PAXTON — The Paxton Police Department released the following list of recent activity: — Jason A. Battishill, 40, of Paxton, was arrested for domestic battery and unlawful restraint at 3:04 p.m. Monday, June 5, near the intersection of Market and Pells streets in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at a residence in […]
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Sunday fire in Gibson City destroys garage, car, motorcycle
GIBSON CITY — A garage in Gibson City and its contents — including a car and motorcycle — were destroyed by fire on the morning of Sunday, June 4, but no one was hurt. Volunteer firefighters from Gibson City were called at 9:59 a.m. to the fire at 534 S. Wood St., where they found a detached garage ablaze about […]

Paxton Police Blotter: Arrests made for DUI, no valid DL
PAXTON — The Paxton Police Department released the following list of recent activity: — Theresa S. Nelson, 55, of Paxton, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license during a traffic stop at 1:38 p.m. Sunday, June 4, in the 100 block of North Market Street downtown. The traffic stop was conducted after a Paxton police officer, who was […]

Charles Magumba heads feeding program in Eastern Uganda
By CHARLES MAGUMBA Freedom Project Following is a write-up by Charles Magumba on the feeding program that is developing into a one-stop support center for vulnerable children, including orphans and those struggling with general poverty in and around Iganga in Eastern Uganda. BACKGROUND I and Destiny established an organization called Freedom Project to provide spiritual and physical health to vulnerable […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Illinois Budget Plan Likely Contains Hidden Spending
One week after the General Assembly passed the FY 2024 spending plan, questions remain about whether the budget will truly be balanced at the year’s end. Senator Bennett pointed to hidden spending found throughout the budget that could put the state’s spending well over expected revenues.One example of possible “phantom” spending in this year’s budget, which also served as a major […]

Ford County property tax bills delayed yet again
PAXTON — The mailing of Ford County’s property tax bills to landowners has been delayed again — for the third time in four years. Ford County Clerk & Recorder Amy Frederick said Friday that the bills would not be mailed until after the tax cycle process reaches the treasurer’s office, which could be as much as a month away. Only […]

Pastor Steve Jones: The Primary Motivation for a Happy Life
I concluded my previous article by looking at the meaning of Jesus’ question to Peter in John 21:15. Let’s pick up with Peter’s response to the first of Jesus’ three questions which pertain to how much Peter genuinely loves Jesus: Question. “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Response from Peter: “Yes, Lord; you know that […]

Paxton residents may want to opt out of electric aggregation program
PAXTON — Paxton residents who recently received a letter from Homefield Energy notifying them of the opportunity to opt out of the city’s newly reinstated electric aggregation program may want to do so — soon. Those who do not complete and return the opt-out form attached to Homefield Energy’s letter by Friday, June 16, will be paying more in electric […]

Chicago-style hot dogs among offerings at Lucky’s Place of Paxton
PAXTON — Victor Torres knows a thing or two about Chicago-style hot dogs, having worked decades ago as a teenager at his parents’ two Windy City restaurants. Living in Paxton for the past 15 years, the 53-year-old Torres has long wanted to bring the classic, all-beef hot dog to his fellow residents of the Ford County community of 4,450. Come […]

Gibson City under boil order, enforcing water-usage restrictions
GIBSON CITY — Due to extreme drought-like conditions affecting the area, Gibson City began enforcing emergency water-usage restrictions on Wednesday, May 31, and was asking residents to refrain from watering their lawns until further notice. “Watering your lawn/yard will be prohibited until further notice,” City Superintendent Tyler Martin said in a Facebook post. “This restriction will be enforced by the […]