(Undated-jm) – Ameren Illinois customers will see a new electricity supply price, lower than the summer price, but still higher than this time last year. Starting October 1 and running through May 2027, the new price for the first 800 kWh of usage will be 10.441 cents per kWh and 8.262 cents per kWh after that. The Citizens Utility Board said Ameren’s “price to compare” rate, while around 8% lower than last summer,11.326 cents per kWh for the first 800 kWh of usage, is still around 24% higher than the price set last October. Ameren Illinois says that the non-summer rate from October 2025 to May 2026 was 8.402 cents per kWh for the first 800 kWh.

 

(Washington–jc)  We enter October with the fall harvest moving quickly. An update with Rod Bain…

 

(Iroquois County-jm) — A Kankakee man is facing a number of gun and drug charges after his arrest in Iroquois County Tuesday. In a release, the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office said on Sept. 29, they arrested 35-year-old Imanuel B. Wilson. He was arrested and charged with the following: 1 count of an un-serialized firearm, 1 count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, 1 count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a penal institution. Charging documents show Wilson brought cocaine and fentanyl into the Iroquois County Jail. He was also found in possession of a 22-caliber handgun with a green frame and black slide. After his arrest, Wilson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was released with a notice to appear. Court documents show this notice to appear is set for October 29.

 

(Urbana–jc)  –A Champaign County man is facing 30 years in prison following a drug raid last year. 36 year old Zamarlon Parker of Rantoul will be sentenced on December 15th in Champaign County Court. Parker was convicted of possession of a firearm and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Work on the new gas station and restaurant on Paxton’s west side continues. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says some concrete has been poured and work on the building also continues as the group putting the new business in town, hopes to be open very soon…

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Springfield–jc)  Illinois Governor . J.B. Pritzker’s revelation that prescription weight loss medication made him healthier is raising questions about access and affordability. In a  published Substack article about his personal journey, Pritzker said his doctor prescribed a GLP-1 along with insulin for his type 2 diabetes diagnosis. After using GLP-1s for about 18 months, Pritzker said he lost 80 pounds and is now off insulin. State Senator. Andrew Chesney, Republicn from Freeport, says millions of people struggle with weight management but don’t have the governor’s level of access and affordability. Medicaid reported spending $25 million in taxpayer funds for weight loss drugs in the first quarter of 2025 in Illinois. 

 

(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Department of Insurance has announced the return of 9 point Three Million dollars to consumers this year through its service for lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities. Under Illinois law, insurance companies must attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid.

 

(The Center Square) - The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center say they will celebrate Manufacturing Month throughout October with the “Makers on the Move” bus tour. The first stop is scheduled on Friday at TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur. From there, the bus will make more than 30 stops around Illinois. The IMA says manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to the state’s gross domestic product, generating more than $580 billion each year.

 

(McLean County-jm) – A new community solar farm is now operating in McLean County, with developers saying the project will expand access to solar energy for income-eligible households. PureSky Energy and Ecology Action Center announced their McLean 1 Community Solar project has reached full operation. The 1.98-megawatt direct current solar farm is PureSky’s first project to launch in Illinois. The project, located along Interstate 74 near Downs, was developed through the Illinois Solar for All program, a statewide initiative aimed at expanding access to solar energy for income-eligible households, nonprofits and public facilities. Unlike traditional rooftop solar, community solar allows people to subscribe to a solar project without installing panels on their own property.

 

(Ford County–jc)  Paxton Emergency Personnel have reported a field fire Thursday morning near route 9 and 23-50 East. Several Fire Departments were called to the field around  10-30 yesterday morning. No word on damages was provided

 

(Paxton–jc)  The business climate in the city of Paxton continues to grow and the local Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is showcasing the community with an event on Saturday that started 8 years ago and has grown into a local and regional draw to the city. It is the annual Wine and Chocolate Walk. The group sold its 250 tickets to the event in just over one week. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Dawn Stack talks about business in Paxton…… 

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack

Tomorrow’s event, again, is sold out.

 

(Elliott–jc) The Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott will be celebrating its 150th anniversary on Friday and Sunday. Pontoppican Lutheran Church Council President Kevin Hanson talks about the initial weekend event that happens on Sunday…

 

 

Pontoppidan Lutheran Church Council President Kevin Hanson. The celebration continues on Sunday morning, with a service at 10-45, a luncheon and celebration. Sunday’s speaker is Bishop Reverend Greg Busboom. He is originally from the Gifford area. 

 

(Springfield–jc) –Illinois Environmental Protection Agency  Director James Jennings Thursday announced a second round of funding for projects addressing emerging contaminants in drinking and/or source water in small or disadvantaged communities. A total of 21Million 806 thousand dollars is available through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities  Grant Program.

 

(Danville–jc)  - Danville Area Community College will host its Skilled Trades Fall Expo one week from yesterday. The event is set for 10am to 2pm in the front DACC parking lot. The event is open to anyone interested in exploring career opportunities in the skilled trades. Those attending may bring their resume.

 

(Champaign–jc) Traffic along Interstate 57 was slowed for several hours overnight due to a two vehicle crash near mile marker 236 near Champaign. Police say several injuries have been reported. Emergency personnel were on the scene for about 3 hours. The Interstate is back to normal traffic at this hour. 

 

(Mahomet–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Crowley Pumpkins just north of Mahomet along Route 47. Co Owner Julia Crowley says they started the business in 2007 as a family…

She says it's a farmed based family business……

 

Crowley Pumpkins of Mahomet Co-owner Julia Crowley. Find them on facebook. Crowley’s Pumpkins is open 6pm to 8pm Mondays through Friday expect Thursdays and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and Sundays 9am to 3pm

Crowley Pumpkins of Mahomet is he WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

 

WPXN News notes…

The Cadillac in Paxton will host CreedSmack Live today at 8pm.

 

The Vermilion County Health Department will be holding a free electronics recycling collection on Saturday, October 3rd from 8:30-11 at the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College.

 

Hudson Drug Shop will hold a drive thru flu or COVID clinic on Saturday, October 3rd from 9-noon at the Old Eastlawn Lot on East Center Street.

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Chocolate Walk will take place on Saturday, October 3rd starting at 11 am.

 

Hudson Drug Shop will hold a drive thru flu and COVID clinic on today from 9-10:30 am at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley.

 

The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on today,  from 10-1 at the American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gibson City.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on today from 4:30-7:30pm.

 

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

 

(The Center Square) - Today is the first day of fall archery deer and turkey hunting season across Illinois. More information about season dates and regulations can be found on the Hunt Illinois website.

 

(The Center Square) – With five weeks remaining until election day, spending has ramped up in races across Illinois on both sides of the aisle. Leaders from the statewide Republican party and the statehouse level explained their approach to the midterms. Early voting started across most of the state last week, and parties have begun ramping up races. Bob Grogan, who has only served as the Illinois GOP chair since May, spoke with The Center Square about the party’s approach to races up and down the ballot this fall.Both the Democrat and Republican political wings for the statehouse are spending in places where they typically lead by comfortable margins.

 

(Washington–jc)  How do the crops look as harvest time is here. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey covers condition ratings for fall planted crops…

 

    

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(Champaign–jm) – Champaign is getting $100,000 from the state to promote tourism. It’s part of a $4.5 million grant to increase tourism in the state. Illinois has also set aside $2 million to preserve destinations along Route 66. $600,000 will be spent advertising Illinois internationally.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Republican Party will hold its monthly breakfast on Monday October 5, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. at The Slotted Spoon 401 N. Gilbert St in Danville. Everyone is welcome to attend. Featured speakers are Max Solomon candidate for Illinois Treasurer and State Representative Brandun Schweizer of the 104th District. Breakfast will be available for $10.

 

(Paxton–jc)  And the theme is….The 20 26 city of Paxton Christmas parade will step off Saturday November 28th in downtown Paxton a 1-30pm that afternoon. The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee says this year’s theme is “a Holly Dolly Christmas.” Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes talks about the theme for 20-26…

 

 

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes

 

(Urbana–jc)  Champaign County needs you. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons office says the county  does not have enough Election Judges to staff the 64 polling locations they plan to open for the November Third General Mid-Term Election. Currently they have 148 judges trained and signed up. They need a minimum of 270 judges. The Champaign County Clerk’s office has one more training period set up on October 5th through October 8th. More information is found by contacting the Champaign County Clerk’s office in Urbana and on the county clerk’s website.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  The Cissna Park F F A has pumpkins and more on Saturday in the village. It is their annual “Pumpkins in the Park” event. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says a breakfast, vendors, lunch and pumpkins hilite the day in the village…

 

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

 

(Illinois–jc) The price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois dropped 2 cents on Wednesday, according to AAA. The average price of $4.74 is 46 cents higher than it was one month ago and $1.37 higher than it was one year ago.

The average price in Indiana on Wednesday was $3.83, or 91 cents lower than the Illinois price. The national average was $4.43.

 

(The Center Square) - The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on President Donald Trump to appoint a director to the U.S. Census Bureau. State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Hindsboro, filed House Resolution 1033, urging the president to nominate a qualified director and the U.S. Senate to confirm the appointment in order to increase oversight and implement reforms before the 2030 Census. “The Census determines legislative redistricting. It determines funding levels for states and municipalities. It is used in determining grant allocations and has a direct bearing on the balance of power in the country,” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said in a statement.

 

(The Center Square) - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced, starting on Thursday, select licensing examinations for barber, cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology professions will be offered in five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Information about exam fees and licensing requirements for these professions is available online.

 

(Paxton–jc)  A Redevelopment agreement with one area downtown building owner will help recover some losses from rain and fire damage. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the building is at 132 South Market in the city…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Urbana–jc)  Two Urbana teens were hurt in a Wednesday morning car versus electric bike crash in the city. The accident happened along Main and Vine Streets around 7-30 Wednesday morning. The two teens were taken to area hospitals with one in critical and the other in stable condition.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The annual University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign homecoming parade is set for tomorrow, and to prepare, the university is alerting the community about road closures, traffic changes and a featured guest. The university said the section of Kirby between First and Fourth streets will be closed at 11 a.m. on Friday and remain closed until after the football game that night. The parade will feature Mike Hopkins, a retired NASA astronaut, as the grand marshal. Hopkins is an alumnus from the U of I and co-captained the Fighting Illini football team in 1991. After the parade, there will be a post-parade party in Lot 31.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  There are two more full weekends of scary movies and cool promotions at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn route 47 South in Gibson City. Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn Co Owner Ben Harroun says this weekend has a trunk or treat and a “fright fest”...

 

Harvest Moon Twin Drive Inn Theatre Owner Ben Harroun.

 

(Springfield–jc)The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that grant applications will be accepted through October 30th from downstate transit providers for new capital projects. The call for applications will determine the distribution of up to 100 million dollars for projects that expand and improve transit, increase transportation options and enhance quality of life in downstate communities. Awards will be announced by the end of the year. An informational webinar on the program will be held on Thursday. More information is found on line. 

 

(Gibson City–jc)  The Gibson City Restoration Committee Queen of Hearts jackpot came in at $6,050 last night. Leslie Merritt had her ticket drawn. She chose to see what was behind card #23. It revealed the 10 of clubs. Leslie won $35 for having her ticket drawn. Money raised goes to building preservation in Gibson City. The next drawing is next Wednesday.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day, today is the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Dawn Stack says the chamber's main goal is to feature the city and grow the community…

 

She says this year’s annual Wine and Chocolate  event sold out in less than two weeks…

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack

The local chamber has its 8th annual Wine and Chocolate Walk on Saturday. The event has sold out again.

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce, The WPXN Business of the Day, today.

 

WPXN News notes…

The Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Elliott will be celebrating 150 years with a reunion and anniversary service. A reunion will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 7pm. On Sunday, October 4th there will be a service at 10:45 am, followed by lunch and presentation and memories to follow.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host CreedSmack Live on Friday, October 2nd at 8pm.

 

The Vermilion County Health Department will be holding a free electronics recycling collection on Saturday, October 3rd from 8:30-11 at the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College.

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Chocolate Walk will take place on Saturday, October 3rd starting at 11 am.

 

Battle Creek Country will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, October 3rd at 7pm. Cost is $10 for those 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30pm.

 

The Moyer District Library will host a free cooking class for kids in grades 3-5 on Monday, October 5th.