WGFA’s Colleen Callahan proudly announces this week’s Featured Farmer.

This week’s Featured Farmer is a lifelong farmer, farming land that has been in his family for generations. He is always willing to offer a helping hand to all his neighbors in the Martinton and Pittwood area. He volunteers on the Martinton Fire Department and helps at the Pittwood Elevator. Congratulations to this week’s Featured Farmer Tim McCullough of Martinton, Illinois, this week’s Featured Farmer of the Week.

Listen every Monday at 7:55am to see if YOU are the next Featured Farmer of the Week!

Featured Farmer Sponsored By:
Mowrey Auction Company in Milford
Hicksgas in Watseka
Community State Bank in Brook, IN
McCullough Implement Company n Watseka
Heritage FS in Gilman
Bob Burd your County Financial agent in Watseka
Papineau Locker
C&C Tire & Auto Service in Watseka
Miller Hydraulic Service in Manteno
First Trust & Savings Bank in Watseka & Clifton
Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company in Kentland
Vulcan Materials
Quality Supermarket in Watseka
Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau
Mercier Valley Farms in St. Anne
The Longbranch in L’Erable
Sumner National Bank in Sheldon & Watseka
Emerson Sondgerath Motors in Kentland
Meier Oil Service in Ashkum
Farm Credit Services in Watseka
Cheryl Rabe your Country Financial Agent in Gilman
Remember When Gifts & Antiques located inside The Loft Restaurant in Ashkum

WGFA NEWS NOTES FOR Monday, June 30, 2008 >

Attempted Kidnapping finds two men jailed….. Sex offender arrested….. car vs train colission….. Iroquois County tax statements mailed……Boil Order lifted in Crescent City……Sox return favor, sweep Cubs…. Dutch-masters sweep…..

A mostly sunny day on this final day of June, High near 78. Sunshine and high of 84 Tuesday.

–More area news on links at WGFARADIO.COM–

• A Boil Order issued last week in Crescent City has been lifted.
• A Georgia man is jailed in Watseka today. 28-year-old Jamie Nixon was brought to Iroquois County by a transport service. Nixon was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. He also failed to report a change of address.
• Two men are jailed in Iroquois County after a report of an Attempted Kidnapping. Sheriff’s Police arrested 48-year-old Raymond Tesky of Morocco, IN and 46-year-old Darry Terrell of Beaverville Saturday. Details of the alleged offense were not available. A third suspect fled the scene.
• Twenty-six year-old Matthew Conley of Sibley appears in Iroquois County Circuit Court today. He was arrested by sheriff’s police Friday for Burglary, Theft and Unlawful Possession of a Converted Vehicle.
• Drunk driving arrests made by Illinois State Police. Daniel Ford of St. Anne and Joel Mietzner of Manteno were cited in separate traffic stops over the weekend. James Sharper of Kankakee was also arrested for DUI and for providing alcohol to a minor. 19-year-old Megan Kesinger of Bourbonnais and 20-year-old Jessica Redman of Kankakee were also charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by minors. Kesinger also allegedly brought cannabis into the Kankakee County jail.
• 18-year-old Shawn Zirkle of Gilman escaped serious injury Friday when his car was hit by a train. Iroquois County sheriff’s police investigated the colission in Ridgeland Township. Zirkle failed to see an approaching train at a railroad crossing at 200E and Route 54. Police ticketed Zirkle for Failure to Yield at a rail crossing.
• Iroquois County real estate tax statements are in the mail. The deadline to make the first installment is Tuesday, August 5th. The second installment is due by Friday, September 5th. Credit card and debit card payments will be accepted by phone and online.
• In Sports— Mark Buehrle surrendered just one unearned run and the White Sox swept the Cubs Sunday with a 5-1 win at U.S Cellular Field. The Sox returned the favor after the Cubs swept last weekend at Wrigley Field. Jim Thome hit his 522nd career home run to move past Ted Williams and Willie McCovey for 16th on the all-time list.
• In EI baseball league action Sunday, the Buckley Dutchmasters swept the central Angels 13-3 and 7-3. Paxton anbd Lexington split; Paxton wins the opener 7-2 while Lexington came back to get the nightcap 4-2.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

The swim team in Onarga has been cancelled for today

WGFA NEWS NOTES for Friday, June 27, 2008 >

River Valley Metro reaches milestone….. Community Action Cooling Blitz….. Area schools push sales tax plan….. Watseka man facing felony charges….. Windfarm likely in Livingston County…..

Sports — Rose is Bulls #1 pick….. Cubs and Sox renew Crosstown rivalry…..

Weather — More showers and T-storms today and thru the weekend. High today near 86. Southwest winds at 5-15.

– More area news on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• River Valley Metro Mass Transit reached a milestone Thursday with 500,000 riders. The transit service expects to reach an all-time high for a single year of service, considering the current ridership level. The higher gas prices are affecting public transportation. River Valley Metro Director of Marketing Michelle Brutlag says “ridership continues to grow by leaps and bounds,” a direct reflection of the increasing gas prices. Brutlag said the need for public transportation in our district is evident.
• The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency plans to accept applications for its Cooling Blitz program. Applications will be accepted from July 14th thru July 17th for eligible customers in need of assistance with their Summer Cooling Bills. Applications will be taken by appointment only at the Community Action Family Center in Gilman and at Volunteer Services in Watseka. A one-time payment assistance will be processed for qualified households on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Watseka Unit 9 and Donovan Unit 3 school districts have joined several others in approving a referendum question for a one percent sales tax hike, which would provide money for school construction projects. Several school districts throughout the state are supporting such a measure. The money is set aside exclusively for maintenance and construction of buildings. Watseka and Donovan join Iroquis West, Cissna Park, Central, Crescent City and Milford school districts in Iroquois County in support of the countywide ballot question.
• Governor Rod Blagojevich has introduced a Youth Employment Program. It offers more summer job opportunities to young people across the state. The program provides up to 10,000 jobs in areas like community service and highway beautification. For more info: call 1-800-843-6154.
• Bond is set at $100,000 for a Watseka man facing felomny charges for the unlawful restraint of his girlfriend. 32-year-old Charles Sims is charged with unlawful restraint, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated domestic battery, intimidation, animal torture and interring with a domestic violence report. Sims was arrested by Watseka Police Monday.
• Livingston County’s Zoning Board of Appeals meets again Monday evening. it appears a 155-turbine wind farm will be recommended. The proposed Streator-Cayuga Ridge South Wind Farm has the momentum to proceed. It would spread across 15,000 acres between odell and Emington. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets at 7 pm Mondat Pontiac High School.

94.1 FM, WGFA — since 1961

WGFA NEWS for Thursday, June 26, 2008 >

Rocky weather greets today’s listeners….KFC returning to Watseka, Taco Bell too…. Hammies promote “Field Day”…. Road improvements for Kankakee County….. July 4th celebrations on the calendar…..

Thunderstorms spread across east-central Illinois this morning. Scattered showers will continue, high near 89. More T-storms tonight and Friday.

–Check out more area news on links at WGFARADIO.COM–

• Pea-sized hail and heavy T-storms early today pounded parts of Iroquois, Kankakee, Newton and Benton counties. Motorists reported rains that limited visibility at 4 am. The NWS had a severe T-storm warning in affect until 4:30 am for eastern Iroquois County. The warning remained thru the 6 o’clock hour for Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana. Over an inch of rain was reported in some communities.
• The NWS and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency are urging everyone, especially outdoor workers, to pay close attention to approaching thunderstorms. This is Lightning Awareness Week. Meteorologist Heather Stanley says lightning is the number two storm killer in the U.S. and kills about 62 people a year.
• Ham Radio operators are demonstrating emergency capabilities this weekend. An annual event, “Field Day,” finds local clubs promoting their skills in emergency communications. Several radio clubs are hosting events Saturday, June 28th. “Field Day” is the climax of the week long “Amateur Radio Week,” sponsored by the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL). The Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club is displaying communications at the Glenn Raymond School in Watseka from 1-6 pm. The public is invited.
• Positive news for Watseka. KFC will return and bring with it, a new Taco Bell franchise. The Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise was closed from the January floods in Iroquois County. Flood waters ruined the restaurant at Routes 1 and 24. The business location was put up for sale. Now–developers have re-considered. KFC plans to erect a new building and add a Taco Bell franchise. Each business is expected to employ up to 25 people. The Iroquois Development Association played a lead role in luring the developers to return.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation has several road improvement projects on the drawing board for Kankakee County. Bids are being reviewed for much needed road and bridge repairs. Once contracts are awarded, work is expected to begin in mid-August.
• Several area communities are gearing up for July 4th celebrations. Watseka and Onarga have holiday parades planned along with a variety of events. Respective chamber of commerce offices have more details.

94.1 FM, WGFA — “Your Illiana News Source”

Tennis camp with the Watseka Park District has been cancelled for today.

WGFA NEWS NOTES FOR Wednesday, June 25, 2008 >

Business news: A Livingston County landfill company merging with another waste management group…. Wind Farm hearing planned Thursday in Livingston County….. ADM grain elevator opens in IL….Piper City woman earns Rotary’s Citizen-of-the-Year….Bradley hires it’s first full-time fire chief…..

A rainy Wednesday, showers started early and will likely continue thru mid-day. The NWS says up to half inch or more is possible. High near 87. More rain tonight and Thursday.

–Find more area news on the links at WGFARADIO.COM–

• Police in northwest Indiana have arrested dozens in a drug raid. A sting targeted meth labs in Porter and Jasper counties. Federal, state, county and local officers participated. The operation wrapped up a 17-month investigation.
• Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police returned from the Illinois River Correctional Facility at Canton with 23-year-old Alexander Zaragoza of Beaverville. He was wanted on a warrant for Unlawful Production of Cannabis Plants.
• Lois Hitchens of Piper City is the Piper City Rotary Club’s Citizen-of-the-Year. The club–in it’s last year of existence–recogniozed Mrs. Hitchens’ lifetime of commitment to her family, church and the community. The Daily Journal reports the small Ford County town’s Rotary Club has dwindled to just six members, so the club’s charter is being surrendered. Lois Hitchens’ honor–according to club members–is most fitting. They say she symbolizes what the Rotary Club and small town America is all about.
• The Village of Bradley has hired its new and first full-time fire chief. James Baird, a veteran member of the Lansing Fire department, will begin his new duties in Kankakee County July 14th. The 58-year-old Baird succeeds Steve Wilder, who resigned earlier this year to devote more time to his family and his consulting business.
• The Allied Waste Company is entering into a merger agreement with Republic Services of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida—making it the second largest waste-handling business, second only to Waste Management of Houston, TX. Allied Waste now operates the Livingston County Landfill at Pontiac. Local officials say the merger should not effect operations at Pontiac. The Livingston Landfill generates about $3.7 million a year in user fees for Livingston County.
• Another wind farm hearing is planned tomorrow in Livingston County. The Zoning Board of Appeals have scheduled a closing statement at 7 pm. at the Pontiac High School. Developers of the Cayuga Ridge South Wind Farm will present info that help with deliberations to determine if the project complies with eight standards for special uses. The proposed wind farm is north of Pontiac, stretching across several townships.
• A wind energy forum is being held today and Thursday at Illinois State University.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

ILLIANA NEWS NOTES on WGFA for Tuesday, June 24, 2008 >

Kankakee shooting…. KAMEG arrests….. emergency landing in Indiana…. Bunge makes Ag purchase….. Crescent City Boil Order…..

Another day of sunshine before rain returns to the forecast. High today near 82 under a mostly sunny sky. A 40% chance of showers and T-storms tonight and tomorrow.

–Find more area news/sports on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• Kankakee police report shots fired at a home on E. Merchant Street last night. It happened in the 1100-block while a man, woman and two children were sitting in the living room. The man suffered a wound to the stomach. The gunshot scattered glass and other debris. The children were not injured.
• A 28-year-old St. Anne man faces charges after he was arrested by Kankakee Police. Lawrence Burkes was arrested just before midnight Saturday. Charges include aggravated battery of a police officer, resisting arrest and criminal trespass to property.
• A handful of weekend arrests reported by KAMEG. Agents nabbed 33-year-old Derron Washington of Kankakee for allegedly delivering crack cocaine. On Sunday, agents served a search warrant at a residence on Greenwood Avenue. 32-year-old Contessa Riley was arreste for possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver. 44-year-old Sheila Springer, who was present, was also arrested on a warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. Friday–KAMEG arrested 28-year-old Demetrius Wells of Kankakee for possession of cannabis. There was also a warrant for his arrest for delivery of cocaine.
• District 21 Illinois State Police will conduct Roadside Safety Checks in Kankakee County this weekend. Captain Cheryl Born said officers will be watching for drunk drivers, motorists with suspended or revoked licenses and unsafe vehicles. The Roadside checks are planned Saturday and Sunday.
• A pilot testing his homemade biplane crash-landed the single-engine craft in a southern Indiana farm field Monday. 57-year-old Phillip Krueger of Freetown, In was the lone person aboard the plane. He suffered minor injuries. The FAA is investigating the accident.
• Crescent City is under a Boil Order until further notice.
• Milford is under a Boil Order for the area south of Ashford and west of the railroad tracks. Milford is also flushing hydrants Wednesday and Thursday.
• The Aroma Park Village Hall is expected to re-open Wednesday. The building has been inaccessable to the public the last two days due to ongoing construction on Lowe Road.

• “Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

Cubs laid a powerful claim to the best baseball team in Chicago >

The Cubs claimed braggin’ rights after the first weekend of the annual Crosstown Classic. The Cubs swept the White Sox with a 7-1 decision Sunday evening at Wrigley Field. Ryan Dempster continued his dominating ways at home. He’s now 9-0 in front of the hometown fans. Aramis Ramirez hit another homerun, his fourth of the series. The two teams renew their rivalry next weekend at U-S Cellular Field.

Dutchmasters sweep in E-I League play >

Justin Schroeder earned his third consectutive win Sunday leading the Buckley Dutchmasters to a 12-2 win over Effingham in game one of a weekend twin-bill. The Dutchmasters also won game two, 7-6 in 8-innings.

Schroeder worked five and one-third innings, allowing six hits while striking out two. Jordan Hurliman pitched briefly in relief. Nick Runyon hit two home runs for the Dutchmasters. Runyon’s second, a three-run shot in the 6th inning shortened the game due to the 10-run rule.

In other E-I League action—Chambana swept the Central Angels 10-7 and 4-1. Paxton split with Royal. The Swedes won the opener 10-3 then dropped the nightcap 4-2. Lexington and Gifford-Flatville split. Lexington took game one 4-2 while Gifford grabbed the nightcap 9-2.

Runyon was two for three with his two dingers for the Dutchmasters in the opener. He had four RBI’s. Ryan Graham went three for four with two doubles and two RBI’s. Ryne Scheiwe got the win for Buckley in game two. Scheiwe relieved Brock Niebuhr. Kyle Suprenant tripled to lead off the 8th inning and scored the winning run on an infielder’s choice. Suprenant was two for three at the plate. Bryce Redeker was two for four with a triple. Graham was one for four with an RBI double.

WGFA’s Colleen Callahan proudly announces this week’s Featured Farmer.

This week’s Featured Farmer is a great teacher to his young neighbors. He always takes time out of his busy day to visit with the young boys, answering their questions about farming and showing them how the different pieces of machinery works. 7 year old Benjamin and 4 year old Jacob Nash write in their nomination letter, “He teaches us about farming and how to be safe around all the machinery. Mr. Butzow is the BEST!” Congratulations to this week’s Featured Farmer Bob Butzow of Onarga, Illinois, this week’s Featured Farmer of the Week.

Listen every Monday at 7:55am to see if YOU are the next Featured Farmer of the Week!

Featured Farmer Sponsored By:
Mowrey Auction Company in Milford
Hicksgas in Watseka
Community State Bank in Brook, IN
McCullough Implement Company n Watseka
Heritage FS in Gilman
Bob Burd your County Financial agent in Watseka
Papineau Locker
C&C Tire & Auto Service in Watseka
Miller Hydraulic Service in Manteno
First Trust & Savings Bank in Watseka & Clifton
Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company in Kentland
Vulcan Materials
Quality Supermarket in Watseka
Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau
Mercier Valley Farms in St. Anne
The Longbranch in L’Erable
Sumner National Bank in Sheldon & Watseka
Emerson Sondgerath Motors in Kentland
Meier Oil Service in Ashkum
Farm Credit Services in Watseka
Cheryl Rabe your Country Financial Agent in Gilman
Remember When Gifts & Antiques located inside The Loft Restaurant in Ashkum