News Watch Headlines


Man Charged after Shots Fired on I-70

Friday, 15 November 2024

A Massachusetts man fired a gun into the air following a crash on Interstate 70 Monday afternoon, Illinois State Police have revealed.

Following the incident, which happened on I-70 westbound about three miles east of I-57, investigators concluded the man did not fire at oncoming traffic as had initially been reported, according to ISP.  No one was reported injured, according to au ... READ MORE >>




Connor Gilonske Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Connor Gilonske (24) of Hoopeston was arrested for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material Thursday, Illinois State Police say.

Officers searched Gilonske's home after receiving a cyber tip, police say.

Court records show Gilonske was denied pre-trial release.

His next court appearance is December 3.

Gilonske listed employment with ... READ MORE >>




Illinois Attorney General Launches New Program, the First in State History

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

The Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is launching a new program to help set free those who are wrongly convicted.

On Tuesday, state's attorneys from across Illinois joined Raoul in announcing a 'Conviction Integrity Unit'.

The program aims at investigating cases to determine if new, credible evidence would prove the innocence of those serving time for felonies they didn't c ... READ MORE >>




Lake Decatur Deploying New Fish Habitats

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Lake Decatur is working to increase its fish population by partnering with Mount Zion FFA program to deploy fish habitats called the Shelbyville Cube.

The cubes were first launched into Lake Shelbyville to help increase its game fish populations, said Decatur city officials.

FFA students built six habitats that will provide shelter and a spawning area for the fish, said of ... READ MORE >>




Champaign Co. Reindeer Ranch For Sale

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Hardy's Reindeer Ranch, a popular agri-tourism attraction in Rantoul, is going up for sale, according to a real estate agent representing the owners.

The 58.8 acre property hosts more than 60,000 visitors each year and features 24 Alaskan reindeer, along with a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkins, hayrides, Christmas trees, a paintball gallery, a gift shop and a cafe, according to Realtor Alisa ... READ MORE >>




Indiana Man Found Guilty of Murder in the 2017 Killings of 2 Teenage Girls

Monday, 11 November 2024

A former drugstore worker in the small Indiana town of Delphi was found guilty of murder on Monday in the 2017 killings of two teenage girls who vanished during an afternoon hike.

Jurors convicted Richard Allen of of two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping in the killings of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year- ... READ MORE >>




Wife of Edwards Co. Judge Faces Charges in Death

Friday, 8 November 2024

The wife of an Edwards County judge found dead Tuesday now faces multiple charges in connection with the judge's death.

The body of Judge Michael J. Valentine was found outside a home in Albion Tuesday, and his wife, Megan Valentine, was taken into custody, according to information from Illinois State Police.

Megan Valentine was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning, and ... READ MORE >>




Effingham Residents Vote "No" to School Facilities Tax

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

Voters decided not to support another proposal that would add a 1% school facilities sales tax on goods like gasoline, diesel fuel, electronics or Amazon purchases.

Money raised through the tax would be divided among county school districts based on numbers of students.

The revenue would have also supported school resource officers and mental health professionals.

READ MORE >>




Mattoon Voters Say "YES" To City Government Changes

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

The City of Mattoon will be switching its form of city government.

On Tuesday night, people in Mattoon voted YES to switching to a managerial form of municipal government.
    
The vote was close, with 3900 saying yes and just over 3000 voting no.
    
Under this new form of city government, the city council still has the power to app ... READ MORE >>




Rep. Mike Bost Wins Reelection to U.S. House Seat

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Republican Rep. Mike Bost wins reelection to a U.S. House seat representing Illinois.

Bost, a former Illinois state legislator, won a sixth term.

He survived a spirited primary in March with a challenge from former state Sen. Darren Bailey, the 2022 GOP nominee for Illinois governor.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Bost over Bailey.

The spr ... READ MORE >>




2024 General Election Local Results

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION 2024

COLES COUNTY

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
TWELFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
(10 out of 10 Precincts Reporting)
BRIAN ROBERTS (D) – 1642 (26.38%)
MIKE BOST (R) – 4582 (73.62%)

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT #2
(4 out of 4 Precinct ... READ MORE >>




Mary Miller Wins Reelection to the U.S. House

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Republican Rep. Mary Miller wins reelection to a U.S. House seat representing Illinois.

She ran unopposed.

First elected in 2020, Miller filled the seat left vacant by Republican John Shimkus’ retirement.

Two years later, with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, she ousted Republican Rep. Rodney Davis in the redrawn 15th District.
< ... READ MORE >>