SOME OF THE TOP NEWS STORIES ON WGFA FOR FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007:

Arson re-trial underway in Watseka…. Fire department improvements, Watseka looks at new truck, Gilman updates Jaws of Life….. Iroquois Red Cross recognizes Volunteers-of-the-Year, names new Board members….. School districts in limbo while state budget impasse continues…… new unemployment figures…….

A LIKELY CHANCE OF RAIN TODAY…60 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND T-STORMS. HIGH NEAR 85 AND WINDS SOUTHWESTERLY AT 10-15.

• The Watseka arson re-trial case against Matthew Wilkins has recessed until Monday. Testimony began Tuesday after a seven men, seven women jury was seated to hear the case in Iroquois County. It’s the second such trial for Wilkins. An earlier jury trial ended in a hung jury. Wilkins is accused of setting fire to a downtown Watseka building; the fire destroying two businesses–the Ritz Restaurant and the Toggery, a childrens clothing store. Wilkins’ former wife, Amy Laurent-Oliver, was a key witness for the State in the first trial. Judge William Schmidt is presiding in the trial. Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Donahue is prosecuting. Wilkins is represented by Watseka attorney Ron Boyer.
• The Watseka City Council voted 5-2 this week to approve the purchase of a new fire truck. The new pumper, according to Fire Chief Dave Mayotte, would most likley cost about $250 - $350,000. A new pumper would replace a 1980 FMC. Mayotte said he’d like to replace a vehicle every 10 years. Watseka has three engines, a tanker, rescue truck and its aerial truck. Chief Mayotte said the department is always seeking grants as a source of funding. The city council’s vote this week is simply a committment to the purchase and the department will now seek bid specifications.
• The Gilman Fire Department was able to acquire $15,000 worth of gear to upgrade its Jaws-of-Life equipment. The department’s Gun Lottery provided key funds. The 25-man department is all trained to use the equipment.
• Mary DeMik and Joan Wizniewski (Thursday) were named Co-Volunteers-of-the-Year by the Iroquois County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The chapter held its 88th annual meeting in Watseka. Executive Director Joan Goodwine praised the many volunteers for the work they ALL do, pointing out Mrs. DeMik and Mrs. Wizniewski have turned in exceptional efforts. Both have been longtime volunteers. New board members were also introduced: Rhonda Leitz, Joann Whitesell, Grady Bell and Dan Raymer. Also recognized was Jackie O’Connor, who’s retiring this month as the Donar Recruitment Representative. Her replacement was also introduced, Elizabeth Nicholas.
• There’e new numbers out showing unemployment declined last month in Vermilion and the Champaign county areas. The jobless rate in Vermilion County climbed from 5.5 percent in May to 6.3 percent in June. In Danville, unemployment rose from 6.5 percent to 7.3 percent. The U-S Depat of Labor says Illinois employers added 12, 400 jobs during the month of June in Illinois, making the state the top-rated state IN THE NATION for job growth. Champaign’s unemplyment rate for June was 4.6 percent. That was up from 3.4 percent in May. In Urbana– the unemployment rate climbed from 3.6 in May to 4.9 percent in June.
• The Chicago Bears are back in Bourbonnais. The Bears open their Summer Camp at Olivet Nazarene University. The first first practice session is scheduled for 3 pm.
• Indy racing this weekend…Sunday’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard airs on WGFA. Time trials this afteroon from 4-5 pm on 94.1 FM.
• –More area news on WGFA NEWS LINKS –

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