News across Greater Champaign
Gies Memorial Stadium’s new video display raises light pollution concerns
Gies Memorial Stadium’s new video display — the largest in college football — has received mixed reactions from students and community members because of its brightness since its debut. It made its public debut on Aug. 8, and it had its football game debut on Sept. 3. While some,…
Ford County Board approves probation department’s move to downtown building
PAXTON — The relocation of the Ford County probation department’s offices to a former dental office in downtown Paxton gained the approval of the county board via a unanimous vote during an adjourned meeting Friday evening. The board voted 8-0, with four members absent, to…
PBL football wins 24-6 over GCMS to earn Ford County bragging rights, first victory of 2026
PAXTON — “We run Ford County.” That was the claim made by Paxton-Buckley-Loda sophomore running back/linebacker Hunter Shedd after the Panthers won 24-6 over Ford County rival Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley. Sam Hall, PBL senior quarterback, said he had been “looking forward to this…
76 fuel station coming to Paxton
PAXTON — Two raised signs — one 80 and the other 25 feet high — could soon be put around the Interstate 57 interchange in Paxton to advertise the 76-brand fuel station and still-undisclosed fast-food restaurant set to open there. The Paxton Planning and Zoning Commission has…
Photo gallery: PBL vs. GCMS football (Sept. 18, 2026)
Here are some sights from Friday’s game, which PBL won 24-6 … The post Photo gallery: PBL vs. GCMS football (Sept. 18, 2026) first appeared on Ford County Chronicle .
Felony theft charge filed vs. former PBL Choral Boosters treasurer
PAXTON — Ford County’s prosecutor filed a felony theft charge Friday against the former treasurer of a fundraising group for Paxton-Buckley-Loda schools’ choral program who was arrested last month for allegedly stealing $21,000 from its bank account. State’s Attorney Andrew…
Congressional candidate Jeff Wilson talks energy production, backs Trump
Jeff Wilson, Republican candidate for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District, is running on a platform of increasing energy generation, decreasing federal debt, securing American borders and bringing back “Lincoln-esque values” to central Illinois. The Daily Illini spoke with…
Rainscaping Education Program fosters environmental protection
Rainscaping is a system that uses nature to protect nature. By using natural and manufactured materials, the process aims to collect and manage stormwater where it falls. This supports water drainage and filtration, facilitates healthy soil and protects local bodies of water. In…
Opinion | America is on track, but is Amtrak?
In 1956, the U.S. Congress, along with support from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 — changing Americans’ reliance on automobile transportation for generations to come. Founded in 1970, Amtrak began operations in 1971, hoping to inspire…
All eyes on defense as Illini look to tackle Salukis
Illinois (1-1) head coach Bret Bielema has been pushing the idea that the team can’t get beat by Duke twice following its 31-27 loss on Saturday. A second loss to the Blue Devils wouldn’t show up in the standings but would be manifested through a lack of improvement this weekend…
Obituary: Raymond Thompson
Raymond “Murph” L. Thompson, 86 of Loda, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at his home on Bayles Lake. A graveside service will be held at Drummer Township Cemetery, Gibson City on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Thompson was born on July 10, 1939, in Gibson City, the son of…
Pastor Steve Jones: Be Encouraged!
In my most recent article from Psalm 74, we looked at the reality that, for God’s covenant people, God sometimes doesn’t seem near. In this Psalm, we’re looking at a time in redemptive history when the people of God have been taken captive to Babylon and the temple in Jerusalem…