Local News

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation officially broke ground Wednesday on a joint project to construct a new training facility focused on traffic incident safety for law enforcement officers, first responders, and highway workers. The $14 million, taxpayer-funded facility is being built at the Illinois State Police training academy extension in Pawnee. ISP Director Brendan Kelly said the center will provide a controlled setting where […]

(SPRINGFIELD) The first cutting of hay is underway across Illinois, with farmers reporting varying levels of progress depending on their region. According to the USDA, the first harvest of alfalfa hay was 25 percent complete statewide as of May 24, trailing the five-year average of 37 percent. The slower pace is largely being attributed to weather-related delays in southern Illinois. Farmers in that area say frequent rainfall over the past […]

(SPRINGFIELD) Though Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s full affordable housing initiative did not pass through the General Assembly this session, approximately $250 million was included in the state’s 2027 budget to support portions of the plan. Officials cited opposition from municipal leaders, who argued the proposal would allow the state to overstep local authority. Lawmakers and the governor have also said additional work will continue over the summer to advance affordable housing […]

(NEWTON) In a couple of area meetings this week : the Newton City Council will meet for a regularly scheduled meeting tonight at Newton City Hall, starting at 6:00. The Council’s Finance & Audit Committee will also meet this Tuesday evening, starting at 5:45, also at City Hall. the Olney City Council will have a special meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at the Olney City Hall, beginning at 4:30. Most of […]

(OLNEY) Congratulations to a pair of Richland County youth who are now new junior members of the American Angus Association, as reported by the national organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Both Elise A. Urfer and Nora E. Urfer of Claremont are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association, and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national […]

(OLNEY) The City of Olney has announced that North Holly Road, from Main Street to Gadde Bridge Lane, will be closed to traffic tomorrow, on Wednesday, June 3rd, and will remain closed for approximately one week. The closure is for needed road repair work and all drivers are urged to observe all signs and barricades during the work period. The cooperation of all is appreciated.

(SPRINGFIELD) The USDA released its first condition ratings for 2026 corn and soybean crops in its latest crop progress and conditions report yesterday. While the Illinois corn crop was rated 65% good to excellent, 30% fair, and 5% poor to very poor, statewide soybeans were rated 64% good to excellent, 31% fair, and 5% poor to very poor, both of which are similar to the current national average ratings. Statewide, […]

(SPRINGFIELD) Before the Illinois state budget was passed early yesterday morning, a bill offering career technical education classes as an alternative to Illinois’ foreign language mandate was approved by lawmakers in Springfield on Sunday and is now heading to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. The measure provides that high school students can still take two years of foreign language but will now have the option to take CTE classes starting in 2028.  (SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois General […]

(OLNEY/NEWTON) A high pressure system will control our downstate area weather for the next few days and nights with low humidity levels, some sunshine, and seasonable to slightly above normal temperatures, although our daily highs will warm into the mid-80's by the weekend. The warmup will also bring us our next chance of rain by Saturday afternoon, continuing through the weekend into the first of next week. Stay tuned for […]