chantonews

Fulton County Crime Stoppers Asking For Help In Regard To A Recent Motor Vehicle Theft (Canton, IL)  --  Fulton County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects in a recent motor vehicle theft in Canton.  Authorities say that between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Sunday July 22nd the victim discovered his 2014 Black Ford F150 was missing from his residence in the 900 Block of North 5th Avenue in Canton.  Then, at approximately 6 p.m.  on Sunday, July 22nd, the truck was located behind Cuba Tap. Police were assisted by ISP CSI and evidence was collected from the recovered vehicle.  If you have any information on this Crime please call Crime Stoppers at 309-647-3636 to remain anonymous and be eligible for the cash reward. Two Arrested After Traffic Stop In Canton (Canton, IL)  --  Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop that took place in Canton last week. Canto...

(Canton, IL)  --  The Canton Union School District #66 Board of Education will be holding a special board meeting toght.  Expected to be approved at tonight's special meeting is the collective bargaining agreement between the Canton Education Association and the Canton union School District #66 and the employment of Justin Johnson as the Canton High School Marching Band, Pep Band & Jazz Band Director.  `Johnson is coming to Canton High School from Richwoods High School in Peoria.

(Cincinnati, OH)  --  Grocery chain Kroger is launching a new app aimed at helping consumers make healthier choices.  Shoppers can scan a grocery item with the app, called Opt-Up, and receive a score based on the item's nutritional value.  Grocery items are separated into red, yellow and green categories and the higher the score, the healthier the product.  The scoring system is determined, in part, by nationally recognized dietary guidelines and Kroger dietitians.

(Undated)  --  Fulton County residents take note, you are probably paying more for Coca-Cola for its canned drinks because the Trump administration's aluminum tariffs are making the cans more expensive.  Coke CEO James Quincey calls the price hike disruptive but necessary.  Quincey says the ten-percent tariff on imported aluminum is making it more expensive for the company to produce the cans.  A Coke spokesperson says it will be up to stores to decide whether to pass the higher prices on to consumers.

(Chicago, IL)  --  A very big burger is celebrating a big birthday.  McDonald's will give out "MacCoins" with the purchase of a Big Mac in honor of the 1968 national launch of the iconic burger made up of "two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun."  Starting Thursday, each customer who buys a Big Mac will get a MacCoin, good for another Big Mac.  The Big Mac was created by Western Pennsylvania McDonald's franchisee owner Jim Delligatti.

(Deerfield, IL)  --  The tariff tit-for-tat in Washington, DC doesn't seem to be slowing Caterpillar sales.  The heavy equipment maker yesterday posted a record second quarter profit based on strong sales in April, May, and June.  Cat officials are so confident about the company's strength that they raised their outlook for all of 2018.

(Undated)  --  Uber isn't developing self-driving semi trucks anymore.  The ride-share company says it will now focus its autonomous-vehicle technology solely on cars.  Uber acquired the self-driving tech company, Otto, in 2016, sparking efforts to develop self-driving trucks and the app Uber Freight.  That's the smartphone app that links truck drivers to shippers.  The company says Uber Freight is not impacted by the decision to halt autonomous truck development.  In a statement, the head of Uber Advanced Technologies Group said the company believes having the entire team's energy and skill focused on self-driving cars is the best path forward.

(Springfield, IL)  --  Some folks on food stamps in Illinois may not able to use them at their local farmer's market.  The USDA, which runs the food stamp program, says the company that manages wireless purchases at farmer's markets is ending its service.  That means farmers markets that rely on the company won't be able to accept LINK cards in Illinois.  Illinois' Farmers Market Association says 16 of the state's farmer's markets will be impacted by the change.

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois is letting people back the blue and perhaps win some money at the same time. Governor Rauner yesterday announced a new scratch-off lottery ticket that will raise money for the families of fallen officers or officers injured in the line of duty. The new ticket will split some of the purchase price between the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Fund, the Police Memorial Committee Fund, and the Illinois State Police Memorial Fund.

(Canton, IL)  --  The Canton Union School District #66 Board of Education will be holding a special board meeting Tuesday night.  Items on the agenda that are expected to be approved is the collective bargaining agreement between the Canton Education Association and the Canton union School District #66 and the employment of Justin Johnson as the Canton High School Marching Band, Pep Band & Jazz Band Director.  `Johnson is coming to Canton High School from Richwoods High School in Peoria.

Weekend Accident Near Fiatt Results In Injuries To A Canton Woman (Fiatt, IL)  --  An accident Sunday night left a Canton woman injured and facing charges.  Deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff's Department say a roll over accident that had taken place on Illinois Route 9 in Fiatt last night at about 11:15.  The accident had reportedly happend near the intersection of Route 9 and Bradley Road.  An investigation indicated that a vehicle driven by 39-year old Mandy K. Schmidt was eastbound on Route 9 when she drove the vehicle into the ditch on the south side of the highway. The vehicle then struck a culvert and went airborne, striking a utility pole and coming to rest on the driver side.  Schmidt suffered moderate injuries as a result of the accident and was treated at the scene by personnel from Cass-Putman Rescue Squad, Cuba Fire Department and Fulton County Emergency Medical Association before being taken by ambulance to Graham Hospital for treatment o...

(Peoria, IL)  --  Legislation allowing Peoria County to redevelop the site of the former Hanna City Work Camp for private use was signed into law last week. House Bill 4319 allows Peoria County to sell the land for private development. The property was required by law to be reserved for public use when the county obtained it from the state in 2008, or the county would have to return the property to the state.  State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored the legislation with State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria), hoping it will spur some economic growth in rural Peoria County.  State Senator Koehler says this camp has sat idle for years. Allowing the private sector to come in and potentially create jobs seemed like a no-brainer. The state will receive 10 percent of the proceeds of any sale of the property. The legislation takes effect immediately.

​ (Undated)  --  Governor Bruce Rauner signed a government consilidation law last week, but says Illinois needs more.  The law lets some county clerk offices take on duties of the local election commission. Governor Rauner says it's a step in the right direction but reminds that Illinois still has more units of local government than any other state in the nation. Rauner says if all the recommendations from the Illinois Local Government Consolidation Task Force were implemented, it would save taxpayers an estimated $3.5-Billion a year.

(Monmouth, IL)  --  One more of Illinois' private colleges is looking to beef-up its focus on science and math. Monmouth College last week announced a new STEM curriculum that will start in the fall of 2019. Monmouth President Clarence Wyatt says the focus will be on data science, neuroscience and engineering.

(Lewistown, IL)  --  The Fulton County Fair continues today.  Among the events taking place on the fairgrounds will be the Kids Tractor Pull that will take place in the grandstand at 2:30 this afternoon.  Tonight, the Tractor Pull will take place in front of the grandstand.  The event will begin at 6 p.m.  Tomorrow will see many activities again taking place.  They include the Fulton County Fair Open Horse Show that will begin at 9 tomorrow morning at the Horse Arena.  The FFA Livestock Show will begin at 9 in the morning as well. Then at 11, the Fulton County Farm Bureau Women's Committee will host the Beef Cook-off contest. The last event in front of the grandstand this year will once again be the Demolition Derby. The Derby will start at 6:30 tomorrow night.

(Undated)  --  Lead, even in small doses, is a harmful element to consume. The effects can be drastic for children still developing, which is why Illinois has proposed rules for child care facilities on testing for lead in water. But some environmental advocates believe that the rules need to be adjusted before finalization this fall, starting with removal of the lead’s main source. Lindsay McCormick, project manager for the Environmental Defense Fund, says lead service lines are to blame for much of the water contamination.  Lead service lines connect the main sources of water from the streets to connecting buildings and businesses, and many are located in Chicago, where they were used until 1986.

(Undated)  --  The Illinois State Police is warning the public about the dangers of speeding.  Driving above the speed limit wastes gas and doesn't really get you to your destination a whole lot faster says Master Sergeant Matt Boerwinkle.  Boerwinkle adds that going too fast also makes it more difficult to stop suddenly and navigate around curves or objects in the runway.

(Undated)  --  The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs is looking for more nominations for the State's "Honor 200" effort. The project aims to highlight the service of 200 exceptional veterans from Illinois. Veterans' Affairs spokesperson Dave MacDonna says over 100 nominations have been received so far, but they want many more. nd click on "Honor 200" for more details. Those chose will be honored at the State's Bicentennial Gala in December.

(Undated)  --  Jobs were added in more than half of Illinois' 14 Metro areas last month.  Nine Metro areas saw over the year job gains, including Chicago and the suburbs, Champaign-Urbana, Kankakee, the Quad Cities and East St. Louis.  The unemployment rate fell in only six of the Metro Areas, but Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesperson Bob Gough says that isn't all bad news.  Industry sectors with the most growth include transportatiopn, warehousing and utilities, Education and Health Services and Manufacturing.

(Lewistown, IL)  --  A Fulton County Board committee meeting has had to be rescheduled.  The Economic Development & Tourism Committee meeting that was scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1st will now take place on Wednesday, August 8th. The meeting will now take place at 5 p.m. though.  The location of the meeting will remain the same, at the Fulton County Health Department in Room 307.

(Undated)  --  Bird enthusiasts and conservation groups say the Trump administration's plans to change the Endangered Species Act would make it more difficult to recover threatened or endangered birds. The proposal, announced last week by the Interior and Commerce departments, would end the practice of extending similar protections to species regardless of whether they are listed as 'endangered' or 'threatened.' Steve Holmer with the American Bird Conservancy says those distinctions matter, especially in the case of the piping plover, which is considered endangered around the Great Lakes and threatened in other areas of the country.  Interior Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt described the proposal as an effort to fulfill President Donald Trump’s executive order to scale back government regulation. Holmer says he'll make his concerns known during the 60-day public comment period through the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service and another government website.

Crews Cancel Search For Missing Quad Cities Toddler (Rock Island, IL)  --  Rescue crews are calling off the search for a two-year-old boy who fell into the Mississippi River earlier this week. Rock Island firefighters ended their search about 5:30 yesterday evening. Authorities say the little boy fell in the river Tuesday while fishing with his family. Bloomington Police Link Stolen Gun With June Double Murder (Bloomington, IL)  --  Homicide detectives in Bloomington say they've linked a stolen gun to a double murder in the city. Prosecutors in Bloomington yesterday charged 18-year-old Alexandria Macon with burglary and weapons charges for a March break-in. One of the guns that police say she stole was allegedly used in a June double murder in Bloomington. Macon is being held on 100 thousand-dollars bail. No Word Why Quincy Man Broke Into Home Before Shooting (Quincy, IL)  --  There's still no word why a Quincy-area man broke into a home shortly before he w...

(Washington, DC)  --  Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has announced that her bill renaming the Post Office at 514 Broadway Street in Pekin, Illinois as the “Lance Corporal Jordan S. Bastean Post Office” has been signed into law. This bill reached the president’s desk after passing through the House and the Senate. Born and raised in Pekin, Lance Corporal Jordan S. Bastean was a 2010 graduate of Pekin Community College. Back in the community, Bastean was a four-year cadet in the JROTC and captain of the air rifle team. He joined the Marines because, as he once told his father, “they were the toughest.”  Lance Corporal Bastean was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force which was based out of Twentynine Palms, California. On October 23rd, 2011, during his first deployment, Lance Cpl. Bastean was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province.  There will be a dedication cerem...

(Lewistown, IL)  --  The 49th Sunrise Award was given out after the beef show class on Wednesday.  This year's winner of the class was Taylor Hendel of Avon.   Hendel said that participating in the class was a lot of fun but at the same time a lot of work. The award is given out in memory of the late Leon Barrett family. Another full day of activities taking place at the 2018 Fulton County Fair.  Activities will include more 4H shows that include Beef, Swine and Sheep.  Other activities will include the Candy Scramble outside of the Fair Board office at 5:30 and then the duck, chicken, pig and beef scrambles will take place in front of the grandstand beginning at 6 tonight.

(Washington, DC)  --  Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has issued a statement after the House passage of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. Earlier this week, the bill also passed the Senate. This legislation reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which provides federal funding for community colleges, high schools and technical campuses providing career and technical education or CTE\ programs. Bustos, who represents the 17th Congressional District in Illinois that includes Fulton County said that It is incredibly important that we prepare our children with the skills they need to get ahead,  The tCongresswoman added that This bipartisan legislation will help close the skills gap and better prepare our 21st century workforce by bringing businesses and educators together to develop enhanced training programs. She will continue to champion initiatives that connect hardworking Illinoisans with the career and tec...

(East Peoria, IL)  --  Families of fallen service members now have one less burden when mourning the loss of their loved one.  A new law allows more flexibility to such families in terms of real estate leases.  The legislation, which was introduced by Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) allows surviving families to terminate their lease without penalty when their loved one is killed in action. Rep. Unes vowed to assist military families after he met Kylie Riney, the widow of fallen soldier Sgt. Douglas Riney. She and her two young children needed to move back to Illinois from Texas after her husband was killed in action but her landlord required her to pay penalties for early termination of the lease.  The restrictions ultimately led to a weeks-long separation between Kylie and her two young children in the immediate aftermath of their father's death, a time when the family support system is so important.  Under current law, families are permitted to terminate a resi...

(Lewistown, IL)  --  The Fulton County Board's Finance & Insurance Committee meeting that was set to take place on Wednesday, Augsut 1st has had to be rescheduled. It has been moved to Wednesday, August 8th at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting location, the Fulton County Health Department, Room 103, remains the same.

(Canton, IL)  --  The Canton Community Concert Association has kicked off its 2018-2019 Membership Drive.  The Community Concert Association has brought many professional entertainers and groups to Canton since 1955.  Attendance at Community Concerts is by membership only.  The Concert Association strives to continue the quality that has been its trademark for the past 60 plus years and the upcoming season is no exception.  The line-up for the 2018-2019 season offers a variety of musical styles and performances. The season begins with an iconic vocal quartet from the 50s followed by a tribute to a couple of country music's greatest stars. Next is a program highlighting some of the greatest hits of a legendary recording artist.  Rounding out the season is an area band playing music in the big band style featuring some of the big hits of the era.  All of the local concerts will be held 7:30 p.m. at the Canton High School Auditorium unless otherwise ...

Suspect In Knox County Murder Due In Court Next Month (Galesburg, IL)  --  The suspect in a Knox County murder case is due back in court early next month to face the new charges against him. Prosecutors in Galesburg upgraded the charges against James Love earlier this week. A judge yesterday set Love's preliminary hearing for August 6th. He remains free on 300 thousand-dollars bail. Three-Month-Old Burned By Fireworks, Mom Charged (Bloomington, IL)  --  A three-month-old baby is recovering in a Springfield hospital after being burned by fireworks that went-off inside a car. Police in Bloomington say it happened just after midnight on Wednesday when Roman candles went off inside a car. Three adults were also treated for burns, then arrested on a host of charges including child endangerment. Davenport Man Receives Sentence In Extortion Case (Davenport, IA)  --  A Davenport man will be doing up to five years in prison for extortion.  Sixty-two-year-old Gr...

(Lewistown, IL)  --  The Fulton County Fair is now in full swing.  Several activities will be taking place during fair week.  President of the Fulton County Fairboard, Craig McCoy, says they involved the motocross tonight as well as scrambles and the demolition derby.  The 2018 edition of the Fulton County Fair will be going on until Saturday night. The last grandstand event at this year's fair will be the Fulton County Demolition Derby.

(Norwalk, CT)  --  Pepperidge Farm is recalling three-point-three million packages of Goldfish Crackers because of a possible salmonella risk.  The company said it discovered some of the powder used to season the crackers cold be tainted.  No illness has been reported.  The flavors subject to recall include Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion, Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar and Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar and Pretzel.

(Canton, IL)  --  ​The Spoon River College Alumni Association is seeking nominations for deserving CCC/SRC alumni to be honored with an Alumni Achievement Award, which will be presented at the annual awards dinner and reception on November 3 in the Engle Hall Conference Center on the Canton Campus.  The Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni as they progress up the "success" ladder and should be someone who has earned area-wide recognition, though other qualifications or service will be considered.  Anyone who has attended classes at CCC/SRC can be nominated, and the nominee does not need to be a graduate.  The awards reception, which is held in conjunction with the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, is free and open to the public.  The deadline for nominations is August 10, and the nomination forms are available online at www.src.edu/alumni/Pages/awards.aspx or by calling Lori Murphy at (309) 649-6260.

Crews Continue Search For Missing Child (Rock Island, IL)  --  Rescue crews in the Quad Cities are expected to be back out on the Mississippi River today to continue their search for a missing child. The Big River Rescue and Recovery Dive Team spent most of last night looking for the child who went into the river at Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park. Crews searched for several hours, but were not able to recover the child's body. Knox County Prosecutors Push Charges Against Shooting Suspect (Galesburg, IL)  --  Prosecutors in Galesburg are pushing ahead with charges against their suspect in a shooting earlier this month. The Knox County State's Attorney's Office yesterday filed charges against Demarion Campbell for a shooting on July 12th. In addition to the aggravated discharge charges, prosecutors filed charges that say Campbell had the gun as a felon.

(Bloomington, IL)  --  The head of the Illinois Farm Bureau says farmers in the state don't want a handout. Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert yesterday said that he and other farmers across the state would rather have access to free markets and trade. Guebert says President Trump's tariffs which led to tariffs on Illinois pork and soybeans, will be bad for farmers in the long term. President Trump yesterday introduced a 12 billion-dollar emergency aid package for farmers that he says will offset the impact of those tariffs.

(Peoria, IL)  --  Quest Charter Academy is looking for certified teachers to help shape today’s youth.  On Wednesday, July 25 from 5:00-7:00pm, Quest Middle School (2612 N Bootz Avenue Peoria) will be holding a job fair for certified middle school math, English, special education and P.E. teachers. Those with substitute certificates are also needed. Interested parties may apply and interview during the job fair.  The Mission of Quest Charter Academy is to provide a diverse student body with an innovative world class education, rich in math, science and technology, focused on preparing students to become bold inquirers, problem solvers and ethical leaders. Quest graduates will be skill ready for post-secondary education to meet the challenges of a competitive global workforce. For more information please call Quest Middle School at (309) 222-8719 or email Taunya Jenkins at tjenkins@questpeoria.org

Domestic Incident Results In Canton Mans Arrest (Canton, IL)  --  A Canton man is facing charges after a domestic incident that occured over the weekend.  Canton police sya they were dispatched to an address on East Pine Street on Sunday where they say it was reported that 31-year old Gary L. Rickert, III, grabbed the victim, a female, and threw her to the ground.  After arriving on the scene, Canton police conducted a brief investigation and arrested Rickert on a charge of domestic battery, unlawful restraint, interference with reporting domestic violence and criminal damage to property to property under $500.  Rickets was taken directly to the Fulton County Jail in Lewistown. Canton Man Wanted On An Active Warrant Arrested and Now Facing Additional Charges (Canton, IL)  --  A Canton man wanted on two warrants is now facing addition charges.  Canton police say that an officer spotted 52-year old Leslie Shoen outside of Parlin-Ingersol Library....

(Lewistown, IL)  --    The new Fulton County Fair Queen has been crowned.  Ashley Barclay was crowned the 2018 Fulton County Fair Queen on Monday night.  Barclay said she was excited when she heard her number called to be the 2018 queen.  Named as a part of Barclay's court were 2nd Runner Up Alexis Danner-Clark and 1st Runner Up Addy Stufflebeam.   Winning the Heart of Gold Award was Alexis Danner Clark.  Ashley Barclay won the People's Choice Award.  Winning the non-finalist awards were Best of Interview Kali Postin; Best of Swimsuit, Megan Ward; and Best of Evening Gown, Maci Martindale.  The Fulton County Fair will run through Saturday night at the fairgrounds located on the south end of Lewistown.

(Canton, IL)  --  Graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Spoon River College who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Methodist College will benefit from the articulation agreement signed recently by officials from those institutions. The agreement will allow ADN graduates from Spoon River College who have been accepted into the Methodist College online RN-BSN completion program to transfer in 30 semester credit hours of associate degree in nursing courses along with 47 semester credits of general education transfer credits. Before being accepted into the program at Methodist College, students must meet all admission requirements and must have successfully passed the NCLEX nursing licensure examination. Once accepted into the program, they must complete 31 credit hours of upper division nursing courses and another 12 additional credits of lower and upper Methodist College or equivalent transfer general education courses. More informati...

(Undated)  --  Corn is progressing more quickly than in recent years according to the latest Illinois Crop Report.  The state's corn crop is now silking on 97-percent of acres, well ahead of last year and the five year average says Illinois Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener.  88-percent of soybeans are blooming and 66-percent are setting pods. The condition of the soybean crop improved to 78-percent in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture increased to four-percent very short, 16-percent short, 77-percent adequate and three-percent surplus.

(Springfield, IL)  --  A band from the 1980s is Illinois' best. The state's bicentennial best-of voters have chosen REO Speedwagon as the state's best band of the past 200 years. REO Speedwagon got its start in the Champaign-area before going on to sell millions of records. In addition to REO, voters at www.IllinoisTop200.com rounded out the state's Top Five bands and artists with Alison Krauss, Nat King Cole, Cheap Trick, and Miles Davis.

(Urbana, IL)  --  The University of Illinois' latest solar project won't materialize til sometime next year. The Champaign News Gazette yesterday reported that the school is still waiting to install 950 solar panels at the school's Electrical and Computer Engineering Building. The panels were supposed to be installed back in 2014, but design errors and the state's budget crisis pushed their installation back. A state spokeswoman told the paper that the panels should be installed sometime in 2019.

(Dearborn, MI)  --  Owners of some Ford vehicles in Fulton County should take note.  A possible problem with the shifter cables in over 550-thousand Ford vehicles is prompting a recall. The automaker says the cable bushings could fail disconnecting the cable from the transmission.  The vehicle would appear to be in park, but Ford says there could be "unintended vehicle movement" that could lead to a crash or injury. However, no injuries have been reported due to the problem. The recall affects 2013 to 2016 Ford Fusion and 2013 to 2014 Ford Escape models in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  Dealers will replace the bushing at no charge.

​(Canton, IL)  --  If you're compassionate and like to help others, than you are exactly the type of person Cyndi Johnston, coordinator of the adult education program at Spoon River College, is looking for. Johnston is seeking volunteer tutors for students enrolled in the GED, ESL (English as a Second Language), and adult literacy programs at SRC sites in Canton, Havana, Macomb, and Rushville. Johnston said there is a particular need for tutors at the Canton Campus and the Havana Center, but adding that she would welcome more in Macomb and Rushville also. No special education or degree is required to be a volunteer tutor.  For more information about being a tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038. For more information about the Adult Education program at SRC and the services offered, visit www.src.edu and click on GED/Literacy link under the Academics tab.

(Lewistown, IL)  --  Twelve contestants are vying to become the 2018 Fulton County Fair Queen next week.  Among them is Josey Moore.  Moore says that she is participating in this year's pageant because of always enjoying watching it in previous years. Another contestant will be Alexis Danner-Clark, who was a contestant last year.  She says last year's experience is why she is taking part again this year.  The pageant will be taking place on the Fulton County Fairgrounds in front of the grandstand Monday night, beginning at 6:30. The fairgrounds is located on the south end of Lewistown.

(Canton, IL)  --  A new set of royalty will be crowned for the Canton Friendship Festival on Saturday night when the Queen of Friendship pageant takes place.  Among the contestants taking part in this year's pageant is Anne Hoepker of Canton.  Hoepker says that because of attending previous year's pageants is why she wanted to take part this year.  Doors for the Queen of Friendship pageant will open at 5:30 Saturday night with the pageant starting at 6 p.m.

(Washington, DC)  --  A pair of Illinois Congress members will help decide the next farm bill.  Republican Rodney Davis and Democrat Cheri Bustos yesterday said they've been named to the joint House and Senate Committee that will write the next law that deals with both farm subsidies and food and nutrition programs.  This is Davis' second time on the farm bill committee.

(Bentonville, AR)  --  Walmart might be getting into the video-streaming business.  A report out Monday said Walmart is considering the launch of a subscription-based video-streaming service to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.  Walmart would apparently charge less than eight dollars for the service, making it cheaper than both Netflix and Prime.  The retailer reportedly believes a cheaper service would be popular with Walmart customers in middle America.  Walmart has yet to comment. Walmart operates a retail store in Canton as well as several throughout west central Illinois.