(Springfield-jm) – As a result of a recent lawsuit, buying a home in Illinois has changed, but a new study shows that maybe sellers should keep things status quo. For decades, the National Association of Realtors required home sale listing brokers to provide an offer of compensation to a buyer's agent up front. That usually was a 6% split between a seller's broker and buyer's agent. The group settled the case for over $400 million, and now new rules in place dictate that home sellers are no longer obliged to offer compensation for a buyer's agent.  Despite the change in commission rules and lower mortgage rates, sales in Illinois are slumping. According to Illinois Realtors, home sales in August were down over 6% compared to August 2023.  

(Springfield-jm) – With the state's unemployment rate already now at 5.3%, Republican state Sen. Craig Wilcox is warning that the number of people he feels are being hurt by policy decisions in Springfield only figures to multiply. New U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Illinois' unemployment rate crept up to 5.3% in August, which ranks as the second highest in the country and the highest of all neighboring states. With the state seeing its largest job growth in the area of state government, Wilcox worries what kind of message the overall sputtering numbers send to people. Since the pandemic, the job recovery rate in Illinois ranks 46th in the country, with only 13,500 more jobs than were available in early 2020. During that time, the state has lost such businesses as Caterpillar, Boeing and Citadel and in 2023, some 32,826 residents decided to leave the state, marking the 10th straight year of net population decline.

(Washington-jm) – Agriculture ministers of the G7 nations are wrapping up a meeting in Italy. Gary Crawford reports...

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County Taxpayers are reminded that Friday, October 4th is the due date for the 2nd installment of the 2023 payable 2024 real estate taxes. Taxes may be paid at the courthouse, drop box in front of the courthouse, any Ford County bank or by mail if postmarked by October 4th.  After October 4th, interest amounts must also be included in the payment.  The amounts are listed on the installment stub. Please contact the Treasurer's Office with any questions @ 317-379-9465.

(Bourbonnais-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Bourbonnais, Illinois man for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul's ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General's office charged Wayne R. Hipple, 38, in Kankakee County Circuit Court with 10 counts of the possession of child pornography of a child under 13, each Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Hipple is being held at the Kankakee County Jail, and his next scheduled court date is Oct. 10. 

(Champaign–jc)  Champaign County is the recipient of a grant for gun safe storage. WPXN"s Joel Cluver has the story...

(Normal–jc)  – Administrators at Illinois State University are ordering all divisions at the school to immediately cut spending by 2% to avoid a deficit in the general fund by the end of this fiscal year. According to an email sent by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, each division, including the President's Office and Athletics, must cut 2% of the money that comes from general funds, while Auxiliary Facilities Services faces an unspecified lump sum reduction.  

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The Annual Pumpkins in the Park celebration is set for this Saturday in Cissna Park. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says the day starts with a F F A breakfast, with carnival games, bounce houses, vendors and music...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

And pumpkins will be available for purchase too. 

(Gilman–jc) – Today's WPXN business of the day is Midgard Entertainment of Gilman. The outdoor hunting and fishing store opened in 20-21. Midgard Entertainment Owner Nate Thomas says the business continues to grow and expand...

Thomas says they have the experts in the store to get you ready for Bow hunting season.

Midgard Entertainment of Gilman Owner Nate Thomas. 

The store on the curves along Route 45 in Gilman is open 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturdays. 

(Springfield-jm) – Some Illinois lawmakers have proposed laws to regulate hemp, while others are calling for the federal government to get involved. A Reason Foundation report shows that Congress federally legalized hemp-derived products in the 2018 Farm Bill, but failed to establish a regulatory framework. The report said that states that legalized marijuana, like Illinois, are more inclined to ban or restrict hemp-derived products. The cannabis industry has been on attack against the hemp industry. A measure that didn't make it out of the Illinois General Assembly would allow the sale of hemp products, but only by businesses licensed under the current cannabis law. Gov. J.B. Pritzker expects lawmakers to revisit the legislation.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University has unveiled a new toolkit for small business owners. The Small Business Exit Planning toolkit is designed to help small business owners plan a business exit strategy and access resources to help execute that plan. Chris Merrett, dean for Innovation and Economic Development and director of the IIRA at WIU, said the toolkit can help business owners get a fair market price when they go to sell. Citing data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Merrett said a higher proportion of the economy is reliant on small businesses in Downstate and rural parts of Illinois. The Small Business Exit Planning toolkit is free to use. The Small Business Exit Planning toolkit can be found at iira.org/small-business-exit-planning/.

(Washington-jm) – USDA's latest price report shows an improvement in livestock prices and the opposite situation for crop producers. Gary Crawford reports...

(Normal-jm) – One person is dead, and another is in critical condition after a shooting early Sunday morning near the Illinois State University campus. Normal Police said they were in the area of the 300 block of North Main Street around 3:45 a.m. breaking up a large party. While on scene, officers heard several gunshots from the area. They immediately went to the 300 block of North University, and found two gunshot victims. Both were taken to the hospital, where one died. The other is in critical condition. In a post on their Facebook page, ISU Police say a "pop-up party" of over 1,000 people, which was not organized or sanctioned by the University, started in a park and moved to a gas station.

(Urbana-jm) – The city of Urbana is looking to increase its motor fuel tax to help repair roads. Urbana proposed options for increasing the tax. One of the options illustrates a gradual increase over three years, which would be phased in on the first day of January in 2025, 2026, and 2027. A decision could come as early as tonight when the city council meets.

(Paxton–dm)-It's getting to be that time of year that you need to winterize your boat.  Besides draining all of your water lines, you will want to change out other fluids.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen tells us more.

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

CHAMPAIGN – In order to complete a sanitary sewer connection at 2 Eureka Street in Champaign,  Roto Rooter Plumbing will close the right northbound lane of Neil Street between Beardsley Avenue and Eureka Street.  The closure will begin on Monday, and will reopen on or before Monday, October 7, 2024. One-lane traffic will be allowed in the area.

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.

(Springfield-jm) – New data shows Illinois' infant mortality rate has decreased. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced in 2021 the infant mortality rate decreased to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 6.5 per 1,000 in 2018. The agency said the current rate is slightly above the national rate of 5.4 and continues to show racial disparities that persist nationally for infant mortality.

(Springfield-jc) –Some counties are dealing with access to personal information. WPXN"s Dan Mushrush has the story...

(Undated-jm) – Flu and COVID season are likely to overlap this season, and County health officials suggest it's most likely time to get that COVID and Flu shot. And – the vaccines are available in a single dose. Data from the CDC shows just under 50% of Illinoisans received a Flu shot during the 2023-24 Flu season, while only about 25% of adults in the state got a COVID vaccine this year before the CDC approved an updated shot in late August. Unlike the Flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine will not prevent you from contracting the illness. It's goal is to minimize symptoms if you do test positive. Primary care providers and County health departments can provide more info and vaccine availability.

(Paxton–jc) –  With the recent opening of Pax-Pop, Game Changer Sports Shop and tomorrow's grand opening of Blush and Velvet, the city of Paxton is booming with new business. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says there is another business set to occupy a spot just north of Blush and Velvet and there is more...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus in Champaign County in 2024. The affected individual is a resident of Champaign in their 60s, who tested positive for the infection in September.

(Champaign–dm)-With the Harvest starting, you're going to notice a lot of farm equipment on the road.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady reminds us to be patient...

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady

(Kankakee-jm) – The prosecution is resting its case; the defense team to present its side in the case of two Bradley police officers who were shot in-the-line-of-duty while answering a call to barking dogs in a vehicle. It was December 29, 2021 when the shooting occurred, killing Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and seriously wounded her partner, Tyler Bailey. Charged with murder and attempted murder is Darius Sullivan.

(Champaign–dm)  It's the every-so-often to-do list: Replace the smoke alarm batteries. Check the 401-K. Now here's a new one: make sure your kid's car seat is being used properly. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

Visit the OSF Newsroom for a visual guide on installing and using car seats

(Paxton–jc)  –  Another new business is coming to Paxton on Saturday. A women's boutique is opening in downtown Paxton called Blush and Velvet. Blush and Velvet Owner Dawn Stack already owns The Bijou Salon in the downtown area and says the grand opening is set for Saturday...

Blush and Velvet Store owner Dawn Stack.

(Champaign County-jm) – Staffing 911 dispatch centers is a growing national problem, and it has struck Champaign County hard. According to the National Emergency Number Association, 82% of dispatch centers are experiencing staffing shortages. In Champaign, members of the dispatch team are becoming increasingly burned out, due to the long hours and low staffing.The director of the county dispatch center, Ralph Caldwell, says that center only has seventeen of the thirty-three positions permanently filled.

(Paxton–jc)  Today's WPXN  Business of the day is Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop of Paxton. Fall is here and its time for flu shots, covid shots and shingles shots too. Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop Owner Andy Hudson says they are hosting flu clinics around the area over the next several weeks...

Andy Hudson says some vaccinations can be done at the same time ,while others should be spaced out...

Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop Owner Andy Hudson

(Springfield-jm) – An appellate court has denied another attempt by the state to delay a case challenging Illinois Firearm Owner's ID card. Guns Save Life sued the state alleging the FOID card is unconstitutional. Last year, a Sangamon County Judge sided with the state, ruling that the law is constitutional. Since then, the state motioned for three extensions to file a response, which were granted. In September, the state motioned to pause the case in order to await the outcome of a different FOID card challenge in front of the Illinois Supreme Court. The appeals court said the state has had enough delays and the case they're waiting for is not similar to the Guns Save Life challenge of the FOID card. Oral arguments in that case are set for Nov. 14.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Village of Rantoul leaders are working with two companies that are set to build in Rantoul this fall and winter. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says Culvers is bringing a new restaurant to Rantoul and Busey Bank is building in the same area of town. Smith says groundbreaking is coming soon...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Champaign-jm) – A woman from Champaign will spend almost three decades in federal prison after she was convicted of drug distribution charges.  U.S. District Judge Colin Bruce sentenced Malaia Turner, 36, to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

(Paxtom–dm)-Early voting for the November 5th election started yesterday. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick  has more information.

Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick

(Urbana-jm) – A United States Postal Services letter carrier was robbed by a man with a gun, according to the Urbana Police Department. UPD said the robbery happened around 7:50 p.m. in the 2400 block of Prairie Green St. on Monday. The letter carrier attempted to talk to the man, but he grabbed the keys from the carrier's bag. The carrier gave the man the keys as he was holding a gun. After the man grabbed the keys, he ran out of the apartment building. The carrier is not hurt, according to UPD. Police say the person they believe is responsible is a black man around 20 years old. They say he is 5'8"-9" tall with a thin build.

(Gilman–jc)  The 20-24 harvest is underway in Illinois. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire says crops look good, with some crops ready and others still green...

Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's office will be hosting Amnesty Week from October 14 to October 25. During that time, anyone who has a balance due on a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance violation or conservation violation will be able to pay their total due minus any late fees and collection fees which have accumulated. This does not apply to any fines and costs which have already been paid, or any tax refunds which have been applied against what is due and owing. Individuals who wish to participate in this program may ask for a quote in their case or cases by sending an email to cccircuitclerk@co.champaign.il.us. The email needs to include the individual's name with middle initial, their address, their phone number, their email address, and their case number or numbers. 

WPXN News notes...

The final 2024 Junk in the Trunk flea market at The Gathering in Gilman will take place on Saturday, September 28th from 9-2.

The final Buckley Community Group will hold their Junk in the Trunk on Saturday, September 28th from 9-2.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Methodist Men on Saturday, September 28th from 10-2.

The 2024 Clinton Apple and Pork festival will take place on Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a new record. Frerichs' office said nearly 140,000  people are in line to automatically receive a total of nearly $13.2 million from the state's Unclaimed Property program. Frerichs said all they have to do is cash the check.

(Springfield-jm) – Harvest is underway across the area. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares some safety tips...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court has vacated a challenge to the state's Firearm Owner's ID card law. The case heard by the Supreme Court in May focuses on two individuals who were charged with reckless discharge of firearms, had their FOID cards suspended, but later pleaded to misdemeanors, which doesn't rise to the level of a FOID card being revoked. In March 2023, Madison County Associate Judge Donald Foster said the law allowing Illinois State Police to suspend FOID cards "is hereby declared unconstitutional as applied to persons charged with a felony but not yet convicted of a felony."

(Paxton–jc)  –  The city of Paxton continues to get new businesses to locate in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says Game Changer Sports Shop and Brush and Velvet are new additions...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Urbana-jm) – The building and food service workers union is on day three protesting for higher wages. Chanting, speeches, and marching as union members with SEIU 73 continue to put pressure on the U of I. Instead of covering ground across different locations like they did earlier in the week, more than 200 protestors gathered in one spot, on the quad.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Ford County Board Finance committee is set to meet this afternoon and on the agenda is discussion and potential action on the fiscal year 20-25 budget. The Ford County Board Finance committee meets at 3 this afternoon at the Ford County courthouse in Paxton. 

(Paxton–jc)  Tickets for the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk are going fast. Just 250 tickets are being sold for the event and around 50 remain, says Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. The 20-24 Paxton Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for Saturday October 5th. 

(Urbana-jm) – Construction on the westbound University Avenue ramps leading to and from I-74 in Urbana was supposed to last only four months. Now, officials estimate the project will be completed in early October. The work to rehabilitate the bridge began in the spring. The Illinois Department of Transportation said the project is "winding down;" now, all that remains is concrete and asphalt work on the bridge deck. During the project, the exit was closed and westbound I-74 was reduced to one lane at the interchange.

(Paxton–jc)  Two former Paxton High School alums are being inducted into the Paxton Buckley Loda Hall of Fame. Paxton Buckley Loda High School Principal Hannah Eshleman talks about Paul Meuser and Carl Hudson junior...

Paxton Buckley Loda High School Principal Hannah Eshleman

(The Center Square) – Instagram has rolled out Teen Accounts. According to the social media company, the new platform has built-in protections, which limit who can contact teens through the app and the content they see. Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, said on social media, that any step to protect kids online is welcome, this still puts the onus on parents instead of Big Tech." Durbin wants Congress to pass his Stop Child Sexual Abuse Material Actl.

(Paxton–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the day is the Paxton Park District.

The new park district director is Jordan Chapman who is from St Anne. Chapman talks about the current programs offered by the local district in Pickleball and Soccer...

Chapman says volleyball sign up starts today...

Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman. The Paxton Park District is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

(Springfield-jm) – A bill filed at the Illinois Statehouse to make non-citizens who register to vote felons is being labeled a stunt by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Republicans filed House Bill 5875 earlier this month and lined up sponsors. The measure would make it a Class 4 felony for any non-citizen that registers to vote or for anyone who knowingly registers non-citizens to vote. Asked about the effort Wednesday, Pritzker dismissed the measure. Pritzker said it's an effort by Republicans to make it an issue heading into the November election.

(Springfield-jm) – A new poll shows nearly three-quarters of Illinois voters support a ban on the fees banks charge for swiping a credit or debit card being applied to taxes and tips. Capitol News Illinois reports Illinois recently passed a law that does just that-barring interchange fees on taxes and tips. But that law doesn't go into effect until next year-and it faces a legal challenge from banking groups. Rob Karr is President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association-which supported the legislation and commissioned the poll. He says they hoped to see if Illinois voters support the new law...

Illinois Retail Merchants Association President Rob Karr. The poll also says 82 percent of voters think its unfair to workers and businesses to charge swipe fees on top of tips. Banking groups want the courts to declare the new law invalid-that lawsuit is making its way through the legal system now.

(Springfield-jm) – Following a hearing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about food additives, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association said they're encouraged the agency is spearheading "a thoughtful and system review of food additives" to "help prevent a confusing and costly patchwork of regulations." Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has pushed for the state to approve strict regulations on certain food additives.

(Rantoul–jc)  Construction on a Culvers Restaurant and a new location for Busey Bank in Rantoul are in the general contractor stage. Both companies have plans to build on Rantoul's west side this fall into winter. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith has details on both businesses...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Urbana-jm) – After a string of sextortion cases, the University of Illinois Police Department is giving students tips to prevent being a victim of a crime. In the past 10 days, UIPD said they are aware of three separate incidents of students scammed into sexual extortion. On September 19, A student reported they shared intimate pictures of themselves with an unknown person on Snapchat, to which the offender demanded money and threatened to post the pictures on public social media platforms if the victim did not comply. On September 23, A U. of I. student reported they were engaged in a conversation with someone they believed they were familiar with on Snapchat and exchanged intimate photos. The offender impersonated a person known to the victim and demanded money through transfer applications or threatened to share the photos through social media platforms.  And on September 25, another U. of I. student said they were had a conversation with a stranger on a social media platform and exchanged intimate videos. The suspect threatened to send the recordings to the victim's social contacts unless the victim transferred money to the offender.

(Paxton–jc) the 20-24 Paxton Down Syndrome Awareness Walk is set for Sunday in Paxton. The event takes place in the Paxton Buckley Loda back parking lot from noon until 2pm. Paxton Down Syndrome Awareness Walk event Spokesperson Darla Schall says the event includes the walk, activities, and giveaways...

Paxton Down Syndrome Awareness Walk Event Spokesperson Darla Schall

T shirts are also available on line. 

(Urbana-jm) – Students for Justice in Palestine is no longer officially recognized at the University of Illinois. The University of Illinois Student Affairs confirmed the registered student organization violated several university policies related to their encampment protests the former RSO helped organize and promote in April and May. A subcommittee of the University of Illinois Senate's Student Discipline Committee met in August and decided the group's fate then.

(The Center Square) – Early voting sites will open in nearly every county beginning Thursday, with the exception of Cook County and the city of Chicago, where things will get going in early October. Since 2015, early voting in Illinois has traditionally started 40 days prior to election day in Illinois. Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich said at the start of the early voting season, voters will likely have to vote at their county clerk's officeThe increase in early voting locations typically correlates with the number of early votes cast. Dietrich said that the closer election day is, the more early votes are cast and more locations will open.

(Springfield-jm) – With campaign season well underway, the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General is reminding state employees that they are prohibited from working on or in support of a campaign for elective office while they are being paid by taxpayers. They're also prohibited from soliciting, accepting or making political contributions while on state property at any time.

(Washington-jm) – The nation's turkey producers are facing a tough supply and demand situation. Gary Crawford reports...

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been arrested following threats of violence against a local college campus. Champaign Police were dispatched at 9:06 a.m. Tuesday, to Parkland College following a report of threats made on social media. Officers were made aware of a social media post that contained threats against the college by Parkland Public Safety, who requested additional assistance from neighboring agencies. Champaign Police worked quickly with authorities from Parkland and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the source of the threat. Additionally, Champaign Police assigned officers at Parkland College to promote safety through a visible presence. The investigation revealed that 19-year-old Malik Judeh of Champaign had made the threatening post. Judeh was arrested near his home and transported to the Champaign County Correctional Center on initial charges of felony Disorderly Conduct and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

(Rantoul–jc)  The number of visitors to Rantoul continues to grow for the current year with the popularity of the Rantoul Sports Complex to attractions like Hardy's Reindeer Ranch and annual events from the 4th of July celebration and Holiday shopping. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the attractions bring in visitors and the local shops are doing a great job in fulfilling the needs of those coming to Rantoul...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

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

name of a Schaumburg man who died as the result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Sunday, in the 700 Block of Prestwick Point, Champaign.

Patrick W. Cox was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was performed earlier this week. An inquest may be held at a later date. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police

Department. Cox was the athletic director at Champaign Central and had recently resigned.

(Paxton–jc)--The annual Paxton Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk is set for Saturday October 5th. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the 250 tickets are being sold for the event and one new business in Paxton that is participating is Game Changer Spots Shop in downtown Paxton...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Only 50 tickets remain for the walk. 

(Ottawa–jc)The Illinois Department of Transportation District 3 is taking applications for seasonal positions to help with snow and ice removal in Bureau, La Salle, DeKalb, Kendall, Grundy, Livingston, Ford, Iroquois and Kankakee counties. Applications for Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers  must be completed online at Illinois-dot-jobs-2-Web-dot-com Monday,  Once on the site the easiest way to locate the posting is to type the county of preference into the search bar. Both full-time Winter Highway Maintainers and hourly Winter Highway Maintainers are being hired to help maintain more than 45,000 lane miles statewide during the winter. 

(Cissna Park–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is Outdoor Pro Fine Living in Cissna Park.  They specialize in patio furniture and patio furnishings. They are having a year end sale now through October 19th says Outdoor Pro Fine Living Manager Teleesha Melo...('Me-low)

The products they sell are all made in America 

Outdoor Pro Fine Living Manager Teleesha Melo

(Undated-jm) – Illinois Veterans' homes in Anna and Manteno have more COVID-19 cases among veterans and staff. The majority of cases have presented mild symptoms, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs said. In total, more than 30 residents and 15 staff have been reported. The homes continue to follow CDC guidance for longer-term care facilities.

(Rantoul–jc)  University of Illinois President Tim Kileen, and around 2 dozen university of Illinois officials were in Rantoul Tuesday morning. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation and some Republican lawmakers want to do something about it. Next year, a law requires the Illinois Department of Revenue and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the entire property tax system in the state, but some are doubtful it will make a difference. State Rep. Dan Ugaste said high taxes are one reason people are leaving Illinois. State Rep. Nicole La Ha, said one solution is to change how schools are funded and redirect funds previously allocated for pension obligations. Another measure would require local governments to return excess funds to residents. 

(Washington-jm) – The outlook for the nation's broiler industry looks strong. Gary Crawford reports...

(Ludlow-jm) – Eight people, including six children, were involved in a Tuesday crash north of Rantoul, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office said.  The crash happened in Ludlow Township at the intersection of County Roads 3300N and 1500E. Officials said the investigation indicated the southbound Traverse did not stop at the intersection and failed to yield to the eastbound Corolla. The Corolla t-boned the Traverse's passenger side, causing the Traverse to roll over. Officials said the driver and sole occupant of the Corolla, a 31-year-old woman from Gibson City, was able to get herself out of her car. There were seven people inside the Traverse — the 42-year-old driver from Paxton and six children ages 1 to 15.

(Paxton–jc)  –  City of Paxton leaders are looking for someone to replace Kendal Cox on the Paxton City Council. Cox stepped down from the position last month. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold praised Cox for his service to the city and says they are looking for a replacement...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Vermilion County-jm) – After taking in over 100 animals this month, the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is out of room. Last week, the shelter hit their limit for the number of animals they were able to care for. And, some of the animals are fighting a contagious disease. Some of the cats have contracted feline panleukopenia, after unvaccinated cats were brought in. The dog population is fighting to avoid parvovirus, which was introduced by a litter of unvaccinated puppies.

(Cissna Park–jc)  The 20-24 Pumpkins in the Park celebration is set for one area town on October 5th. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton says pumpkins will be available, but also lots of food and family activities...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

(Mahomet–jc)  – The Village of Mahomet will open the second phase of the South Mahomet Road Connection project, connecting Churchill Road to Prairieview Road, following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 P.M. today. The South Mahomet Connection project supported transportation network connectivity between local streets and state and federal highway transportation systems, including US Route 150, IL 47, Interstate 74 and Interstate 72. The new connection extended South Mahomet Road easterly and promoted logical, smart growth; multimodal transportation; safety; healthier lifestyle; and mobility while providing a positive economic impact to the area. The improvement connects the already improved Prairie View Road commercial district on the east side with IL Route 47 on the southwest side of Mahomet. 

(The Center Square) – Federal prosecutors are set to be back in court in Chicago sometime this week to look at options in a bribery case involving former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. This past Friday, a judge declared a mistrial after a jury deadlocked 11-1 on charges alleging former AT&T Illinois leader Paul La Schiazza bribed former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. A second  judge has scheduled Madigan's trial for next month

(Champaign–jc)  –  The Champaign Urbana Public Health District is offering flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season. WPXN's Dan Mushrush has the details...

(Danville–jc)  –The Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden stated that a traffic crash on I-74 westbound at mile marker 216 on Friday, September 20, 2024 at approximately 5:06 p.m. claimed the life of a 60-year-old Ohio woman. The victim has been identified as Livny R. Beans of Dayton, Ohio. An autopsy is scheduled for today, September 23, 2024. The identity was held until out of state next of kin could be contacted. No other information is available. The Illinois State Police and the Vermilion County Coroner's office continue to investigate.

(The Center Square) – A report by a California-based collection agency has found that offices in downtown Chicago have a median of 642 days on the market, which is much higher than the national average of 334. The Kaplan Group study ranked Chicago's financial district 8th highest among key U.S. financial districts for office loan default risk. Gordon Lamphere is director of Sales and Leasing at Van Vlissengen and Co., a commercial real-estate company based in Lincolnshire.

Lamphere told The Center Square that it's a tale of two cities in Chicago where some buildings are  in a lot of trouble in the market, and then you see some Class A buildings that are doing great.

(Gilman–jc)  Farmers in the Ford and Iroquois County areas have started harvest over the past several days, though some rain today has slowed their progress. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire looks at the early harvest...

Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire

(Springfield-jm) – A new report shows more young people are leaving the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares the details of the report...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Taylorville–jc)  –Four people are facing charges after a search at a sober living facility in Taylorville yielded drugs. Taylorville police said the department began an investigation after receiving tips about drug activity at an unlicensed sober living facility intended for people recovering from addiction. Four people were arrested for possessing and dealing meth in the community. 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Supreme Court says the smell of burnt cannabis is not enough for police to search a vehicle without a warrant. Last week's  unanimous decision  stems from a case  in Henry County, where a man was pulled over for speeding and a license plate violation. The state trooper reported the smell of burnt cannabis, and searched the vehicle. He found about a gram of cannabis, and the driver was charged with transporting it illegally – it was supposed to be in a sealed container and out of reach of the driver But the driver claimed in his case that Illinois' 2019 law decriminalizing marijuana meant the smell of it shouldn't be used as probable cause to search his vehicle. The high court agreed.

(Paxton–jc)  One property development agreement in the city of Paxton is set for two family owned businesses.  Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the property upgrade for The Pop Loft and Mager Imagery of Paxton...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Paxton–jc) Today's WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Hardware and Rental. Owner Scott Allen says with the start of Autumn is the time to start painting projects to planting grass seed...

Scott Allen says now is a perfect time to plant new grass seed with the cooler fall weather and your lawn will be ready for spring...

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.

Allen says the hardware store is ready to help with your fall projects because winter will be here before we know it. Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.

(Springfield–jc)  – Illinois celebrated opening its one-hundredth social equity cannabis dispensary over the summer, but critics say there are still challenges for those licensees. The state's 2019 law legalizing recreational marijuana set up strict rules aimed at providing opportunities for underrepresented populations, and those negatively affected by the war on drugs. But many say those opportunities aren't panning out the way they'd hoped. A recent report shows out of the more than 300 specialty cannabis business licenses awarded, only about a third are operational.

The state's top cannabis regulator says the Department of Agriculture is working to loosen restrictions to make things easier, but admits there are challenges – particularly when it comes to funding for smaller, craft growers and distributors.

(Champaign–jc)  –Despite falling mortgage rates, Champaign County home buyers are grappling with high prices and low supply, according to August 2024 data published by the Champaign County Association of REALTORS. The area's housing market faced a slight downturn in August this year, with home sales down slightly from August 2023. Across the state, year-over-year home sales fell 6 and one half percent. The monthly median home sale price rose last month to $236,000, from 199,250 in August 2023. Additionally, the average home sale price for the area was $268,511 

(The Center Square) – Illinois Republican state Rep. Chris Miller says there's a name for the sickness he argues has long permeated Springfield, resulting in the city of Chicago now being home to the second-biggest inflation problem among all metro areas. Miller says the problem in Springfield is that there's a classic case of denier syndrome, Miller adds that with the Democrats now running the state anything that's uncomfortable, they just deny that it's true and bad policy is real in Springfield . Given all Springfield's dysfunction, Miller adds its little wonder so many residents across the state are reacting the way that they are, including a growing number of them deciding to leave the state altogether.

(Rantoul–jc)  Fall has just started, but it is a busy time for sports at the Rantoul Sports Complex on the village's west side. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says its time for football, soccer and some softball too...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department and Champaign County Crime Stoppers are seeking help from the public in solving an attempted robbery and aggravated battery case aboard an MTD bus. The incident happened Aug. 1 around 12:30 p.m. while the bus was at Clayton Boulevard and Irvine Road. Officials said a man armed with a hammer tried to fight people aboard the bus and then stole a passenger's backpack. The passenger was able to retrieve his backpack, officials said, but not before the offender hit the passenger with the hammer while he was trying to retrieve it. The passenger did not require medical attention. Officials said the offender subsequently got off the bus and fled the area.Footage from bus security cameras showed the offender was a Black male in his late 20s, approximately five-and-a-half feet tall and weighing 160 pounds. He was wearing a black hoodie, dark blue jeans and black shoes.

(Washington-jm) – Crop harvest is underway. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest on the soybean harvest...

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.

WPXN News Notes...

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will take place this evening from 5-7 pm at The Frederick Community Bank.

(Cissna Park-jm) – One person is dead after a crash in Iroquois County on Saturday evening. Cissna Park High School confirmed that Senior Colson Carley passed away in a traffic accident. According to Illinois State Police Trooper Jason Wilson, the Illinois State Police responded to Illinois Route 1 south of 1330 North, Iroquois County on Saturday around 4:40 p.m. According to the reports, a motorcycle was driving north, crossed into a ditch, struck a culvert and the driver was ejected.

(Urbana–jc)  Power has been restored to the portion of the University of Illinois campus area which lost power Sunday afternoon.  Officials say a downed power line was the cause of the outage.

(Chicago-jm) – A mistrial has been declared in the trial of a former AT&T Illinois President accused of bribing former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Paul La Schiazza was charged in a five-count indictment that alleged he engaged in a conspiracy to bribe Madigan in 2017 while AT&T Illinois was trying to pass legislation it believed was worth millions to its bottom line. After three days of deliberation, the jury's foreperson told the judge that she and her fellow jurors could not find a way out of a stalemate. 

(Washington-jm) – There are few available clues in USDA's Cattle on Feed report as to the direction the beef industry is headed. Gary Crawford reports...

(Oakwood-jm) – A bridge near I-74 is closed due to a crash Sunday morning. According to Illinois State Police, the County Road 680 E bridge over I-74 is closed due to "unrepairable damage." The damage was caused by a truck-tractor carrying an oversized load that hit the bridge.

(Paxton–jc)  – City of Paxton leaders gave their go ahead for a parking lot repair project at the Paxton Subway on the city's west side. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says a tile in the parking lot collapsed and caused issues...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Undated-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 11th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be conducting a week-long safety blitz across the state to share rail safety facts. The vast majority of collisions in Illinois occur where active warning devices, like flashing lights, ringing bells, and/or gates are already installed. Last year, 102 collisions were reported at public highway-rail crossings in Illinois, resulting in 18 fatalities.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Today's WPXN business of the Day is Country Financial Agent Mary Nimon of Paxton. Mary's office is in the State Street Mall in Paxton. Nimon's Marketing coordinator Rebecca Rutledge says their office has full lines of insurance...

Rutledge says September is Life Insurance Month and Nimon's office is giving away some "games of life" and more say...

Country Financial Marketing Coordinator Rebecca Rutledge

Country Financial Agent Mary Nimon, the WPXN Business of the Day, today.

(Paxton–jc)  Leah Moore, Alan Meyer, Dennis Nowman and Keri and Sam Gillespie, take a bow. They are the committee that helps put  on the annual Swine and Dine in Paxton.  The 12th annual event was held in downtown Paxton on Saturday and several thousand people were also in attendance for the country music concert on Saturday night. Plans for the next Swine and Dine  begin today. 

(East St. Louis-jm) – While the bench trial for Illinois' gun and magazine ban is over, the reverberations could impact a separate lawsuit against banning firearm silencers. Litigants in the trial that wrapped up Thursday argued over the difference and similarities of now banned semi-automatic only firearms and military rifles that go full auto or burst. Also debated during the bench trial for Barnett v. Raoul was the use of flash suppressors, which the Illinois law bans. Plaintiffs' witnesses discussed how those help the shooter maintain better eyesight when firing a gun in a self defense situation. Defending the ban, attorneys for the state argued that also makes it easier for someone to shoot while in a dark movie theater. There was also substantial discussion about other various banned attachments like pistol grips. Discussion also focused on threaded barrels banned by Illinois law. Threaded barrels can be used to attach things like suppressors to decrease the sound of a gun firing.

(Washington-jm) – It's an interesting time to be in the dairy industry. Gary Crawford reports...

(Urbana-jm) – After failing to reach an agreement with the University of Illinois on Friday, building service workers are planning to strike this morning. According to an email sent to SEIU 73 members, the strike will begin at 7:00 a.m. In that same email, the Bargaining Committee asked workers who are scheduled to come in to not come to work. For those who are already working, they ask them to clock out and head to the picket line. The next bargaining session is scheduled for this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

(Rantoul–jc)  One local fire department is celebrating 125 years of serving its communities. A fundraiser and celebration event is set for October 5th in Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith talks about the local Rantoul Fire Department and the event...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Normal-jm) – Illinois State University is implementing a wage freeze. During his annual State of the University address, Aondover Tarhule said ISU needs to cut expenses, so staff will not see wage increases this year. The school is also canceling plans to build a new residence hall. Tarhule said raising tuition to cover rising expenses is "no longer tenable because of questions about a college degree's value and a reluctance to take on substantial debt.

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 10-10:30 at the Gifford State Bank in Potomac, 11-11:30 at Andi Mae's Ice Cream in Bismarck, 12-12:45 at Christman Park in Rossville and 1:45-2:15 at Centennial Park in Rankin.

(Springfield-jm) – The federal judge overseeing the challenge to Illinois' gun and magazine ban questioned what would have happened if Black victims of the East St. Louis race riot of 1917 had such firearms. Before Judge Stephen McGlynn is the question of whether Illinois' Protect Illinois Communities Act, which bans the sale and possession of more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities, is unconstitutional. Thursday was Day 4 and the final day of the bench trial ban in the Southern District of Illinois federal courtroom. After the final defense witness and closing arguments of the plaintiffs asking the law be struck and the defense asking the law be upheld, McGlynn closed the proceedings. Litigants have 30 days to submit more information. McGlynn could issue a ruling, including a possible permanent injunction, shortly thereafter.

(Illinois–dm)-Illinois Payroll jobs and the unemployment rate are both up for the month of August.  WPXN's Dan Mushrush has the story

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved an $8.3 billion operating budget for the current fiscal year Thursday. This represents a 6.2% increase from FY 2024. The University of Illinois System reports it experienced a record year in student enrollment for the fall semester, with a systemwide total of 97,772 enrolled students at the universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The board's vote finalized the FY 2025 spending plan approved by the board in May, pending the General Assembly's approval of the state budget. The state's spending plan included a $710.6 million allocation for the system in the fiscal year that began July 1, a 1.8% increase from FY 2024.

(Paxton–jc)  City of Paxton Leaders continue to work with Paxton businesses in redevelopment agreements. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says one approved is with Pro Type Printing in downtown Paxton...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Paxton-jm) – The Illinois State Police responded to reports of a female pedestrian on I-57 near Paxton Wednesday evening. According to State Police, around 6:30 p.m., the female pedestrian was in the center median near milepost 258.5. by 100 N Road. According to reports, she exited a Grey Nissan after a "verbal dispute." The pedestrian was then taken to a nearby rest area, and then eventually to her home. No injuries were reported to State Police. No further information is available at this time.

(Undated-jm) – Another area county has identified a positive case of West Nile virus in mosquitoes. The Vermilion County Health Department announced that a batch of mosquitoes had tested positive for the virus. The infected batch was collected near Westville, officials said. Ford County Public Health officials reported a positive test in Gibson City earlier this week. Citizens are urged to take precautions, clean up standing water, wear repellants, and avoid stays outside during dawn and dusk.

(Paxton–jc)-- Its more than just a cookout competition. The 2024 Paxton Swine and Dine starts tomorrow morning with contestants cooking pork and chicken. Kids games, a bag tournament, car show and music hilite the day and evening in downtown Paxton. Paxton Swine and Dine Event Chairperson Leah Moore says more vendors will also be in Paxton on Saturday...

Paxton Swine and Dine Event Chairperson Leah Moore

(Paxton–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Masonic Lodge 416. Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl says the traditions of the Christian based organization go back hundreds of years...

The local masons group provides help for those in need, to helping the PBL Band and Chorus with a current project. Jim Shearl says the drawing for the annual "get out of dodge" giveaway is tomorrow at 2pm during Swine and Dine...

Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl.

The group has a grand prize drawing for its "get out of dodge" trip giveaway tomorrow at 2pm in downtown Paxton. Only a few tickets remain for that giveaway.

(Springfield-jm) – After the Oregon DMV wrongfully registered noncitizens through their program that automatically registered anyone who obtained a driver's license or state ID, an Illinois state lawmaker introduces legislation that would criminalize knowingly registering noncitizens to vote on their behalf in Illinois. Recently filed HB 5875 will penalize individuals who knowingly register noncitizens to vote in federal and municipal elections. State Rep. Dan Caulkins said he's concerned with non-government organizations, assisting non citizens residing in migrant shelters and are knowingly registering noncitizens to vote despite federal law prohibiting noncitizens from registering and voting in federal elections.

(Undated-jm) – Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about the dangers of being in a rush can cause accidents as well...

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – A man is facing attempted murder charges in Champaign County in connection to a robbery-turned-shooting at a Champaign hotel earlier this year. Kejuan McFarland made his first appearance in court on Wednesday to face charges that include attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and armed robbery. Judge Brett Olmstead ruled that he remain behind bars pending his trial. McFarland is accused of shooting a Tolono man in the chest the night of June 5 at Champaign's Days Inn.

(Champaign–dm)-It's the middle of September, and a few area farmers have already started their harvest. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Baily Conrady talks about the dry conditions in our area

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady

(Rantoul–jc)  A Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil is set for Rantoul in early October. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says this year's event is set for the municipal building on Tanner street on October 3rd at 6pm...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Undated-jm) – Starting Monday, DMV facilities around the state will be changing their hours. DMVs in Gibson City, Rantoul and Watseka will be open Monday through Friday 7:30-5. Champaign's will be open Monday through Friday 7:30-5 and Saturdays 7:30-noon.

(Buckley–dm)- St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Buckley will be hosting their annual fall picnic today.  St. John's Lutheran School Principal Sandy Spitz  has the details.

St. John's Lutheran Principal Sandy Spitz.

(Paxton-jm) – A Central High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. 37-year-old Brett M. Sorensen of Paxton, was arrested by Illinois State Police at his home Tuesday. Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 5 agents search the Paxton home after the investigation that was triggered by a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to a news release from the ISP. In Ford County court Wednesday, Sorensen was charged with eight felony child pornography charges. Five of the charges are Class X felonies; three are Class 2 felonies. Sorensen has been employed as an agricultural teacher in Iroquois County School District #4. He's taught at Central High in Clifton for the last 13 years.

WPXN Weekend News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 at the Melvin Convenient, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and from 2-2:30 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their final Frightfest weekend tonight and tomorrow.

St. John's Lutheran Church and School will host their fall picnic today from 3-7 pm. Activities include games, popcorn, inflatables, sno cones, bingo, kickball tournament and more.

The Onarga American Legion Post 551 will hold their fish fry today from 4:30-7 at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their glow golf outing on Saturday from 6-11 pm at Willow Pond golf course. Tickets are available by calling 217-893-3323.

The Sheldon TIES Street Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday. Activities include food vendors, parade, petting zoo, live music and more.

The Champaign Comic and Toy Show will take place Saturday and Sunday at Marketplace Mall in Champaign.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Clara Peterson Pit Crew on Saturday from 10-2.

The 11th annual Paxton Swine n Dine BBQ Contest and Festival will take place on Saturday. The event features live music, kids' activities, vendors, a cornhole tournament, a cruise-in, and Great BBQ! Country Music Artist Craig Morgan will be the headline act.

The Paxton Masonic Lodge's 6th annual "Get out of Dodge" raffle will take place on Saturday at 2pm in front of the Commandery Building in downtown Paxton. The grand prize is a 4 day 3 night stay in Las Vegas. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Cost is $40 for 1 ticket, $75 for 2 tickets or $100 for 3 tickets. Tickets are available at Hudson Drug and Hallmark and Kirchner Building Center.

(Springfield-jm) – One year after the Safe-T Act ended cash bail in Illinois, supporters of the law are touting its benefits. Since the Pretrial Fairness Act portion of Illinois' Safe-T Act took effect on September 18th of last year. Under cash bail, bond money was returned to defendants, guilty or not, once their court dates were fulfilled. Earlier this year, State Representative Justin Slaughter called for $140 million from Illinois taxpayers to fund violence-prevention efforts with the Reimagine Public Safety Act, which he introduced in 2021 and amended in 2023. The 27th District representative said that jail populations have declined since the Pretrial Fairness Act eliminated cash bail in Illinois one year ago. Slaughter also said that crime rates are going down. According to Slaughter, statewide violent and property crime rates dropped 12% since the law took effect. 

(Washington-jm) – An online source provides information on injuries on the farm and in turn aids farm safety advocates in developing and applying prevention and education resources. Rod Bain reports...

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a residence in the 1600 block of Normandy Dr., Wednesday.  Firefighters responded to a report from an occupant of a fire in this single-family residence.  Once on the scene, crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the single-story residence.  A neighboring home did sustain damage from the heat of the fire. The cause of this fire has not been determined.

(Champaign County-jm) – Voters in Champaign County will be asked to vote on two referendums during the upcoming general election. The first proposal is a one-quarter percent increase to county sales tax, to be used for public safety expenses. The second referendum that will be discussed is the proposal to abolish the elected county auditor.

(Paxton–jc)  –Growlers are now able to be used in the city of Paxton. Paxton city leaders approved the use of the reusable containers for beer with a new ordinance. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says there was interest with some businesses for "growlers"...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – Fall enrollment at Parkland College includes strong gains in diversity, Early College, and first-time-college students, according to the college's official 10th-day enrollment report. The gains indicate increased demand from students seeking affordable, transferable college credits and skills in high-demand technical fields. This fall, Parkland enrolled 6,014 students in credit-bearing courses, reflecting a 1.9-percent increase in full-time equivalency over Fall 2023. While student headcount remained steady at only four fewer students this fall than last, the number of first-time-college students entering Parkland's doors increased by 7.5 percent, or 111 students, over Fall 2023. The college also noted increased diversity in its student body since last fall semester, with a 6.6-percent increase in the number of Black and African American students from last year to this year.

(Cissna Park–jc)  The numbers of F F A students continues at a high level at one area school system. Cissna Park  F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton provides the numbers in the program at the high school and junior high...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

(Paxton–jc)  –  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is the Market Street Grill downtown Paxton. The restaurant offers daily specials with a menu that includes unique burgers, flatbreads, wings and more. They also offer an all you can eat salad bar. Market Street Grill Assistant Manager Rachael Puckett says Market Street Grill is hosting a patio party with a VIP ticket on Saturday during Swine and Dine...

Market Street Grill is also a destination for holiday parties.  Rachael provides some insight into the daily specials...

Market Street Grill Assistant Manager Rachael Puckett

The Market Street Grill downtown Paxton...Your Destination for Delicious.

(Springfield-jm) – Attorneys for the state of Illinois called their first witness to the stand in the trial against the state's gun and magazine ban. Illinois banned the sale and possession of more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities in January 2023. Day 3 of the bench trial featured plaintiffs' final witness Randy Watt. He served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he described the importance of having full auto rifles in battles with the enemy and said there weren't any semi-automatic only rifles in war.  Day 3 of the trial also had the state call its first witness. Retired Col. Craig Tucker, who served overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and trained other soldiers for combat, testified that semi-automatic fire is preferred in a military setting for accuracy and not wasting ammo. But, he testified he would not recommend getting rid of full auto from military rifles.

(Washington-jm) – Many farm safety organizations and professionals collaborate on efforts to protect children from injury on the farm through prevention, safety education, and collaboration. Rod Bain reports...

(Urbana-jm) – OSF Hospital in Urbana is celebrating a new breakthrough in how people with heart complications are treated. It's all thanks to a new pacemaker, which makes it easier on patients and their hearts. It's the first of its kind in the area. Think of it like a normal pacemaker but without the bulk. That means no wires, battery, or scars. The new technology works the same as a traditional pacemaker but is smaller and leadless, which makes for less-invasive installation.

(Champaign-jm) – A new brand of beer is coming to Central Illinois and so is the celebrity who co-founded it: Hulk Hogan. Hogan's Real American Beer is available in 11 states with Illinois set to become the 12th. Hogan will be at County Market on campus Friday,  from 3 to 4 p.m., Red Lion from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Kams from 8 to 9 p.m.

(Undated-jm) – Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about farmer fatigue...

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Gifford-jm) – Those popular flea markets at Gordyville USA are going away. It's disappointing news for those vendors and visitors who frequent the events. The final market is scheduled for December 13 – 15. The News-Gazette reports Rantoul has shown interest in keeping the flea markets going. Village officials say if a venue can be located, Rantoul would be interested in hosting the flea markets.  A group of investors bought Gordyville in May for $1.1 million from the Gordon Hannagan family, which had owned and operated the 31.1-acre property, located about two miles west of Gifford, for 37 years. It includes a 144,000-square-foot main building and another 11,000-square-foot building. The company that bought the property is based in Fredricksburg, Ohio. Its managers are Michael L. Heron, Monroe R. Yoder and Thurman L. Mullet.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  A Seniors luncheon is set for today in the village of Rantoul. The Rantoul Recreation Department sponsors the event and today's luncheon will be held at the Rantoul Sports Complex, says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith...

Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

A Family Caregiver Support Group will take place today from 1:30-2:30 at the Watseka Public Library.

(Springfield-jm) – There is growing opposition to carbon capture projects that some say threaten drinking water supplies in Illinois. A new Illinois law requires corporations to provide an alternative drinking source if it becomes contaminated from the injection and storage of CO2. But Pan Rickert, with Eco-Justice Collaborative, said there is one issue that wasn't addressed in the legislation which is sole source aquifers like the Mahomet that supplies water to nearly a million people in over a dozen counties. Rickert's group released poll results that showed 82% of Illinois registered voters say they oppose private corporations' use of eminent domain for their private carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration projects, and 89% think carbon capture and storage poses a serious risk of carbon dioxide leaks, potentially at lethal levels. State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet, said he has filed legislation that needs to be passed immediately he said would protect the aquifer from CO2 injection.

(Washington-jm) – The corn market is providing buyers and sellers with a few little surprises. Gary Crawford reports...

(Paxton-jm) – Illinois State Police arrested a Paxton man for Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material. After the receipt of a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the state police began an investigation regarding the dissemination of child sexual abuse material.Preliminary facts gathered through the course of the initial investigation led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Brett M. Sorensen, 37. On Tuesday, Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 agents arrested Sorensen and executed a residential search warrant in Paxton. Sorensen is being held pending an arraignment hearing in Ford County.

(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to work on the city's zoning map. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they continue to provide the proper information needed in the upgrade...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Undated-jm) – An early childhood program will reach three new counties in Central Illinois this winter. The Regional Planning Commission of Champaign County announced the Head Start program will offer services in five new centers in Vermilion, Iroquois, and Ford Counties. It's made possible through an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grant money will cover start-up costs, building renovations, and daily service. Officials say around 300 new children will have access to the program. The program is geared toward low-income families. The plan is to start operations beginning November 1st.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington, a long time farmer, talks about the purpose and the importance of the week...

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. 

(Paxton–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is the Paxton Swine and Dine. The event started 12 years ago as a backyard challenge by friends and has grown to a signature event for the city of Paxton, says Swine and Dine Committee member Alan Meyer...

Paxton Swine and Dine Committee Member Alan Meyer

Leah Moore says the event draws thousands of people to Paxton each year and it's also a chance to showcase the city...

Paxton Swine and Dine Event Chairperson Leah Moore.

The event starts at 5am on Saturday in downtown Paxton with the grilling competition. Kids games, a bags tournament, car show and music also hilite the day in Paxton

WPXN will broadcast On the Sidelines program Saturday morning at 7am to kick off the event. The Paxton Swine and Dine is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

(Springfield-jm) – Whether commercially available semi-automatic rifles now banned in Illinois are common or too similar to military grade firearms was the focus of Day 2 of the bench trial of Illinois' gun and magazine ban. On preliminary grounds, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state last year, saying commercially available rifles that Illinois banned in January 2023 are too similar to military grade rifles and are able to be regulated. Now up for final judgment in the Southern District of Illinois federal court, day two of the bench trial was dominated by James Ronkainen, a former longtime engineer and director of firearms development and production for Remington. He said there are material differences between modern sporting rifles and military spec firearms.

(Washington-jm) – The world will have ample supplies of soybeans next year. Gary Crawford reports...

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois is set to receive more than $135,000 in federal money to fund specialty crop research. Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today that the money would come from the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. According to Faraci, the goal of the grant is to grow more fresh produce and to make it more accessible to everyone. The grant will focus on improving specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, and crops that help to make Illinois agriculture healthier and more diverse.

(Rantoul–jc)  It's Bike to work in one area village on Thursday. Bike to work day is Thursday morning in Rantoul says Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith...

Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Mahomet-jm) – As the school year begins, students in Mahomet-Seymour Community Schools are facing limited classroom space. The district has announced that it's turning to voters this November, proposing a $112.8 million dollar question on the ballot. The money, if passed, will serve to help the district build a new 2nd and 3rd grade building, as well as demolish the existing junior high and build a new one.

(Paxton–jc)  Tickets remain available for the Paxton Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk set for Saturday October 5th in the city. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says only 250 tickets will be available...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile tomorrow from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

A Family Caregiver Support Group will take place tomorrow from 1:30-2:30 at the Watseka Public Library.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republicans are calling for unity after the FBI reported another apparent assassination attempt against former U.S. President Donald Trump. Members of the Illinois GOP gathered Monday morning after gunshots were reported Sunday at a Florida golf course where the former president was playing. Illinois Republican Chair Kathy Salvi joined several GOP candidates for office at a news conference in downtown Chicago. Chicago Republican Chairman Chuck Hernandez told reporters that violent rhetoric is coming from the left. Illinois GOP Chair Salvi said the world will be safer if Donald Trump returns to the White House.

(East St. Louis-jm) – The bench trial for the challenge to Illinois' gun and magazine ban continues in East St. Louis. Illinois enacted a ban on semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities in January 2023. Lawsuits challenging the law in federal court went all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court on preliminary grounds. Justices denied the request, saying they wanted a full case on final judgment. Monday began the trial to get to final judgment in the courtroom of federal Judge Stephen McGlynn. Plaintiffs argue the state can't ban commonly owned firearms. The state says such firearms like the AR-15 are too similar to military weapons and must be banned. The trial continues in the Southern District of Illinois federal court today.

(Washington-jm) – Several categories in USDA's latest crop progress report for corn reflect an ahead of schedule pace. Rod Bain reports...

(Urbana-jm) – A man was arrested after University of Illinois Police said he attacked a woman and brandished a gun at a tailgate. UIPD arrested Tristan Banks of Chicago for domestic violence and weapons charges. He is being held at the Champaign County Jail. Around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, University Police officers were called to a report of an armed person at a tailgate in Lot 31 near the intersection of Kirby Avenue and Oak Street in Champaign. Witnesses said Banks flashed a gun in the waistband of his pants and grabbed a woman by the neck. Officers arrived and quickly found him. Police found two loaded handguns on him and two additional magazines.

(Kankakee—dm)-If you are a parent, family member or loved one of a survivor of sexual abuse, you are invited to join a support group at Clove Alliance in Kankakee. Executive Director and CEO at Clove Alliance Carmen King has more information.

Clove AllianceExecutive Director and CEO Carmen King. The support group meets on Tuesdays starting today.

(Urbana-jm) – It's been three weeks since the University of Illinois' Foellinger Auditorium was vandalized with a pro-Palestinian message. Champaign County Crime Stoppers is now getting involved in the case to find information on two people of interest. At around 2:21 a.m. on Sunday, August 25, the columns at the front of the auditorium had the letters spelling "DIVEST" painted on them, a call for the university to end relations with companies tied to Israel. Removing the paint from the columns and repairing the damage left behind has cost over $7,500 so far. Two people were seen on security cameras painting the columns and then leaving the auditorium. They were both male and were wearing white shoes — one Black with short-to medium-length braided hair and the other White with shorter dark hair.

(Champaign-jm) – The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Champaign in 2025. The Globetrotters will perform at the State Farm Center on Jan. 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public Monday, September 30 at 10 a.m. CT online, over the phone at 866-ILLINI-1, or at the Illinois Ticket Office at State Farm Center. Ticket prices range from $30.00 to $102.00 plus fees.

(Springfield-jm) – After a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Illinois lawmakers are condemning political violence and inflammatory rhetoric. In a statement U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth said, "I am relieved former President Trump is safe after reports of gunfire at his property. I, along with all patriotic Americans, condemn all acts of political violence no matter the political positions of those targeted. There are not good people on both sides of political violence." State Rep. Dan Caulkins said Democrats' rhetoric is to blame. Sen. Dick Durbin said in a social media post, "I'm glad there were no injuries, the former President is safe, and the suspect has been apprehended. Violence has no place in America. This must stop."

(Paxton—jc)  – The street siren along Cherry Street in the city of Paxton is in need of an upgrade and local officials are working to get the siren back in operation. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the council approved funds for the project and that will be done this month...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Undated-jm) – Farmers across Central Illinois are kicking off the fall season and preparing to harvest their crops. While each season is different, due to weather patterns and rainfall, the harvest season should be starting now, and continuing to the end of October or early November. To make operations smooth and efficient, farmers use a variety of large equipment including combines, tractors, and semi-trucks. But, drivers can have a hard time knowing what to do when approaching these vehicles on the road.

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the notable reflections within various categories of USDA's latest crop progress report for soybeans? Rod Bain reports...

(Mahomet-jm) – Mahomet's village president will not seek re-election once his term is up in the spring of 2025. Sean Widener has served the community in different positions since 2006. First with planning and zoning, then on the board of trustees, and finally as the president starting in 2015. But now, he knows it's time to focus on his day job.

(Champaign-jm) – Two new programs launched by the City of Champaign and the Champaign County Economic Development Center are helping entrepreneurs keep their business within the city. The programs offer up to $10,000 reimbursement for entrepreneurs of a new business or a business under 2 years old, and up to a $20,000 reimbursement for entrepreneurs of Champaign businesses older than 2 years looking to expand operations. In order to be eligible for the programs, businesses must be within the city's limits and meet other requirements.

(Watseka–dm)-The Iroquois Economic Development Association was created to help bring new businesses to Iroquois County, as well to help existing businesses.  IEDA Executive Director Angel Crawford tells us about some of the new businesses starting up in Iroquois County.

IEDA Executive Director Angel Crawford.

(Kankakee County-jm) – The Kankakee murder trial of Darius Sullivan began Monday. He's one of two defendants charged with the shooting and killing of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and the wounding of her partner, Sgt. Tyler Bailey. Jury selection began Monday with the trial expected to take two-weeks. 

The 28-year-old Sullivan and his girlfriend, Xandria Harris are accused of attacking the police officers at a Bradley Motel in late December 2021, when the officers responded to reports of barking dogs in a car. Both officers were shot when the motel door was finally opened after the officers waited for a response to their knocks at the door. Sullivan and Harris are both charged with 1st-degree murder and attempted murder.  Marlene Rittmanic died of her injuries in the shooting. Tyler Bailey, now retired, was seriously wounded and underwent months of rehab.

(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 11.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.40/g , according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 38.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 52.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

(Springfield-jm) – A judge said Friday that he'll allow a professor to testify about Chicago's political machine at former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's upcoming corruption trial. Madigan's defense team had asked Judge John Robert Blakey to keep University of Illinois Chicago professor Dick Simpson from taking the stand in front of a jury. They said Simpson's testimony would be "unreliable, irrelevant, and highly prejudicial." The judge disagreed and will allow Simpson to testify, but he set boundaries for that testimony at trial. Prosecutors want to call Simpson to the stand to explain how Chicago politics and government work. That includes the workings of Ward organizations, Chicago's political machine and patronage hiring. The judge essentially agreed with the prosecutors.

(Washington-jm) – National Farm Safety and Health Week features the theme of don't learn safety by accident, but the emphasis should be what is in parenthesis within the theme title. Rod Bain reports...

(Urbana-jm) – The contract for building service workers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was not approved. SEIU announced in a Friday afternoon release that more than 760 Food Service and Building Service Workers voted against the latest contract proposal. The union and university have been negotiating for eight months. The union can strike as soon as later this month, but union officials said they hope to continue negotiations for an "equitable agreement".

(Paxton–jc)  The city of Paxton is set to use some of its motor fuel tax dollars for street upgrades. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says around 200 thousand dollars of upgrades will start this month...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign County–dm)-An East St. Louis man is being charged for shooting at a semi-truck driver on Interstate 57.  According to WCIA, Champaign County State's Attorney, 40 year old LeJoshua Smith will be charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Illinois State Police said Smith was driving northbound when he passed a semi and then slowed down after passing which led to the semi hitting the car's bumper. Smith said that he became enraged and fired eight shots with a handgun.

(Rantoul–jc)  Several Rantoul businesses were tapped as favorites in the Champaign based News Gazette. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says it shows the positive experiences for shoppers coming to Rantoul...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week as Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois with a theme of "Don't Learn Safety by Accident." This year marks the 80th year for the annual observance nationwide. In recognition of Farm Safety and Health Week, the Illinois Department of Agriculture partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Labor to encourage farmers and farm workers to follow safety precautions during the upcoming fall harvest season. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture sector is the most dangerous in America, with more than 500 fatalities annually.

(Washington-jm) – The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture provided details from this weekend's G20 Agricultural Ministerial in a call from Brazil with reporters. Rod Bain reports...

(Decatur-jm) – The EPA says ADM has violated its Class VI underground injection well facility permit by not complying with Federal regulations and the terms of its permit. The agency says it is investigating a carbon dioxide leak. ADM takes CO2 produced at its facilities, compresses it into a liquid, and injects it around a mile underground so it is not released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. This process is called carbon sequestration, or carbon capture storage. The EPA said in a statement that it is working with ADM to ensure there are no additional leaks. However, agency officials do not believe any drinking water is threatened right now.

(Watseka–dm)-The Iroquois Economic Development Association has been working with potential new business' as well as existing business since 1970.  IEDA Executive Director Angel Crawford tells us about two new companies opening in the near future.

Iroquois County Economic Association Executive Director Angel Crawford.

(Hoopeston-m) – Good news in Hoopeston --- The Lorraine Theatre Restoration Project stands to gain from a Hometown Grant from T-Mobile. Hoopeston is one of 25 Hometown Grant recipients. Funding totaling $40,667 from T-Mobile will go toward completing the Lorraine Theatre restoration project – led by a group of citizens wanting to bring back the 100-year-old theater. The grant money will be used to purchase needed equipment to bring back "First Run" movie screenings, providing a variety of affordable entertainment to a community that couldn't experience otherwise. The project was submitted by Save the Lorraine Foundation, an organization aimed to preserve and renovate the historic downtown theater.  "The Lorraine Foundation was formed by a group of citizens simply wanting to preserve our local landmark, the Lorraine Theatre."

(Paxton–dm)-It's that time of year again when you start thinking about closing your swimming pool for the winter.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some tips on draining your pool.

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

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, September 19th from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

A Family Caregiver Support Group will take place on Thursday, September 19th from 1:30-2:30 at the Watseka Public Library.

(Springfield-jm) – Changes are coming to Illinois' college savings program.  Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the Bright Start 529 College Savings Program will soon pay lower fees, gain access to low-cost investments, and manage their accounts on a new phone app.  A new Bright Start 529 mobile app will allow account owners to manage their account, check balances, and open additional accounts for new beneficiaries on their phones. The transition will occur from 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 25 through Sunday, September 29. During that time, no withdrawals, contributions, or account changes will be processed. Account access and the ability to make transactions will resume at 7 a.m. Monday, September 30. The tuition deadline for students at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University is Saturday, September 28. Frerichs said the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University will waive any late fees and tuition paid with Bright Start accounts during the transition period.

(Chicago–jc)  The Illinois Supreme Court is hearing cases that involve cashless bail. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

(Champaign County-jm) – Illinois State Police responded to a shooting on Interstate 57  near Pesotum at 1:05 p.m. on Thursday. State police say a vehicle traveling north was struck by gunfire from another vehicle that continued north on Interstate 57. The vehicle was located and a traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle failed to stop. ISP units pursued the vehicle northbound on Interstate 57 with stop sticks being deployed. The vehicle came to a stop on Interstate 57 northbound near Gilman. A male and female were taken into custody. No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting. Lanes were closed near Pesotum so police could investigate

(Rantoul–jc)  The village of Rantoul is selling one of its firetrucks and the delivery is a short distance. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the vehicle is going to Ludlow...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Business After Hours" later this month. The event is set for Tuesday September 24th from 5pm to 7pm at the Frederick Community Bank. The event will also feature items from Silver Tree Beer and Spirits.

(Cissna Park–dm)-The Cissna Park FFA will be sponsoring their Pumpkins in the Park on Saturday, October 5th. There will be lots of  activities including a Car and Motorcycle Show. Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher tells us more/

Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher.  The Cissna Park FFA will also have a Pancake breakfast from 7AM-9AM, and will be serving lunch throughout the day.

(Undated-jm) – 'The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday it has granted 12 airports across Illinois over $37 million for operational and infrastructure improvements. Among the 12 Illinois airports receiving grants include the Rantoul National Aviation Center receiving $2.4 million and the Vermilion County Regional Airport which is receiving $2.1 million.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has revised its corn and soybean forecasts. Gary Crawford reports...

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois residents can request a vote by mail application from their county election office electronically, or in person prior to the election. Residents can also visit early voting sites starting Sept. 26 to cast their ballots. Voting by mail for the Nov. 5 election ends on Oct. 31.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is working to address issues older Illinoisans may be facing. They are holding a series of events throughout the state, says 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A former entertainment producer living in Champaign is facing more legal troubles. Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz says  authorities found a conversation between 28-year-old Dante Scott and an 11-year-old from a week and a half in Nov. 2023. From that conversation, Scott solicited the child and attempted to lure the 11-year-old to send naked photos of themselves. Champaign entertainment producer arrested for selling child pornography. Rietz said her office is also charging Scott with grooming after reading the texts. This is in addition to eight charges of child pornography after Illinois State Police arrested him earlier this week.

(Paxton–jc)  Two city of Paxton departments will be receiving a new truck to replace ones that have served the city for several decades. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the trucks have been ordered for the water department and one for the street department...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Watseka–jcThe general public is invited to an open house on Sunday, at 2 p.m. at Prairie Dell Church and Cemetery. Presenters and hosts will be John and Janice Lubben of the Prairie Dell Church Association. The church, a national historic landmark, is located 3-1/2 miles west of Iroquois near Watseka. The program will focus on some of the founders who were instrumental in forming the church and cemetery. Attendees will get to sit on the pews inside the church. This is a free program but donations will gladly be accepted. Light refreshments will be available.

(Champaign–dm)- The latest fad to catch your eye at the grocery store – electrolyte drink mixes. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare tells you how to consume them safely.

 Dawkins says parents should talk to their kids' health care provider before giving them these new mixes.

(Gibson City-jm) – State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City was recently recognized as a top "Champion of Manufacturing" in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's  2024 Legislative Report Card. The 2024 Legislative Report Card highlights lawmakers who consistently support Illinois' manufacturing industry. The Report Card rates lawmakers based on their voting record on key bills that impact the state's manufacturing sector. With a voting record of 97 percent, Senator Bennett demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting policies that benefit manufacturers and the broader business community in Illinois. As the manufacturing sector employs over 600,000 people in the state, ensuring that manufacturers have a strong voice in Springfield helps safeguard a cornerstone of Illinois' economy and a major job creator in the state.

(Washington-jm) – A big corn crop is on the way. Gary Crawford reports...

WPXN Weekend News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home basketball courts and from 10:30-11 at the Ludlow community center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner this evening from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their second of three Frightfest weekends tonight and tomorrow.

The Bank of Gibson City will host cars and coffee on Saturday from 7-9 am.

The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday from 9-1.

The 10th annual Gibson City Harvest Fest will take place on Saturday from 10-5 in downtown Gibson City. Activities include food vendors from 10 am to 9 pm, kids zone from 11-5, touch a truck from 12-4, bags tournament at 3. Saliva and Buckcherry wrap up the night.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Paxton United Methodist Women on Saturday from 10-2.

An AgriWellness event will take place at noon on Saturday at the Bachman Farm in rural Loda.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois grant program set up to help child care providers faced intense scrutiny following an unusual implementation process. Gov. JB Pritzker has championed the Smart Start Illinois program as a way to make Illinois the best state for young families. A major component? Increasing funding for child care providers to raise wages and quality. The Smart Start grant program was created to help day care providers recruit and retain workers without burdening families by raising tuition or co-pays. However, the Illinois Department of Human Services implemented the grant program without a top committee of state lawmakers approving the rules.

(Washington-jm) – There's some good news for food shoppers in the latest Consumer Price Index report. Gary Crawford reports...

(Iroquois County-jm) – Traffic was rerouted on I-57 southbound in Iroquois County after a crash happened Wednesday afternoon. According to State Police, the accident happened near milepost 285 north of Gilman. Traffic was rerouted onto Illinois Route 116. Illinois State Police are investigating. 

(Springfield-jm) – The state is looking to address the needs of seniors in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the initiative...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Hoopeston-jm) – Two people were arrested for allegedly stealing from the Hoopeston Dollar General. Police were called to the Dollar General in reference to a report of retail theft occurring. Officers arrested Victor Hutton and Caitlyn Jones.

(Paxton–jc) The 12 annual Paxton Swine and Dine is set for Saturday September 21st in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the event has grown from a backyard barbeque to an event that sees thousands of visitors to Paxton...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics collection event from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street in Danville for all county residents.  The event is free but donations to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful are greatly appreciated. Residents are encouraged to bring their broken, obsolete or unwanted televisions, monitors and other electronic items to the collection events so they can be recycled.

(Springfield-jm) – Pharmacy benefit managers have been in the spotlight of late and that attention continued Wednesday during an Illinois House Health Care Committee hearing. A recent Federal Trade Commission report found that Pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs, which act as middlemen in the industry, inflate costs and pressure independently owned pharmacies.  "The FTC's interim report lays out how dominant pharmacy benefit managers can hike the cost of drugs – including overcharging patients for cancer drugs," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. "The report also details how PBMs can squeeze independent pharmacies that many Americans – especially those in rural communities – depend on for essential care." In 2023, the median annual price for a new drug was $300,000, up 35% which PBMs say is set by the drug manufacturers not them.

(Washington-jm) – What will it take to pass a new farm bill? Gary Crawford reports...

(Urbana-jm) – A looming strike on the University of Illinois campus may be averted this week pending a union vote on a new contract. SEIU Local 73, representing food and building service workers, said that it reached a tentative agreement with the university on Wednesday. Union members will be voting through the end of the week on whether to ratify the new contract. If the latest contract proposal is also voted down, a strike could begin as early as September 15.

(Paxton–jc)  The city of Paxton has honored two eagle scout projects during Tuesday nights meeting. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the scouts and their projects...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Urbana-jm) – A record 97,772 students enrolled across the University of Illinois System for the fall semester, reflecting continued demand for the quality education offered at the three system universities. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has welcomed a record-breaking class for the fall 2024 semester. With a freshman enrollment of 9,008, the new class brings record total student enrollment at 59,238, including on-campus and online students. This total includes 37,140 undergraduates and also a record number of 20,765 graduate students.

(Danville–dm)-If you are unable to appear in person to register to vote in Vermillion County, WPXN's Dan Mushrush tells us how you can still register.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign teenager has been arrested following an unfounded 9-1-1 call reporting an active threat at Centennial High School on September 9. Police say a 9-1-1 call was placed indicating a potential armed subject at Centennial High School. As the details of the call developed, the caller's story was found to have several inconsistencies. Multiple officers and the assigned School Resource Officer quickly swept the school to search for any signs of a threat to the safety of students or the facility. Nothing was located in the search that indicated any such threat existed. After the buildings were cleared, an investigation was conducted by an assigned School Resource Officer who learned that a fourteen-year-old from Champaign had made the call and provided false information to dispatchers. Following an interview with the student and a parent, on September 10, the teenager was placed under arrest and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.

(Washington-jm) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would prohibit electric-vehicle batteries from Gotion and several other foreign companies from being used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The House passed H.R. 8631, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act. Gotion is slated to receive more than $8 billion in combined federal and state subsidies for its planned facility in Manteno. A Kankakee Circuit County judge is hearing a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Gotion plant in Manteno over alleged zoning law violations and chemical dangers. A ruling in the case is expected on September 30.

(Sheldon-jm) – The Newton, Indiana sheriff's deputy shot in Sheldon is not expected to survive. The sheriff's department posted on social media they were informed Corporal Brandon Schreiber will not survive the injuries he received on September 1st. He is an organ donor. 

(Illinois–dm)-The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting sealed bids for lease contracts throughout the State of Illinois.  WPXN's Dan Mushrush has the story.

(Rural Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a single vehicle accident Tuesday evening. It happened around 7:15 on Route 115 near 600 north. Two people were reported trapped. There's no word on if there were any injuries.

(Rantoul–jc) Tourism is key to the village of Rantoul and with the Rantoul Sports Complex bringing in more than 1 point 2 million people each year, the village also sees tourism with Hardy's Reindeer Ranch just west of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says Hardy's Reindeer Ranch brings thousands of visitors for the "reindeer" experience...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. The Corn maze is open, reindeer tours, hayrides and more hilite the days and nights at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch of Rantoul

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission's award-winning Early Childhood Education program is expanding to Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties in Illinois. The RPC will add 300 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pregnant women to the RPC's enrollment through Head Start and Early Head Start. The RPC will also be adding 75 new staff members through the acquisition of the centers, with legal transfer of operations to the RPC taking place on November 1, 2024. The RPC currently provides Early Childhood Education services in Champaign County to 511 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pregnant women, while operating centers in West Champaign (103 S. Country Fair Drive), Champaign (2005 Round Barn Road), Urbana (1603 E. Mumford Drive), and Rantoul (104 Nightingale Court). The new centers being added to the program are located within Danville, Paxton, Gilman, and Watseka.

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The September "Shop the Park in Cissna Park" event is set for this Saturday from 9am to 1pm. A wide variety of baked goods, arts and crafts, pop up boutiques, woodworking and more will fill the park for shoppers. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says his FFA group will be there with some delicious food...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

(Champaign-jm) – An Urbana man faces at least 45 years in prison after he was convicted last week of murdering his neighbor. After a three-day bench trial, Judge Randy Rosenbaum found Matthew Denbo guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of Joshua Berg. Both men were from Urbana, but the shooting happened in the area of Second and Green Streets in Champaign on July 15, 2022.

(Washington-jm) – Dry weather is speeding the development of many crops. Gary Crawford reports...

(Springfield-jm) – A study of the best states for retirement indicates there are many better places than Illinois. The personal finance website WalletHub looked at 46 key indicators of retirement-friendliness, from financial factors like tax rates and the cost of living to things like access to quality medical care.  Researcher Chip Lupo said Illinois ranked 41st overall, but last in the country for taxpayer ranking. The study ranked Illinois 47th in the country in the affordability category. The study found that 28% of non-retired adults haven't saved any money for retirement and Social Security benefits replace only about 37% of the average worker's earnings. Lupo said Illinois is not an ideal state if a senior citizen wants a part-time job.

(Springfield-jm) – Inflation is affecting more than just your pocket at the grocery store. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says a pair of new reports out shows the state is in the top 5 worst states in the country when it comes to car insurance and property taxes...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 arrested 28-year-old Dante J. Scott of Champaign on September 9 for multiple Child Pornography charges. ISP conducted a residential search warrant in Champaign with assistance from the Champaign Police Department and Champaign County Sheriff's Office in reference to multiple Cyber Tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography.  Prior to the search warrant, Officers took Dante J. Scott into custody and transported him to the Champaign County Jail. On September 10, Scott was arraigned on eight Class X Child Pornography charges. His detention hearing is scheduled for September 12.

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County American Rescue Plan Act committee announced that they are now accepting new or updated applications. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...

(Paxton–jc)  The City of Paxton has several new businesses in the downtown area. A sports memorabilia shop called Game Changer Sport Shop is located in the 200 North Market block in the city and a new boutique will open on September 28th. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the Strebeck family are the owners of Game Changer Sport Shop and they are planning an event during Paxton Swine and Dine on September 21st...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Rantoul-jm) – A Central Illinois principal took to social media on Monday to address the theft of a large pumpkin from the school's FFA vegetable plot. Todd Wilson, the principal of Rantoul Township High School, posted on his Facebook page that a 50-pound pumpkin was stolen from the plot. Along with the theft of the pumpkin, Wilson said the vines of the plot were trampled, which he sarcastically called "a nice touch," and "might make it easier for us to harvest the other pumpkins and gourds."

(Washington-jm) – Not only does acreage acceptance for USDA's Continuous Conservation Reserve Program conclude at the end of this Fiscal Year but, at the same time, at the end of the current Farm Bill. Rod Bain reports...

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois corn farmers stand to benefit as the U.S. Grain Council continues to market ethanol worldwide. The Illinois Corn Growers Association says an investment  in the Council through checkoff funds is positioning Illinois farmers to achieve significant wins by tapping into these expanding markets. The Renewable Fuels Association reported that ethanol exports fell 7% in July. The 136 million gallons of ethanol exported in July was down when compared to the 145 million gallons exported the previous month, but up significantly from the 112 million gallons exported in July 2023. Renewable Fuels Association expects a record 2 billion gallons of U.S. ethanol to be exported this year. Last month, the U.S. Grains Council and the American Institute in Taiwan partnered to organize a conference on the use applications and sustainability benefits of ethanol in the transportation sector. Illinois is the second leading corn producer in the country, behind only Iowa.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is offering tax credits to help offset the high cost of back to school supplies. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the credits that are available and how you can take advantage of them...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Two Champaign high schools are safe after a call reporting an active threat proved to be unfounded. Champaign Police were dispatched on September 9 at 2:01 p.m. when a 911 call was placed indicating a potential armed subject at Centennial High School. As the details of the call developed, the caller's story was found to have several inconsistencies. Multiple officers and the assigned School Resource Officer quickly swept the school to search for any signs of a threat to the safety of students or the facility. At the time of the search, very few students were present in the building, as school was released at 1:20 p.m. for a planned early dismissal day.

(Watseka–dm)-Since 1970, the Iroquois Economic Development Association has been working with new and existing businesses in Iroquois County.  Executive Director Angel Crawford has more information.

Iroquois Economic Development Association Executive Director Angel Crawford.  If you want more information you can call 815-432-0072

(Normal–jc)  –Illinois State University welcomed 4,285 First Time in College  students for the current academic year, its largest incoming class in the University's history, up 3 percent from last year. The new class of students is also the most diverse in school history and includes 450 new students in the Honors Program, also a record. Total enrollment is 21,546, marking a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year

(Paxton–jc )  – They started with 300 tickets and now they are down to around 50 tickets to sell. Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 will be giving out a vacation to Las Vegas, One thousand dollars cash and more prizes on Saturday September 21st downtown Paxton during the annual Swine and Dine. Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 spokesperson Jim Shearl provides ticket information...

Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Agriculture will distribute nearly $525,000 over a three-year period to support the state's specialty crop industry, thanks to the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The 2018 Federal Farm Bill authorized funding for this program. Specialty Crop Block Grant funding is limited to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The largest grant went to the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois congressman is celebrating a taxpayer-funded grant for youth apprenticeships. The U.S. Department of Labor is spending $244 million this year on Apprenticeships Build America grants. Illinois' portion is $8 million, funded by federal taxpayers. The money is intended for schools to provide heavy equipment for training students. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said only one-third of Americans have a four-year college degree. In July of this year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $18 million in state-taxpayer funding of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The initiative aims to provide training opportunities, expand the talent pipeline, and boost diversity in the construction industry and building trades.

(Springfield-jm) – New tourism numbers are out and the state saw an increase in visitors last year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares the details...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 10.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.52/g, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 36.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 44.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. 

(Paxton–jc)  Numbers in the Paxton Buckley Loda School system is dropping by around twelve each year, but class size is stabilizing. Paxton Buckley loda School Superintendent Travis Duley provides more information on the numbers of students...

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley

(Undated-jm) – Thousands gathered along the Union Pacific Railroad line Monday to catch a peak at a historic steam locomotive. "Big Boy" made its way from Watseka to Villa Grove yesterday evening. The "Big Boy" is a world war two locomotive.

(Champaign–dm)- Parvovirus has been in the news lately, and you may be thinking...isn't that a dog thing? Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare tells you why humans should pay attention.

 Doctor Kasper says Parvo usually resolves in a week...and the usual reminders will help: when sick, stay home, rest, hydrate, and practice good hygiene. You can take Tylenol for pain.

(Undated-jm) – To forge relationships and increase export sales of agricultural products, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will host 31 international buyers from nine different countries as part of a four-day tour. Buyers from Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, China and Vietnam will visit Illinois facilities this week. The 2023 Illinois Grain Tour had projected sales of more than $30 million.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a vehicle fire on I-57 Sunday night. It happened in the southbound lanes of I-57 near mile marker 259 around 9:45. No injuries were reported.

(Springfield-jm) – As hospital price transparency laws continue to evolve, Illinois health care facilities are required to keep pace.  New rules took effect July 1, including requiring hospitals to affirm the inclusiveness, accuracy, and completeness of the standard charge information. A third wave of requirements, including new drug reporting and estimated allowed amounts, will go into effect in January 2025. Even though hospital price rules have been around for years, some health care facilities have been slow to comply. The group Patient Rights Advocate released a report earlier this year that showed only around 40% of Illinois hospitals they investigated were compliant.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the implementation of the price transparency rule, has issued approximately 1,200 warning notices to hospitals that have been non-compliant.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. agricultural exports are still trailing last year. Gary Crawford reports...

(Champaign-jm) – According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, more construction work will begin today at the Interstate 72/57 interchange. Department officials say the work will involve building crossover pavement, which will be used in reconstructing a bridge over I-57. This work will close the left lane in both directions on I-72. Officials add that the bridge work is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in the fall of 2026.

(Paxton-jm) – Around 100 motorcyclists rode into Paxton Sunday as part of the 9-11 Memorial Ride. The annual event brought motorcyclists into town escorted by firetrucks to the Paxton firehouse for lunch and then departing before heading to Ludlow and Rantoul among the other stops on the way.

(Buckley–dm)-St. John's Lutheran School in Buckley will be hosting their Fall Picnic on Friday Sept. 20th.  St.John's Lutheran Principal Sandy Spitz has more information.

St. John's Lutheran Principal Sandy Spitz.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Holly Hill Drive just before 11 Thursday night, for a report of shots fired. On-scene, officers quickly located evidence of gunfire, including shell casings and property damage. A short time later,, a 22-year-old female victim from Champaign arrived at an area hospital by personal transport with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso. The initial investigation indicates that the victim was sitting in a vehicle on Holly Hill Drive when an altercation in the area escalated to gunfire from a different vehicle in the roadway. The offending vehicle then fled the area. At this time, it is not known if the victim's vehicle was the target of the gunfire. Property damage was also reported to two homes and a vehicle in the area.

(Paxton-jm) – The Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church is the latest to receive a $1,000 check from Paxton IGA as part of their roundup program. The grocery store made the donation to the church through the stores Charitable Rebate program, which provides $1,000 to a nonprofit organization in return for the organization collecting $200,000 in IGA receipts.  This represents the 63rd organization that has qualified for a $1000 check since the program started in September 2009.

There are several meetings around the area tonight. At 6 the Rantoul Township High School board will consider approving a bid to replace a boiler at Eagle Academy and approve their FY25 budget. At 7 in Gibson City council members are expected to approve a loan agreement for a bakery and approve their Christmas parade route. Ford County Board members are expected to approve their FY 25 budget tonight at 7. Gilman leaders are also expected to approve a Class D liquor license and approve payment for a sewer project tonight at 7.

(Springfield-jm) – Republican state Sen. Chapin Rose is urging top university officials across the state to be smart in taking the steps to ensure their survival at a time when at least three institutions are facing fiscal year 2024 deficits of at least $14 million. At Northern Illinois University, school officials recently reported a $31.8 million deficit, while at Western Illinois University as many as 124 faculty and staff members were recently shown the door as part of a plan to erase a $22 million hole. At the same time, at Southern Illinois University early projections forecast a $14 million deficit, while Chicago State and Northeastern Illinois continue to struggle with deficits nearly on par with those tabs. Since 2014, the Illinois Board of Higher Education reports undergraduate enrollment across the state has dipped by 20%, equating to 144,000 fewer students as a whole.

(Washington-jm) – Farm production expenses may fall this year. Gary Crawford reports...

(Undated-jm) – Libraries throughout the 52nd Senate District are receiving a combined 330,143 in grants. Public Library Per Capita Grants are awarded annually to support local public libraries. This will include a one-time technology grant to help upgrade technology for libraries in need. The grant can also be used for operational needs, including purchasing materials for their collections and making improvements to facilities. Champaign is receiving $131,128, Urbana $56,928, Danville $70,867, Oakwood $8,274, Rantoul $45,870 and Westville $17,076.

(Undated-jm) – One of the United State's most famous train engines is making a stop in Watseka today.  The Union Pacific Railroad's 'Big Boy' locomotive is on tour.  The world's largest operational steam loco is making 'whistle stops" as it passes thru 10 states, including Illinois. A 30-minute stop is scheduled about 5 pm this evening at the North Street crossing in Watseka. The Union Pacific officials say safety is a big, important issue with these tours.  Photo sessions are allowed but visitors must stay 25 feet away from the huge engine. Twenty-five Big Boys were built during WWII, but only eight survived.  Big Boy No. 4014 is the only one of the eight still in operation.  It remains the world's largest operating steam locomotive. After departing Watseka, it will make its way to Villa Grove for the night.

(Champaign–dm)-Bad breath is common, but how do you know when it's a more serious health issue? Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare tells you.

 Avoiding smoking and garlicky or spicy foods can help with bad breath. Gendron (JEN-dren) says coffee is OK in moderation. And she says mints and gums won't cure The problem alone. You have to brush and floss.

(Urbana-jm) – The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is hoping for extra involvement from the community during September, which is Hunger Action Month. A recent report by the USDA found 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2023, and EIF leaders want to provide for people in need in the community. They are encouraging people to donate money to the Million Meal Challenge and volunteer to repack food at their annual Operation Orange event. Additionally, they want people to wear orange for Hunger Action Day on September 10 and post photos to social media while tagging @eifoodbank.

(Champaign-jm) – Illinois Facilities and Services, the Division of Public Safety, and the Champaign Fire Department will conduct a spill containment exercise on Wednesday, September 18, between 8 and 10 a.m. Officials say the drill will begin with simulated 911 calls. Dye will be placed in storm drains around the National Petascale Computing Facility to simulate an oil spill near the intersection of South Oak Street and St. Mary's Road. The dye will travel south in storm sewers and open channels connected to the Embarras River.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced the launch of the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation program. Giannoulias said the LEAD program enables high school students to serve as ambassadors for the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Program. The LEAD program allows high school students the opportunity to gain community service hours by participating. Giannoulias said Illinois has experienced a 38% decrease in the number of new organ donor registrants from age 16 to 21 during the past 10 years.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court recently ruled the state's new slating legislation is unconstitutional. The controversial legislation was criticized by Republicans in the state including 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – West Nile Virus has claimed its first victim in Illinois, an 80-year-old out of Lake County. Now, the virus is on the rise in Central Illinois. Champaign County has been put on high alert, meaning high West Nile activity was found in area mosquito populations. It also means that human cases are probable. 18 human cases have been reported in the state.

(Maplegrove–jc)  A Swedish company is coming to Illinois  to make thermal systems for Electric vehicles. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

(Champaign County-jm) – New research shows Champaign County will be out of nursing home beds in two years. Advocates for Aging Care and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District conducted a needs assessment this year. They found the 65+ population has grown by 67% in the last 20 years. That will bring a unique set of challenges to the area. They estimate Champaign County will have a shortage of 337 beds by 2026.

(Paxton–dm)-On Sunday, Sept. 8th, Paxton Pride will be hosting the Never Forget 9-11 Memorial Event.  Paxton Pride Spokesperson Kim Evans tells us about some of the events going on.

Paxton Pride Spokes Person Kim Evans.  The Memorial event will take place at 1:30 behind PBL High School under the Grand Old Flag.

(Undated-jm) – Illinois' economy is slowing down. The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois measures the economy with the Flash Index, which combines inflation-adjusted rates of corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as an economic measure. Numbers out Wednesday show the Flash Index dipped in July for the fourth straight month.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is out with its revised farm income forecast for 2024. Rod Bain reports...

(Springfield-jm) – A new report says Illinois is failing when it comes to worker freedom. Along with Policy Analyst Andrew Holman, David Osborne, senior fellow of labor policy for the Commonwealth Foundation, authored the report titled, "The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading State Public Sector Labor Laws." Illinois voters approved Amendment 1, the Right to Collective Bargaining Measure, in 2022. Osborne said Amendment 1 takes union-friendly legislation to the constitutional level. Indiana got an A plus, Iowa and Wisconsin received A's, Kentucky received a B while Missouri received a C.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is trying to help families when it comes to back to school supplies. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there are tax credits parents can take advantage of...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Tuscola-jm) – More cows let loose from an accident have been rescued, but officials in Douglas County are still looking for a few remaining cows. A semi-trailer hauling 67 cows rolled over on I-57 in Tuscola last month. Around 20 were killed, and cowboys have been working to locate the cows that got loose. Three cows were captured this week, its believed two more are still missing.

(Roberts–jc)  A new therapy is giving a ray of hope to families affected by Duchenne's disease. The muscular dystrophy illness affects mainly young boys. The Flesnner family of Thawville has boys with the disease. The Flessner Fest is set for Saturday in Roberts and Daniel Flessner talks about some recent advancements with a therapy that brings some hope...

Flessner Fall Fest Spokesperson Daniel Flessner. The event starts at 8 on Saturday morning. Planned for the day are a 5-K run, pancake and sausage breakfast, carriage rides, music and a silent auction. The venue is the Roberts village park. 

(Bloomington-jm) – Bloomington Police Department were dispatched to Illinois Wesleyan University for a report of an active shooter on Wednesday night. Patrol officers conducted a thorough investigation with the IWU Department of Campus Safety. The Bloomington Police Department confirmed there was no active assailant and no credible threat. The Illinois State University Police Department  received similar reports on their campus. ISUPD investigated those incidents and found no active threats

(Danforth–dm)-Prairieview Lutheran Homes in Danforth will be hosting their annual Fall Festival and Super Saturday this Friday and Saturday.Iroquois Economic Development Executive Director Angel Crawford tells us more.

Iroquois Economic Development Director Angel Crawford.  Friday's activities include a fish fry and live music.  Saturday's activities include a car show, Kiddie Tractor Pull and a pork chop supper

(Springfield-jm) – With the state now home to the seventh highest share of residents using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford is urging lawmakers to do more to aid the growing number of people struggling to make ends meet. In all, federal government data shows nearly two million residents, or one out of every seven individuals, are now reported to be receiving federal food assistance, leaving the state with 237,383 more SNAP recipients than before the pandemic. With people struggling the way they are, inflation now being what it is, Ford argues it's incumbent on the government to step in.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has lowered its forecast for farm production expenses. Rod Bain reports...

WPXN Weekend News Notes...

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their first of three Frightfest weekends tonight and tomorrow night.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner tonight from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.

Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth will hold their fall festival on today and Super Saturday tomorrow. Tonight will be the fish fry from 4-7 pm. Saturday there will be a car show, variety show, kiddie tractor pull, quilt auction and pork chop supper. Both days from 10-7 will be bounce houses, baked goods, carnival games, tractor show and more.

The 6th annual Huntington's Disease Team Hope Walk, Golf Outing and Dinner will take place on Saturday at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. The Walk starts at 8 am and is $25 for adults, $15 for kids, golf begins at 10:30, dinner and silent auction begin at 5pm and costs $25. For more information call Samantha Cox at 217-249-1421.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Gold Star Mission on Saturday from 10-2.

Dennis Stroughmatt 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.

(Springfield-jm) – Unions see a clear path through the legislature to boost membership after several legal challenges saw workers leave in droves. This, according to a new report released Wednesday that grades public sector labor laws across the nation. The data was compiled by the Commonwealth Foundation, a policy group that focuses on fiscal conservancy. David Osborne, senior fellow for labor policy at the foundation, said during a media briefing that government privatization, changing demographics and a 2018 Supreme Court decision, Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, have caused membership rates across the nation's four largest public sector unions to fall more than 320,000 over the last five years. The decline represents $106.8 million in annual dues and fees, according to the report.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court recently ruled slating legislation unconstitutional. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the legislation...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Sheldon-jm) – The Iroquois and Newton County, Indiana, Sheriff's Offices are raising money for a Newton County Corporal who was shot in Iroquois County over the weekend. Corporal Brandon Schreiber was wounded Sunday night while engaging a suspect in a gunfight. The Illinois State Police said the suspect — Andrew Roselius of Clifton — led deputies on a car chase that crossed the Illinois-Indiana border twice before crashing in Sheldon. Roselius was killed during the gunfight.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The extra curricular offerings at  Paxton Buckley Loda schools is more than football and volleyball. The P-B-L school system has more from a robotics team to a math team and more. Paxton Buckley

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Board of Education Wednesday announced $7.4 million in state funding for Career and Technical Education Education Career Pathway Grants awarded to 18 entities serving 39 school districts. The three-year grant addresses the ongoing teacher shortage by equipping high school students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in college-level teacher preparation programs and pursue careers in education. Milford, Mahomet Seymour, Kankakee Area Regional Vocational Education System, Deland-Weldon and Champaign Schools are among the ones receiving the grant.

(Bloomington–jc)  The Illinois High School Association is again partnering with a group called "Officially Human."  WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

(Springfield-jm) – It may be an early harvest in Illinois this year as crops are maturing earlier than normal.  The latest crop progress and condition report from the United States Department of Agriculture shows 24% of the corn crop is mature. That is compared to the 5-year average of 11% at this time. Corn condition was rated 3% very poor, 5% poor, 21% fair, 54% good, and 17% excellent.  USDA statistician Mark Schleusener said soybeans are ahead of schedule as well. "Fourteen percent of acres were dropping leaves compared to three normally and we received a few reports of soybeans being harvested," said Schleusener. Soybean condition was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 22% fair, 56% good, and 12% excellent.

(Springfield-jm) – A new report highlights just how bad the state of Illinois has been with the budgetary process over the years. Pew Charitable Trusts found only two states with annual deficits in fiscal year 2022, a record low. Senior associate Page Forrest said Illinois is one of just six states that recorded a 15-year shortfall at the end of fiscal 2022. The report notes that because of chronic deficits, Illinois lawmakers regularly delayed payments to hundreds of vendors for more than a decade. This only made the problem worse, with the backlog peaking at $17 billion in 2017 because Illinois pays up to 12% annual interest on unpaid bills. At the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government quickly approved financial support to states facing a slump in tax collections and a spike in spending demands. But despite the additional federal funds, 19 states, including Illinois, closed fiscal 2020 with an annual deficit, the most states since the Great Recession.

(Paxton–jc) –Paxton city leaders have met with 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett and other state officials about storm water issues on Paxton's southeast side. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says grants or an E-P-A loan could help with the cost of the project...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council approved a resolution to extend the City's policing partnership with the University of Illinois. The University's Police Department is understaffed and this partnership will help to have dedicated police services for the campus-town area. Champaign Police will primarily be assisting with patrol needs such as accidents and traffic control. The U of I will pay the city just over $1.1 million per year for two years. There is an option to add a third year. The resolution passed unanimously.

(Springfield-jm) – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan doesn't want the word "corruption" mentioned at his upcoming corruption trial. Madigan laid out a litany of things he wants excluded from his upcoming racketeering trial in October. The words Madigan's defense team doesn't want the jury to hear are "patronage," "political machine," "Shakman Litigation," "corrupt politicians," "corruption," and "Public Corruption Task Force," and their derivatives, according to a motion pending before Judge Manish Shah. Those words are too prejudicial, the defense argued.

(roberts–jc)  Hoping for a breakthrough and a cure. That is one reason for the Flessner Fest in Roberts on Saturday. Duchenne's disease is a muscular dystrophy illness, with no cure. Event organizer Daniel Flessner says there is hope with some advancements in medicine, but more is needed...

Flessner Fest organizer Daniel Flessner. The event is set to start Saturday morning at 8 with a 5-k. A pancake and sausage breakfast, carriage rides, inflatables, music and raffles highlight the day at Roberts Park.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is hosting a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the north side parking lot garage of 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor proxy technicians will be available to provide parents and caregivers with complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. No appointment is necessary.

(Paxton–jc)  A 9-11 memorial event is set for Paxton on Sunday. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

WPXN News Notes...

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their first of three Frightfest weekends on Friday and Saturday.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner on Friday from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.

Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth will hold their fall festival on Friday and Super Saturday on Saturday. Friday night will be the fish fry from 4-7 pm. Saturday there will be a car show, variety show, kiddie tractor pull, quilt auction and pork chop supper. Both days from 10-7 will be bounce houses, baked goods, carnival games, tractor show and more.

The 6th annual Huntington's Disease Team Hope Walk, Golf Outing and Dinner will take place on Saturday at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. The Walk starts at 8 am and is $25 for adults, $15 for kids, golf begins at 10:30, dinner and silent auction begin at 5pm and costs $25. For more information call Samantha Cox at 217-249-1421.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Gold Star Mission on Saturday from 10-2.

Dennis Stroughmatt 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.

(Springfield-jm) – Former President Donald Trump's latest abortion messaging has caused an Illinois anti-abortion group to call him 'not the best candidate.' Trump posted to Truth Social: "My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights." In an interview that aired Sunday, his running mate told NBC News Trump would veto a federal abortion ban. Davis Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, said the organization is disappointed that Trump has compromised his abortion position.

(Paxton–jc)  Storm water issues continue for the city of Paxton. Paxton leaders have held meetings  on the issue and are looking for the best way to handle the overflows. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they have met with state officials and will seek some aid from state sources...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana Police are alerting the public after reports of a man attempting to lure a child by offering candy. According to Urbana PD, around 3:54 p.m., on Tuesday, patrol officers responded to the area of Kinch and Michigan for a report of a suspect attempting to lure a child while they walked home from school. Police said the child ignored repeated questions from the suspect and safely made it to their residence and notified a parent who contacted police. Authorities said the only description of the suspect is a male driving a dark or black SUV.

(St. Joseph-jm) – St. Joseph will be looking for a new mayor after Tami Fruhling-Voges announced she is stepping down after 8 years as mayor and 12 years on the village board.  She is endorsing Jim Page to take her spot.  St. Joseph will have a caucus in December and the winners will be on the ballot in April 2025.

(Roberts–jc)  The Flessner Fall fest is set for Saturday in Roberts. The event is to raise awareness and find a cure for Duchenne's disease. Organizer Daniel Flessner talks about the muscular disease and how it affects, mainly young boys...

Flessner Fall Fest Organizer Daniel Flessner. The event will take place at the Roberts Village park and starts with a 5K run at 8am . A pancake and sausage breakfast, carriage rides, music and a silent auction hilite the day in Roberts this Saturday

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has entered into an agreement to better comply with federal civil rights obligations according to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights . The Dept. of Ed. office said the investigation of the university was prompted by a complaint in March 2020 alleging several incidents of antisemitism including the appearance of swastikas throughout campus; mezuzahs ripped off students' doors; and a brick being thrown through the window of a Jewish fraternity. The OCR reviewed 139 incidents of discrimination related to shared Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, or Arab ancestry reported to the university from 2015 through December 2023. Of the 139 reports OCR reviewed, 135 related to allegations of anti-Jewish discrimination and 4 related to anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, or anti-Arab discrimination. The office found that the university did not meet its obligation under Title VI to assess whether a hostile environment was created for students, faculty, or staff related to any of the complaints the university received.

(Washington-jm) – Crop and livestock growers in total received less pricewise for their commodities in the latest USDA Agricultural Prices report period, despite an increase in the livestock price index. Rod Bain reports...

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is confident that an appeals court will overrule a federal judge's decision that a portion of Illinois' concealed carry law is unconstitutional.  A federal judge in Rockford ruled that it is unconstitutional for Illinoisans with concealed carry permits to be prohibited from carrying guns on public transportation. The decision was a result of a lawsuit filed by four people who argued the section of Illinois' concealed carry law that forbids holders of concealed carry licenses from carrying guns on public transportation violated their Second Amendment right to self defense. The decision comes just as a suspect is facing charges for allegedly murdering four people on a CTA train in Forest Park.

(Springfield-jm) – Changes to truth in taxation laws are coming to Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses some of the changes...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Five people were arrested on Tuesday as part of a Champaign Police investigation into recent incidents of gun violence. Officers also seized eight guns that police officials said were unlawfully possessed by those arrested. Officials said search warrants were served at six locations throughout the city early Tuesday morning. A total of five Champaign County law enforcement agencies took part in the raids: the police departments of Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul and the University of Illinois and the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. The County State's Attorney's Office also assisted in the investigation.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is still investigating a shooting from two weeks ago that left one person dead and another person hurt. They're asking for the public's help through Champaign County Crime Stoppers in solving the case. The shooting happened at Hunter Street and Lierman Avenue the morning of Aug. 17. Police determined that during a party at 1:30 a.m., a group of people were in a townhouse complex's courtyard when a physical altercation started. At least one person pulled out a gun and started shooting, police said. One person was grazed in the hand; they were treated and released from the hospital. Another person, identified as 32-year-old William Booker, was shot in the torso and the leg. He later died from his injuries. 

(Loda–jc)  A free ag wellness event for farmers and spouses is set for September 14th at the Bachman farm in rural Loda.  Organizer, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Illinois State University, Valarie Wright talks about the free event

Free Agri-Wellness Event Spokesperson Valarie Wright. That number is 309-438-2970

(Mahomet-jm) – Mahomet-Seymour schools are turning to voters once again and asking to help them keep up with growing numbers. If the $112.8 million question on November's ballot is passed, it would build two new buildings, demolish the current junior high and work on other facility upgrades. One building would go behind Middletown Prairie Elementary and be dedicated to second and third-graders. The other one would be the new junior high, and go behind where the current one is. Then, more space would open up in the schools.

(Washington-jm) – USDA is reporting a drop in condition ratings for soybeans and a possible frost in parts of the Upper Midwest. Gary Crawford reports...

WPXN News Notes...

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their first of three Frightfest weekends on Friday and Saturday.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner on Friday from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.

Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth will hold their fall festival on Friday and Super Saturday on Saturday. Friday night will be the fish fry from 4-7 pm. Saturday there will be a car show, variety show, kiddie tractor pull, quilt auction and pork chop supper. Both days from 10-7 will be bounce houses, baked goods, carnival games, tractor show and more.

The 6th annual Huntington's Disease Team Hope Walk, Golf Outing and Dinner will take place on Saturday at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. The Walk starts at 8 am and is $25 for adults, $15 for kids, golf begins at 10:30 dinner and silent auction begin at 5pm and costs $25. For more information call Samantha Cox at 217-249-1421.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting Gold Star Mission on Saturday from 10-2.

Dennis Stroughmatt 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.

(Decatur-jm) – Illinois state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, confirmed employees from the Logan County Correctional Center have started to transfer to Decatur. The Illinois Department of Corrections said they are not currently under a hiring freeze at the Logan County Correctional. Earlier this summer during a Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability hearing at Lincoln Junior High School, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 Deputy Director Mike Newman said the IDOC has given little consideration to announcing the closure and move of the Logan County facility years in advance. Caulkins fears that the department will change the standards female inmates must meet in order to transfer to the Decatur prison from the Logan prison. The Logan County Correctional Center is an intake prison where inmates are screened and then transferred to facilities around the state, Caulkins said. A female inmate has to meet certain standards in order to be transferred to the dormitory-style Decatur prison. The prison in Decatur is a minimum-security prison whereas Logan County Correction Center is a medium-security prison.

(Paxton–jc)  Knowledge is key when placing a new business. From research and numbers, the group of investors placing a gas station on Paxton's west side have done their homework and more. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the group has the experience for the new gas station  in Paxton...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Sheldon-jm) – In updating our story yesterday on the officer involved shooting incident in Sheldon, the ISP issued an official report. On September 1, 2024 at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Iroquois County Sheriff's Department requested the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 to assist in an officer-involved shooting investigation. Preliminary reports indicate officers from the Iroquois County Sheriff's Department were engaged in a pursuit of an armed suspect with a hostage.  The pursuit went into Indiana, at which time the Newton County Sheriff's Department became engaged in the pursuit.  The pursuit came back into Illinois and the suspect crashed in Sheldon.  The suspect exited his vehicle and gunfire was exchanged.  During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect and a deputy from the Newton County Sheriff's Department were struck.  The suspect, 37-year-old Andrew Roselius of Clifton, IL, was pronounced deceased on scene.  The Newton County Deputy was transported to a regional hospital where he remains in critical condition. No hostage was located inside the vehicle.

(Loda-jc) There is still time to sign up for a Free Agri-Wellness Event in rural Loda for farmers and farm spouses. From free hearing checks, physical well-being, conservation practices and farm safety to a free catered lunch and door prizes are all part of the event. The event is on Saturday September 14th at noon at the Bachman farm in rural Loda. Organizer, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Illinois State University, Valarie Wright says to call the provided number to get registered by this Thursday...

Free Agri-Wellness Event Spokesperson Valarie Wright. That number is 309-438-2970

(Savoy-jm) – A man from Savoy has been sentenced to both jail time and probation for a hit-and-run incident outside a University of Illinois bar that went viral two years ago. Brendan Trumann was sentenced last week to one month of jail time and a concurrent 30 months of probation. A jury convicted him in November of aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm, aggravated reckless driving and aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. The jury also acquitted him of aggravated battery involving great bodily harm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery in a public place. The Champaign County State's Attorney's Office also dismissed an attempted murder charge before the trial.

(Springfield-jm) – One area lawmaker is raising concerns about a recent report showing how bad the state's economy is. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the report shows many families are struggling, thanks in part to the legislative policies of the Democratic Party...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Food and building service workers at the University of Illinois are preparing to strike. Their current contract expired Saturday after several months of negotiations. Union workers voted down the latest contract proposal, saying they must be paid more if they serve more students. The union, representing 763 workers, said the strike would begin September 15. 

(Paxton–jc)  –  School has started for the year and that means homework and more. It also means extracurricular activities. Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley says from football and volleyball to FFA, the "extras" mean a lot to students, faculty and the community...

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley

(Gibson City-jm) – The Gibson City Melvin Sibley school district is mourning the loss of a student. The district says 10 year old Ava Mead of Sibley died Saturday morning at OSF in Peoria. Mead had just started 5th grade at GCMS. Counselors will be available.

(Loda–jc)  - The 6th annual Team Hope Walk and Golf tournament to raise awareness and find a cure for Huntington's Disease is set for Saturday at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. the golf tournament is full, but walkers can sign up to walk the "golf course." The walk starts at 8 on Saturday morning. Event organizer Samantha Cox says a dinner, and silent and live auction take place later in the day on Saturday...

6th Annual Team Hope Walk and Golf Tournament Spokesperson Samantha Cox

(Urbana-jm) – The Illini 4000 team has finished its cross-country ride to fight cancer, raising more than $60,000 for cancer research and patient support services. The non-profit organization was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to spreading awareness for the fight against cancer. A central part of the Illini 4000 is The Portraits Project, an on-going project since 2007 to document the American cancer experience.  The 2024 Bike America riders left New York in late May, and their 4,000-mile journey across the United States ended in San Francisco in early August.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Foundations renovation project at the former city of Paxton Water tower continues to take shape. Paxton Foundation Spokesperson Royce Baier says the work that local businessman Stan Foster has done is absolutely amazing...

Paxton Foundation Spokesperson Royce Baier

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at the St. Joseph Library, 10-10:30 at the Ogden old high school ballpark, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village hall and 2:30-3 at The Oaks in Tolono.

Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth will hold their fall festival on Friday, September 6th and Super Saturday on Saturday, September 7th. Friday night will be the fish fry from 4-7 pm. Saturday there will be a car show, variety show, kiddie tractor pull, quilt auction and pork chop supper. Both days from 10-7 will be bounce houses, baked goods, carnival games, tractor show and more.

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive in in Gibson City will hold their first of three Frightfest weekends on Friday, September 6th and Saturday, September 7th.

(Sheldon-jm) – The Iroquois County Sheriff's office along with Illinois State Police are investigating after a deputy was shot over the weekend in the Sheldon area. WCIA 3 reports the deputy was airlifted to an area hospital. WPXN News will update this story when more information becomes available.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois retailers, consumers and taxpayers are all paying a price for organized retail crime. Illinois taxpayers are spending $5 million on the task force in fiscal year 2025. According to Capital One Shopping, retail thefts cost Illinois an estimated $185 million in tax revenue in 2022. Capital One Shopping also found that 70.7% of retailers nationwide reported an increase in organized retail crime incidents over five years.

(Washington-jm) – USDA is using data visualization to better understand crop sequence boundaries, using geospatial data and images to do so. Rod Bain reports...

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments responded to a fire in a commercial dryer at the I hotel and conference center at 1900 S. First St., Sunday at 6:04 p.m.  Once on the scene, firefighters reported a fire in a commercial dryer.  Crews deployed a single hose line and were able to quickly bring the fire under control. 

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called to an alarm activation Sunday evening. It happened around 8pm in the 300 block of West Patton Street. It turned out to be a false alarm.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch announced last week the creation of a new House working group designed to look more closely at the Illinois' public transit system and provide recommendations on how it can better serve the communities that rely on it.  13 House members were named to the group, and every one of those named comes from the Democrat side of the aisle.  Following the Speaker's announcement, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie issued this response...

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Coroner, Stephen Thuney, released  the name of a Fisher man who died as the result of a motor vehicle collision on May 15. At the request of the Champaign County Coroner's Office DNA testing was performed by the Illinois State Police that confirmed the identity of the deceased male as Cody Messer, 32 years of age. The collision occurred on County Road 900 East near 2400 North in Champaign County. The collision caused Messer's vehicle to catch fire.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois state legislator says Senate President Don Harmon's Democratic National Convention comments about unions are an admission of "quid pro quo." Harmon delivered remarks at the DNC in Chicago for the Illinois delegation's breakfast. "Democrats don't win without organized labor and organized labor puts everything at risk when Democrats don't win," said Harmon, D-Oak Park. "We gotta stick together." State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, explained how top Democrats, like Harmon, wouldn't allow the Invest in Kids Act renewal bill to be called this legislative session because it wasn't favorable to public school teachers unions, who are large contributors to the Democrats' campaigns. The Illinois Federation of Teachers Committee on Political Education contributed nearly $1 million to Harmon's campaign.

(Washington-jm) – The Agricultural Marketing Service is relying more on data visualization tools to present information on livestock markets to data users. Rod Bain reports...

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Police have clarified information about an emergency situation at the Grainger College of Engineering Library on Sunday afternoon. Assistant Chief Joe McCullough said the department got a call around 2:30. UIPD later said that a student made that call, and the individual believed there was a shooting happening inside. When police arrived, it ended up being a personal medical issue. Assistant Chief McCullough added that there were never shots fired on the U of I campus on Sunday.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers has asked for help from the public after a shooting killed one man, and injured another. On August 17, Urbana Police found two men who had been shot in the 1500 block of Hunter Street around 1:30 a.m. One man had a graze on his hand, but 32-year-old William Booker was shot in the leg and torso. He was taken to the hospital, but died from his injuries. During the investigation, police learned there was a physical fight between a group of people outside in the courtyard of a townhouse complex. During the fight, at least one person fired a gun. Police are asking any resident or business in the nearby area with exterior surveillance cameras or people with cell phone video to review the footage for any suspicious activity captured in the area around the time of the shooting.

(Champaign-dm) – Summer may be winding down, but healthcare providers want you to know that heat rash can happen year-round. Luckily, most cases resolve on their own with simple steps. Tim Ditman of OSF Healthcare has more...

If your symptoms don't resolve in a couple of days, if they get worse, or if you develop a fever, visit your local urgent care.

(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting another public meeting in the Champaign-Urbana area to inform people about a proposed construction project. The project is the proposed replacement of the bridge that carries Kirby Avenue over Interstate 57. The existing bridge was designed to accommodate rural and agricultural traffic, not bicyclists and pedestrians who now routinely use the bridge. IDOT will host a public meeting about the project. It will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the atrium of Parkland College's Building U.