Illinois
Organizers share reminders as Illinois State Fair begins
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois State Fair has officially begun. As visitors from across the state make their way to the fairgrounds, organizers are sharing some tips to remember throughout the event.
To start off, mobile apps can be a quick and convenient way to access information. Fair officials advise fairgoers to download the free Illinois State Fair app to see a daily schedule of events, the Food Finder, and a map of the fairgrounds. The app also includes planning and alert features.
Those attending a Grandstand concert should also download their tickets before arrival using the Ticketmaster app, as wi-fi signals may be delayed.
PHOTOS: 2024 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow unveiled
Also at the Grandstand, a new rule regarding drink containers has been implemented this year. No outside drink bottles, cans, reusable cups like Stanleys, or refillable souvenir drink cups will be allowed inside the venue. Officials said this is for the safety of artists and their audiences.
Organizers said weather cancellations at Grandstand concerts are often last-resort and last-minute. No refunds will be given if the headliner performs, and performances will go on rain or shine.
IL State Fair offers discounted food options for fairgoers
Summer days can get pretty hot, though, which can make it more tiring to move around the large Illinois State Fairgrounds. That is why organizers are bringing back complimentary trams.
Trams will run throughout the day and stop at the Campground/Arena entrance, 4-H Road at the 8th Street, entrance to Conservation World, Goat Barn at Grandstand Avenue, South End of the Half-Mile Track near Gate 4, State Fair Security Office and the Hobbies Arts & Crafts building. For a tram route map, click here.
Mobility options are also available through wagon, wheelchair, and electric scooter rentals. With a valid driver’s license, these rentals can be purchased daily on a first-come, first-served basis. The license will be given back upon the rental’s return. They can be located on Grandstand Avenue near the Goat Barn.
IL State Fair drops Fairgrounds map, Grandstand playlist
In the event of injury or sudden illness, the Illinois State Fair has a First Aid Station available in the Emmerson Building Annex, across from the Dairy Building on Central Avenue. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. A nightly First Aid station will also be on Grandstand Avenue, inside the Illinois State Police Building, from 7-11 p.m.
For more updates and information, follow the Illinois State Fair Facebook page.
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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Illinois
Pedestrian dead after fatal train collision in Camp Point, Illinois
CAMP POINT, Ill. (WGEM) – A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a train in Camp Point Thursday afternoon.
An Amtrak train struck a pedestrian at the railroad crossing at North Ohio Street near East State Street, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).
The Adams County Coroner pronounced the pedestrian dead on the scene.
Illinois, South Ohio and West and East Jefferson streets in Camp Point were blocked off for the duration of the investigation.
The ACSO stated the coroner will release more information at a later time.
Copyright 2025 WGEM. All rights reserved.
Illinois
Central Illinois couple spends golden years serving others
PEORIA (25News Now) – One Central Illinois couple is spending their golden years trying to make the world a better place.
Sandy and Phillip Anton have been volunteering at Midwest Food Bank since 2022. Sandy interacts with clients, helping them get checked in and pick out good food. Phillip is the one who operates the overhead door so that volunteers can load up the vehicles. Both of them are trained in other roles as well.
“We’ve been aware, through family and community connections, of the need, of food insecurity. We know the need is out there. We made a purposeful decision to focus our retirement on food insecurity,” Sandy said.
The food bank praised the couple for their skill at interacting with the community. The organization do much of their work with the help of volunteers like the Antons.
You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.
Copyright 2025 WEEK. All rights reserved.
Illinois
Authorities: Woman’s BAC was nearly 3 times legal limit in Lombard, Illinois crash that injured family of 4
A woman was released on electronic monitoring Wednesday after authorities said she drove drunk and caused a crash that injured a family of four in Lombard, Illinois.
Among the injured was a 10-year-old boy.
Jaquelin Onofre Reyes, 27, appeared in DuPage County First Appearance Court on Wednesday morning. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office had asked to have Reyes detained on a charge of felony aggravated driving under the influence causing great bodily harm, but Judge Joshua Dieden denied the motion.
Onofre Reyes was instead released on electronic monitoring — with conditions that she may not possess or consume any alcohol or drugs.
Lombard police were called at 12:12 p.m. Tuesday for the crash at Route 53 and the Illinois Prairie Path.
Authorities said Onofre Reyes was driving a Hummer sport-utility vehicle south on Route 53 when she veered into the northbound lanes in an attempt to pass traffic in front of her. When Onofre Reyes tried to get back into the southbound lanes, she hit another car, crossed back into oncoming northbound traffic, and hit an Infiniti sport-utility vehicle headed north, authorities said.
Inside the Infiniti were a family of four, with two children ages 7 and 10. Everyone in the family was taken to the hospital, authorities said.
The 10-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and has been taken to another hospital for surgery, authorities said.
Police found that Onofre Reyes had two open containers of alcoholic beverages in her car at the time of the crash, authorities said. Her blood alcohol level was .238 — nearly three times the legal limit, authorities said.
“This incident involved a reckless and irresponsible individual who allegedly chose to operate a motor vehicle while impaired with complete disregard for the safety of others,” Lombard police Chief Joe Grage said in a news release. “Unfortunately, this decision led to a crash that caused significant injuries to innocent people.”
Onofre Reyes is due back in court on Jan. 20 in front of DuPage County Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
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