WWHP 7 am News Thursday April 13 2017

===========================================================

(Springfield-jm) — Supporters of legalizing marijuana in Illinois will hold a hearing on the issue next week, and hear how similar laws have worked in other states. Senator Heather Steans of Chicago says they are proceeding slowly, but not giving up the push to legalize up to 28 grams of pot for recreational use. Steans says legalizing marijuana would also reduce the state’s prison population. The hearing will be held next Wednesday in Chicago.

(Piatt County-jm) — Emergency personnel from the Mid-Piatt Fire Protection District were called to a tractor accident Wednesday afternoon. Personnel were called to the incident around 1 p.m. The victim had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.

(Clinton-jm) — The easter egg hunt this weekend sponsored by the Clinton United Methodist Church has been cancelled. The church announced on their facebook page they were cancelling the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

WWHP 8 am News Thursday April 13 2017

===========================================================

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Department of Transportation’s popular “Getting Around Illinois” website is getting a fresh new look. The Getting Around Illinois dot com site has been updated and is more mobile-friendly says I-DOT Spokesperson Gianna Urgo. The webpage will also have better real-time information and an easier to use winter road conditions map, which is the most popular feature.

(Gibson City-jm) — Gibson City police are warning residents about a phone scam. Police say they have received several calls from people saying they received a phone call from someone claiming to be with the Gibson City Police Department or Gibson Area Hospital, then they try and sell products to the victims. Gibson City Police say they believe the people behind the scam are from either Jamaica or India. They say if you receive a phone call that you’re unsure of, don’t answer and let it go to voicemail.

(Fisher-jm) — Fisher Village leaders will continue to discuss the option of privatizing their water and wastewater system at tonight’s meeting. In addition, village trustees will discuss approving a contract for the future operation of a cell tower in the village and consider the purchase of two new police vehicles. The Fisher Village Board meeting gets underway at 7 p.m.

WWHP 7 am News Wednesday April 12 2017

===========================================================

NEW YORK  — The U.S. government says the average price of retail gasoline will rise to $2.46 a gallon this summer as oil prices bounce back. But prices at the pump will still remain below levels of just a few years ago. The Energy Information Administration says gas averaged $2.23 a gallon last summer. The hike reflects the 15 percent rise in oil prices over the last year. But oil remains far below its mid-2014 highs. The agency says it believes gas will rise to an average this year of $2.39 a gallon, up from $2.15 in 2016. That means the average U.S. household will spend about $200 more on gas.

(Springfield-jm) — Just one week is left to file your Illinois income tax return. The deadline this year is April 18th, and it seems many are waiting until the last minute says State Department of Revenue Spokesperson Terry Horstman. He says 87 percent of the tax returns that have been filed so far were done electronically and it takes about four weeks to get your refund.

(Clinton-jm) — Spring is here and that means severe weather season and the DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency wants you to be prepared. The most important thing you should have is a NOAA (noah) Weather Radio. The DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency will be at the Walgreens in Clinton this evening from 3:30 to 6:30 to program weather radios.

(Gibson City-jm) — Gibson City leaders continue to work on plans for their sewer separation project. The city council was expected to approve two bids for the projects but Mayor Dan Dickey says they tabled that until next week

WWHP 8 am News Wednesday April 12 2017

===========================================================

CHICAGO  — Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says his two-day trip across Illinois “has nothing to do with the election” even though it’s being paid for out of his campaign fund. Rauner spoke Tuesday in Bloomingdale before flying to stops around Illinois. He refused to say he’s running for re-election, saying it’ll be “discussed later on.” He says the tour is “communication with the people of Illinois.” The trip comes after several Democrats announced they’re running for governor in 2018.

(Undated-jm) — A Clinton teen was killed in an accident in Mason County over the weekend. 18-year-old Bailie Bryant was involved in a single vehicle accident near Mason City early Sunday morning. The accident remains under investigation.

(Macon County-jm) — Illinois State Police handled a semi rollover crash on I-72 eastbound in Macon County yesterday. According to a report from state police, Patrick Hoskins of Lebanon, Indiana was traveling eastbound on I-72 near mile marker 146 when he lost control of his semi causing it to overturn in the median. Hoskins was cited for improper lane usage.

WWHP 7 am News Tuesday April 11 2017

===========================================================

(Springfield-jm) — Wet conditions are delaying planting progress. The weather hampered corn planting and made spring calving difficult this past week. One percent of corn has been planted, compared to two percent at this time last year. Two percent of winter wheat has headed and 36 percent of oats have been planted. 72 percent of the winter wheat crop is rated in good to excellent condition.

(Farmer City-jm) — Farmer City Police are warning residents of a phone scam. The scammers use the number 309-889-9038. They say if you believe you have been scammed to contact them at 309-928-2111.

(Undated-jm) — Some area youth are being recognized for their musical talent. The National Federation of Music Clubs recognized students at their banquet. Those receiving recognition include Derek Holloway, Matthew Holloway, Evelyn Leak, Hayden Matthews and Madison Manient from Downs, Hunter Brewer from Gibson City and Addy Jeffrey and Naomi Sanders from Heyworth.

WWHP 8 am News Tuesday April 11 2017

===========================================================

(Springfield-jm) — State and local police will receive training on dealing with hate crimes as part of the state’s effort to fight intolerance. The Illinois State Police is working with the Anti-Defamation League to update curriculum at the state police academy. That will include strategies for identifying and investigating hate crimes says Governor Bruce Rauner. His office is also working with lawmakers to increase the penalties for hate crimes and improve anti-hate education for Illinois school children.

(Farmer City)- There will be a benefit Saturday night for Rick Hardesty, a 32 year veteran of the Farmer City Fire Department. It will be held at the Joe Williams Post 55 American Legion in Farmer City from 4-midnight. Tickets are $20 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased from any Farmer City Fire Department member, at Tri-County Services, the Medicine Shoppe downtown Farmer City, Central Illinois AG, or at the door.   Dinner is from 4-7. Then there will be a Live Auction, Silent Auction and a 50/50 raffle. Dance Music will be provided by Modern Cowboyz.

(Gibson City-jm) — A group in Gibson City is looking for your pictures of their community. The Gibson City Rotary Club is looking for submissions for this year’s calendar says Rotary Club Spokesperson Susie Tongate.

WWHP 7 am News Monday April 10 2017

===========================================================

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration argues that Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s attempt to stop state employee paychecks amid the budget crisis is ill-timed and ill-conceived. The Republican governor’s lawyers filed a brief with a state appellate court Friday arguing that Democrat Madigan should have acted sooner. A circuit court judge ruled in July 2015 that workers could be paid even though there wasn’t a state budget agreement. Madigan’s office did not immediately comment.

URBANA, Ill.  — A former University of Illinois student has been sentenced to a decade in prison after pleading guilty in connection with her newborn baby’s suffocation death. Lindsay Johnson of Monee (moh-NEE’) was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to felony endangering the life or health of a child. She previously was charged with first-degree murder. Her attorney says the 21-year-old “is haunted by regret for what happened.”

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is looking for the public’s help in fighting child abuse. If you see something, say something. That’s a motto D-C-F-S hopes you’ll follow, and not be afraid to report any concerns. Spokesperson Veronica Vera says a call to the Child Abuse Hotline doesn’t mean the state will automatically break up a family. Child abuse comes in many forms including physical, sexual, mental and neglect. Resa says you can report suspected child abuse anonymously by calling 1-800-25-ABUSE.

(LeRoy-jm) — The LeRoy School Board will discuss summer 2017 capital projects at tonight school board meeting. School board members will also consider renewing membership with the Illinois Elementary School Association. The LeRoy School Board meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

WWHP 8 am News Monday April 10 2017

===========================================================

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  — Illinois legislators are joining a national flurry of efforts to curb laws that allow police to confiscate property even if the owner isn’t convicted of a crime. The contentious practice permits law enforcement to permanently seize vehicles, cash and other property associated with illegal activity and profit from it. The Illinois proposal would allow the Prairie State to join 12 other states in requiring a criminal conviction to formally confiscate assets.

URBANA, Ill.  — The University of Illinois is making a pilot project permanent that allowed students to take courses during winter break. A winter class session will be added to the academic calendar starting during the 2017-2018 school year. The campus Academic Senate approved the change this month. University faculty members already have offered the online classes for the last three years. The courses run during the four-week break between the fall and spring semesters.

(Gibson City-jm) — Gibson City city leaders are expected to approve bids for two phases of their combined sewer separation project tonight. Council members will be asked to approve phase 3B which is State Street and Phase 4 at North Park. Council members will also discuss design and bids for repainting the town’s water towers. The Gibson City city council meeting gets underway at 7 p.m.

(Clinton-jm) — The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a gun raffle. The group is selling tickets for the chance to win a kimber 9 mm handgun with the winner being chosen at the chamber’s annual golf outing.

WWHP 7 am News Friday April 7 2017

===========================================================

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  — Downtown Chicago’s state government Thompson Center is on top of this year’s Landmarks Illinois “Most Endangered Historic Places” list. The building is one of a number of government-owned structures on the nonprofit group’s list. The group says that demonstrates challenges posed by limited funding and budget cuts. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed selling the Thompson Center as the state nears two years without a budget.

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Senate is advancing a bill cracking down on repeat gun offenders. The measure creates tougher sentencing standards for criminals repeatedly caught using guns illegally. Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago says the killings have to stop. The bill includes some criminal justice reforms as well, director low level, non-violent offenders into rehabilitation programs instead of just prison time. It now moves to the House for a vote.

(Clinton-jm) — One person was killed after an accident at a Clinton business Thursday. Emergency personnel were called to McElroy Metal around 10 a.m. after a pallet of roofing sheet metal fell on a man. The DeWitt County Coroner’s office and Clinton Police continue to investigate.

The Saybrook Sons of the American Legion Post#427 will host a spaghetti dinner from 5-7pm tonight. Dine in orders are all-you-can-eat and carry-out orders are also available.

The Farmer City One and Only 5k will be held on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

The Farmer City Baseball Corporation will be holding their annual breakfast fundraiser coming up on Saturday. The breakfast will be held at the Farmer City American Legion from 6am -10am. Tickets are available at McKinley Water in Farmer City.

WWHP 8 am News Friday April 7 2017

===========================================================

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  — The Illinois Senate has approved tougher sentences for repeat gun offenders aimed at reducing violence on Chicago’s streets. The Senate voted 35-9 Thursday for Chicago Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul’s (KWAH’-may rah-OOLZ’) proposal. It would encourage judges to impose longer prison sentences within existing guidelines for gun crimes committed by those who have firearm violence on their records.

(Champaign-jm) — Parkland College’s Giertz Art Gallery is looking for entries from area artists for an upcoming exhibition. The exhibition entitled “Around the Block Two: Artists from Our Neighborhood” will be on display June 15th through August 9th. The deadline to submit online artwork is April 29th. For more information, call Lisa Costello at 217-351-2485.

Several area communities will be having easter Egg hunts this weekend. Farmer City Trinity Church Community Easter Egg Hunt is at 10:30. Downs United Methodist Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt. Breakfast from 7-10am at Adkisson’s Restaurant. The Egg Hunt will be held at Dooley Park Pavillion at 10:30.  The Clinton Community Easter Egg Hunt will be at Liberty Village at 1pm for those 12 years and younger.

Opening night of the Farmer City Raceway regular Season. Full Schedule. Track Points start.

Pit Passes:   $30:  Adult regular night / $15:  Kids 12 – 4 / FREE:   Kids 3 – Under

General Admission:   $12:   Adults regular night / $5:  Veterans / FREE:  Kids 12 – under

Check out Farmer City Raceway Facebook page for more information.