has oversight of high school athletics in the state, currently determines the participation of transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis, per its policy.

 

(Nashville–jc)  A public high school baseball coach has been charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse and four misdemeanor counts related to obstructing justice. Chad Malawy, 54, of Nashville, Illinois has been placed on administrative leave from Nashville Community High School.

The charges stem from an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with forensic help from Illinois State Police.

 

(Paxton–jc)   It’s hot and humid. Some area communities and counties have set up cooling centers. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

 

WPXN News notes…

Hoopeston will hold their Red, White and Boom on Friday, July 3rd with a color run at 8 am, car show at 10, chili cookoff at noon, touch a truck from 2-4, golf cart and pet parade at 4, red white and boom party featuring inflatables, cornhole tournament and watermelon eating from 4:30-7:30, 90 proof performing at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk at the soccer fields.

 

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, July 3rd from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.

 

Paxton will hold their Old Fashioned 4th of July on Saturday, July 4th at Pells Park starting with the 5k at 8, community worship service at 9:45, car show 10-2, antique tractor show at 11, bounce houses from 11-2:30, old fashioned kids games at 11:30, bingo from 11:30-1:30, reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, Penny Scavenger Hunt from 1-2. Then a lighted golf cart parade at 8:30 from Pells Park to Bixby Park with fireworks at Bixby Park at dusk.

 

Sibley will hold their 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th starting with a breakfast at 8 am, fishing derby at 9 am, vendor show at 10 am, parade at noon, barrel train rides at 1 pm, softball tournament and big kids games at 2pm, bingo and little kids games at 3, model airplane and boat show, inflatables, mini golf and golf hole in one at 4pm, music by The Fairchilds at 6:30 and fireworks over Sibley Lake at dusk.

 

Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.

 

(Undated–jc)  Yes summer is here and the air temperatures will be in the mid 90s the rest of the week with heat indexes into the triple digits. Area agencies say to take precautions during this time of year. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

(Undated-jm) - New data from GasBuddy shows the average price of gas has fallen to its lowest since mid-March. It’s the sixth consecutive week prices have dropped. The current average is $4.08, five cents lower than last week and a full dollar less than in the peak in May. Prices in Paxton are averaging 4 dollars 32 cents per gallon and in Rantoul the average price of a gallon of gas is 4 dollars 3 cents.  In Onarga and Gilman gas prices are 3 dollars 79 cents and its an average of 3 dollars 38 cents in Champaign and Urbana

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation Tuesday for 11 Illinois counties impacted by severe weather this spring and summer. Among the counties are Coles, Effingham, Kankakee, McLean and Woodford Counties. The proclamation enables the state to deploy resources and coordinate recovery operations.

 

(Springfield–jc)  A new budget year starts on Wednesday for the state of Illinois. The budget is the largest in Illinois history at 56 Billion dollars and also includes 800 million dollars in additional taxes on Illinois citizens. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington says the budget does Not have any property tax relief  and that was one reason he voted against the new budget numbers on June first…

   

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington

 

(Onarga-jm) —- An Onarga man has been arrested for shooting a dog. Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police responded to the 300 block of East Roosevelt Avenue and found a dog that had been shot in the front yard of a residence. 40 year old Javier Hurtado was arrested on unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful discharge of a firearm, aggravated animal cruelty and aggravated battery. He’s due back in court July 6th.

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston woman has been sentenced to probation in federal court after she pled guilty to voting twice in the 2024 election. Brenda Knuth pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. Knuth admitted to voting once during early voting and then voting on election day. After casting a ballot the second time , she posted on social media that she tested the system and it failed. Voting twice in a federal election is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Believe it or not, the first half of the year 20-26 is complete. The city of Paxton continues a huge positive run with new businesses, downtown upgrades and more. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city has three projects that are being done through grants and more and that is another positive going into the second half of 20-26…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Urbana–jc)  A Rantoul teen will spend the next 4 years behind bars for a shooting last year at the Rantoul Walmart. 19 year old McKinley Brown of Rantoul was in court this week for a sentencing hearing. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to the class 1 felony in Champaign county court.

 

(Washington–jc)  What do you do with the lawn during these hot summer days. Rod Bain has the story…

   

(The Center Square) – A new report has found Illinois ranks second among all U.S. states in per-capita fines and forfeitures collected by local governments.

Vittorio Nastasi, director of criminal justice policy at Reason Foundation, said monetary sanctions for criminal and local ordinance violations are sometimes used to fund courts and basic government operations.Nastasi said people in local governments are sometimes not willing to pay for the government they want.

The report says, the use of monetary penalties can become exploitative when governments rely on law enforcement and courts as essential sources of revenue.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation on Governor J-B Pritzker's desk could set new restrictions on youth social media accounts and allow parents to have greater control over online actions. Illinois would ban social media companies from using addictive algorithms for youth, stop on platform location sharing and prohibit scam financial transactions with strangers. Parents would be able to override privacy settings if they choose or if they approve of the content.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new state agency is launching today. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood will focus on administering early childhood education programs and will work to make access to state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate. It will also combine oversight to state funded early childhood programs within the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Family Services. The new agency will house the responsibility of the Early Childhood Block Grant program. 

 

(Springfield-jm) — A bill on Governor JB Pritzker desk could ban schools from expelling students in kindergarten through second grade. Sponsors say early exclusion from school can trigger a domino effect of negative interactions between schools and families. The plan also states that schools cannot suspend pre-k through second graders without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the superintendent.

 

(Springfield–jc)  – With the new budget year starting on Wednesday, some reaction on the process and perceived lack of transparency is voiced from some local elected officials. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says the budgets over the past 8 years have increased from under 38 Billion to over 56 Billion dollars…

 

 

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet

 

(Undated-jm) – The USDA is making help available to farmers and producers that have been affected by severe weather. The department is offering technical and financial assistance. The USDA urges farmers and producers to reach out to their local FSA office.

 

(Tolono-jm) – A Tolono teen has been arrested after leading police on a chase across two counties. Monticello police attempted to stop a Chevy sedan for a traffic offense. The driver refused to stop and fled east out of Monticello at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Champaign County deputies were alerted and the vehicle was located in Tolono. The driver, 18 year old Travis McCarter was arrested on charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Park District pool has been a popular destination for area youth and some adults, again this year. Paxton Park District Interim President Craig Kief says it takes a great staff, board and community leaders to provide the best programs and that includes Paxton Park district Pool Manager Kaia Krumwiede…

 

 

Paxton Park District Interim President Craig Kief

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The U S Air Force continues to work with the village of Rantoul on the former Chanute Air Force Base on P-Fas issues. The air force has conducted 648 water samples and 983 soil samples with  the use of some foams during the lifetime of the base. A public meeting is set for Wednesday July 8th at 7pm at Rantoul Village Hall for the latest information.

 

(Fisher–jc)  Its a Sesquicentennial celebration set for the village of Fisher starting on Friday and running through Monday. Opening ceremonies are set for Friday evening and Saturday will see a full slate of events from a morning breakfast and  fun run to vendors and more says Fisher 150th Celebration Spokesperson Kim Clemmons…

 

 

Fisher 150th Celebration Spokesperson Kim Clemmons

 

(Spiringfield–jc)  – Among the 62 bills signed by Illinois Governor. J-B Pritzker last Friday is legislation that bans the use of lions, tigers, primates and bears in circuses, fairs and other traveling acts. The new law goes into effect on Wednesday.

 

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois State Fair unveiled its theme for the 2026 event: Miles of Smiles. According to the state, the theme will honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The Illinois State Fair runs August 13th through the 22nd.

 

WPXN News notes…

 

Hoopeston will hold their Red, White and Boom on Friday, July 3rd with a color run at 8 am, car show at 10, chili cookoff at noon, touch a truck from 2-4, golf cart and pet parade at 4, red white and boom party featuring inflatables, cornhole tournament and watermelon eating from 4:30-7:30, 90 proof performing at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk at the soccer fields.

The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, July 3rd from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.

 

Paxton will hold their Old Fashioned 4th of July on Saturday, July 4th at Pells Park starting with the 5k at 8, community worship service at 9:45, car show 10-2, antique tractor show at 11, bounce houses from 11-2:30, old fashioned kids games at 11:30, bingo from 11:30-1:30, reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, Penny Scavenger Hunt from 1-2. Then lighted golf cart parade at 8:30 from Pells Park to Bixby Park with fireworks at Bixby Park at dusk.

 

Sibley will hold their 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th starting with a breakfast at 8 am, fishing derby at 9 am, vendor show at 10 am, parade at noon, barrel train rides at 1 pm, softball tournament and big kids games at 2pm, bingo and little kids games at 3, model airplane and boat show, inflatables, mini golf and golf hole in one at 4pm, music by The Fairchilds at 6:30 and fireworks over Sibley Lake at dusk.

 

Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.