(Springfield-jm) – Candidates hopeful to run for the Illinois General Assembly filed a lawsuit alleging violation of constitutional voting rights resulting from recent changes in the rules for slating candidates to fill vacancies. Leslie Collazo is a plaintiff in the lawsuit filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The defendants include officials from the Illinois State Board of Elections and Attorney General Kwame Raoul. There are 78 active statehouse races affected by the new law. As an alternative to a primary election, Illinois law allowed for a party to get its candidates on the ballot for General Assembly vacancies by the party slating process. The process requires the candidates to get a certain number of public signatures on nominating petitions. Those signatures may be objected to on grounds of the new law, and the state elections board plans to hear those objections and make a ruling despite being sued. Collazo said the lawsuit goes after the legislature’s process in passing the law but it also says “legislation that affects any stage of the election process implicates the right to vote.”

(Iroquois County-jm) – A Cissna Park man is dead and an Ashkum woman is hurt after a crash in Iroquois County on Monday morning. Just before 9:40 a.m., emergency crews responded to the accident at 1600 East and 1900 North. An investigation suggested that 77-year-old Rodney Windhorn of Cissna Park was traveling south on 1600 East. Meanwhile Rhonda Kollmann, 66 of Ashkum, was traveling east. Windhorn failed to stop at the fully marked intersection, hitting Kollmann’s van. The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office said Windhorn was pronounced dead at the scene. Kollmann was hurt and taken to a nearby hospital, then ultimately airlifted to another one for further treatment.

(Paxton–jc)  The new playground equipment in Pells Park Paxton has been in operation for several weeks. The new structure has seen a positive response from area children and families. One additional piece that is coming to the playground equipment at Pells Park is a swing set for those with “special needs” says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. The Pells Park Firetruck playground equipment has been re-vamped and will also return to Pells Park soon. Mulch and a sidewalk will also be placed in that area of the park in Paxton. 

(Loda-jm) – Changes could be coming to an intersection in Loda to make it safer. Loda village officials are working with IDOT to limit parking along Route 45 near Murdock’s after an accident last month left two people dead. Officials say cars parked along the road make it harder to see oncoming traffic.

(Joliet–jc)  – After a year of bargaining, the nurses’ union in Joliet has reached a tentative agreement with Ascension St. Joseph. The Illinois Nurses Association said Monday that the union will review and vote on the new contract over the next two weeks. According to the union, the new deal ensures that nurses will only be pulled to areas of the hospital outside their specialty on a voluntary basis. 

(Moultrie County–jc) A manhunt for a Moultrie County man that lasted nearly 24 years has come to an end with his arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service announced that 72-year-old Herman Carroll was located in Branson, Missouri, after the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force received a lead of his whereabouts.Carroll was wanted on sexual assault charges that accuse him of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 2000. He posted bail, but never appeared in court to face the charges.

(Buckley–jc)  –  Maintenance projects will continue this Spring and Summer at the two schools location in Buckley. The Parent-Teachers organization at St John's Lutheran School in Buckley have raised around 20 thousand dollars of a 60 thousand dollar goal to replace the original bleachers in the school’s gym. At Christ Lutheran High School, a new steel roof and tuckpointing is part of the upgrades at the high school says Christ  Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz…

Christ Lutheran High School and St John's Lutheran School Executive Director Sandy Spitz.

(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Flash Index for April, a measure of Illinois’ economy, moved slightly higher for April from 102.8 in March to 103. Illinois tax receipts, an important building block of the Flash Index, were strong. Individual income tax receipts were up in inflation-adjusted terms by over 16%, the second highest monthly total on record. The national and state unemployment rates ticked up but remained at low levels. Illinois’ rate was nearly a percentage point above the national rate.

(Washington-jm) – Large soybean supplies will bring lower prices. Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated-jm) – There are several meetings around the area tonight. At 6 tonight Rantoul village leaders are expected to approve a downtown water and wastewater infrastructure replacement project, approve the replacement of a water truck and discuss water, gas and electric rates. At 7 tonight in Paxton city leaders are expected to approve a quote for motor fuel tax projects, amend the appropriation ordinance and consider an acknowledgement resolution. In St. Joe tonight at 7, village leaders are expected to approve bids for street, sidewalk, curb and gutter projects in the village.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker says the message being sent by a memo directing state agencies to anticipate $800 million less to spend than what he proposed is that he will not sign an unbalanced budget.  In February, Pritzker proposed spending $52.7 billion. Last week, his administration sent agency directors a memo saying the $1 billion in tax increases he proposed aren’t popular and to anticipate they won’t be approved. Included in the pushback Pritzker said he’s heard about his proposed tax increases were those that doubled the tax on sports betting companies for an estimated $200 million in new revenue.Another measure he proposed in February impacts business loss deductions for an estimated $526 million. Other tax increases included capping the discount retailers get for collecting and remitting sales taxes worth $101 million and adjustments to the individual income tax standard deduction worth $93 million. The Illinois House and Senate return today. They must pass a balanced budget with simple majorities by May 31.

(Urbana-jm) – Officials announced a jam-packed event lineup for this year’s Champaign County Fair. The fair will take place July 19-27 at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana. 2024’s Grandstand events will feature monster trucks, a rodeo, country music artists, and more.

(Paxton–dm) National Nursing Home Week is being observed May 20th thru    May 24th.  Jordan Duffin, Activity Director at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living has more information.

Jordan Duffin, Activity Director at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living.

(Champaign County-jm) – A Sunday afternoon crash in Champaign County left five people hurt, State Police said. State Troopers responded to a two-car crash around 3:18 p.m. on Sunday. It happened on U.S. Route 136 near County Road 900 East. Four people were taken to a local area hospital, and one person was airlifted, officials said. The road was closed and traffic was rerouted around 3:45 p.m. All lanes were open around 6 p.m.

(Rantoul–jc)  With all the baseball, softball, soccer and football being played at the Rantoul Sports Complex, officials in Rantoul are also planning for several summertime “community events.”  Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says they are bringing back their “Touch a Truck” event…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid

(Roberts–jc)  Plans for a “fun” Day in one Ford County town continue. The 20-24 Roberts Fun Day is set for July 20th at the Roberts Gym area. A Vendor and Craft fair starts the day at 8-30am. A breakfast, silent auction, Inflatables, Bing0, baking competition and live entertainment also hilite the day's activities. The annual parade steps off at 11-30. The band “Seasonal Disorder'' plays at Roberts Fun Day from 7pm to 10pm.

(Springfield–jc)  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council are joining forces to encourage all prescribed fire practitioners to “map your burn” and contribute to the annual Illinois Prescribed Fires Accomplished Map. Officials said prescribed fire, also known as Rx fire or controlled burning, stands as the most effective management practice for maintaining and restoring vital fire-dependent ecosystems. They said controlled burn plays an important role in reducing fuel loads and mitigating the risk of bushfires and wildfires.

(Gibson City–dm) One Ford County town is set for summer car cruises. Gibson City is gearing up for their summer car cruises that take place on the 3rd Friday of each month.  Gibson City Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Susie Tongate says the events run from May through August...

Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Susie Tongate.  Besides the car cruise there will be Food vendors and free music.

(The Center Square) – Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly would make it more difficult to qualify for a rebate on an electric vehicle purchase.  In January 2023, rebates of up to $4,000 for EVs and $1,500 for electric motorcycles became available in Illinois. In the first round, Illinois' EV rebate program cost taxpayers $19 million. That is nearly 4,900 purchasers of EVs getting $4,000 rebates. Of those, only about 10% were low-income individuals, despite the program prioritizing such applicants. Among those granted rebates, nearly 300 were luxury models costing up to $125,000. The second round of the program was budgeted at $12 million.  

(Springfield-jm) – On the eve of the anniversary marking the end of the public health emergency declarations put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Illinois released a playbook detailing measures the state should take to prepare for future public health emergencies as well as recommendations for future administrations that may have to navigate public health crises.  The playbook was produced through a review of the impact of COVID-19 on Illinois residents, with a focus on health and human services outcomes and developing recommendations to improve preparedness for future public health emergencies.

(Springfield-jm) – An arrest has been made in connection with bomb threats made to two Illinois state buildings. On April 22, the Illinois Department of Human Services received a call from a person saying a bomb had been installed at a public aid office and the Illinois State Capitol. No bombs were even found. Using cellular information and conducting interviews, Illinois State Police located and arrested 23-year-old Gabrielle Williams.

(Washington-jm) – How were USDA's forecasts for 2024-25 marketing year crop production incorporated into this month's series of production, supply, and demand reports? Rod Bain reports…

(Urbana-jm) – A pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Illinois has ended. Protestors were seen packing up tents and taking down signs and banners Friday effectively ending the encampment. University facilities and services were present soon after, mowing the grass and preparing for graduation which took place Saturday.

(Chicago–jc)  What to do for the Chicago Park District and a proposed lake front domed stadium. The issue could have an impact on the pocketbooks of taxpayers throughout the state of Illinois. The Chicago Bears, and City of Chicago are looking to propose to build a 4 Billion plus domed stadium and both are looking to Springfield for funding. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was in Springfield last week and looked at possibilities…

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

(Undated-jm) – Illinois is home to four of the top 10 housing markets where prices have increased the most. According to the National Association of Realtors, the highest year-over-year jump in Illinois was in Kankakee at 22%, which ranked second in the nation. Rockford was third at just over 20% and Champaign-Urbana was fourth in the country at 20%. Bloomington also made the top ten.

(Paxton–jc)  – The annual Paxton Draggin Main and Celebrate Paxton’s Past event is set for Saturday in the city. 4 historic locations in Paxton will be open to the public. They include the Paxton Freight House and Caboose, Old Ford County Sheriff's Residence and Jail, Ford County Historical Society and Water Tower Museum and Royce Baier's Antique Car Collection. Paxton Mainstreet will also have a concessions stand on Saturday May 18th and entertainment with Jim Swick says Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper.  You are invited to bring the whole family to this day long event in Paxton on Saturday May 18th.

(Springfield–jc)  –   A new, more "equitable" higher education funding formula being discussed at the Illinois statehouse would transfer student costs such as tuition to taxpayers ."Equitable funding formula for higher education" was the subject matter of a hearing in Springfield of the Illinois House last week. 103rd District Representative Carol Ammons from Urbana says it is all about resources…

103rd District State Rep Carol Ammon of Urbana

(Undated–jc)  – There are several meetings around the area tonight. In Rantoul at 6, the Rantoul Township High School board will consider their FY24 amended budget. At 7 tonight in Gibson City, the city council will consider a clean up day, consider purchasing a mini excavator and consider a quote to purchase aerator refurbishment equipment. In Paxton at 7, the Ford County Board will consider a solid waste ordinance, consider an agreement on bridge inspections and an agreement on a design for a bridge replacement in Brenton Township. In Gilman tonight at 7, council members will consider a proposed TIF district, approve an annexation ordinance, approve funds for the Core and Main Street project and approve their 2024-2025 budget.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging residents to get Real IDs. After May 7th, 2025, federal law will require domestic travelers on commercial flights to have Real ID-compliant identification. According to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, less than 24% of state residents have Real ID cards. Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs said the 9-11 Commission recommended that the federal government set security standards for drivers licenses and ID cards.

(Springfield-jm) – You may go to a gas station or retail store to buy Mike's Hard Lemonade or Smirnoff Ice, but state lawmakers hope to prevent young people from purchasing fruit flavored malt drinks containing 4-6% alcohol. Their proposal would require retailers to separate soda and juice from liquor that looks like soda. The legislation could prohibit retailers from displaying alcopop drinks next to soft drinks, bottled water, or snacks catered to young customers. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission would also provide signs to retailers stating these drinks are alcoholic beverages only available to people 21 and older.

(Washington-jm) – As lawmakers try to craft a new farm bill, one of the many debates centers around what is the best way to help producers when disasters strike. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Forest Preserve has some new projects that’ll make enjoying nature more accessible. They’re installing a new accessible kayak launch at the Homer Lake Forest Preserve. This will make it easier for people with mobility issues or others to keep their kayaks steady. They’re also focusing on expanding park grounds at Middle Fork Forest Preserve for more accessible fishing and stargazing.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor Pritzker’s plan to create a new state agency for early childhood programs is moving forward after passing out of the Illinois House of Representatives. Capitol News Illinois reports right now, the programs are run by three different state agencies. Senate Bill One would take those programs and services and put them all under a new Department of Early Childhood. The process would take place over the next two years. Sponsors, including Representative Mary Beth Canty, say by consolidating things into one agency, the state can create more efficiency, transparency and ease of access for families and providers…

State Representative Mary Beth Canty. The new agency would oversee services that include early childhood block grants, early intervention and daycare licensing. The bill passed out of the House unanimously and now heads to the Governor where he is expected to sign it.

(Champaign County-jm) – This week is National Police Week, and Champaign County law enforcement will be holding a series of events to honor those who serve and those who died in the line of duty. The Urbana Police Department will kick things off this morning with a memorial service at the Urbana City Building at 8 a.m. The ceremony will include speakers, a moment of silence and the posting of the city’s Law Enforcement Memorial Flag. The Champaign Police Department will follow with their memorial service at 9 a.m. Tuesday at West Side Park. Immediately following the Champaign Police service, staff will attend Champaign County’s police memorial service at the Champaign County Courthouse.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois state agencies are being directed to prepare for $800 million less than what Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed for the fiscal year 2025 budget. The General Assembly has until May 31 to pass a budget with simple majorities. Fiscal 2025 begins July 1. Pritzker proposed a $52.7 billion budget in February that included about $1 billion in tax increases. In a memo obtained by The Center Square sent out to state agency directors Wednesday, Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said it has "become clear that opposition to proposed revenue is significant enough to direct agencies to prepare for the possibility of reductions to proposed spending" and "we must prepare to implement a potential balanced budget scenario with $800 million less in available revenue." 

(Springfield-jm) – May 1st was Bacon Day in Illinois. The designation was sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City who talks about the significance of bacon and the pork industry in the state…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A Mahomet man was found dead in a Circle K Gas Station in Champaign on Wednesday. According to the Champaign County Coroner Stephen E. Thuney, Jason Oakes, 45, was pronounced dead at 2:35 p.m. at the scene by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office. The cause of death has not been determined at this time and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

(Urbana-jm) – The man arrested following a SWAT standoff in Urbana on Wednesday was arraigned Thursday afternoon.  Jacob Hill is charged with domestic battery, stemming from an incident on April 4, and four counts stemming from the standoff: possessing a gun as a felon, possessing a gun as a felon while on parole, burglary and criminal trespassing. 

(Champaign–dm): As a kid, you may have taken a Lunchable to school. Now, adult Lunchables are now making the rounds on social media. It’s simply a balanced meal that’s not an intricate recipe. And it’s a way to make healthy eating less intimidating. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

Making a Lunchable at home is preferred to getting a pre-packaged one at the store. The packaged snacks or meals are often processed, high in salt and low in fiber.

(Champaign-jm) – The rescheduled Christie Clinic Illinois 5K will take place on Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Organizers created a new route that will end right outside Memorial Stadium on Kirby Avenue, where participants will receive their coveted 5K finisher medal as well as food and drinks. The 5K post race party will take place on Kirby Avenue, just west of the finish line. If participants picked up and kept their 5K bib, they can use it as is on the rescheduled race day! 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Master Gardeners announced their annual Garden Walk. The event, titled Garden Gatherings, is set for June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets are on sale now. The Garden Walk is a self-guided tour through the stunning private gardens of five Champaign County homeowners and two public gardens. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Champaign County Master Gardeners' numerous community projects. These initiatives include educational gardens at the Champaign County Crisis Nursery, the Idea Garden, and Ying Ying’s Garden. Tickets are $10 and free for children ten and under.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is working to reverse the outflow of young people from farms and rural areas. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation creating a new state agency for early childhood programs is on its way to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk, but the estimated new costs to taxpayers remain unknown. Late last year, Pritzker announced he wanted to start the Department of Early Childhood to oversee various programs for early childhood services. Senate Bill 1 creates that agency with a two year transition to handle various services. The initial transition cost is expected to be $13.1 million, but a total cost for when the agency is ultimately created wasn’t known. In the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, the Department of Human Services has $466.7 million outlined for early childhood programs. The Illinois State Board of Education has $786.8 million for early childhood. The Department of Children and Family Services has $60.5 million for the daycare line item. The expected salary for the cabinet level leader for the department will be nearly $215,000 a year.

(Springfield-jm) – One local lawmaker is calling on lawmakers to fund the Invest in Kids program. State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland.

(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced legislation to extend the Energy Assistance Act, which provides low-income households with financial assistance on utility bills. Faraci’s measure would eliminate the scheduled sunset date on a state fund that finances two needs-based assistance programs – the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan. The fund was set to shut down January 1, 2025.

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County’s METCAD 911 installed a new radio tower in Mahomet on Thursday. It now stands over Lake of the Woods Road. METCAD officials said the tower will improve radio and pager reception for first responders around the area. The project comes as a result of three years of planning between the Village of Mahomet, Mahomet Police Department, Cornbelt Fire Protection District, and the METCAD Policy Board.

(Gibson City–dm) This Saturday, Gibson City will host their 2nd annual All Awareness Day.  Susie Tongate from Gibson City has more information.

Susie Tongate.  The All Awareness day will be held at the North Park May 11th from 11am-2pm

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Public Health Department is hosting a “Safe Sitter” program this June for middle-schoolers who are interested in learning life and childcare skills. The program comes right as schools are letting out and young students are set to spend more time at home for the summer. Safe Sitter classes will teach kids entering sixth through eighth grades important information for when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Two sessions will be held containing two mandatory classes each: one from June 6-7 at 1:30 – 4 p.m., and another from June 10-11 at 9 a.m. – noon. The first pair of classes costs $35 and will be held at the Iroquois County Administrative Center in Watseka. The second is open to Milford Area Public School students only, costs $10, and will be at the Milford District Library in Milford. To RSVP, call 815-432-2483, email icphd@co.iroquois.il.us, or stop by in-person at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka. The registration deadline for the June 6-7 session is May 24. The deadline to register for the June 10-11 classes is May 27.

(Undated-jm) – Letter Carriers are looking for the public's help this Saturday.  The nationwide 'Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive' is being held to stock local food banks and pantries in the local community. Donations stay in the community. The National Association of Letter Carriers conduct the local food drive every year. Residents can help by bagging healthy, non-perishable food items.  Place the items by your mailbox.  Letter Carriers will pick up items during regular visits and deliver them to local food banks.

(Washington-jm) – A Department of Energy report is projecting major growth of the U.S. bio-based economy which could raise farmers' revenues. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Accolade on Pells on Saturday from 10-2.

The second annual All Awareness Day is set for Saturday at North Park in Gibson City from 11-2.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill heading to the Illinois House floor could help students and families better understand the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. The Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Public Health would be required to create informational resources about the disease and display the materials online. Sponsors said many children and their families are unaware of the symptoms and treatment even though more than 30,000 children across the country have Type 1 diabetes.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House could soon vote on a bill to provide free state IDs to people leaving Illinois prisons and jails. Incarcerated people who previously held a state ID or driver's license would be able to submit a form to the Secretary of State's office. Applicants would need a photo taken by the correctional facility and must provide proof of residency upon discharge.  Sponsors hope people released on parole, mandatory supervised release or a pardon could receive a temporary 90-day state ID if they do not receive a standard ID before they leave a correctional facility.

(Washington-jm) – Weather events and problems will be a major factor that USDA analysts will use this week as they prepare to issue their global supply and demand forecasts. Gary Crawford reports…

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man is in custody following an investigation into a murder from April. Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Rantoul Police Department responded to the shooting death of Jonalberto Guadalupe Sanchez, 24, of Rantoul, near the intersections of 3200 North and County Road 1800E. The investigation indicated victim Sanchez was in a dispute with Argenis Rincon over a previous relationship and the two agreed to meet at the location. On Wednesday, Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Argenis Rincon and charged with Murder.

(Manteno–jc)  Kankakee County is receiving some state money for a new road for a proposed car battery plant. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department has provided more information regarding a SWAT operation Wednesday morning. Urbana officers responded to a hostage call around 4 a.m. in the 700 block of Sunny Lane. The woman told the officers that a man entered her home through a window and that she believed he armed himself with a handgun that was already inside the home. METRO SWAT attempted to negotiate with the man, who was still inside the residence, but he refused. They located Jacob Hill in the crawl space and arrested him. He was preliminarily charged with aggravated unlawful restraint and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Hill was wanted for a previous domestic situation which occurred weeks before at the same location. He was preliminarily charged in that case as well.

(Springfield-jm) – A local state representative is looking to improve highway safety. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about the bill…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill headed to the Illinois House that aims to provide financial lending protections for businesses is being criticized as being bad for business. Senate Bill 2234 from state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, would provide protections for small businesses when taking out a loan by requiring financial terms such as the amount financed, fees and the annual percentage rate be clearly disclosed at the time an online or non-bank provider makes an offer for a loan. The measure passed the Senate by a 36-19 vote.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health just hit a big milestone in the agency's firearm safety program. Since launching the “Together for a Safer Illinois” campaign in partnership with Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IDPH has distributed more than 100,000 gun locks to firearm owners across the state. The initiative is intended to prevent access to firearms by children, those who are not trained in the safe use of a weapon, or those who might use the gun to harm themselves or others.

(Washington-jm) – How big a winter wheat crop will growers harvest this year? We will soon have a better idea of that as USDA gets ready to release its first official winter wheat forecast. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – On Wednesday at 1:25 p.m., the Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in the 600 block of Alabama Ave. Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control. Firefighters responded to a report from a passerby of a detached garage on fire. Once on the scene, fire crews reported moderate smoke and fire coming from the garage. The occupant of the garage was outside at the time the Fire Department arrived, suffering from burns. Firefighters provided medical attention to the occupant and deployed a single hose line to extinguish the fire. The cause of this fire was accidental and attributed to welding.

(Springfield-jm) – Fallen police officers were recently honored at the police memorial in Springfield. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the memorial…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). 

(Rantoul–jc)  Projected enrollment numbers for the next school year show some additional students for Rantoul Township High School. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio talks about the numbers…

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker dismissed a report his family is indirectly funding pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel groups that have set up encampments on campuses across the nation. At an unrelated news conference Tuesday in Springfield, Pritzker was asked about a recent Politico report that details his family’s financial contributions, through the Libra Foundation, to groups that have set up encampments on college campuses around the country. The Libra Foundation is a Pritzker-family charitable organization that shares grantees on their website. The Libra Foundation board is made up of only Pritzkers. The Pritzker-backed Tides Foundation is "fiscally-supporting" the Adalah Justice Project, according to the Tides Foundation's website. In a social media post, the project shared a video of children, approximately ages 4-7, holding a banner that reads “Free Palestine.”

(Washington-jm) – It's coming soon--USDA's first forecast for 2024 crop production and demand. Gary Crawford reports…

(Rantoul–jc)  You can expect some “movie nights” at the Rantoul Sports Complex this summer. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says they will show some “fun” movies for families…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid.

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has confirmed a recent case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in an individual in Champaign County. It's a tick borne illness transmitted in Illinois primarily by the American dog tick. Symptom onset is one to four days and includes high fever, severe headache, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands. Additionally, a distinct rash may emerge several days after onset, typically appearing as small, flat, pink spots initially located on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, which can extend to the trunk and occasionally manifest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. 

(Paxton–jc)  The annual Draggin’ Main Event in Paxton is set for May 18th. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper invites the public to participate with a vehicle or come to downtown Paxton to enjoy the event…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper.

(Undated-jm) – Letter Carriers are looking for the public's help this Saturday.  The nationwide 'Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive' is being held to stock local food banks and pantries in the local community. Donations stay in the community. The National Association of Letter Carriers conduct the local food drive every year. Residents can help by bagging healthy, non-perishable food items.  Place the items by your mailbox.  Letter Carriers will pick up items during regular visits and deliver them to local food banks.

(Springfield-jm) – Advocates for after school programs say tens of thousands of children could lose access to services this summer without help from the Illinois General Assembly. Capitol News Illinois reports the coalition of service providers, along with state lawmakers, say programs are at risk because of a miscalculation in a federal program that passes through the Illinois State Board of Education. That miscalculation could mean the loss of more than 50 million dollars in funding for after school, tutoring and other programs for children when school isn’t in session. State Senator Ram Villivalam (vill-ee-vah-lahm) is the sponsor of a bill that would provide the 50 million each year in the state’s budget…

State Senator Ram Villivalam. The programs in question are not tied to individual school districts, Governor J-B Pritzker proposed more than 200 million dollars in spending for those in this FY 2025 budget. The programs at risk are provided through community organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA and others.

(Washington-jm) – A new USDA agricultural trade forecast is coming soon. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney has released his 2023 annual report. There were a total of 1913 deaths reported in Champaign County for the year ending December 31, 2023. This represents a decrease of 188 from calendar year 2022.Coroner jurisdiction investigations determined 335 deaths were the result of natural causes, 158 deaths were from accidental causes, 16 deaths that were ruled homicide, and 32 deaths were ruled suicide. There were 166 autopsies performed. There were 158 accidental deaths in 2023 representing a 12% decrease from 2022. There were 32 deaths from motor vehicle incidents, 6 overdoses from prescription medications, 54 overdoses from illicit drugs, 41 overdose deaths involving more than one drug, 91 blunt force trauma, 1 drowning, and 6 other categories. There were 16 homicide deaths investigated by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office in 2023. This represents a decrease of 23% from 2022. All 16 deaths were male, ages ranging from 16 to 59 years. 

(Buckley–jc)  A renovation project continues at one local bank in southern Iroquois County. Work continues at the Buckley State Bank in Buckley. Bank officials are also planning a celebration to dedicate the facility and also celebrate over 100 years in the community. Buckley State Bank President and CEO Jackie Weber says it is their way of remaining a big part of the local community…

Buckley State Bank President and CEO Jackie Weber.

(Champaign County-jm) – A downward trend is now reversing for fuel prices in Champaign ahead of summer travel. The average per-gallon cost has risen 3.2 cents in the last week for a total of $3.56/g, GasBuddy said. Statewide, Sunday’s lowest gas price sat at $3.18/g while the highest was $5.29/g. nationwide gas and diesel demands could stay low through the summer driving season in the wake of a weaker-than-expected jobs report.

(Springfield-jm) – The Pritzker administration pushed to expand coverage of expensive weight loss drugs for state government workers, a move that could cost Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars. In making medications like Ozempic available to eligible enrollees in the state’s health insurance program, the governor is seeking an estimated $210 million to fund the full year of coverage, beginning July 1. According to WBEZ, researchers recently issued a warning that the drugs could be “budget-busters” and pose enormous risk to American taxpayers.

(Paxton–jc)  A grain elevator worker was injured on Monday in Paxton. Authorities say the accident happened at the Ludlow Coop Elevator in Paxton around 8-30 Monday morning. The worker was pinned in a skid steer loader. Several agencies responded at the scene.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State's Office has created a "one stop shop" experience to make everyone's visit to the DMV a bit more comfortable.  The trip to a Department of Motor Vehicle office is oftentimes time consuming and frustrating.  But Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and his team have taken steps to combine driver services and vehicle services. The "one stop shop" has proven to be a huge success.  The "Skip the Line'' program, started in September 2023, allows motorists to renew their license without going to a DMV.  The Secretary said it's led to an increase in online driver's license renewals -- from 36,000 online renewals a month to 93,000 per month.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. Ag. exports are still facing headwinds. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of meth. 35-year-old Malaia A. Turner was found to have colluded with several people to take large amounts of crystal meth from Illinoisan and Californian suppliers to Central Illinois. The drug was then distributed to people in Champaign, Coles, and Edgar Counties in exchange for money. She was convicted by a federal grand jury. Turner’s sentencing is set for September 23, where she faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life in prison.

(Urbana-jm) – A group of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty rallied on the university's main quad in support of pro-Palestinian student protestors. The group called on university leadership to "acknowledge student demands for divestment from weapons manufacturers, disclosure of all financial assets and investments, an end to all ties with genocidal corporations, and amnesty for all student protesters." As the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign’s pro-Palestine encampment continues into its second week, three state lawmakers visited to warn about upticks in antisemitism. State Representatives Bob Morgan, Dan Didech , and Tracy Katz Muhl spoke at University of Illinois’ quad on Monday (Holocaust Remembrance Day) about the rise of antisemitism. They were joined by local Jewish leaders.

(Champaign–dm)-Farmers in the area are slowly getting back to their planting.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady has these safety tips.

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady.

(Champaign County-jm) – Select neighborhoods across Champaign County now have access to no-cost lighting and doorbells through Champaign County Regional Planning Commission’s Safety, Lighting, Energy Efficiency Program. Also called SLEEP, the program allows homeowners to make their neighborhoods safer and more energy efficient. Homeowners in Champaign’s Dobbins Down, Urbana’s Scottswood and Rantoul’s Pleasant Acres neighborhoods can now receive free yard pole lights, video doorbells and exterior lights.

(Illinois–jc)  The Asian Tick has been found in Illinois. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House could soon vote on a plan to educate more drivers about vehicles transporting hazardous materials following the tragic accident in Teutopolis that killed five people and left 11 others injured last October. Senate Bill 3406 would require the Secretary of State to include education on hazardous material placards in the Illinois Rules of the Road book students read during their driver education courses. Sponsors hope this change can help drivers know that they should take more caution when they see vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

(Springfield-jm) – Saying the penalties are too lenient in Illinois, some Republican lawmakers want to increase the consequences for fleeing the police. State Sen. Seth Lewis, said police departments all over Illinois are experiencing motorists refusing to pull over for a traffic stop. Senate Minority Leader John Curran said anyone fleeing police in Florida is charged with a Class 3 felony. Curran’s legislation in Senate Bill 1807 would increase the penalty in Illinois to a Class 4 felony.

(Washington-jm) – Wet weather slows corn planting pace. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department and Champaign County Crime Stoppers are asking for help in finding a person who threw a pair of bricks at an apartment building. Police officials said that on April 18, officers were dispatched to an apartment building at Silver and Fletcher Streets for a report of a disorderly individual. They said the suspect threw a brick toward an apartment and it hit the brick wall of the building. Officers responded to investigate and identify the suspect, but he left prior to their arrival. The suspect then came back and threw another brick at the same apartment, this time shattering a window. The suspect, who was captured on video, is a Black man with a beard who was wearing a black hoodie and gray sweatpants.

(Urbana-jm) – The family of a University of Illinois student who died from hypothermia in January will be suing. Akul Dhawan went missing on January 19 after separating from a group of friends as he was denied entry into a night club. He later declined two rides. A friend called the non-emergency METCAD number to report Dhawan as missing after he did not respond to their texts and calls. The Champaign County Coroner determined the death was an accident. The cause of death was hypothermia, with alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures listed as contributing factors. Dhawan’s father said he is suing to hold the university accountable. He believes the alleged police officer who was called to search did not do their job fully, and wants every student to know what the police department did.

(champaign–dm) NBA star Joel Embiid (joe-ELL // em-BEED) recently dropped 50 points in a playoff game. But that wasn’t the talk of the town. Instead it was his diagnosis of Bell’s palsy. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

 Other symptoms include loss of taste and heightened hearing.

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Public Health Department is requesting assistance from the public in the collection of dead birds found in Iroquois County. They are looking for perching birds such as crows, blue jays, finches, sparrows, and robins. Also acceptable for testing are blackbirds, bluebirds, catbirds, cardinals, chickadees, starlings, purple martins, and others. Dead birds will be collected from May 1st to October 15th. Submitted birds should be believed dead for less than 24 hours. Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Birds that have an obvious cause of death such as a gunshot wound or that have been hit by motor vehicles are not eligible for testing. Residents who find dead birds should double bag them in plastic bags and bring them to the Iroquois County Public Health Department in Watseka.

(Springfield-jm) – The charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation, is awarding over $151,000 in scholarships to 89 students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields. Students are selected based on their activities and leadership, their community involvement, professional career goals and their overall commitment to success. Annually, Illinois Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus combine to award more than $1 million in scholarship support.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois students could get the opportunity to take part in periodic relaxation activities, including meditation, 20 minutes a week if a measure advancing at the Illinois Statehouse becomes law. Some pushed back against the bill, in particular about whether parents can opt students out of things like yoga exercises. Others argued schools should focus on getting proficiency rates up.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Rifle Association recently held a rally at the state capitol. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares why the rally was so important…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Paxton-jm) – Dozens of kids were out enjoying the new play structure at Pells Park in Paxton over the weekend. More equipment including the fire truck still need to be added. There’s also plans for a sidewalk.

(Gilman-dm) – Planting season is here. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau is wanting you to be safe. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire shares some tips…

Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire.

(Urbana-jm) – Despite the ongoing encampment on the University of Illinois campus, the university’s commencement ceremony is still a go. Questions surrounding commencement have been raised after universities across the country saw pro-Palestine encampments be set up on their campuses, demanding that the universities divest from companies supporting Israel. In one case, the University of Southern California canceled its commencement. The university said they are aware that the Class of 2024 didn’t get a high school graduation because of COVID-19, and the university wants to make sure the graduates and their families can celebrate.

(Undated–jc)  With weather warming up, the Illinois Department of Public Health is urging the public to get educated about how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease. Lyme disease sickens an estimated 500,000 people each year in the United States. If you become ill with fever and/or rash after being in an area where ticks may have been, you are being asked to contact your healthcare provider immediately. May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

(Chicago–jc)  Demolition of the exterior and atrium of the Thompson Center has begun as Google's plans to convert the former state government building into its Chicago headquarters progresses. Crews used excavators to tear off lower exterior portions of the building, marking an unofficial start to Google's $280 million renovations of the 17-story building. Google bought the 39-year-old building, which many called an “eyesore,” for $105 million in 2022.

(Springfield-jm) – There’s still a lot of talk around the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington has the latest…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Buckley-jm) – Crews say the cause of a garage fire in Buckley Friday night remains undetermined. It happened just before 7:30 pm in the 100 block of West Main Street. Buckley and Loda firefighters responded to the fire. Onarga and Paxton were called to assist but were disregarded before they arrived. Two nearby homes also received slight damage.

(Paxton–jc)  The new patio area at Market Street Grill in downtown Paxton will open later this month. Market Street Grill Manager Ryan Galey says the upgrades in the kitchen and the opening of the patio this month provide a great dining experience in downtown Paxton…

Paxton Market Street Grill downtown Paxton Manager Ryan Galey.

(Paxton-jm) – Some children in Ford County, Loda and Buckley are getting the opportunity to receive free books. The Gibson Area Service Association partnered up with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to send one free book a month to eligible children. It’s open to any child in Ford County under the age of five is eligible. Anyone interested who meets the requirements must submit an official registration form. Each month, a new book — the first of which is always The Little Engine that Could — will be shipped to participants’ homes for free. The first books are expected to arrive eight to ten weeks after registration and will continue until the child turns five or the family moves out of the area. The PBL School District made the announcement Friday afternoon on their Facebook.

(Springfield-jm) – Law enforcement leaders from across Illinois joined friends, family and state officials in Springfield Thursday to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Capitol News Illinois reports the Illinois Police Officers Memorial is held annually on the first Thursday in May to pay tribute to the officers killed during the last year and to support their families. This year, two Chicago police officers were honored and had their names engraved on the monument outside the Capitol. There were also four historic honorees from across the state. Treasurer Michael Frerich tries to attend the event every year, but says it’s a day that no one looks forward to…

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. After the ceremony, family and friends of the fallen officers laid flowers and took rubbings of their loved ones' names engraved on the memorial.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois Senate Republican wants to ease some of the confusion and stress surrounding recent changes to the FAFSA form. Less than 50% of the expected high school graduates in Illinois have filled out the FAFSA form so far this year. However, Senator Dan McConchie said lawmakers have learned 23% of those students have to resubmit their forms with corrections. McConchie told the Senate Education Committee that Illinois should waive the requirement that students need to fill out the FAFSA prior to graduation this year. Some were concerned administrators or guidance counselors may tell students they won't need to fill out the FAFSA moving forward. McConchie explained this change would only impact the FAFSA process for the 2023-2024 school year.

(Paxton–jc) Crews at the Market Street Grill in downtown Paxton have been busy with a kitchen upgrade this week and also doing work on the outside Patio dining area that will open this month. Market Street Grill Manager Ryan Galey says they are re opening for regular hours this morning at 11am…

Market Street Grill downtown Paxton Manager Ryan Galey. The outdoor patio is expected to be ready by May 17th.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County has not given up in a court battle with the Carle Foundation. County officials are asking the Illinois Supreme Court again to consider hearing a case over property tax exemptions. The case started in 2013, and a Champaign County judge ruled in 2020 in favor of the Carle Foundation for partial tax exemptions. An appellate court ruled in August that Carle should get charitable tax exemptions for parcels of land between 2004 and 2011 for Carle. The Supreme Court denied hearing the appeal in March.

(Buckley–jc)  A Bleacher replacement project continues at one local Christian grade school. The project is being spearheaded by the Parents group at St John’s Lutheran School in Buckley. St John’s Executive Director Sandy Spitz says the price tag for the project is over 60 thousand dollars…

St John's Lutheran School in Buckley Executive Director Sandy Spitz.

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana’s Market at the Square returns this weekend for its 45th year. The first day is this Saturday, May 4th. The market will run from 7 a.m. until noon every Saturday through October. It will be located at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets. The event has more than 150 vendors selling Illinois-grown produce, flowers, and farm products like meat, eggs, honey, and fresh baked goods. There will also be handmade arts and crafts as well as food trucks.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Democrats Wednesday passed legislation out of the House which Republicans say was filed at the last minute, completely lacking in transparency, smacking of self-serving political corruption, and allowing no way for the states constituents to weigh in on the proposals. An amendment was filed on Senate Bill 2412 Wednesday morning and it was assigned to the House Executive Committee.  A hearing was held shortly thereafter and on Democrat votes, it passed out of committee.   Two hours later, the bill was brought forth for a vote on the House floor.  The measure would put three questions on the statewide ballot.  Illinois currently limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.  That means any other questions advocates would like to see on the ballot, have been squeezed out by the vote. State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. The bill passed with 67 Democrat votes. House Republicans all voted present as a protest vote.

(Springfield-jm) – School support workers are asking Illinois lawmakers to address a personnel shortage in their respective fields.  Speech pathologists, counselors, nurses and social workers were among the groups represented at a recent Illinois House Higher Education Committee hearing. One proposal under consideration is House Bill 5492. The measure would establish paid internship and scholarship programs, subject to appropriation, for students in school support fields.

(Springfield-jm) – Thursday was the National Day of Prayer — an occasion observed typically on the first Thursday in May in the U.S.   This year is the 73rd such day of prayer. This year's theme is "Lift up the Word, Light up the World." At a time of strife and stress, many believe there is a very strong need for prayer right now.  On the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives,  104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer of Danville rose to comment on the importance of the day…

State Representative Brandun Schweizer of Danville.

(Normal-jm) – Electric vehicle maker Rivian will be making a $1.5 billion investment into the expansion of its Normal plant. The company says it will add an additional 550 workers over the next five years. Rivian’s total 30-year incentive package from the State of Illinois is valued at $827 million, with the majority of funding derived from REV tax credits with a focus on workforce development. Through REV, Rivian is eligible to receive tax benefits totaling nearly $634 million over the next three decades.

(Paxton–jc)  – Paxton Mainstreet is hosting its Summer Free Concert series starting tonight at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says it's on the first Friday night each month…

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Friday’s band is the Everingham-Pittman Band. The concessions open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7pm.

(Undated-jm) – The Eastern Illinois Foodbank has received a generous donation of $70,000 from Meijer to support its mission of combating hunger in Eastern Illinois. Funds will be used to purchase and distribute meals to those facing food insecurity in communities throughout the food bank's 18-county service area.

WPXN News Notes…

Cissna Park and Kellart Lake Townwide garage sales will take place today through Saturday. Hours today are 8-7, Saturday 8-noon.

St. Joseph townwide garage sales are today through Saturday.

Bayles Lake and Lake Iroquois garage sales are today and Saturday

Fisher townwide garage sales are today and Saturday.

Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair today from 3:30-5:30 at the Roberts Gym.

The Elliott Amvets will hold a family dinner night tonight. Doors open at 5 pm.

Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays concert series tonight from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton with the Everingham-Pittman Band performing. Concession stands at Veterans Square open at 6 on Friday night. 

Hairbangers Ball is at the Cadillac in Paxton tonight. Doors open at 6pm with the show starting at 8pm. 

Impact Life will hold a blood drive on Saturday from 9:30-1:30 at the First Lutheran Church of Paxton. To schedule your time email Kevin Hanson at e-m-t-c-o-o-r at hotmail dot com.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Panther Paws Wrestling on Saturday from 10-2.

The Philo Country Opry will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday at 7pm. Cost is $10 for those 13 and older. Food will be available starting at 5:30.

(Ford County-jm) – Chronic wasting disease has been detected in Ford County, expanding the geographic presence of the infection in free-ranging deer populations in northern Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday. Chronic wasting disease is an always-fatal neurological disease that threatens the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. CWD was detected – and confirmed through diagnostic testing – in Ford County in mid-March from a suspect-deer exhibiting symptoms consistent with CWD infection.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland put out a call Wednesday for his colleagues in the Illinois House of Representative to show their support for the Invest in Kids program. Illinois enacted the Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program in 2017, offering a 75 percent income tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations. Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly let the program expire on December 31st of last year, leaving thousands of Illinois’ underprivileged children without a chance for a better education…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland.

(Champaign-jm) – Jefferson Middle School in Champaign was placed on a hard lockdown Wednesday afternoon after students thought they saw a gun in a passing car. A group of students outside on lunch recess reported the possible weapon. They were immediately escorted into the building and the building was placed on a hard lockdown. After reviewing security video, officers later determined that the gun in question was actually a plastic toy gun.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The Rantoul High School gym area renovation project continues as school enters its final month of the school year. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says one part of the project is to gain a classroom area at the high school…

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio.

(Kankakee-jm) – Kankakee County is boasting about another successful Drug Take Back effort last weekend.  Last Saturday, some 725 pounds of expired, unwanted prescription drugs were turned in for disposal in Kankakee County alone. The Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Pledge for Life Partnership, State Rep. Jackie Haas, Senator Patrick Joyce, Kankakee County Health Department, Riverside Healthcare, and Local Law Enforcement partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Northfield Square Mall. Drug Take Back events were also staged in Iroquois, Ford, Champaign, and Vermilion Counties.

DECATUR – The Illinois State Police requests the public’s assistance with the death investigation of 51-year-old James E. Taylor of Decatur, Illinois. On May 19, , Taylor was found deceased in a rural area near his home. He was reported missing on May 12, 2023 to the Decatur Police Department and was last seen alive on May 10, 2023 at approximately 6 p.m. ISP agents are investigating the death as a homicide. Anyone with information regarding Taylor’s death is asked to contact the Decatur Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-8477. 

(Washington-jm) – The Chairs of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees Wednesday released differing versions of a new Farm Bill for upcoming consideration. Rod Bain reports…

(Douglas County-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting the first bird to test positive for West Nile virus in Illinois for 2024 in Douglas County. The specimen was collected by Douglas County Health Department staff on April 2 in Villa Grove. The early report of the first bird comes following a mild winter and spring.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Democrats Wednesday passed legislation out of the House which Republicans say was filed at the last minute, completely lacking in transparency, smacking of self-serving political corruption, and allowing no way for the states constituents to weigh in on the proposals. An amendment was filed on Senate Bill 2412 Wednesday morning and it was assigned to the House Executive Committee.  A hearing was held shortly thereafter and on Democrat votes, it passed out of committee.   Two hours later, the bill was brought forth for a vote on the House floor. The measure would put three questions on the statewide ballot.  Illinois currently limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.  That means any other questions advocates would like to see on the ballot, have been squeezed out by yesterday’s vote. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. The bill passed with 67 Democrat votes.   House Republicans all voted present as a protest vote.

(Gibson City-jm) – After a fire at a soybean dryer facility in Gibson City last month, the company says the plant is fully operational. International Flavors & Fragrances, the owner of the soybean plant, said the site was reopened within two days and back to full operation by April 26.All equipment affected from the fire has been removed.

(Rantoul–jc)  April was a very busy month at the Rantoul Sports Complex and the month of May is shaping up to be even busier. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says its a lot of soccer and baseball and softball this weekend…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid.

(Normal-jm) –  Illinois State University administrators have ordered student protestors to remove tents and signs from campus. Demonstrators set up camp Tuesday to protest the war in Gaza. Administrators have issued warnings that the students could be suspended for violating school policy just a week before final exams. Officials said its staff “diligently” reached out to protestors about the school’s policies.

(Washington-jm) – The latest month over month increase within USDA's Agricultural Prices Index was driven by a rise in what livestock producers as a whole received pricewise in March. Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Notes…

Cissna Park and Kellart Lake Townwide garage sales will take place today through Saturday. Hours Thursday and Friday are 8-7, Saturday 8-noon.

St. Joseph townwide garage sales are today through Saturday.

Bayles Lake and Lake Iroquois garage sales are Friday and Saturday

Fisher townwide garage sales are Friday and Saturday.

Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Friday from 3:30-5:30 at the Roberts Gym.

The Elliott Amvets will hold a family dinner night on Friday. Doors open at 5 pm.

Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays concert series on Friday from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton with the Everingham-Pittman Band performing. Concession stands at Veterans Square open at 6 on Friday night. 

(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul residents were able to learn about the water contamination from “forever chemicals” at the former Chanute Air Force Base during a public meeting last night. Representatives from the Department of the Air Force were on hand to answer questions on the contamination from the base from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Department of the Air Force is now planning a Remedial Investigation to help identify the extent of contamination and its health and environmental effects. WPXN news will continue to update this story as it warrants.

(Urbana–jc)  In support of Israel, members of the Jewish community at the University of Illinois gathered at Alma Mater on the Urbana Champaign Campus on Tuesday. The group's efforts are to show their pride in Israel and unity toward peace. Jewish leaders in the twin cities planned the gathering earlier this week. The group heard speeches and positive messages on the U of I campus. More support for Israel events are being planned. 

(Washington-jm) – Cases challenging gun and magazine bans, including several lawsuits from Illinois, have been distributed for an upcoming conference of the U.S. Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court moved several Illinois cases, and one challenging Maryland’s ban, to conference for May 16. The state of Illinois argues in filings that the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals made the right decision saying the ban has a likelihood of succeeding on the merits, equating banned semi-automatic firearms to military weapons.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Water Survey are reminding Illinois private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants. Officials said most private wells which are properly constructed and maintained provide safe water for years. However, contamination can occur due to improper construction, poor maintenance or releases of contaminants into the well’s aquifer. They add that many contaminants cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell.

(Washington-jm) – There are three things we should know about the current situation with bird flu in dairy cows. Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated-jm) – Illinois State University in Normal is the latest school to feature an encampment to protest the war in Gaza. Students at schools around the country have been setting up tents to show support for Palestine. Protests and encampments continued on the U of I campus as well. Pro-Israel supporters held a rally near the Alma Mater while pro-Palestinian supporters continued their encampment on the south side of the main quad. Students at Northwestern University in Evanston recently took down their encampment after they said the school met their demands. 

(Champaign County-jm) – There is good news for drivers filling up their gas tanks. Gas prices have dropped in Champaign County, according to GasBuddy, and it could be the trend for a while. In the last week, prices have dropped an average of seven cents per gallon, now standing at $3.53. That’s also seven cents cheaper than the average price a month ago and 27 cents less than this time last year. Across Illinois, the statewide average sits at $3.93 per gallon. The national average is sitting at $3.63 per gallon, down by two cents compared to last week.

(Rantoul–jc)  As we turn the calendar to May, it is that time of year that schools look to graduation 20-24. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says with the large construction project at the high school, they looked at various venues for the commencement exercises, but are hoping for good weather and an outdoor program on Bill Walsh Field…

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio.

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Sheriff's Police continue to investigate a single-vehicle accident on County Highway 9 near the 2840 East area over the weekend. Deputies responded to a report of a damaged utility pole, which seemed to have been hit by a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. Upon arrival, they found a damaged vehicle parked at a residence close by. Deputies contacted Kenny Pheifer of Onarga at the residence and determined that he was the driver of the vehicle; however, he failed to report the accident. Pheifer was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.

(Springfield—jc)  It’s Officially Bacon day in the state of Illinois. State lawmakers in Springfield passed a joint resolution in the Illinois Senate and Illinois House to promote the pork industry in Illinois, says 53 District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Springfield-jm) – A downstate prison for women could be moved into the same site as Stateville Correctional Center as part of a plan to rebuild both facilities. The recommendation from the Illinois Department of Corrections comes a little more than a month after Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled a plan to rebuild Stateville and Logan correctional centers, citing the deteriorating condition of the facilities. IDOC officials are asking for $161 million in fiscal year 2025 for the project at Stateville and nearly $80 million for Logan.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary says the new IRS tax credit policy for sustainable aviation fuel is a big win for climate smart farmers. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – The man police say is responsible for shooting and killing Brandon Hardway, general manager at Pour Brothers in Champaign, was back in court Tuesday afternoon. Fidele Tshimanga was charged with first-degree murder in February in connection to the shooting in February. Tshimanga’s lawyer requested a psychiatric evaluation due to mental health concerns. This evaluation was what was discussed during the fitness hearing. Champaign County Judge Randall Rosenbaum reviewed the doctor’s evaluation. The report indicated that Tshimanga does suffer from a mental illness, but finds that he is fit to stand trial. Judge Rosenbaum ordered a second evaluation be done.

(Undated-jm) – Cop on a Rooftop will be making a return again this May. Law enforcement officers from around Champaign County will be on the rooftops of Dunkin Donuts in Rantoul, Urbana and Champaign on May 17th from 5 to noon to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are voicing concerns over a potential new funding formula for higher education. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. On April 14, at 11:15 p.m., a male subject entered Perkins Restaurant at 1214 West University Avenue in Urbana. The suspect approached the manager armed with a handgun and demanded money from the safe. The manager was able to escape out the back door unharmed, and the suspect stayed behind, forced entry into the office, and stole cash from inside. The suspect fled on foot from the restaurant. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6’3” tall, wearing a yellow and blue coat, green mask and gloves.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is warning the public of a phone scam.  State police reports receiving several phone calls from individuals saying a person claiming to be an ISP investigator telling them their identity has been stolen. This is a scam. ISP special agents will not make cold calls requesting personal or financial information, or ask you to confirm personal or financial information. Authorities say if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an ISP investigator, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and phone number, and then hang up. Never provide or confirm personal or financial information over the phone to an unknown caller. You can verify if a caller is an ISP special agent by contacting one of the seven investigative regions throughout the state, which can be found on the ISP website.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center in Rantoul provides a wide variety of services from utility bills to a daily food pantry. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says spring and summer bring challenges and they are just a phone call away…

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford.

(Springfield-jm) – The State Treasurer’s Office made nearly $124.6 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in March. Another $91 million in gross investment earnings was earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office.

(Washington-jm) – An extended weekend of active weather brought the nation's first major tornadic outbreak of the year, with damages and fatalities reported in parts of the nation's mid-section. Rod Bain reports…

(Fairbury-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 officials announce sentencing of 23-year-old Carter Meister of Forrest. On October 2, 2023, ISP was notified of an allegation of Criminal Sexual Assault against Meister, who at the time was a police officer with the Fairbury Police Department.  Meister was charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Assault. On Friday, Meister was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by a term of mandatory supervised release.  The sentence is to be served at 85 percent and he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois officials say they will not meet with representatives of the students demonstrating in support of Palestine until unauthorized tents are removed from the quad. Protesting students are on the south side of the main quad with tents and other structures.  The encampment is part of a nationwide trend of protests taking part on dozens of college campuses. Students at the U of I are calling for the university to divest from companies that support Israel or produce weapons used in the conflict in Gaza, acknowledge the loss of life in Palestine, and create a committee to address Arab and Muslim student affairs.

(Champaign–dm) May 1st is just around the corner and we are wondering how much planting has been completed.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady has this update.

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady. She told us that several farmers have compared this year’s planting season to 2019 when it seemed to rain every 3-4 days. We also talked with Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire to see how planting was going in her area.

Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire

(Undated-jm) – While no cases have been reported in Illinois, federal agencies confirmed the detection of  bird flu in dairy herds in eight states across the U.S. The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Public Health are working closely to monitor the situation and are jointly coordinating prevention and response measures. This includes working with producer groups and partner organizations to promote education to veterinarians and cattle farmers on the clinical signs of H5N1 influenza so that potential infections can be quickly identified and contained.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton. They are gearing up for area proms and Mother’s Day. A Picket Fence Florist Owner Dawn Glad says the staff is ready to make your prom and Mother’s Day, special…

She says they have flowers and floral arrangements and plants, but they also carry a wide variety of unique gift ideas…

A Picket Fence Florist Owner Dawn Glad.

The store is hosting a One Day Pop Up Shop on Saturday called “It’s A Spring Fling” on Saturday from 10am til 2-30pm

(Springfield-jm) – A new proposal to revamp the state’s funding of higher education aims to create a more equitable approach to the process, but it’s been met with some pushback. Senate Republicans believe a recently proposed funding model for higher education could do more harm than good for public universities in Illinois. The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding unveiled the proposal last month. The idea is similar to the evidence-based funding model already in place for Illinois’ K-12 public schools. As part of the plan, certain metrics would determine the amount of money universities would get. But it would also set up equity adjustments giving extra money for schools based on student’s income status and race. Republicans warn this would lead to constitutional issues, pointing to federal law and a recent Supreme Court ruling. They say if it were to pass, schools would lose federal grant funding.

(Washington-jm) – Corn and soybean growers are making major planting progress. Gary Crawford reports…

Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office shared that authorities found a car traveling on Bloomington Road in Champaign that had fled from police in Kankakee County earlier on Monday. A Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, but instead it sped away towards eastbound I-74. The suspect’s vehicle made it as far as Milepost 185 when it reportedly rammed the deputy’s squad car and hit a semi-truck. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Anthony Adams of Sun River Terrace. One passenger, a female juvenile, was also in the car. Both she and Adams were taken into custody. Authorities found two handguns, an extended magazine and a rifle upon searching the vehicle. One firearm had a defaced serial number and another was referred to as a ghost gun. The Sheriff’s deputy was treated for minor injuries in the incident. While the juvenile was later released to her parents, Adams remains in the Champaign County Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated fleeing and eluding.

(Urbana-jm) – Two men from Champaign have been identified as the people who were arrested on Friday during a pro-Palestine “encampment” on the University of Illinois campus. Julia Rietz, the Champaign County State’s Attorney, said the men are George Vassilatos, 25, and Christopher Zelle, 37. Both are charged with mob action, a Class 4 felony, and neither are students at the university.

(Springfield-jm) – The spring legislative session is entering its final month of activity. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares some bills that could help Illinois families…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Two local firefighters are being recognized for their success in rescuing an Illinois Marathon participant who went into cardiac arrest during a race Saturday morning. According to a release, around 9:30 a.m Calvin Kerns of the Urbana Fire Department and Sean Manuel of the Champaign Fire Department were dispatched to Meadowbrook Park to respond to a man that went into cardiac arrest while participating in the race. They found the man lying on the trail without a pulse. After CPR and life-saving measures were administered, the man became alert again, talking to first responders as they transported him to the hospital.

(Gibson City–dm)  Gibson City is planning their 1st. Annual Food Truck Festival scheduled for June 22 at the North City Park, located at 635 N. Lott Blvd. Organizer Kelsey Wingler has more information.

Kelsey Wingler.  If you would like information about becoming a vendor, you can contact Kelsey Wingler at klevents24@gmail.com

(Champaign County-jm) – Registration for Champaign County’s electronics collection event for the spring is now open. The county-wide collection will be on Saturday, May 18th at Parkland College from 8 a.m. until noon. Officials ask for residents to enter the college through the Duncan Road entrance. Champaign County residents can donate up to seven items, with up to four items being televisions. People living in Champaign County must register online in advance. From there you can reserve a 15-minute time slot. More details can be found on the registration website. Anyone needing assistance scheduling an appointment can call the City of Champaign at 1-217-403-4780 or City of Urbana at 1-217-384-2302.

(Springfield-jm) – With the respiratory virus season continuing to wind down, Illinois’ overall respiratory virus level is now minimal and all counties in the state are at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. According to CDC data for the week ending April 20, the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois declined 22% during the same week. IDPH has made available a single swab triple-test for flu, RSV and COVID-19, at no cost, to high risk congregate care settings and local health departments.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is making plans for several more agricultural trade missions this year. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – Protests on the U of I campus continued over the weekend. Demonstrators rallied outside the Alma Mater Friday causing race organizers to cancel the 5k. Saturday's activities went on as planned. More protests are expected to continue this week.

(Champaign-jm) – A Calumet City man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into a February shooting in Champaign. Champaign Police were called at 7:31 p.m. on February 19 to the 700 block of W. Vine Street for a report of a shooting with injuries. After officers arrived, they learned a victim had arrived at a local hospital by personal transport. Police said the victim was a 34-year-old Champaign man who was treated for multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds. The man was treated and later released. Police said the investigation showed that the man was seated in his vehicle in his driveway when 32-year-old Allen Williams approached the vehicle and opened fire. Police said Williams then fled the area on foot.

(Rantoul–jc)  The renovation of the gym lobby at Rantoul Township High School continues this spring and the 4 million dollar project will work through phases with a completion date of next Spring. Rantoul High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says one part of the project is to expand the building gym lobby to the east for some office space and more…

Rantoul High School Superintendent Scott Amerio.

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office has awarded $4 million in grants to fire departments around the state through the Small Equipment Grant program. Local departments receiving funding include the Roberts-Melvin Fire Protection District in Ford County receiving $21,000, Crescent Iroquois, Onarga, Cissna Park and Chebanse Township in Iroquois County receiving $26,000 each, Chatsworth and Fairbury Fire Departments in Livingston County each receiving $26,000 and the Hoopeston Fire Department in Vermilion County receiving just over $25,000.

(Monticello–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Indiana Beach. The area amusement and water park opens in May and they have a brand new roller coaster called the All-American  Triple Loop. Indiana Beach Vice President of Marketing Tom Crisci (Cree-she) says opening day is May 11th for the amusement park with the water park to follow later in May…

He says the new roller coaster project has taken 2 years to complete and they are ready to unveil the ride on May11th 

Indiana Beach Vice President of Marketing Tom Crisci.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity launched $30 million in funding for the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state. Officials said the goal of this program is to drive investment in infrastructure and public amenities that will invite more people back into main street districts and local city centers.

(Washington-jm) – USDA is taking another action to protect consumers from salmonella outbreaks. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana–jc)  Pro Palestinian protesters finally dispersed late Friday night after a full day of demonstrations on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana Champaign. The protest caused all Friday activities for the C-U Marathon to be canceled. Saturday’s events went on as planned. There were two arrests of protesters on Friday. University of Illinois officials sent out information for all students and faculty to avoid the protest areas of campus. More protests were held over the weekend with more expected this week.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is on the lookout for an armed robbery suspect. On Friday, a man entered a business in the 1500 block of N. Cunningham Ave around 2:37 p.m. and demanded money from the cashier. He was wearing a mask and dark clothing. He displayed a firearm and the cashier gave him an unknown amount of cash. The man fled the scene on foot to a nearby apartment complex, where he was seen entering a red four-door sedan. Officers stopped a vehicle matching the description, but no arrests have been made at this time.

(Kankakee–jc)  Clove Alliance, a non profit that serves Kankakee Ford an Iroquois County is looking for volunteers. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…

(Springfield–jc) A wetlands bill that creates more forms for landowners is moving through the Illinois Senate. 53rd district State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the proposal creates more government involvement with land issues and he also feels that it creates government overreach…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. The bill passed out of committee this month and is in the hands of the full Senate, now, for consideration. 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 10:06 p.m. on April 25, 2024, to the intersection of University and Fourth Street for a report of an Accident with Injuries. On-scene, officers found 19-year-old Andrew Thomas of Indiana who suffered injuries after he was ejected from his motorcycle following a collision with a car. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The initial investigation indicates that the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on University Avenue when a westbound car failed to yield while making a left turn onto Fourth Street. The motorcycle collided with the car, ejecting the rider. The driver of the car was cited at the scene for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.

(Springfield-jm) – Advocates across Illinois are demanding policy changes at the capitol to combat the overdose crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 4,000 Illinoisans died from an overdose in 2022, the equivalent of 10 people daily. Under House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 78, overdose prevention sites would be able to start operating in Illinois as part of a pilot program. These sites are health resource centers where people can use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff. They would also have to be licensed through the state.

(Washington-jm) – Food price inflation this year could be the smallest in several years. Gary Crawford reports…

(Normal-jm) – 1 person was treated for smoke inhalation but declined transport to the hospital after a fire at the Rivian plant in Normal. The Normal Fire Department says firefighters were already at the plant for an unrelated incident when the fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The fire was quickly extinguished with fire extinguishers. The fire started under a section of the conveyor that moves the vehicle chassis down the assembly line on the western side of the building. The exact cause is unknown. The department says the fire did not involve a vehicle or battery components.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The first Paxton Mainstreet…First Friday concert series is set for Friday May third. The concessions at Paxton’s Veteran’s Square open at 6pm and the concert with the Everingham Pittman Band starts at 7pm The concert is sponsored by Shields AutoMart of Paxton and is free to attend. Paxton Mainstreet Director Donna Pepper says to bring the whole family…

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Paxton Mainstreet is hosting free concerts in Paxton on May 3rd and also the first Fridays in June, July and August. 

(Savoy-jm) – In February, Willard Airport asked several local governments in Champaign County to help with securing more leisure flights. The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District agreed to chip in. The airport already got half a million from the U of I. Their goal is $1 million. The MTD board of trustees voted to put $20,000 toward the airport’s plan at their meeting tonight. Members say they’re now joining Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, and the Champaign County board who have already put money into the bucket. It all helps to cover the minimum revenue guarantee for leisure travel. The money is coming from MTD’s local transportation revenue and non-transportation revenue. If the airport gets the total $1 million they’re asking for, it would open doors to flights going to Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. Willard currently only offers two flights a day from Savoy to O’Hare in Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth. Both routes are ran by American Airlines.

(Paxton–jc)  A pop up shopping event is coming to downtown Paxton on Saturday May 4th inside A Picket Fence Florist. It’s Called…”A Spring Fling 2.” Organizer Leslie Ingold says around a dozen vendors will be there, with ideas for Spring and Mother’s Day…

It’s A Spring Fling Pop-up Shopping Event Organizer Leslie Ingold.

(Hoopeston-jm) – A traffic crash in Hoopeston led to additional charges against 20-year-old Trea Powers of Hoopeston Wednesday. City Police located Powers during an ongoing investigation. Charges against him include Leaving the Scene of a Crash - involving vehicle damage, Failure to Report a Crash to Police, Driving while Suspended, Operating with a Suspended Registration for No Insurance, and Improper Lane Usage. Power was awaiting arraignment in Vermilion County.

(Cissna Park–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Outdoor Pro Fine Living of downtown Cissna Park. They carry a wide variety of products from poly patio furniture, to aqua pots and patio heaters. Outdoor Pro Fine Living’s Teleesha Melo (me-low) says they carry a lifetime warranty on their furniture…

She says they have over 100 items in stock and can custom color furniture to meet your needs……

Outdoor Pro Fine Living’s Teleesha Melo

Outdoor Pro Fine Living has a Mother’s Day sale coming May first through May 4th

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has proposed an $825 million fiscal 2025 budget, $35 million of which will be allocated for modernization. Last year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias went before the Senate Appropriations Committee and asked for approximately $200 million to complete the office’s modernization effort. The General Assembly ultimately appropriated $75 million last fiscal year for such programs. Giannoulias wants to upgrade the office’s IT infrastructure, switch from a Cobol coding system and fix cyber security needs to avoid massive operational disruptions. For the first time ever, the office issued a request for proposal for an electronic entitling system, so they can issue a vehicle title to a lender or buyer electronically.

(Kankakee–dm) On Saturday April 27th the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group will give you the opportunity to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription drugs.  Dan Mushrush has the story.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana School District has agreed to pay $206,301 as part of the settlement for an age discrimination lawsuit. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that the Urbana School District limited the salary increases of a group of other teachers over the age of 45 because of their age, due to a provision of a collective bargaining agreement between the school district and the union representing teachers. The Central District of Illinois granted a summary judgment to the EEOC, holding that the collective bargaining agreement provision violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by limiting the compensation of teachers age 45 and older because of their age. In addition, the court ordered the district to pay lost wages to a group of 32 affected teachers whose compensation the district did not dispute had been limited by the collective bargaining agreement provision. Forty teachers who were affected by the collective bargaining agreement provision will receive lost wages.

(Paxton–jc)  Paxton City leaders will use some TIF dollars to repair the sidewalk on the south side of the Bank of Pontiac and the Frederick Community Bank in the downtown area. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says it is another good investment in downtown Paxton…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

(Undated-jm) – A Paxton man with a history of DUI’s was sentenced in Grundy County. 41-year-old Alan Mahon received a 3-year prison term. Mahon pled guilty to a Class 2 felony of Aggravated DUI.  Mahon was also placed into the Grundy County Alternative Treatment Court Program. Prosecutors say if Mahon passes the program, the charge will be dropped, and he wouldn’t have to serve the prison sentence. However, if Mahon fails the program, he will have to serve prison time. 

(Rantoul–jc)  The renovation of the gym lobby at Rantoul Township High School continues this spring and the 4 million dollar project will work through phases with a completion date of next Spring. Rantoul High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says work continues to expand the area and the project includes an elevator…

Rantoul High School Superintendent Scott Amerio.

(Bloomington-jm) – Board members for the PATH Crisis Center in Bloomington said they are “disappointed and deeply saddened” that it did not receive a $9.5 million grant to continue operating Illinois’ 988 suicide and crisis prevention call center. Close to 100 PATH employees who staffed the call center will lose their jobs after state officials chose southern Illinois-based Centerstone to provide the service.

(CHampaign–jc)  The state final boys basketball games are staying in Champaign. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The East Center Illinois Community Action Agency’s annual dinner and auction will take place this evening at the New Life Banquet Center in Danville. Social hour begins at 5 with dinner and auction starting at 6.

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Emo Night with All American Throwbacks tonight. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors  tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.

The first 2024 Junk in the Trunk flea market at The Gathering in Gilman will take place on Saturday from 9-2.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Paxton Community Nursery School on Saturday from 10-2.

The Loda Sportsman’s Club will hold a kids fishing derby on Saturday from 10:30-2 at the sportsmans club. The fishing derby is open to kids under the age of 16. More information is available by calling Chad Riggleman at 217-249-0650 or Brian Lemley at 217-202-9591.

(Springfield-jm) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker contends southern states are creating chaos by sending non-citizen migrants to Illinois, a Republican state senator says Pritzker is “gaslighting” taxpayers. Pritzker was asked about the ongoing migrant crisis. He said the problem is leaders in Texas sending migrants to the state unannounced. State Sen. Jason Plummer, responded, saying the state’s policies of not enforcing federal immigration law, offering taxpayer subsidized “Cadillac” health care and other services make Illinois the largest magnet for non-citizen migrants in the country. Plummer said some estimates are taxpayers are on the hook for upwards of $2 billion in costs for migrant services. He also raised concerns about the humanitarian impact from people being trafficked, raped and abused and the continued flood of fentanyl into the country.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary discussed steps in assuring food safety regarding milk considering recent cases of H5N1 virus in dairy cattle. Rod Bain reports…

(Urbana-jm) – Hundreds of University of Illinois students gathered in Champaign Wednesday to protest the school for what they described as complicity in the war in Gaza. The protest was organized by the student group ActNow4Palestine. Pro-Palestinian protests have happened at college campuses across the country this week, including at New York University and Columbia University.

(Springfield–jc) State Senators in Springfield are looking at Senate Bill 7-71 that some say is the government overreaching on private property rights. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says similar legislation was struck down at the federal level…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. The measure passed out of committee this month and is now in the hands of the full Senate in this Spring session. 

(Undated-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci, along with community members, elected officials, and the family and friends of the late Senator Scott Bennett, will attend a memorial service to designate a section of I-74 as the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway." Last spring, Faraci passed Senate Joint Resolution 32 designating I-74 from U.S. Route 45 in Champaign to the Indiana state line as the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.” 

(Rantoul–jc)  A project to expand the gym lobby  is underway at Rantoul Township High School. The addition and upgrade is on the north side of the school. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says the upgrades are expected to take just over a year to complete…

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio

(Champaign County-jm) – For the first three months of the year, Champaign County area home sales are down 4.5 percent in comparison to the same period one year ago, according to the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® . For March, area home sales dropped 17.1 percent from March 2023. Prices climbed higher as the median home sale price was up 10% to $192,500, in comparison to March of 2023. In addition, the average home sale price for March 2024 rose 17% to $242,445 from one year when it was recorded at $207,042. Inventory for homes for sale dated April 21, 2024, stood at 635 properties, down from last month’s inventory of 649 properties. More significantly, inventory is down from 825, or 30%, from April 15, 2022.

(Gibson City–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Ropps Flower Factory. They have three locations…Gibson City, Paxton and Mahomet. Owner Roger Cramer says they have been busy getting ready for Spring…

Roger says it's time for your garden to be planted and we are waiting on Spring weather……

Ropps Flower Factory Owner Roger Cramer. 

They have been a family owned business since 1950.

(Springfield-jm) – State representatives unanimously approved legislation to address sexual abuse by educators and authority figures in high schools. While there are strong protections in place for students 17 and younger, lawmakers want to ensure educators and staff are properly charged for sexual conduct with students between 18 and 23 years old.  Teachers or authority figures who sexually abuse these students could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for their first offense and a Class 4 felony for any repeat offenses. A person would commit this crime if the staff member is at least four years older than the student and commits an act of sexual conduct while holding a position of trust, authority or supervision in relation to educational or extracurricular activities.

(Washington-jm) – USDA Wednesday announced actions designed to protect our nation's livestock populations from potential H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza infection. Rod Bain reports…

(Gibson City-jm) – Officials in Gibson City are working to replace some non-working fire hydrants, and are warning residents that brown water could appear. City officials said on Facebook a resident brought the water discoloration to their attention as crews worked to change two broken fire hydrants on a dead-end street. Officials recommend letting the water run until it clears up, and thank residents for their patience while making repairs.

(Rantoul–jc) –Last weekend was very busy at the Rantoul Sports Complex on the villages west side near Interstate 57. This weekend, we can expect more large crowds for a Game Day U-S-A baseball sanctioned tournament from Friday through Sunday along with U-S Youth Soccer competitions. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says its another big weekend for the village of Rantoul and the local facility…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid. Local police are advising motorists to be extra careful while traveling around the village and sports complex with the number of expected participants and fans. 

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana Police arrested a man accused of making a “terrorist threat” against Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee County. The man, identified as Boston Brooks, has already been released from detainment following court orders. The Bourbonnais Police Department posted about the incident on their social media page. They said they are working with other law enforcement agencies and the ONU Public Safety Department to keep the campus safe. They also added that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Several city of Paxton departments will use a new inspection camera for work in the city. City leaders have made the investment into the camera to look for leaks and more says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – The U.S. Postal Service announces it will be proceeding with changes to the Mattis Avenue Processing and Distribution Center. The changes 

being made would include transferring mail processing outgoing operations to the South Suburban Processing and Distribution Center in Bedford Park and the Chicago South Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Forest Park. According to USPS, the Champaign facility will remain open and be modernized as a Local Processing Center. 21 positions will be eliminated, but USPS says no career layoffs will occur, as staff are offered jobs in other locations. In proceeding with these changes, the projected annual savings is between $2,700,000 to $3,500,000, with no proposed one-time costs.

WPXN News Notes…

The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency will hold another Hazard Mitigation meeting tonight at 6:30 pm at the MABAS building in Crescent City located at 103 and a half Main Street.
 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Here Comes the Mummies tonight. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure now in the Illinois House says the Illinois Emergency Management Agency would be able to do “all things necessary, incidental, or appropriate for the implementation” of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Opponents of Senate Bill 3434 said Illinois’ emergency authority continues under the Pritzker administration and giving more power lacks proper oversight. State Sen. Win Stoller said the bill grants extraordinary power to the department's rulemaking authority and bypasses the legislature.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure prohibiting local news organizations from selling to out-of-state buyers without 120 days written notice of the sale to the state and their employees has passed the Illinois Senate. State Sen. Steve Stadelman, said in an effort to address what he said is a shrinking local media landscape, Illinois should pass the "Strengthening Community Media Act" found in Senate Bill 3592. One element of the bill requires 120-day written notice to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the company's employees if a local media outlet is looking to sell. State Sen. Jason Plummer, argued the bill could actually backfire, crippling local media.  

(Washington-jm) – Corn planting is underway. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the details…

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

(Mahomet-jm) – Mahomet-Seymour Junior and Senior High Schools had a false alarm on Tuesday afternoon when an emergency announcement was accidentally issued. Just after 3 p.m., the ALICE intruder alert was activated. Some students and staff evacuated. Officials soon determined that the alert was an error and there was never any emergency or threat.

(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County Animal Shelter is looking for more residents to be fosters after taking in three litters of puppies last week. In a Facebook post on Vermilion County Animal Shelter Foundation, the shelter announced they took in 26 puppies within just one week. More information on fostering pets, including information to assist new foster families and an application, can be viewed on the shelter’s website.

(Iroquois County-jm) – Several citizens in Iroquois County have reported they've been targeted by a new scam.  Sheriff's Police are issuing a warning about scammers calling individuals on the state's Sex Offender Registry, posing as detectives and demanding money.  The caller tells the individual they're wanted for failure to appear to provide a DNA test.  The caller says a notice was mailed. The scammer then says the person can avoid arrest by paying them a fee in cash, using a prepaid gift card. Police say the scammer may ask for personal information, like your Social Security number or bank account. The Iroquois CountySheriff's Office will never contact anyone by telephone and ask for personal account information of any kind to avoid arrest.  Police advise citizens to just hang up, never provide any personal info.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Rantoul township High School board members approved a new detail with a food purchasing coop, to help get the freshest food and save some money too. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio  says the new deal is very similar to the old one, but the board needed to approve the minor changes…

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio

(Chicago–jc)  – More Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s grocery stores could be hitting the sale block. As part of a nearly $25 billion merger, Kroger and Albertsons originally planned to sell about 400 grocery stores. That number has now been raised to 600 stores across the country and 35 in Illinois.Company officials said the increase was to make the deal more appealing to antitrust officials who attempted to block the merger last year.

(Paxton–jc) –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Pop Loft is located at 351 South Market in Paxton. The Pop Loft Owner Samantha “sam” Magers says the name came from the balloon creations side of the business…

She says to order your prom flowers and more at the Pop Loft…

The Pop Loft Owner Samantha Magers

The number for all flower arrangements and orders is 217-391-38-38.

They also carry Black and White Chocolates, cleaning supplies and do all sizes of balloon creations.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan to require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans. This comes as the state saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone. The proposal could require school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. Sponsors said the cardiac response plan should be available on every school website and in paper form throughout schools. Schools would be required to identify where AEDs are located on the property and include guidelines for how to use the equipment properly. 

(Washington-jm) – Crop planting is underway. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has a look at soybean planting…

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

(Decatur-jm) – Archer Daniels Midland has announced its chief financial officer will resign later this year. Vikram Luthar was put on administrative leave in January for accounting irregularities in ADM’s nutrition business while the company cooperated with an investigation. Luthar, who will step down Sept. 30, will reportedly receive over $743,000 as a cash performance incentive award for 2023.

(Undated-jm) – The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend officially begins this Thursday through Saturday. Over 9 thousand people have signed up for the event. Thursday it's the Green Street Mile at 7:30pm. Friday its the 5k run walk at 7:30pm. Saturday the wheelchair half marathon begins at 7:31 am with the full and half marathon beginning at 7:33 am. The 10k starts at 8 am Saturday. Travel will be impacted for the race weekend activities across Champaign, Urbana and Savoy. 

(Paxton–jc)  Work to get the Paxton pool ready for the season continues. Paxton Park District Director Kayden Snelling says the hope is to continue to check the lining and have the pool open in late May…

Paxton Park District Director Kayden Snelling.

(Champaign-jm) – Two men are in custody for their role in the robbery of a convenience store overnight. Champaign Police were dispatched at midnight on April 23, 2024, to a business in the 1200 block of N. Mattis Avenue for a report of an Armed Robbery. On-scene, officers quickly learned that two men had robbed the business at gunpoint before fleeing the area on foot. During the robbery, one man held the clerks at gunpoint while the second served as a lookout. No one was injured in this incident, but the men took an unknown amount of cash. Officers immediately initiated a K9 track and canvass of the area for witnesses and video evidence that could lead to the two suspects. Champaign Police located the men leaving a home in the 1400 block of Holly Hill Drive at 12:49 a.m. and conducted a traffic stop to detain them. Investigators with Champaign Police then authored a search warrant for the house on Holly Hill Drive. The search warrant was served at 7:11 a.m. with assistance from the Champaign Police Department SWAT Team. While searching the home, investigators located evidence related to the robbery scene on Mattis. As a result of the investigation, Champaign Police arrested 19-year-old Randy C. Copeland of Chicago and Travon Gibson, 19, of Hammond, Indiana, on initial charges including Armed Robbery and Unlawful Use of Weapons.

(Urbana–jc)  –  The latest health-improving drink to take social media by storm is kombucha (com-BOO-chah). While experts say the drink is fine for most to try, you should keep a couple things in mind. One, the jury is still out on the extent of the benefits. And two, it’s crucial to make the drink the right way. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local dietitian…

(Gifford–jc)  – Plans for the 20-24 Gifford Community Celebration are underway. The day to put on your calendar is Saturday June 29th. The day starts at Emord Park at 7am with a 5K Run and walk. It’s cars and coffee at 8am on Main street with the annual parade at 10am. Inflatables, activities and food trucks will be at Werner Roessler Park from 11am to 3pm. A bags tournament starts at 3pm on Main street and its Fireworks at Dusk in Gifford on June 29th.

(Springfield-jm) – Hospitals across Illinois and the United States are dealing with increasing numbers of cyberattacks. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, large ransomware breaches in the health care sector increased 278% from 2018 to 2022. Matt Dean, senior fellow for Healthcare Policy Outreach at The Heartland Institute, said hospitals can’t just go to the police when cyberattacks happen. Cyberattackers went after Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago earlier this year. The cyberattacks have led to difficult decisions for hospitals and health care facilities.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan to require insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests. Illinoisans with health insurance could have coverage for at least two urine-based pregnancy tests per month. Sponsors worked to ensure Medicaid patients would have coverage for medically-necessary pregnancy tests as well. If this proposal becomes law, insurance companies would be required to provide coverage for at-home pregnancy tests starting January 1, 2026. Medicaid would start providing coverage on January 1, 2025. House Bill 5643 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Senators could discuss the plan when they return to Springfield on April 30.

(Washington-jm) – This has been a fast-paced planting season. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is hosting an open house on the proposed changes to Lincoln Avenue. The project aims to reduce the high frequency of crashes in this high-traffic area by improving bike and pedestrian safety. Some ways that officials are looking to achieve this is through bike lanes, signalized pedestrian crossings, lane reductions, access control, and more.

(Paxton–jc)  One of the main themes for the Paxton Mainstreet Group is to promote the local businesses in the city. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says its working together that will move the city to even more success…

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper.

(Iroquois County-jm) – A ballot placement lottery was held at the Iroquois County administrative building. Democrats won the ballot placement lottery and will appear first on the ballot in November. Republicans will appear second on the ballot. Seventeen of the nineteen elected precinct committeepersons attended the Iroquois County Republican convention. Challenger Mitchell Bence defeated the incumbent Lyle Behrends to become the new Iroquois County Republican Party chairman. The vote was 9-8 for Bence. Behrends had served as chairman since 2016. Dan Huse was reelected vice chairman. He defeated challenger Lindsey Ishmiel. Huse also received 9 votes. Kurt Albers was reelected treasurer without opposition. Joseph Monack was elected secretary without opposition. Since there is only one Democratic precinct committeeperson, there was not much of a convention for the Democratic Party. The Iroquois County Republican Party is looking for multiple appointments for the office of precinct committeeperson and for a vacancy on the county board in district 2.

(Paxton–dm)  The month of April has been designated as Parkinson’s Disease month.  Dan Mushrush has more.

***News nws0997parkinson’s*** Dan voicer

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Hardware and Rental. Scott and Lisa Allen are celebrating their 10th anniversary of owning the local store, purchased from the family. Spring is a very busy time at Paxton Hardware and Rental from lawn care products, to spring garden planting rentals to paint and more says Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen…

When it comes to rentals, they carry grass seeders to bounce houses, to skid steers, to canopies and slushie machines.

Paxton Hardware and Rental Store Owner Scott Allen

Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Secretary of State’s Office has announced that Illinoisans will now be able to notarize documents electronically, rather than in-person. The “E-Notary” system will allow customers and notaries to electronically sign and notarize documents from their home or office. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the change is part of the ongoing effort to modernize procedures.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to create child pornography that involves real children or obscene imagery. The proposal also prohibits non-consensual dissemination of certain AI generated sexual images. Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz explained that bad actors could use AI technology to make images of Illinois children and cause significant harm to their reputation, emotional health and privacy.

(Washington-jm) – Winter wheat condition ratings are dropping fast. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a retail theft. On April 1st at approximately 12:13 p.m., two subjects entered Meijer on North Prospect Avenue in Champaign. The subjects walked directly to the pet care aisle and selected a cart full of dog food and exited the store without stopping to make payment. The stolen merchandise was valued at close to $700.00.  The suspects were described as black males, 45-60 years old. One male was described as wearing a dark blue ballcap, blue North Face jacket, jeans, and had an earring in his left ear. The second male was wearing a black ballcap, blue zip-up sweatshirt, and gray shirt. The suspects fled the store in a black Chevy Tahoe.

(Danville–jc)  The East Central Illinois Action Agency is hosting its annual dinner and auction on Friday night in Danville. The non-profit agency serves Vermilion Ford and Iroquois Counties in Illinois. East Central Illinois Action Agency C-E-) Odette Hyatt-Watson says with the money raised they help area citizens with a wide variety of programs…

East Central Illinois Action Agency C-E-O Odette Hyatt-Watson. The annual dinner is set for a 5pm social hour and 6pm Dinner and Auction at the New Life Banquet Center on North Bowman Avenue in Danville. 

(Undated-jm) – The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation is honored to announce the awarding of $1,000 scholarships to twelve outstanding 4-H high school seniors. The following 4-Hers were awarded this year’s scholarship: Lena Hohulin, a member of the Fountain Creek Stitch ‘N Do 4-H Club, Samuel Munsterman, a member of the Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, Tatum Willms, a member of the Crescent City Barnbangers 4-H Club, Morgan Sinn, a member of the Fountain Creek 4-H Producers, Catherine Wesslund, a member of the Prairie Champions 4-H Club, Grace Vance, a member of the Prairie Champions 4-H Club, Emma Izquierdo, a member of the Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, Anna Anderson, a member of the Fountain Creek Stitch ‘N Do, Reka Ritzma, a member of the Crescent City Barnbangers 4-H Club, Brynn Boundy, a member of the Prairie Fire 4-H Club, Aubrey Wagner, a member of the Country Kickers 4-H Club, and Wyatt Eisenmann, a member of the Fountain Creek 4-H Producers. 

(Springfield-jm) – Some Illinois lawmakers want to supersede the federal government when it comes to banning food additives.  A measure moving through Springfield would ban several additives, including brominated vegetable oil and red dye number 3. California recently passed a similar ban, but if enacted, Illinois would have one of the strictest food additive bans in the country under Illinois Senate Bill 2637. In response to the state legislative proposals to ban certain FDA-approved food additives, the National Confectioners Association said states shouldn't get ahead of the federal government. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has gone on record against the proposed measure, saying it would set a “dangerous precedent.”

(Rantoul–jc)  Some buildings in the village of Rantoul continue to be in need of repair and village leaders are taking note of the situation. The village has helped with the demolition of one building in the downtown area and have addressed several others with building owners. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says its to keep owners accountable…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield-jm) – A measure to modify Illinois’ health insurance regulations that is estimated to cost state taxpayers an extra $30 million a year and impact a small portion of state-regulated insurance plans is now heading to the Illinois Senate. The Illinois House passed House Bill 5395. The measure, known as the Healthcare Protection Act, does several things for state-regulated insurance, which include state employee health insurance plans that already are projected to increase taxpayer costs. The governor’s office had previously said the measure would ban step therapy, ban prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improve network adequacy and end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Brandun Schweizer of Danville passed his first bill out of the Illinois House of Representatives Friday afternoon. House Bill 3504 was filed to prevent a problem between State insurance and Carle Clinic in the sponsor’s district. System members went to the hospital and were unaware that they were no longer covered in network.  The bill provides that at least 60 days prior to the effective date of any changes to the coverage or benefit recipient cost share for TRS benefit recipients, the Department of Central Management Services shall post those changes on its website.  Representative Schweizer believes the transparency afforded by this bill is necessary for members…

State Representative Brandun Schweizer of Danville. The bill passed unanimously on a vote of 106-0 and will now head to the Senate for their consideration.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has concluded that the death of student Akul Dhawan was accidental and has worked to take remedial actions. Dhawan was found deceased in the 1200 block of West Nevada Street, Urbana, just after 11 a.m. on January 20. The Champaign County Coroner later ruled that the cause of death was hypothermia, with acute alcohol intoxication being a contributing factor. Dhawan had gotten separated from his friends the night before, when air temperatures were around zero degrees Fahrenheit with -15 degree wind chills.

(Paxton–dm) The Paxton Main Street organization has announced the 1st Friday concert series will take place this summer in Paxton.  Executive Director of Paxton Main Street, Donna  Pepper, tells us more about the concerts.

 Executive Director of Paxton Main Street, Donna  Pepper. The concerts will take place at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. 

(Watseka-jm) – Starting today, Union Pacific will close the crossing at Routes 24 and 1 in Watseka. The crossing will be closed for about a week while crews redo the crossing. Detour signs will be posted.

(Washington-jm) – The Environmental Protection Agency Friday granted a nationwide waiver allowing for sale of e15 fuels at the pumps this summer. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is “It’s A Spring Fling” pop up event that is set for a downtown Paxton Business on Saturday May 4th. Event Spokesperson Leslie Ingold says this is the second year they have planned this one day event at A Picket Fence Florist in downtown Paxton…

Ingold says a wide variety of businesses are participating….

It’s A Spring Fling, pop up event Spokesperson Leslie Ingold

The event runs from 10am until 2-30pm on Saturday May 4th inside A Picket Fence Florist in downtown Paxton. 

(Undated–jc)  The Illinois State Board of Elections’ certification of the results of the March 19 primary election is official. Voter turnout for the primary election was 19%. The official total showed just over 1.5 million of the state’s 7.9 million registered voters cast ballots in the primary. Officials said it was the lowest turnout in a presidential primary in several decades. The only statewide office on the primary ballot was for President of the United States. Incumbent President Joseph Biden won the Democratic primary with 91% of the vote while Donald Trump won the Republican primary with 80%. 

(Chicago–jc) –Illinois now has a federally recognized Indian Nation within its borders. The U.S. Department of Interior has announced the government has returned portions of the Shab-eh-nay Reservation land into a trust for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The tribe said the U.S. Government illegally auctioned 1,280 acres of their northern Illinois land 175 years ago.

(Springfield-jm) – A proposal to raise the tipped minimum wage in Illinois getting pushback across the state. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington says the proposal would hurt small businesses…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Paxton-jm) – There was a house fire in Paxton Saturday but it was for a good cause. The fire department did a controlled burn training on a house behind the fire station. The training allowed firefighters to train on fire conditions and fire fighting techniques.

(Paxton–jc)  – The Paxton Buckley Loda Band is again hosting a concert for veterans. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…;

(Paxton–jc)  The Ford County Zoning Committee is set to meet on Tuesday in Paxton. The county board group is expected to hear from both sides concerning the zoning issues for a C-oh-2 Pipeline project that is being planned for Ford County. The Ford County Zoning Committee meeting is set to come to order at 6pm on Tuesday evening in the large courtroom at the Ford County Courthouse in Paxton.

(Washington-jm) – USDA recently announced the latest update of food offerings within its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The City of Paxton will hold brush pickup starting today and going until all streets and alleys have been taken care of.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in northern Vermilion County today from 10-10:30 at the Gifford State Bank in Potomac, 11-11:30 at Andi Mae’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Bismarck, 12-12:45 at Christman Park in Rossville and Rankin Centennial Park from 1:45-2:15.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced the start of the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a statewide effort to compile data on the current state of health and wellness and areas where public health can be improved. Under Illinois law, IDPH is required to administer an annual survey to obtain data from every county and zip code in the state, establishing a baseline of public health information to allow for progress to be tracked and measured each year. Health officials hope to reach as many as 55,000 households this year.

(Washington-jm) – USDA’s April forecasts for milk reveals lower production and in turn lower prices despite strong demand. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton-jm) – Weather permitting, The City of Paxton will be flushing hydrants starting Monday, April 29th through Friday, May 3rd beginning on the West side of town. You may notice some discoloration or loss of water pressure during this time.

(Rantoul–jc)  It’s spring and that means time to look at village streets that need repair. Village of Rantoul leaders are compiling a list of streets and the village board will look at how to spend  the allotted dollars, says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Undated-jm) – Anti Semitism is on the rise in Illinois, with college campuses being some of the hardest hit. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a new report stating anti-Semitic incidents have risen 74 percent in Illinois from 2022 to 2023. Recording over 200 anti-Semitic incidents across the state last year, with 11 occurring in Champaign-Urbana. According to the ADL, nearly 70 percent of all anti-Semitic incidents took place in Illinois after the October 7th attacks. University of Illinois Police says since October 7th there has been an increase in vandalism and graffiti that contain pro-Palestinian messaging and images, as well as some property damage that could be considered anti-Semitic.

(Paxton–dm)-If you have a bird feeder and can’t remember the last time it’s been cleaned, it’s probably time to clean it up.  Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental has these suggestions to clean your bird feeder.

Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental, Scott suggests cleaning your bird feeder every 2-4 weeks.

(Gilman–jc)  Today’s WPXN business of the Day is The Gathering in Gilman. A unique shopping experience store carries clothing, to candles, antiques to one of a kind items. The Gathering Co-Owner Kathy Perzee says the “Junk in the Trunk” flea markets start on Saturday April 27th…

Kathy Perzee says there is something new in the store, daily…it always changes

The Gathering in Gilman Co-Owner Kathy Perzee.  The Gathering in Gilman is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. An interview with Cathy Perzee is set during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Sportsbooks are fighting back against a proposed sports betting tax hike in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is proposing increasing the tax for sportsbook companies from 15% to 35%. Companies like DraftKings and FanDuel have formed the Sports Betting Alliance in opposition to the tax hike. If approved, they warn it may drive some sportsbooks out of Illinois. Bettors are receiving messages on their apps urging them to write to Illinois lawmakers and oppose the governor’s proposed tax increase. 

(Macon County–jc)  Three crashes along Interstate 72 in Macon County slowed traffic last night for several hours. State Police report only property damage in the accidents, Rescue personnel and clean up crews were on the scene from 8pm to 10pm. 

(Washington-jm) – Hearings with lawmakers this week provided the U.S. Trade Representative opportunity to discuss recent and continuing ag trade efforts. Rod Bain reports…

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Edward Jones and other local organizations to educate seniors on the dangers of fraud and scams. The Sheriff’s Office sees over 200 fraud cases a year. The conference will take place at the I Hotel conference room in Champaign on April 23rd. There will be two sessions that those interested can attend, one from 10 AM to noon, and another from 2 PM to 4 PM. Those who wish to attend must sign up to do so. To reserve yourself a space you can email Tanya Flannery at tanya.flannery@edwardjones.com or call 217-442-8158.

(Paxton–dm)- The city of Paxton is proud to announce that it is now a Designated Main Street Community.  Donna Pepper executive director of Paxton Main Street explains.

Donna Pepper, Executive Director of the Paxton Main S.street.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center of Rantoul has a golf scramble coming up in July as a fundraiser. Community Service Executive Director Cindy Crawford says Willow Pond Golf Course is hosting the event on July 19th…

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in Ford County today from 9-9:30 across from the Piper City Community Building, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 across from the Melvin Convenient Store, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and 2-2:30 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry this evening from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.

The Elliott Amvets will hold a spaghetti dinner this evening from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate and includes spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Ford Iroquois Master Gardeners on Saturday from 10-2.

The Thawville Community Sale will take place Saturday starting at 10 am.

The Melvin Women’s Club will hold their inaugural Spring Fling on Saturday from 11-1 at the Melvin Community Hall. Activities include door prizes, kids games, cake walk and a presentation by the Melvin Public Library.

The Cissna Park FFA Awards Banquet will take place on Saturday at 6pm at the Cissna Park High School Gym.

The Cadillac in Paxton will host A Night of ZZ and Zeppelin on Saturday. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

(Springfield-jm) – More than 1,000 people attended the Illinois Right to Life March in Springfield on Wednesday. House Bill 4867, amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to include "reproductive health decisions" as a human right. State Representative Anna Moeller, is a sponsor of the bill, and said the bill gives Illinoisans the freedom to consider and make whatever reproductive health decisions they wish without the fear of discrimination or retaliation in the context of housing, employment, public accommodations, education and financial credit. 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is moving forward. Senator Bennett explains the bill…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – The University Avenue ramps leading to and from I-74 in Urbana are going to be unavailable to drivers for the next four months. IDOT announced that the ramps at Exit 185 are closed as of Wednesday in order to “rehabilitate” the bridge over the highway. In addition, westbound I-74 will be reduced to one lane at the interchange. Detours for the ramp will be posted during the construction period, which is expected to last until August.

(Rantoul-jm) – A company is set to expand operations in Rantoul after closing an out-of-state plant. In a news release, door and window company JELD-WEN announced it is closing its Hawkins, Wisconsin plant and consolidating the wood windows manufacturing to its Rantoul site. The Hawkins site has around 340 employees. The company estimates consolidation into the Rantoul facility will cost about $24 million.

(Washington-jm) – Efforts to rebuild rural economies are beginning to show results. Gary Crawford reports…

(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion County has a new Recorder and a new vacancy on the county board.   Chrisi Walls, a Republican from County Board District 5, stepped down from her board seat before being sworn in as the new county Recorder. Walls replaces Dave Stone who decided not to finish his term. It will be up to the Vermilion County Republican Party to recommend someone to fill the vacancy left by Wall’s departure in District 5.

(Ford County-jm) – The stress involved in caring for senior citizens can be overwhelming.  The Ford County Public Health Department extends a program that supports those caregivers, who could use resource assistance.  A helpful program will be available for caregivers in both Ford and Iroquois County every third Thursday at the Watseka Public Library. The Caregivers Advisory Services is available for the two-county area.  The group will meet on the 3rd Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Watseka Library.  It begins today.  More info can be found on the Ford County Health department website or call 217-379-9281.

(Paxton–jc) –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Compass Insurance and Compass Insurance Agent Grant Kleinsteiber. Compass Insurance has been in operation since 1952. Agent Grant Kleinsteiber says what sets Compass Insurance apart from other agencies is the options they provide with your local agents…

Grant says they specialize in several lines of insurance…

 Compass Insurance Agent Grant Kleinsteiber. Phone 217-370-2102 for all your insurance needs. Compass Insurance and Compass Insurance Agent Grant Kleinsteiber is your WPXN Business of the day, today. We have more with Grant Kleinsteiber on news and an interview during the noon news today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers passed a plan last year to require fentanyl education in every high school. Now, representatives hope to pass a bill to require this instruction in junior high. Sponsors believe students in 6th through 8th grade should learn the differences between synthetic and non-synthetic opioids and illicit drugs as well as the variations of fentanyl. Rep. Janet Yang Rohr said that young students should also know the side effects and risk factors of using fentanyl. Local school boards would be able to decide content that is age appropriate for students to learn about the drug. They would also have the ability to decide how much time teachers would need to spend on fentanyl education.

(Springfield-jm) – 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington received a visit from area chambers of commerce. Bunting says they brought concerns to him especially about the proposal to change the tip wage in Illinois…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is looking to make Neil Street safer with a multi-million dollar agreement with the City of Champaign. It’s a $10.6 million initiative to improve Neil Street over a three-mile stretch. It would be from Springfield Avenue to Windsor Road. The city would pay just short of $800,000 with IDOT paying the rest. Their goal is to start construction in August. The agreement also includes adding accessible sidewalks and traffic signal work in 2025. Right now, there is no hard completion date set for the project.

(Normal-jm) – Rivian has announced more company wide layoffs. According to company officials, the layoffs will affect an additional 1% of the electric vehicle manufacturer’s workforce. The latest layoffs are in addition to the job cuts announced in February when Rivian said it was reducing its salaried workforce by 10%. The company said none of the layoffs are expected to affect hourly manufacturing workers in Normal.

(Washington-jm) – Month over month adjustments in USDA turkey production and price forecasts reflect both trending lower. Rod Bain reports…

(Ford County-jm) – A new Ford County committee is looking to prepare the county’s emergency response and resources for natural disasters that may befall the county in the future. The Office of Emergency Management recently held the first meeting of its Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in Roberts. The committee’s purpose is to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan to reduce the damages caused by disasters like floods, winter weather, thunderstorms and tornadoes. These jurisdictions include Ford County offices like 911, the County Board and Sheriff’s Office, school districts, the Villages of Piper City, Roberts and Sibley, the Gibson City Fire Protection District and Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative. Funding for the HMP and the process to create it is provided by a grant from FEMA. The Ford County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will hold another meeting at 6 p.m. on July 16 at Roberts Gym. The public, as well as representatives of municipalities, townships, school districts and fire protection districts, is invited to attend and ask questions. Questions and concerns can also be submitted in an online survey or the Ford County EMA.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a deadly shooting that happened last July. Trevione Robinson, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in the July 14 death of Jahiem Law, 20, of Champaign, The News Gazette reports. Four other counts of murder and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm were all dropped as part of a plea deal. Robinson was given credit for 289 days already served in jail and is eligible to serve 50 percent of his sentence.

WPXN News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in southern Iroquois County today from 9-9:30 at the Abbe Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community building, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka, 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House was unanimous in supporting a measure to remove some required labeling from the package of meat being processed for people like hunters. State Representative Adam Niemerg’s House Bill 2601 passed and now goes to the Senate. The measure removes the labeling “not inspected” but keeps the labeling “not for sale.”

(Springfield-jm) – Dozens of advocates from Moms Demand Action and One Aim Illinois gathered outside of the Capitol Tuesday to support bills they say will reduce gun violence. Capitol News Illinois reports one of the bills would require police to remove firearms from a home when a judge grants an order of protection for victims of domestic violence under the state’s firearms remedy law. The bill is known as Karina’s Bill after Karina Gonzalez. Sherri Williams with Moms Demand Action says their advocacy includes keeping gun issues in front of lawmakers…

Sherri Williams with Moms Demand Action. In addition to Karina’s Bill, the Homicide Victim’s Families Right act would allow victims’ families to request a review of a murder. The case has to be older than three years and would be reviewed by officers who weren’t on the original case. Meanwhile the Homicide Data Transparency Bill would require law enforcement to track and report how many homicides happen every month, as well as if anyone has been charged or arrested.

(Rural Rantoul-jm) – A Champaign County man was struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon. It happened northwest of Rantoul just before 5pm. Authorities say the man was closing a metal shed door when the shed was struck by lightning. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

(Paxton–jc)  Shopping local is key for towns and cities in rural areas like East Central Illinois. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says it takes a lot to run a brick and mortar business…

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. The city of Paxton, through the efforts of the local group, is now an official “Mainstreet City” in Illinois.

(Rantoul-jm) – The United State Air Force along with Rantoul village leaders will hold a community meeting later this month about PFAS or forever chemicals that were found on the former Chanute Air Force Base. This topic is resurfacing in Rantoul after the Air Force’s Civil Engineer Center did a site inspection. That’s where they found these forever chemicals in soil, groundwater, stormwater, surface water, and sediment at several AFFF release areas. Those results determined an investigation was needed. Regarding the public meeting, it’s on April 30th at 7 p.m. at Rantoul Village Hall. Air Force representatives will be there to answer questions about the remedial process.

(Washington-jm) – USDA this month used new data for both domestic and international soybean production to adjust both outlooks for supply and demand. Rod Bain reports…

(Melvin–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Gutter Guy. The local construction company provides seamless gutters for homes, also business and farm buildings. The owner of The Gutter Guy is Scott Nugent of Melvin. Nugent says they do gutters and more…

Nugent says they offer 10 year warranties on gutters to 15 year warranties on roofing…

The Gutter Guy Owner Scott Nugent.

Call the Gutter Guy at 815-830-9890.

The Gutter Guy, serving East Central Illinois, is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate approved a measure that would create a new state agency for early childhood programs. Senate Bill 1 was approved unanimously to over time consolidate initiatives in three separate state agencies into one new state agency titled the Department of Early Childhood. In the first year of the transition, it's expected to cost taxpayers $13 million. The measure can now be taken up by the House.

(Springfield-jm) – A local state representative is reminding residents to watch their mailboxes for a survey. The survey is put out by 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is reporting an attempted sexual assault at a fraternity house. The attempted sexual assault occurred Saturday approximately at 12 a.m. Police were alerted to the attempted sexual assault from a “Campus Security Authority” Tuesday afternoon.

(Rantoul–jc)  With one downtown business being raised by the village of Rantoul, there is some concern over additional buildings in the village and their future. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says there is a new owner of the former Home Theatre building and the most recent conversations on that building is that some need repairs and fix ups are coming…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a possible train leak late Wednesday morning. Crews were called around 10:30 am to the northbound Canadian National train. The car that was reportedly leaking was outside of city limits and there was no danger to residents.

(Washington-jm) – What do adjustments in global corn production in USDA’s latest outlook mean for changes in the world corn balance sheet? Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed a plan to ban consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in your credit reports. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe medical debt should not be a barrier to financial stability. Senator Steve Stadelman of Rockford said his legislation will ensure people can no longer be penalized if they struggle to pay their healthcare bills. New York and Colorado have passed similar plans to help ensure financial equality.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois insurance companies could soon be required to properly document whether they have enough doctors and specialists to diagnose and treat patients. The Illinois Senate passed a proposal to make insurers provide documentation to the Department of Insurance showing whether or not their in-network hospitals have a sufficient number of specialists. Senator Linda Holmes said this is critical for people in rural areas who are frequently impacted by network adequacy issues compared to urban healthcare networks. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Manufacturers' Association oppose the legislation.

(Springfield-jm) – 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington received a visit from area mayors and village presidents last week. Representative Bunting says they brought concerns about a proposal to eliminate the grocery tax…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has launched a death investigation after a person was found dead in an apartment building close to campus on Sunday. Pat Wade, a spokesperson for the UIPD, said the person was found in a public restroom in the lobby of The Hub, located at Sixth and Daniel Streets. The preliminary investigation suggests the person died by suicide.

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk is holding Amnesty Week this week, where people can save money when paying fines they owe. Anyone who owes money from a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance or conservation violation with the county can avoid paying any late fees and collection fees through April 26, 2024. In order to take advantage of the program, anyone interested will first need to get a quote from the circuit clerk’s office by emailing them at cccircuitclerk@co.champaign.il.us. In the email, it must include the individual’s full name, an address, a phone number, and email address, and court case numbers.

(Springfield-jm) – College admission counselors generally review an applicant's grade-point average, school activities and volunteer work to decide if a student would be a good fit. But some institutions are looking beyond the 'traditional' student profile with an online tool before granting acceptance. Terri Dee reports…

(Rantoul-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney is releasing the

name of a Rantoul man who died of injuries sustained in a shooting incident near the intersection of 3200 North and 1800 East, north of Rantoul on Sunday. Jonalberto Guadalupe Sanchez, 24 years old was pronounced dead at Carle

Foundation Hospital Emergency Room in Urbana. Mr. Guadalupe Sanchez died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. An autopsy is scheduled for today. 

(Gibson City–jc)  A summer concert to thank employees and the community has turned into a multi community event and tickets are on sale now. The 4th annual Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash is set for Saturday August 17th in downtown Gibson City and features Bret Michaels.  Gibson area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby says they are “thankful” for the input for the event from all area communities and businesses…

Gibson area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby. The event is free to attend. Some “party pit” passes are available . The 70s band Jefferson Starship will also perform in downtown Gibson City on Saturday August 17th

(Washington-jm) – It's a speedy planting season so far this year. Gary Crawford reports…

(Buckley–jc)--  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Edge Insurance of Buckley. Larry and Barb Abbe have sold the business to the Dylan Reetz family, but the name is the only change, Reetz, along with Abbe and more continue to operate the business that has served the area since 1980. Agent Larry Abbe says he is not retired and continues to help with several lines of insurance to annuities…

Edge Insurance Agency Owner Dylan Reetz says continuing a strong legacy of providing insurance needs is the on-going goal for the business…

  The business is located in the large white building on the south edge of Buckley.  The phone number is 217-394-2243 for all your insurance needs. Edge Insurance of Buckley, the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appointed a new executive director for the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Monday, Pritzker announced James Montgomery to the $108,000 a year job. Montgomery was previously with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts. The announcement follows the previous executive director and another PRB member resigning in the aftermath of a paroled individual stabbing a pregnant woman and killing an 11-year-old child. The Senate must take up the appointment within 60 session days.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House has advanced a measure that prohibits corporal punishment in K-12 schools, including private schools. Republicans pushed back, asking how the measure would impact sporting programs and even military schools. House Bill 4175 now heads to the Illinois Senate.

(Springfield-jm) – There is legislation in the state capital that could impact the state’s ag industry. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the bill and why he’s opposed…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in locating an aggravated robbery suspect. The incident happened on April 5 at a Champaign Circle K. Police arrived at the South Neil Street location near 2:30 a.m., where they learned a stranger had entered the store, beat up the clerk, and demanded money. The suspect then left the store and fled westbound. Video surveillance captured an image of the suspect, who was described as a 30 to 50-year-old Black male wearing a black mask, black leather jacket, and jeans.

(Urbana-jm) – An outdoor Fitness Court Studio and digital wellness program is coming to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The Fitness Court Studio, located on E. Gregory Drive, adjacent to the Campus Bike Center, will open today at 1 p.m. with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Fitness Court Studio will be accessible to approximately 55,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff and will be within walking and biking distance of approximately 48,211 local residents. This new Fitness Court Studio at Illinois features two workout areas separated by a mural wall to inspire people as they enjoy the benefits and energy created by a great outdoor workout.

(Buckley–jc)  Plans for the annual Knight for Christ to benefit Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley have started. The event is set for the Ford County Fairgrounds on Saturday August 24th. Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz says the group is looking for auction items and hoping all will save the date to attend…

Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz. Local leaders are also launching enrollment efforts now for the fall semester and 20-24 to 20-25 school year. Those interested in helping the auction or wanting more information on the Christian based school are asked to call 217-394-2547.

(Danville-jm) – Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim of the house fire that occurred late on Friday evening, on McKinley Street in Danville as 66-year-old Helen Demarest, resident of the home. An autopsy is scheduled and her family has been notified. Coroner McFadden stated that the Danville Fire Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office are still investigating the cause of the fire.

(Champaign–dm) – Got back or leg pain? Spinal stenosis (steh-NOE-siss) may be to blame. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local expert.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary discussed some of the challenges associated with Congress crafting a Farm Bill with agricultural journalists Monday. Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will have their annual Spring Fling fundraiser this evening from 5:30-8 at the Knights of Columbus in Rantoul. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the community service center.

(Loda-jm) – Two people are dead following a crash in Loda early Sunday afternoon. The accident happened at Route 45 and Washington Streets just after 1 pm. Police say  35 year Amber Garrelts failed to slow when she struck a motorcycle driven by 65 year old Lester Naese of Chebanse. Garrelts, Lester and his passenger Greta Naese were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Greta and Amber succumbed to their injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

(Springfield-jm) – A plaintiff’s attorney suing Illinois over the state’s gun and magazine ban expects the case to go to trial on the merits in July. Illinois enacted a ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms, attachments and magazines over certain capacities in January 2023. Shortly after, lawsuits were filed alleging the ban violated the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. Last week, litigants for the plaintiffs groups and the state met with Southern District of Illinois federal Judge Stephen McGlynn for a status and scheduling conference. Attorney Thomas Maag, who represents the Langley plaintiffs in the case, was there. Among the announced deadlines includes any expert reports. Those are due by May 10 with another status hearing for May 15.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure advancing at the Illinois Statehouse would make mobile home park owners jump through extra hoops if they want to sell their property. State Sen. Steve Stadelman, of Rockford, said his Senate Bill 2935 will help those living in mobile home parks that get sold.  “It tries to end surprise sales that result in new owners coming in, raising rates and seniors on fixed income and low-income residents that are basically economically evicted,” Stadelman said. 

Specifically, he said it creates a right of first refusal for residents or a homeowners association in the park. Republican state Sen. Jil Tracy said if passed into law, the measure would set a precedent against personal property rights.

(Springfield-jm) – An area lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to help address the teacher shortage in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is pushing legislation to help struggling districts address the teacher shortage…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Paxton-jm) – It’s official! Paxton has been named a Main Street community. The announcement came Friday. Paxton will join four other communities around the state to be accepted into the program. Congratulations to Paxton Main Street in gaining that honor from the state. 

(Rantoul–jc) WIth the sunny skies and warmer Springtime weather, the amount of spectators at the Rantoul Sports Complex was huge this past weekend. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried says hundreds of teams and fans were at the complex, with more coming this week…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried

 Rantoul police are advising the motoring public to take extra time as they travel around the sports complex during the busy times at the sports complex

(Iroquois County-jm) – According to State Statute, all officials of local government are required to submit Statements of Economic Interests no later than May 1, 2024, said Iroquois County Clerk Breein B. Suver. Persons who have failed to file by this date are subject to a $15 late fee. In addition, persons who have failed to file by May 15th may be fined $100 a day from May 16th until the statement is filed, in addition to the $15 late filing fee. Failure to file the form by May 31st shall result in ineligibility, or forfeiture of office or position of employment.  Approximately twelve hundred twenty five officials are required to file in Iroquois County. Two hundred twenty seven have not filed as of this date. Officials required to file include: Townships, Villages, Schools, Drainage Districts, Multi-Township Assessing Districts, Libraries, County Government, Park Districts & Cemeteries. Questions? Contact the County Clerk’s Office at 815-432-6960.

(Paxton–jc) The East Central Illinois Action Agency that serves Vermilion, Ford and Iroquois Counties held a free walk through Health Fair in Paxton Friday at Veterans Square. One booth was representatives from Veterans Treatment Court. V-T-C Coordinator Del Saam talks about how his group helps vets in trouble…

Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator Del Saam. The group helps vets in local counties. Those needing assistance may call 217-503-8525

(Paxton–jc)  Since 1979, Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton has served the Paxton area with garbage hauling and more. Now,  Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling offers services to a 35 mile area around the city. They also have various sizes of rolloffs for construction and clean up projects.  Owner Gene May says Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling offers a wide variety of rolloffs for those major projects to cleaning out the garage…

May says Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling says they provide a list of items they are allowed to haul…

Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton Owner Gene May

You can contact them at 217-279-3309.

Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling of Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Champaign–jc)  – Two Champaign County residents were injured in a mobile home fire this morning in Champaign, Details are stretchy, but the fire happened in the New Century Estates Mobile Home Park on Windsor in Champaign. The fire happened around 2-30 this morning. The two people were sent to a local hospital with some burns. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate approved a plan to require insurance companies to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for people with a family history of cancer. Screenings for certain types of cancer are currently covered by insurance if patients meet the age requirement. However, Sen. Julie Morrison said her proposal would require coverage for prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for every type of cancer for anyone with family members impacted by the disease. Senate Bill 2697 also requires insurance coverage for genetic testing for inherited gene mutations to help people with family history of cancer. Senate Bill 2697 now moves to the House for further consideration.

(Springfield-jm) – A proposal that passed out of the Illinois Senate could cap the monthly cost of inhalers for people with health insurance. Illinoisans struggling with asthma and other lung diseases could pay just $25 for one prescription inhaler per month. Senate Bill 3203 would also prohibit health insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers starting January 1, 2026. Sponsors said this could be a major change for many people paying between $180 to $300 per month for inhalers.

(Springfield-jm) – House Republicans are upset after the deadline to move bills out of committees passed and not many of the bills sponsored by Republicans are moving forward. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington says one of the proposals not moving forward has to do with ethics reform…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul home was damaged by fire over the weekend. Crews were called to the fire early Saturday evening to the home on Route 45 across from the Subway. Flames were seen coming from a corner of the house. Firefighters from Gifford and Thomasboro also assisted at the scene. No word on the cause of the fire.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The Community Service Center of Rantoul’s Spring Fling Event is set for Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in the village. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says the event will have great food, a silent auction and entertainment with Kayla Brown…

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford. Tickets are available at the Community Service Center and also tickets for a meat raffle are available.

(Urbana-jm) – The family of a rideshare driver killed in Urbana two years ago has been awarded over $44 million in a lawsuit filed against the person accused of killing him and others. Marla Rice, the mother of Kristian Philpotts, filed the lawsuit one year ago against Lyft, Tyjohn Williams and Williams’ mother, alleging the three acted negligently and/or intentionally in the death of her son. On Friday, LegalRideshare LLC, the personal injury law firm representing the Rice-Philpotts family, announced that Champaign County Judge Benjamin Dyer had ruled in favor of the family.

(champaign–dm)-- Did you have a moment of weakness and look directly at the sun during Monday’s eclipse? Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare runs down the symptoms that should prompt a call to a doctor.

(Springfield-jm) – The SAFE-T Act is again making headlines in Illinois with the pretrial release of an individual accused of being under the influence and crashing his vehicle into a sheriff’s deputy's vehicle, killing her. State Rep. Dennis Tipsword who also serves as the Woodford county chief deputy sheriff, said what Nathan Sweeney 44, who was apprehended following the death of Dekalb County deputy Christina Musil, did was on the list of detainable offenses. Sweeney, however, was released with the judge citing the SAFE-T Act. Sweeney was allegedly on cocaine, fentanyl and morphine when crashing into the deputy’s car and ultimately ending her life, authorities said. Tipsword said the release was likely due to the prosecution not being able to prove that Sweeney was either a danger to society or a flight risk. State Rep. Kam Buckner of Chicago, said he's glad Republicans have created the working group called Truth in Public Safety.

(Springfield-jm) – Marijuana and hemp both contain the chemical THC. But in Illinois only products made from marijuana are regulated. Now, some state lawmakers are looking to change that. Capitol News Illinois reports a bill in the Illinois legislature would create regulations for hemp products and prohibit the sale of products that have synthetic THC,, like delta-8, until they can be studied more. Experts say because there are no regulations on hemp consumer goods, products that have hemp-derived THC can be made to look like chips and candy and marketed toward kids. Tiffany Chappell Ingram is the executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois and says these products have started showing up more and more in corner stores and gas stations in recent years, causing confusion for consumers…

Cannabis Business Association of Illinois Executive Director Tiffany Chappel Ingram. A similar bill being discussed in the statehouse would regulate and tax delta-8, but while Ingram appreciates the work, she says it doesn’t go far enough. She says there needs to be a pause in sales, so that a committee of scientists can study the products and make sure they’re safe.

(Champaign-jm) – One person was airlifted to the hospital following a house fire in Champaign Thursday. The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 1300 block of Joanne Lane, Thursday at 3:02 p.m. On scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the residence.  The occupant was outside at the time the Fire Department arrived, suffering from serious burns. A neighboring home sustained damage from the heat of the fire.    

(Rantoul–jc)  – Village of Rantoul officials are going ahead with demolition of a downtown building that collapsed on Easter Sunday. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the building was purchased by the village earlier this year and now the demolition process is continuing…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. Village leaders are also looking at several other older buildings within village limits that need repair or demolition. 

(Champaign County-jm) – Serious allegations have been made against the Champaign County Auditor after months of complaints by his staff and a forensic audit of his computer. WAND obtained documents of filed HR complaints from staff accusing auditor George Danos of having inappropriate images on his work computer, undressing in front of staff and berating and cursing at staff members. Investigators also accused Danos of misusing county resources for personal and political reasons, and rarely finishing work required in his job description. A forensic IT report of Danos' computer found there was no pornographic material, but multiple nude images.

(Paxton–dm)--  If you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t forget your closets. Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental has these tips to help organize your closets

Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday morning at 7:30 on Scott’s Tips for Success.

(Washington-jm) – Price prospects for several major crops are not improving--in fact, just the opposite. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is R-G-K Lawncare of Paxton. Ross and Grant Kleinsteiber can help with everything from mowing to snow removal.  R-G-K’s Ross Kleinsteiber talks about services available for homes and businesses…

R-G-K Lawncare co-owner Ross Kleinsteiber

R-G-K’s co-owner Grant Kleinsteiber talks about the areas they serve…

R-G-K Lawncare co-owner Grant Kleinsteiber

Call them at 309-533-3215.

R-G-K Lawncare of Paxton, the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – The conflict over how to address getting rid of Illinois’ 1% grocery tax continues with Republicans saying their plan should be considered. In 2022, as a way to address high inflation, the legislature zeroed out the 1% grocery tax for 12 months. This year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to get rid of it altogether, but local governments say that could mean a $375 million hit. State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said the governor and Democrats were concerned in 2022 about how to backfill the lost revenue to local governments. DeWitte said the governor and Democrats are ignoring his bill to make up for the lost local revenue with their withheld share of the state’s income tax through the Local Government Distributive Fund. Legislators have until the end of May to pass a spending plan, including deciding what to do with the grocery tax.

(Springfield-jm) – After 8 weeks, more than 285 entries and more than 300 thousand votes, Illinois has named the 2024 coolest thing made in Illinois. Capital News Illinois reports Komatsu mining truck won this year’s Makers Madness competition hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. Governor J-B Pritzker joined Komatsu leaders for the awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. Dan Funcannon with Komatsu says they are proud and honored to receive the award…

Dan Funcannon with Komatsu. The truck is built in Peoria and uses its large carry capacity for construction and mining. The Komatsu mining truck is the 5th winner of the Makers Madness contest and joins previous winners like the Rosenberg Moon Habitat and Rivian’s Electric Truck as the coolest things made in Illinois.

(Carbondale-jm) – The Southern Illinois University System will not increase undergraduate tuition rates at its Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses in the 2024-2025 school year. The SIU Board of Trustees voted to freeze undergraduate tuition rates at its meeting in Carbondale Thursday. SIU Carbondale has not raised the undergraduate tuition rate in seven years. SIU Edwardsville’s undergrad tuition rate has had two small increases since 2019.

(Paxton–jc)  The East Central Illinois Action Agency is hosting a free walk through Health fair today in Paxton. The event is set for 11am through 2pm at Veterans Square in the downtown area of Paxton. East Central Illinois Action Agency C-E-O Odette Hyatt-Lawson says over 22 businesses and services will be there…

East Central Illinois Action Agency C-E-O Odette Hyatt-Watson. One group that will be in attendance today is O-S-F Healthcare. Spokesperson Leslie Ingold says they will offer information for on-call services and information on stroke prevention and care…

O-S-F Healthcare Spokesperson Leslie Ingold.

(Champaign-jm) – Two men have been sentenced to prison for the 2014 murder of Rashidi Overstreet. Peter Campbell, 46, and Joseph Hart ,36, both of Champaign were sentenced this week for their roles in the fatal shooting. Campbell was found guilty of First Degree Murder, he was sentenced to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. While Hart was found guilty of Murder/Intent To Kill/Injure, he was sentenced to incarceration of 30 years.

(Rantoul–jc)  You can support Christian Education in East Central Illinois on Saturday in Rantoul. The 20-24 Run for the Roses event is set to raise money for St Malachy School. The doors open at 5pm on Saturday, a dinner at 6pm. A live auction is also part of the event. Proceeds from the event help with school expenses for St Malachy School of Rantoul. 

(Washington-jm) – What impacts did USDA's March grains and rice stocks reports have when April's domestic supply and demand estimate was issued Thursday? Rod Bain reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold their foodmobile in northern Champaign County today from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley mobile home basketball court and from 10:30-11 am at the Ludlow Community Center.

Paxton Buckley Loda Choir’s spring musical performance of Once Upon a Mattress will take place tonight at 7pm, Saturday, April 13th at 7pm and Sunday, April 13th at 2pm. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for students.

The Onarga Lions Club will hold a pancake and sausage breakfast at Nexus in Onarga on Saturday from 7-11 am. Cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door and kids 9 and under are $6 in advance or $7 at the door.

The Paxton Swine n Dine committee will host bar stool golf on Saturday from 11-6 in downtown Paxton. Teams of 4 can register for $140.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Loda Fireworks on Saturday from 10-2.

A pork chop dinner benefiting the Hazel Walder Family will take place on Saturday from 11-5 at the Cissna Park Firehouse. The dinner is dine in or carry out. 

The Fisher FFA will host a dinner Saturday from 4:30-7pm in the high school cafeteria. Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork or roasted chicken thigh, potato salad and cole slaw. Free will donations. 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Revel in Red on Saturday. Doors open at 6 with the concert beginning at 8.

The Saybrook Stars and Stripes Bicentennial Committee will have a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday from 8-11 am at the Saybrook American Legion.

(Springfield-jm) – The Office of Executive Inspector General is reporting progress of investigating whether state of Illinois employees improperly obtained federal Paycheck Protection Program loans. The Office of Executive Inspector General has concluded of 325 PPP cases, 275 resulted in findings of wrongdoing. The Office has consistently recommended discharge of employees who have been found to have engaged in this misconduct. 

(Springfield-jm) – If a bill gets approved in the Illinois General Assembly, fluorescent lighting will be a thing of the past in the state. House Bill 2363 to phase out fluorescent lighting advanced through the Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee and is headed for a vote on the House floor. According to analysis by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the switch to LED bulbs would save Illinois consumers more than $1.5 billion on utility bills, avoid 2.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by cutting energy waste and avoid 419 pounds of mercury pollution by 2050. A typical small office could see $900 a year in savings by switching to LED bulbs and schools could save $3,700 a year.

(Washington-jm) – Has world agriculture production over a six-decade period trended towards use of less resources and, in turn, become more sustainable? Rod Bain reports…

(Normal-jm) – Assembly lines have shut down at Rivian Automotive in Normal. The planned shutdown began on Saturday with production scheduled to start up again April 28. Rivian officials said the shut down will allow the company to make technological upgrades to the plant. When production resumes, only two shifts of workers will be making electric vehicles after the third shift was eliminated. Pessimism among investors after the company’s flat production forecast led to a sharp selloff in the value of Rivian’s stock. Rivian shares have lost almost 92% since its highly publicized initial public offering in November 2021.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Ford County Water Tower Museum is one place to see when visiting the city of Paxton. The museum has Saturday hours from noon until 2pm and visits may be arranged. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says the museum showcases the local history and was helped by the museum professionals of Taylor Studios in Rantoul…

Paxton Mainstreet executive Director Donna Pepper. The museum will also be part of the Draggin’ Main Event Day in downtown Paxton on Monday 18th. 

(Champaign-jm) – The charges against a Champaign woman who was accused in the deadly stabbing of her ex-boyfriend have now been dropped. The Champaign Police Department responded. on June 4 to the 600 block of W. Bradley Avenue after Vincent Taylor arrived at an area hospital with a life-threatening stab wound. Police said Taylor and 43-year-old Taneshia Brooks of Champaign were involved in a domestic dispute when the victim was stabbed. On June 4, Champaign Police arrested Brooks on warrants for murder and aggravated domestic violence.  Now, the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office has dismissed murder charges against her. They said Taylor had a history of violence toward her and other women. The News Gazette reports Judge Randy Rosenbaum granted Assistant State’s Attorney Troy Lozar’s motion to dismiss four counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery filed against Brooks.

(Kankakee–jc)  Clove Alliance is spreading the word to help those affected by sexual violence. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the details…

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing of Paxton. It’s time to get those air conditioners checked, says Dogtown’s Kody Haas…

When doing an air conditioner check, Dogtown’s Kody Haas says they provide a complete evaluation of your air conditioner…

Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing Spokesperson Kody Haas. The number to call is 217-841-4728

Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing services a 50 mile radius around the city of Paxton. Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing of Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation is advancing in Springfield that would stop property tax interest and penalties from being charged to deceased individuals. State Sen. Steve McClure’s measure would allow for the estate of a deceased individual to apply for a waiver with the county treasurer. The waiver would prevent interest and penalties from being charged on delinquent property taxes for the deceased individual. The bill passed the Senate and now awaits action in the Illinois House.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline is quickly approaching for filing 2023 state individual income tax returns. The agency has been collecting and processing returns since the 2024 tax season officially began on Jan. 29, and the deadline is Monday, April 15. If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks.

(Washington-jm) – Consumers last month were paying a lot more for shelter and gasoline, but not for food. Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated-jm) – Illinois airports fared better than the national average for flight delays and cancellations. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports nationwide, 78.2% of flights were on time last year. Chicago’s international airports, O’Hare and Midway, both ranked a little better than the national average in delayed flights for 2023. Elsewhere in Illinois, Rockford’s airport registered an on time rate of 83.2%, and Willard Airport in Champaign had a rate of 81.7%.

(Springfield-jm) – The warmer temperatures have many of us venturing outside, some in search of mushrooms.  Morel Mushroom Hunting season is upon us and many folks have already had some luck.  But State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) and health departments around the state, want to remind you, we aren't the only ones enjoying the outdoors…

State Representative Dan Swanson. When heading back inside you'll want to be sure to check for tiny hitch-hikers, the same grassy, woodsy natural areas that mushroom hunters frequent are those where ticks lurk.  Because of changes in the weather and climate, ticks are “changing and increasing” their geographical range. And with their increased presence comes the potential for unwanted diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.

(Iroquois County-jm) – Volunteers with the Iroquois County Animal Rescue responded to a hoarding situation Tuesday evening, to find 70 cats in one apartment. According to the Iroquois County Animal Rescue Facebook page, all cats will need spay and neuter surgery, vaccinations, treated for parasites and medication for all that are sick. The Rescue center is asking for monetary donations to help with the cost of these procedures.

(Rantoul–jc)  More good news for Rantoul…a new Culvers is coming to town. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says they have selected a location along Champaign Avenue on the villages west side near the Rantoul Sports Complex and Walmart and construction is set to begin…

WPXN News Notes…

Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold their annual spring music concert tonight. A dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and dessert starts at 5 with the concert beginning at 6.

The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors tonight through Friday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House Judiciary-Criminal Committee approved plans to help reopen cold cases and provide more transparency on homicide investigations. One of the plans could allow immediate family members to petition law enforcement to review unsolved murder cases after three years of inactivity. The case file review must include an analysis of steps that may have been missed during initial investigations and assessments of whether witnesses should be interviewed again. Rep. Kam Buckner said police should also re-examine if evidence was properly reviewed during initial investigations.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is spearheading legislation to enhance penalties against people who threaten libraries. The measures are sponsored by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray and state Sen. Laura Murphy. House Bill 4567 heads to the House floor. In the Judiciary-Criminal Committee hearing, Murray said there’s been an uptick in threats of violence against Illinois libraries. Under the proposed law, individuals who send two “threatening messages” by electronic media would be subject to a Class 2 felony. HB4567 enhances penalties for individuals who make threats to not just librarians and library employees, but library buildings.

(Springfield-jm) – There was a bill that passed out of committee that will have a big impact on small businesses.  106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington shares what it does…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) – The United States Census Bureau is seeking temporary Field Representatives in Urbana to help conduct a Partial Special Census this fall. Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin said that due to the COVID-19 shutdown, many University of Illinois students left Urbana just before the Census date on April 1, 2020. Therefore, these students were not counted as residents, resulting in a 7% drop in the city’s official Census population. Representatives will work from August through November. There is a starting wage of $18.83 per hour.

(Washington-jm) – There are at least two bright spots in the latest USDA agricultural trade update. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 11:55 p.m. on April 8, 2024, to the 2500 block of W. Springfield Avenue for a report of a shooting with injuries. On-scene, officers found a 29-year-old man from Champaign who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

(Westville-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 arrested 26-year-old Grant W. Pate of Westville for 11 counts of Possession of Child Pornography and 11 counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography. 

On March 26, ISP conducted a residential search warrant in Westville.  The search warrant was in reference to multiple Cyber Tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography.  During the execution of the search warrant, Grant W. Pate was taken into custody and transported to the Vermilion County Jail.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Pizza Palace of Paxton and Gilman. Both locations are open for dine in or carry out and open Wednesdays  through Sunday at 4pm each day. Pizza Palace Owner Eric Bull says each week he comes up with a specialty pizza…

Eric Bull says the Paxton location has dine in room for 65 people and they offer pizza and more…

Pizza Palace Owner Eric Bull

Pizza Palace has locations in Paxton and Gilman. Check out this week's Specialty Pizza on facebook. Pizza Palace is the WPXN Business of the Day, today. More on Pizza Palace on newscasts throughout the day today and during the Noon news.

(Springfield-jm) – Inflation is taking a toll on car insurance rates. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, auto insurance rates increased 20% from 2022 to 2023. Premiums are much higher, in part due to the higher cost of auto repairs. In Illinois, competition has helped keep insurance premiums from going up even more. Government regulation of insurance rates would lead to higher prices.

(Springfield-jm) – A State Senator outlined their plan to require insurance to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer. Senate Bill 2697 would expand that coverage to include prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the deadly disease. Additionally, insurance companies would be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

(Springfield-jm) – A report released this month by the Network for Public Education ranked Illinois an "A" grade for its overall support of public schools. Terri Dee reports…

(Urbana-jm) – A professor at the University of Illinois is unveiling the power social media can have in disaster events. Omar Pérez Figueroa is an urban and regional planning professor who researches environmental inequalities in underserved communities. This includes water governance and disaster resilience. For a new study, Pérez Figueroa gathered more than 2,000 statuses from Twitter — now called X — from before, during, and after Hurricane María hit Puerto Rico in 2017. The goal of the study was to analyze the reactions of Twitter users, and how they can make people better prepared for disaster.

(Washington-jm) – We'll have to wait another month before we get USDA's first supply and demand forecasts for the new crop year. Gary Crawford reports…

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam going around. They say the most recent scam call will have someone call and say they are with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department, and even use the names of real officers. They will then say they have a warrant for your arrest and you must pay to not be arrested. No Sheriff’s office will ever contact people for money to not be arrested and that they do not accept Google gift cards as bonds. They further stated that if there is a warrant for your arrest they will act on it. Officials say if you believe you are getting a scam call to just hand up and try to call the number of the organization to verify the request.

(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion Advantage is pioneering efforts to get faster, more reliable internet in underserved areas of Vermilion County. $1 million from the State of Illinois will be distributed to these areas across the state that are in need, including rural locations. Vermilion Advantage is collaborating with local leaders, businesses and community members to advocate for this funding to be allocated throughout Vermilion County.