text stringlengths 237 126k | date_download stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20 2023-01-01 00:02:37 ⌀ | source_domain stringclasses 60
values | title stringlengths 4 31.5k ⌀ | url stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ | id stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Animal nonprofit hosting adoption events for dogs, cats
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Animal Protective League (APL) announced on Monday the dates in April that it will host dog and cat adoption events in the Springfield area.
All of the dogs and cats available for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption.
The APL will host events on 10 different days, with locations and hours largely staying the same.
Saturday events on April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 will take place at the PetSmart located at 3183 South Veterans Parkway. Cats will be available for adoption from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dogs will be available for adoption from noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday events on April 3, 10, 17 and 24 will also take place at the PetSmart on Veterans, but with modified hours. Dogs will be available from noon to 3 p.m. and cats will be available from noon to 4 p.m.
The APL’s Mobile Adoption Unit will also be deployed on three dates to help with the adoption effort. The MAU will be on the top floor of Old Bergner’s in White Oaks Mall from noon to 4 p.m. on April 8 and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 9. The MAU will also be at The Earth Awareness Fair at the Henson Robinson Zoo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 23.
Dogs and cats will also be available for adoption between noon and 5 p.m. at the shelter located at 1001 Taintor Road. | 2022-03-29T03:33:15Z | www.wcia.com | Animal nonprofit hosting adoption events for dogs, cats | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/animal-nonprofit-hosting-adoption-events-for-dogs-cats/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/animal-nonprofit-hosting-adoption-events-for-dogs-cats/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A new report found that Springfield’s firehouses are in need of upgrades.
All of them were built in the 20th century. While no single firehouse was singled out, the report put emphasis on firehouses that were built in the 1950s.
The report said their locations were poor and leading to coverage problems. | 2022-03-29T03:33:27Z | www.wcia.com | Firehouses in need of upgrades, per report | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/firehouses-in-need-of-upgrades-per-report/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/firehouses-in-need-of-upgrades-per-report/ |
Illinois Chiefs: Law enforcement needs $759 million to keep communities safe
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – Combating violent crime, helping the police officer shortage, and supporting required training. Just a few things one group has said they need funding to address.
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police said the price tag for that is more than 700 million dollars.
They broke it down into five categories.
Technology and Equipment – $206.5 million
ILETSB and Training – $96.5 million
Community Policing and Community Engagement – $100 million
Recruitment and Retention – $276.4 million
Officer Wellness Programs – $80 million
All of that adds up to about $760 million.
“When we started, we didn’t know what it would be, and it sounds like a big number, and it is,” Ed Wojcicki, Executive Director, said.
They said it will help law enforcement agencies across the state, and they came up with the number after they were asked.
“We’ve been asked by the legislature how much does law enforcement need to fund all the mandates and take care of some of the other needs, because they didn’t really know, and so now we have a number to give them,” he said.
The group said communities are experiencing rising crime rates, and officers are leaving at rates they’ve never seen. Plus, the legislature has passed several bills that require more training and equipment.
They said they support those initiatives, but also know it comes with a price tag.
“Police departments, you know, they always have to prioritize. You know, can I afford to send my people to this training? Well, the law says you have to, and so what could happen if they don’t fund it? You might see fewer officers on the street, because officers have to go to the training. And if they’re on the training, they can’t be on the street. They can’t be responding to calls, and so we’ll just have to see, but there could be safety consequences for our communities.”
The Illinois Chiefs of Police sent the breakdown of funds to the Illinois legislature. Wojcicki said they know there will be negotiations and more questions before it can move forward.
For the entire breakdown of funds, you can read the document here. | 2022-03-29T03:33:40Z | www.wcia.com | Illinois Chiefs: Law enforcement needs $759 million to keep communities safe | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-chiefs-law-enforcement-needs-759-million-to-keep-communities-safe/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-chiefs-law-enforcement-needs-759-million-to-keep-communities-safe/ |
Family’s years-long fight for affordable Autism therapy reveals ‘healthcare desert’
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Chris and Ashley Ohl continue to jump over hurdles in a two-year-long journey to find affordable access to the best-recommended treatment for their son with Autism.
The family spent countless hours on the phone and on the computer with insurers and healthcare providers in a series of highs and lows. But this story goes beyond any one health insurance company, revealing blockades to affordable behavioral healthcare built into state law, and a ‘healthcare desert’ for people with Autism in eastern-central Illinois.
The Ohls live right next to their farm in rural Danville. The couple described their only child — 5-year-old Weston Ohl — as a lovable, driven kid and a ball of energy.
“Oh, he’s a lot,” Chris laughed as he looked over at his son with a smile.
“We’d always noticed that he was having issues with sleep from when he was a baby and had the outbursts or the, you know, like the tantrums or he’d want to hit his head and things like that. And then the older he got, he never really came out of it.”
Weston’s patterned behavior is a part of growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a diagnosis that altered the family’s lives for good, “because you just can’t plan for something like that,” Chris said. “You know, I mean, you see your buddy having kids and stuff all the time. You never even think of something like that.”
Weston was diagnosed when he was 3 years old.
The Ohls’ health insurance plan approved Weston for 30-hours a week with a home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist in December after two years of insurance paperwork, evaluations, driving to doctors in Indiana and conversations with various specialists, all to find out how to best care for Weston without breaking the bank.
Weston and his therapist were connected by Applied Behavioral Mental Health Counseling, a New York-based social services organization. The ABA therapist, herself, is based out of Lafeyette, Indiana. She spends several hours a day in Danville with Weston, according to Chris.
“Just to kind of like intervene. And let us know that there’s a lot of people like us too, so that helps,” Chris added.
That safety net came crashing down 30 days later after Ashley’s employer switched their health insurance from United Healthcare to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for 2022. The therapist that was covered by the United plan is not in BCBSIL’s network of providers.
“We never seen it coming,” Chris said. “We thought, you know, ‘Hey we’ll just switch from one insurance to the other and go on with therapy even,’ and then it didn’t.”
He said he was looking at having to fork over around $3,000 a week to keep Weston’s therapist at the out-of-network rate. There was no choice, according to Chris, but to abruptly halt Weston’s treatment on February 1.
“That was a bad day,” he said.
Ashley said her son started to regress rapidly, and it seemed like all of his progress “was just going out the window.”
Holes in the drywall made by Weston’s fists — and his head — quickly became physical reminders of his behavioral healthcare needs.
“Everyone preached, ‘You need the ABA therapy,’ and we’re just like, ‘We’re trying.’ So it’s a little exhausting,” Ashley said.
Weston did get back on track three weeks later. Applied Behavioral Mental Health Counseling agreed to work with him while the back and forth with his family and their insurance company continued.
The next step was applying for Medicaid coverage through the state. Weston was approved for the plan which is also provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield through a contract the insurance company has with the state. Weston’s therapy should be covered by the additional Blue Cross plan, according to a booklet sent to the family when the Medicaid coverage was approved.
The catch is, the counseling company wouldn’t accept it.
“It should be a lot easier, and that’s unfortunate,” Chris said of the ongoing saga.
“It’s really hard to find that precise care in our area. And there’s no arguing that for sure.”
The barriers to that care go beyond insurance. A current directory of providers under the family’s employer-based plan through Blue Cross lists about 500 ABAs within 100 miles of the Ohls’ home.
However, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) oversees the treatment. Families with children with Autism have to find a BCBA first to be connected to an ABA. There are only 29 of them within that same 100-mile stretch and the closest is 40 miles away from the Ohls. The next closest provider would be a more than 70 mile drive away.
“I mean, you have to be realistic. I mean, you can’t be driving two hours to four-hour therapy, five days a week, you know, one way. You can’t,” Chris said.
Options for Medicaid customers in Illinois may be even slimmer due to a seemingly small amendment made to Illinois Public Act 101-10 which was first passed in 2019. It says “the treatment of autism spectrum disorder through applied behavior analysis shall be covered under the medical assistance program for children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder when ordered by a physician.”
A State Plan Amendment (SPA) approved in 2020 “included an unexpected revision,” according to the Illinois Autism Task Force (IATF), which was formed under Illinois Department of Human Services to “improve services” for people with Autism in the state.
The amendment said BCBAs must also be recognized as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or Licensed Clinical Psychologists (LCPs). “98% of the ABA provider pool in Illinois does not meet the requirements,” according to the IATF in its most recent annual progress report published in February 2021.
The report went on to say that only 26 of the BCBAs in the entire state met this requirement as of February 2020.
The Ohls did get some good news in the last week. Blue Cross sent a letter saying the family can keep their original therapist at an in-network rate until August 1. The temporary relief was a welcome sight for the Ohls, but the future is unclear all over again come the end of the summer. And they’ve yet to see a bill. | 2022-03-29T03:34:10Z | www.wcia.com | Family’s years-long fight for affordable Autism therapy reveals ‘healthcare desert’ | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/target3/familys-years-long-fight-for-affordable-autism-therapy-reveals-healthcare-desert/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/target3/familys-years-long-fight-for-affordable-autism-therapy-reveals-healthcare-desert/ |
Tavern set to use parking lot for third summer of live music
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Live outdoor music is returning to Urbana for a third summer.
The Rose Bowl Tavern has offered outdoor events and concerts since the pandemic began. They’ve been using a downtown parking lot, and some neighboring businesses have raised concerns.
But Monday afternoon, they signed a licensing agreement with the city. They’ve also committed to supporting other businesses in the area.
“Some of the differences between previous years and this year is that we’ll be paying the city a regular monthly fee to compensate them for the missed meter payments,” co-owner Marten Stromberg said. “We’ll also be putting a raised stage area out there for bands to use which we haven’t had in the past.”
They’ll be offering at least one outdoor event every day between May and October. During that time, the lot will be barricaded.
For those concerned, the city claimed there is plenty of nearby parking available. | 2022-03-29T03:34:16Z | www.wcia.com | Tavern set to use parking lot for third summer of live music | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/tavern-set-to-use-parking-lot-for-third-summer-of-live-music/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/tavern-set-to-use-parking-lot-for-third-summer-of-live-music/ |
City of Champaign accepting bids for Downtown private security
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Champaign announced on Monday that it is now accepting bids from firms to provide private security in the Downtown area of the city.
The selected firm would provide security services on the busiest days and hours for visitors to Downtown bars and restaurants. The city said this move is meant to address public safety and order maintenance concerns.
The city said that Downtown refers to the area bounded by Washington Street to the north, First Street to the east, University Avenue to the south and State Street to the west.
Bids can be submitted online. | 2022-03-29T07:17:44Z | www.wcia.com | City of Champaign accepting bids for Downtown private security | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/city-of-champaign-accepting-bids-for-downtown-private-security/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/city-of-champaign-accepting-bids-for-downtown-private-security/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — March is Women’s History Month, and one local company is hoping to encourage female entrepreneurship beyond the month of March.
The company is called Miss Market. It’s like the Amazon of female business, meaning people can search for virtually any product or service from a business that is female-owned or female-ran.
Miss Market cofounder Cynthia Bruno said it is a tool that wasn’t available to her when she needed it. She hopes that by offering a program to make shopping easier for women, it will only encourage women to run their own businesses more.
“Just realizing what products are out there, and if you divert just a fraction of your spending as women, we can really make a big difference in supporting woman businesses all over the country.”
Bruno said that she wants her daughter to have the same opportunities that her sons have. That includes shopping from places that understand the needs of women.
Miss Market is still growing and is looking to expand its reach. To achieve this, they’re asking the public for help.
Miss Market has a portal for people to submit their favorite female-owned or female-ran business. Submitting these businesses through the portal expands Miss Market’s reach of worldwide companies and gives further access to those looking to shop female-owned. | 2022-03-29T07:17:50Z | www.wcia.com | Miss Market supports female-owned businesses | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/miss-market-supports-female-owned-businesses/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/miss-market-supports-female-owned-businesses/ |
by: Will Gerard, Vanessa Le
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — Cornbelt Fire officials said no one was hurt after a ceiling fire at Dairy Queen.
Chief John Koller said it happened around 5:45 p.m. Monday at the restaurant on Oak Street. He stated it took crews only two minutes to get to the scene. When they arrived, they discovered that there was a substantial fire in the ceiling.
Firefighters were able to put out the fire in around 30 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Dairy Queen will be closed until the damage is fixed. | 2022-03-29T19:44:04Z | www.wcia.com | Mahomet Dairy Queen temporarily closed after fire | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/mahomet-dairy-queen-temporarily-closed-after-fire/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/mahomet-dairy-queen-temporarily-closed-after-fire/ |
Champaign County History Museum named state’s top small museum
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Association of Museums gave its top award for small institutions to a museum located in Champaign.
The Champaign County History Museum was named Small Institution of the Year in a virtual ceremony earlier this month. In addition to the top honor, the museum was awarded three Awards of Excellence in the categories of Exhibits, Conservation and Community Partnership.
“This award represents the culmination of hard work and investment by hundreds of volunteers, donors, and members to revive the Champaign County History Museum,” said T.J. Blakeman, Presiden tof the museum’s Board of Trustees. “Just six short years ago, the question was, could the museum be saved, and today it is thriving! We are so grateful that IAM has chosen to recognize the outstanding museum work happening here at the corner of First Street and University Avenue.”
The museum is located in the Historic Cattle Bank. The museum is open Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 2022-03-30T05:31:44Z | www.wcia.com | Champaign County History Museum named state’s top small museum | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county-history-museum-named-states-top-small-museum/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county-history-museum-named-states-top-small-museum/ |
Officer Taylor Sullivan was among those who responded on Mar. 20 to a house in the 1100 block of Reservoir Street for a report of a suicidal girl armed with a knife. Officers attempted to persuade the girl drop the knife, but she did not respond to their initial efforts. | 2022-03-30T05:32:03Z | www.wcia.com | Officer commended for saving suicidal girl | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/officer-commended-for-saving-suicidal-girl/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/officer-commended-for-saving-suicidal-girl/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign community members had a chance Tuesday night to meet the three candidates vying to become the city’s next Police Chief.
Those three candidates are Angela Coonce, Bryce Johnson and Timothy Tyler.
Most community members said they want someone who is compassionate, inclusive and who recognizes the importance for diversity. They also said they want someone who can tackle issues impacting the Champaign area, namely recent violence.
“A lot of the problems here are complex, and deep rooted so we need someone who can see the big picture, and get in there and make some sense of it all,” said Robert Haynes of Champaign.
“I think a new chief coming in needs to be able to understand the issues we’re having in this community,” said Von Young, former Police Chief at Parkland College.
Champaign’s Chief of Police position has been empty since August of 2021, when Chief Anthony Cobb resigned to take another position in the state. Several officers have stepped in as Interim Chief since then, but people say they are ready for consistency and for the position to be filled.
Tuesday’s meeting brought the city one step closer to that desire being fulfilled.
The city said they want the new chief to be engaging and dedicated. City Manager Dorothy David and her staff are going through the final round of interviews.
“All of them come with extensive experience in law enforcement between 25 and 30 years of experience,” David said.
Young said there will be an adjustment period when the new chief begins.
“When I became chief of police, I was asked ‘What can we expect to see from you in the first six months?'” Young said. “And the answer I answered that question was ‘You probably won’t even know I’m around because it’s going to take that long to find out what’s wrong, how to fix it and then have a plan to fix those issues.'”
David said the next step is extensive background checks and contract negotiation. She would like the new chief to start by the end of May to the middle of June. | 2022-03-30T05:32:09Z | www.wcia.com | Police chief candidates meet with community members | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/police-chief-candidates-meet-community/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/police-chief-candidates-meet-community/ |
U of I researchers develop new test to detect liver cancer
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new blood test that can rapidly detect early-stage liver cancer.
The test happens through a small, portable machine the size of a toaster. From only a few drops of a patient’s blood, the machine can detect biomarkers that attach to cancer cells and can deliver results within 30 minutes. It’s much faster than PCR, the predominant method of detecting biomarkers; PCR requires a laboratory environment with accurate temperatures in each step of the process.
Brian Cunningham is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and Cancer Center at Illinois program leader. He helped develop the testing machine.
“The detection instrument, PRAM, is very inexpensive, small, and has about $7,000 worth of components including the computer, which makes it ideal for point-of-care diagnostic tests for genomic mutations in the clinic,” Cunningham said.
This testing method can also be altered to diagnose other cancers or diseases.
More information about PRAM can be found online. | 2022-03-30T05:32:15Z | www.wcia.com | U of I researchers develop new test to detect liver cancer | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/u-of-i-researchers-develop-new-test-to-detect-liver-cancer/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/u-of-i-researchers-develop-new-test-to-detect-liver-cancer/ |
(UPDATED 3/30/22 AT 8:13 A.M.)
The Champaign teachers union and the school board reached a tentative agreement after negotiating into the early morning hours. A ratification vote will happen Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the district released a statement on behalf of the school board and the teacher’s union saying:
“The Board of Education and the Champaign Federation of Teachers (CFT) are pleased to announce that they have reached a Tentative Agreement for a new, four-year collective bargaining agreement. CFT will bring the Agreement to its members for ratification on Tuesday, April 5. Once it is approved by members, the Board will vote to approve the Agreement. Out of respect for this process, neither the Board nor the union will share any additional information regarding the details of the Agreement until it is formally approved by both parties.” | 2022-03-30T17:55:21Z | www.wcia.com | Board & teachers union reach tentative agreement | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/board-and-teachers-union-reach-tentative-agreement/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/board-and-teachers-union-reach-tentative-agreement/ |
Community Counts: Cunningham Children’s Home & March Mattress
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — March Madness and “March Mattress” are two different efforts but they both draw competitive spirits to their causes. Something Cunningham Children’s Home is witnessing for themselves.
That’s because after creating March Mattress in January and launching it March 1st, they’ve already seen their Dream Teams surpass the goal they set. The idea behind March Mattress is to raise money for 15 specialty mattresses that Cunningham’s youth can use. A chance for comfort and safety during bedtime.
“A lot of kids who are in our residential treatment program come to us because they’ve experienced trauma, abuse and neglect. They’re referred from the department of children and family services. When they come to Cunningham, for the first time in a long time they start to feel safe, feel loved, they start to have a good night’s sleep. That starts with the basics,” says Ginger Mills the Director of Advancement.
Since trauma can occur at night for the kids Cunningham serves, the goal for March Mattress was to provide those “basics” that alleviate the pains they face. That includes new mattresses, sheets, aromatherapy lotions and even music. Eight groups are competing to raise the most money led by their Dream Team Captains.
One of those captains, Jean Driscoll, was a professional athlete herself. So much that she even won the Boston Marathon eight times. But her passion for children having a better life is what encouraged her to sign up. Driscoll is Captain of the University of Illinois Advancement team, a role she’s holding dear to her heart.
“I love children. Most of my philanthropy supports organizations that support children. They are in my heart. I’m also competitive. I grew up being one of five children. I was a professional athlete for many years. I’m competitive. When I found out there were teams, I wanted to get involved.”
The March Madness fundraiser had a goal of raising $7,830 for the 15 mattresses but the Dream Teams have gone far beyond that amount, raising over $17,000 and counting. This means they’ve reached 223% of their goal. The money will also go towards sleep packages that include sheets and aromatherapy lotions to calm kids at night.
Also, the fundraiser has what’s called “a shot in the paint.” It’s a donation of $32.98 and it covers the cost of one of those packages. But no matter the rankings, another Dream Team Captain is only focused on the kids. Sue Bachman leads the way for the United Methodist Women of Champaign’s team.
“The women of the church have been big supporters because the mission of United Methodist Women is to support women, children and youth.”
Bachman went on to say, “We want to help the youth and make it a safe setting for them so they can grow up with some direction, hope in their lives. We have been very supportive because of our belief. That god has given us the word to go out and help those who are in need.”
Bachman’s team has raised enough for two mattresses in the campaign but they’re not stopping until the end, on March 31st. That’s the last day they can fundraise and also the last day you at home can donate. The sleep packages would go to all 50 residential youth that Cunningham serves so they have peace at night again.
To learn more about Cunningham Children’s Home and their March Mattress fundraiser, click here.
To donate directly to March Mattress, click here. | 2022-03-30T17:55:39Z | www.wcia.com | Community Counts: Cunningham Children’s Home & March Mattress | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/the-morning-show/community-counts-cunningham-childrens-home-march-mattress/ | https://www.wcia.com/the-morning-show/community-counts-cunningham-childrens-home-march-mattress/ |
Crime victims ask lawmakers for more resources in recovery process
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Hundreds of people affected by crime gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday to call for more help for people affected by violence.
These people lost loved ones to violent crimes and are trying to turn their tragedies into change.
Clara Forman lost both of her sons 20 years ago. She said that she’s been on her own, working through the trauma.
“When I went through my journey, we didn’t have trauma recovery centers,” Forman said. “So I had to kind of navigate my way through it with the support of my family and church and so forth.”
Ever since, she’s been working to help other families deal with loss as a pastor at Potter’s House International in Peoria. That’s why Forman joined hundreds of survivors in Springfield.
Nearly every person in the room knew what it was like to lose a loved one to violent crime. They called on lawmakers to make real changes for victims, including increased access to trauma centers and mental healthcare.
“We are experiencing a lot of crises in our community,” Forman said. “And they’re helping to provide service and services, all kinds of services to the parents and also to the children.”
Democrats and Republicans have fought for months on how the state should try to curb a rise in crime. While Democrats push for these increased services, Republicans are pushing harder for tougher and longer sentences for violent crimes.
“That’s what justice is; to make sure that the just or right result occurs in a given case,” said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis).
But Democrats say they won’t revert to the tough-on-crime playbook.
“Are they talking to communities who are most impacted by crime and violence?’ asked Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (R-Peoria). “Or are they turning to a 1994 playbook?”
Forman knows what it’s like to navigate life after a tragedy. She believes the solution is finding the root cause.
“If we provide those services, then we won’t have those kinds of increase in incarceration or gun violence or any type of violence,” Forman said.
One thing the state has done in recent years that Forman said really helped in her recovery and the recovery of other families was the trauma recovery centers the state started opening in 2017. Lawmakers are proposing a budget increase for that program to build more of those centers across the whole state over the next few years. | 2022-03-31T06:49:48Z | www.wcia.com | Crime victims ask lawmakers for more resources in recovery process | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/capitol-news/crime-victims-ask-lawmakers-for-more-resources-in-recovery-process/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/capitol-news/crime-victims-ask-lawmakers-for-more-resources-in-recovery-process/ |
Man poses as maintenance worker, tries to assault U of I student
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A University of Illinois student is speaking out after a man claiming to be an Ameren maintenance worker came into her apartment and touched her without consent.
“Here is this man in my bedroom that I don’t know with the door closed behind him,” Nikki Sodetz said. “He’s taller than me, he’s bigger than me and none of my roommates are home, and I don’t know when they are going to be back.”
Sodetz said that she received a knock on the door of her apartment on East Armory Avenue on Tuesday. The person knocking said he was there to fill a maintenance request.
“I assumed it was a utility worker, because I had put in a work order,” Sodetz said.
After letting him in, Sodetz went back to bed, closing the door behind her.
“I heard a knock on my bedroom door,” Sodetz said.
The man walked into her bedroom and knelt next to her bed, all while Sodetz started to get anxious.
“At this point, I’m starting to tear up a little bit, because I’m getting scared,” Sodetz said. “And he starts to pat around by my legs over the covers.”
That’s when he lifted the covers off her.
“That’s when I was like ‘Okay, this man is going to assault me,” Sodetz said. “That’s what he is here for.”
She confronted him and he responded.
“He says ‘Oh you told me to come in here and you wanted this,'” Sodetz said.
After he left, she reached out to her friends and the police. She also discovered that apartment managers had sent an email stating instances like this were happening. She didn’t see it until it was too late.
“There is a lot of anger attached to this situation,” she said.
The apartment building was recently renovated, but there aren’t any security cameras in or around the building. Sodetz said that is there was better security, the situation could’ve been avoided.
“I was talking to some close friends about what had happened,” Sodetz said. “And all of them, these women, all said, ‘I’ve never questioned who’s at my door when they say they’re here for maintenance,'”
Sodetz said that she is relieved it didn’t go any further. She said that the experience has left her with guilt and shame, but she wants to tell her story and raise awareness for other women on campus and in the community so they never have to experience it themselves.
The apartment did not comment about the situation and they have since emailed Sodetz, saying they plan to install security cameras.
The university sent an email about the incident that included a few safety tips. People are reminded to lock their doors and windows and not to allow a person to enter their residence if that person’s identity is not verified. People are also advised to be aware of scams and call 9-1-1 if anything seems suspicious. | 2022-03-31T06:50:00Z | www.wcia.com | Man poses as maintenance worker, tries to assault U of I student | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-poses-as-maintenance-worker-tries-to-assault-u-of-i-student/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-poses-as-maintenance-worker-tries-to-assault-u-of-i-student/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — It is noisy, yet peaceful in Douglas Brooks’ boatbuilding class. He has been doing this for more than thirty years.
“I had started this career as a museum boat builder,” explains Brooks. “Then, I got to Japan and discovered this amazingly deep tradition of wood craftsmanship [and] wooden boatbuilding.”
His first visit was in the 90s. Brooks has been to Japan more than 20 times since then.
In those trips, he completed nine apprenticeships with elderly boatbuilders. He learned the craft the traditional way — no textbooks allowed.
“[It is] just a master and an apprentice with almost nothing written down,” says Brooks.
But there is a sad story behind the beauty of these Japanese boats. Brooks was the sole apprentice for the majority of his teachers. Elderly practitioners have no one to teach.
“Sadly, in Japan, there was no new generation of apprentices,” explains Brooks.
That is why he continues to pass down the knowledge to college students through special courses. Most recently, in collaboration with the U of I’s Japan House.
Illini students are spending the week building a boat from scratch. They all have different majors, and pretty much no woodworking experience.
But they do have Brooks’ experience to learn from.
“When he’s demonstrating, I find myself paying closer attention to what he’s doing because I know he’s not going to explain everything,” says computer science student Jeffrey Tang.
Observation is key. The students are not only studying wooden boatbuilding, but also the style of Japanese apprentice learning.
“In Japan, they say that you shouldn’t coddle students too much. They really need to learn to self-regulate and figure it out for themselves,” explains Japan House Education Associate Diana Liao.
The students have read up on the craft a little bit, but it’s mostly all watch and learn.
“[It is a] little nerve-racking making sure that we’re doing it the right way,” says music student Ben Macke. “It’s one thing to read about it, but now, [we’re] getting a first-hand observation watching Mr. Brooks do it. Then, [we are] just jumping right into it. It’s a really unique learning experience.”
Brooks says minimal talking in the workshop means better concentration.
“I see the students hunger for working with hand tools because it’s something so alien to their generation,” he says. “It’s really rewarding to watch them both do it and really succeed at it.”
The students will be launching the boat into the pond at Japan House. It is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 at 4P.M.
The boat will also go up for sale once finished. All proceeds will benefit Japan House. | 2022-03-31T20:20:22Z | www.wcia.com | Culture Connection: traditional Japanese boatbuilding | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/culture-connection-traditional-japanese-boatbuilding/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/culture-connection-traditional-japanese-boatbuilding/ |
Dance Arts Conservatory returns to Virginia Theatre stage after hiatus
Champaign Park District-Dance Art Gala
April 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join the Champaign Park District’s Dance Arts Conservatory for two live performances of new and original works. Our Dance Arts Conservatory is excited to be returning to the Virginia Theatre stage after a two-year hiatus!
The Dance Arts Gala is a celebration of the program’s students, staff, families, and friends who have kept us going through the pandemic.
This year’s performance will include excerpts from ballet classics by the Dance Arts Conservatory and the debut of the Dance Arts Company with new and original works created specifically for our dancers. | 2022-03-31T22:52:12Z | www.wcia.com | Dance Arts Conservatory returns to Virginia Theatre stage after hiatus | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/dance-arts-conservatory-returns-to-virginia-theatre-stage-after-hiatus/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/dance-arts-conservatory-returns-to-virginia-theatre-stage-after-hiatus/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A long-time, family-owned auto parts store is ending a chapter on one location, but continuing their story at another.
This photo shows Fagen’s location in 1929 near South & Hazel streets in Danville.
Fagen Auto Parts owner Ken Salomon said his grandfather set up shop near South and Hazel streets in 1929, during the Depression. “They started out with used parts because you couldn’t buy new parts,” said Salomon. “It evolved into a modern day, high performance accessory truck store over the years.” He continued to say they were in that location until 1969, when there was an urban renewal of the downtown area.
“They bought all the businesses. We were forced to move and that’s how we ended up where we are,” said Salomon. That new location would be at the corner of North Vermilion Street and East Liberty Lane. “It was a risky move at the time,” he said and went on to explain that was because at the time there were not many businesses in that area.
“It grew rapidly just by luck,” recalled Salomon. “The K-Mart opened up down the street then years later they announced the first indoor mall in Danville– the Village Mall.”
The business was passed down from Salomon’s grandfather to his father and then to him in 1990. As he continued with the business in Danville, they acquired Fagen Truck Accessories in Champaign, located at 700 Bloomington Road. That was over 20 years ago and Salomon said that location has served them well.
Pictured is Fagen’s location on North Vermilion in 1970.
Pictured is Fagen’s downtown location in the 1950s.
Salomon said he has some mixed emotions about closing the Danville location. “I would’ve loved to hit 100 years.”
They will consolidate their Danville inventory with their merchandise in Champaign.
According to City of Danville officials, the intended new owner of the store has filed rezoning requests so they can demolish the original building and construct two new ones. Those buildings would be turned into one coffee shop and one oil change business.
Salomon said they plan to keep the Danville location open through the start of June. | 2022-03-31T22:52:36Z | www.wcia.com | Fagen Auto Parts consolidating store locations | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/fagen-auto-parts-consolidating-store-locations/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/fagen-auto-parts-consolidating-store-locations/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield Park District is celebrating the opening of Henson Robinson Zoo on Saturday.
The zoo has added six new African penguins and wallabies since last season.
There is also a new African and Asian Mammal Interpretive Area and Exhibit.
The zoo’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo Courtesy: Springfield Park District | 2022-03-31T22:52:48Z | www.wcia.com | Henson Robinson Zoo opening this weekend | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/henson-robinson-zoo-opening-this-weekend/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/henson-robinson-zoo-opening-this-weekend/ |
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A stretch of I-72 in Macon County will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting Monday as crews resurface the highway.
The lane closure will begin at the Sangamon County line and extend to approximately 1.5 miles west of U.S. 51, a total distance of about eight miles.
Drivers are advised to consider using an alternate route of travel when feasible. If using an alternate route is not feasible, drivers should expect delays and allow for extra time to drive through the area. They should pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limit, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
The resurfacing on I-72 is part of the Rebuild Illinois capitol program, which is investing more than $33 billion into all modes of transportation. The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to improve more than 3,500 miles of highway during the six-year program, which is in its second year. | 2022-03-31T22:52:54Z | www.wcia.com | I-72 resurfacing begins Monday | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/i-72-resurfacing-begins-monday/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/i-72-resurfacing-begins-monday/ |
CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — New Illinois women’s head basketball coach Shauna Green announced Ryan Gensler as a new addition to her staff. Gensler worked with Green at Dayton for the last five seasons.
During his time at the University of Dayton, the Flyers won four Atlantic 10 regular season titles and one tournament championship. | 2022-04-01T02:07:41Z | www.wcia.com | Illinois women’s basketball announces new addition to coaching staff | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/illinois-womens-basketball-announces-new-addition-to-coaching-staff/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/illinois-womens-basketball-announces-new-addition-to-coaching-staff/ |
The Bottom Line: Lawmakers pack on pressure, unearth new details in year-long insurance dispute
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Executives representing the largest insurance company in the state were brought to the table Tuesday night to answer to state lawmakers after our reporting revealed widespread consumer protection concerns and state law violations.
Members of the House State Government Administration Committee questioned Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Springfield Clinic doctors and the state Department of Insurance in a nearly three-hour hearing that had already been delayed four hours and canceled the week prior.
Representatives from Health Care Service Corpration (HCSC) — BCBS’s parent company — made two remarkable revelations late into the hearing. Chief administrative officer Jill Wolowitz confirmed the company that operates on a “not-for-profit basis” has stockpiled billions in profits, and divisional senior vice president of health care delivery Krishna Ramachandran admitted that Springfield Clinic has been somewhat flexible in rate negotiations.
The dispute that ultimately broke up a more than 30-year relationship between the clinic and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois hinges on the rate the insurer is willing to pay the company’s 450 doctors and 200 advanced practice nurses.
In press releases, Blue Cross representatives continue to say Springfield Clinic is requesting an “unheard of” 75% rate increase. In the hearing, new details emerged.
“I think we’ve gone back and forth, I think I would say they have moved from 75%,” Ramachandran responded, adding “It’s still very high” and that it would “apply to any future expansions that the clinic might have.”
Dr. Kenneth Sagins, one of two doctors who testified on Springfield Clinic’s behalf, said while the clinic “always likes to look at growing…unequivocally, we have no plans at this point.”
Neither side has shared documentation of these rate requests. Dr. Sagins reiterated what the clinic has been telling our reporters for weeks, “The only thing we’ve asked for really is to get BlueCross BlueShield to be at a competitive market rate.”
BCBSIL was involved in thousands of negotitations beyond the one ongoing for nearly a year with Springfield Clinc. Roughly 3,500 negotiations involving 100,000 providers last year, according to Ramachandran. He and Wolowitz have both been sitting at the table for negotiations with Springfield Clinic.
The senior VP told lawmakers he doesn’t believe the company has had a “major termination” with a healthcare entity like this one in at least a decade.
“It’s probably been like, over 10 years for us. So maybe 13 years, I think, is where we landed. So really rare,” he said, adding it’s “remarkably rare” for this negotiation to be happening now in front of the public.
“I think the commercial contracts are vital for us,” Dr. Sagins said. “We, unfortunately, don’t get some of the benefits of being a not for profit, and some of the subsidies that come along with that.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association executives were forced to comment on the company’s tax-exempt status, something the Chicago-based business has benefitted from since 1958.
The mutual legal reserve company has stockpiled $20 billion as of 2021 while operating on “a not for profit basis,” Wolowitz revealed when pressed. The chief administrative officer blamed a need for additional reserves during the pandemic.
That profit margin is double the $10.29 billion HCSC had accumulated by the end of 2013, according to 2016 court records. And that doesn’t include big bonuses paid out to top executives.
“So why are you tax exempt and still hold these 20 billion in reserves?” Rep. Sue Scherer mused.
The Decatur Democrat, who pushed for this hearing, said its become personal.
“I am only here for one reason, and that is to help my constituents. They’re dying, literally,” she said in tears as the hearing got underway.
Scherer was one of several lawmakers to share first or secondhand accounts of bad experiences with Blue Cross insurance. Many in the room were a degree or two of separation away from inflated medical bills and the dead-end search for a new doctor at a time when time is everything.
The two sides continue to dispute the number of patients affected. That number is integral to the Department of Insurance’s ability to determine whether Blue Cross customers have an adequate network of providers to choose from under state law which hinges on a patient-to-provider ratio.
Blue Cross executives continued to assert that 55,000 members were affected when they kicked those patients’ Springfield Clinic providers out of network, counting just the insured patients who have received care from the clinic in the last 18 months. That total does not include paying customers who were healthy for the last year-and-a-half, or others who delayed care during the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Springfield Clinic doctors said 20-25% of their patients, roughly 110,000 of them, are Blue Cross customers impacted by the split. Dr. Sagins said that number couldn’t be off by more than a couple thousand.
No matter how you slice it, BCBSIL’s did not have enough of multiple types of doctors in its online directory when Target 3 investigators called through it, finding an apparent violation of the state’s Network Adequacy and Transparency Act of 2017.
One of the biggest discrepancies was in the directory of obstetricians. We found zero available to take new patients in the Springfield area within the 15 days state law requires.
“We are with our patients through some of the most joyous times of their lives when we deliver their babies. And we’re with our patients through some of the most devastating times of their lives, when we give them a diagnosis of breast cance,” Springfield Clinic OB/GYN Cheryl Brown testified.
“And we have no identifiable reason as to why this happened.”
Dr. Brown started calling through the online directory herself since we started reporting.
“My patients need more than that,” she said. As she scrolled through the list, she saw “a group of names that are completely unfamiliar to me. And so I look at the address. And I realize this is not a physician’s office. These doctors don’t exist.”
Brown was shocked to find a familiar name on the list of OB/GYNS, a doctor that retired in her second year of residency 21 years ago.
Ramachandran said Blue Cross counts on notice from providers in order to update its own network, adding “a lot of them do comply.”
Brown confirmed our investigation when she found several providers listed in-and-around Springfield that no one had heard of. Target 3 investigators discovered at least three.
“We know all OB/GYNs in central Illinois, it is not a big community. Okay. These names are not real. They do not exist, but they are on the list,” Brown said.
“I think it’s everybody’s responsibility,” Dr. Sagins said. “We’ve got a group of people that that’s all they do is credentialing.”
“We’re always around 97 to 100% correct whenever we have an audit regarding how we maintain that,” he added. “I think, you know, again, the responsibility is also on the insurance company, also to make sure that, or any department, to make sure that that’s kept tight.”
Department of Insurance Director Dana Popish Severinghaus, the first to take questions from lawmakers, confirmed the department will be filing emergency rules by the end of the week to tighten regulations for insurance companies in throughout the state.
Committee chair Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora) questioned whether the $339,000 fine Popish Severinghaus’ levied against BCBSIL was enough. The state fined the company $1,000 a day for every day Blue Cross failed to report a “material change” to its network.
The DOI director confirmed the fine that Blue Cross paid Monday will be deposited into the state’s General Revenue Fund. It’s the state’s first-ever fine issued against an insurer for failing to report a material change.
The state of Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner hit Blue Cross Blue Shield with a $5 million fine Tuesday for some of the same violations we uncovered weeks ago. A report from WRBL cites “a number of serious issues,” including improper claims settlement practices, failure to reply to consumer complaints in a timely manner and inaccurate provider directories.
It’s unclear if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois will be penalized for the dead-end directories we first revealed weeks back. Popish Severinghaus said they’re reviewing a newly filed directory from the company and she expects the department to report its own adequacy findings in a few weeks. “Retroactive corrective actions” are on the table “if necessary, including the adjustment of past claims,” the director said.
“This is a cancer that’s growing that we’ve got to find some solutions to,” Rep. Scherer said in closing her questions for the Department of Insurance.
The state has recieved 19 complaints related to this dispute, Popish Severinghaus said. “It’s not necessarily indicative that there aren’t more I think, anecdotally, across the board Representative Scherer has heard a lot more complaints than that.” | 2022-04-01T02:08:03Z | www.wcia.com | The Bottom Line: Lawmakers pack on pressure, unearth new details in year-long insurance dispute | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/target3/the-bottom-line-lawmakers-pack-on-pressure-unearth-new-details-in-year-long-insurance-dispute/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/target3/the-bottom-line-lawmakers-pack-on-pressure-unearth-new-details-in-year-long-insurance-dispute/ |
CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — Terry Hawthorne will be leaving Illinois to go to the University of Arkansas as a defensive analyst. Hawthorne announced on social media saying he appreciated his time at his alma mater.
Hawthorne was hired onto Bret Bielema’s staff as the director of high school personnel and Illini relations last March. The in-state defensive back helped lead the Illini to back-to-back bowl wins in 2011 as the defensive MVP. Two years later, he was a fifth round pick in the NFL draft.
Life changes. God doesn’t. Trust him. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/eF4444Ef4A
— Coach Hawthorne (@TerryHawthorne1) March 31, 2022 | 2022-04-01T02:08:22Z | www.wcia.com | Former Illini Terry Hawthorne leaving for Arkansas | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/former-illini-terry-hawthorne-leaving-for-arkansas/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/former-illini-terry-hawthorne-leaving-for-arkansas/ |
TOLONO (WCIA) — Unity softball team has their eyes set to get to state this year. Unity Softball is trying to raise the bar this season. One year removed from 25 wins and the program’s first State appearance, head coach Aimee Davis says only scoring one run in Peoria was a wake up call for her team.
“I think it was a wake up call a little but for us,” Davis said. “I think it kinda sets the tone of where we want to be this year.”
“It was a really good learning moment for all of us,” Taylor Henry said. “Now that we know what we have to do to get there, and what it’s like to be there, now going into the season we’re hungry for that again.”
Now the Rockets have a lot of that experience back. Seven starters from the State team are again in the lineup for 2022. That’s one of the reasons why they came into the year as the second ranked team in 2A according to the Illinois Coaches Association.
“These girls have high expectations for themselves, the community has high expectations for them, we have high expectations for them, but at the same time it’s about having fun and making sure we’re playing our best softball in May,” Davis said. “Right now we’re just trying to clean up some things and get ready for our conference. Then hopefully make a deep run from May into June.”
In total nine seniors are back for the Rockets this season, led in part by Taylor Henry and Maddie Reed.
Henry already has a no hitter under her belt, and Reed has been flashing her glove in center this year.
For them, getting back to Peoria would be the perfect way to end their careers together.
“It would mean a lot,” Maddie Reed said. “We’ve all been playing together a really long time, and I think we’re going to try and do the same thing we did last season.”
“There’s a few of these girls who have been together 11, 12 years now,” Henry said. “It’s kinda like, why not just do everything we can? Put it all out there.”
The road won’t be easy in a conference with three other top 20 ranked teams, but having been here before, the Rockets know from experience they can perform on the highest stage. | 2022-04-01T02:08:28Z | www.wcia.com | Unity softball have their eyes on state | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/high-school-sports/unity-softball-have-their-eyes-on-state/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/high-school-sports/unity-softball-have-their-eyes-on-state/ |
TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Tuscola’s firefighters will be sporting new turnout gear and using new equipment in their effort to save lives starting next week.
Last year, the department received a grant from the State Fire Marshal’s office totaling just over $24,000. Along with additional city funding, the department was able to replace 22 complete sets of turnout gear and 24 complete sets of rescue gear.
“Our previous gear is starting to show some signs of life and just showing wear and tear over the years,” said Fire Chief Brian Moody. “And so it will be great to get them in equipment that’s new and the best they can be.”
Firefighters said that they are excited to suit up in their new gear. | 2022-04-01T05:01:36Z | www.wcia.com | Fire department set to debut new gear | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/fire-department-set-to-debut-new-gear/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/fire-department-set-to-debut-new-gear/ |
GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — A popular Gibson City staple is offering pieces of its history to the highest bidder.
Bayern Stube was open for 30 years, and in that time the restaurant accumulated a collection of more than 800 pieces of German décor. When customers stepped inside, it was like travelling to another country. Customers said they didn’t just go there for the food, but for the experience as well.
The restaurant closed in August. Owner Jeanne Schnable said they have several great memories after serving the community for so long.
“My parents opened it in ’91, and then my husband and I bought it from my parents in 2005, and then we ran it for 20 years,” Schnable said.
Schnable’s parents opened the restaurant to give people a taste of Germany, the country they came from. They displayed German antiques and taxidermy from Schnable’s grandfather that made their way to Gibson City from Germany.
It was the taxidermy that was Schanble’s favorite part about the restaurant.
“A lot of these things or a lot of the taxidermy came from my grandfather,” she said. “He was a game warden in Germany for 50 years, but that was quite some time ago so some of these animals are over 100 years old.”
Now they are getting ready to sell it all at auction, from the steins to the animals. Schnable said most of it came from home and that everything is special to her. But she wants everyone who enjoyed the restaurant to enjoy a piece of it.
“Everything has a lot of history, Schnable said. “A lot of people liked walking around, looking at everything. It’s all very special.”
The auction is expected to start in mid-April and last for ten days. Schanble is not exactly sure when the dates will be yet. | 2022-04-01T05:01:37Z | www.wcia.com | German restaurant auctioning off décor | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/german-restaurant-auctioning-off-decor/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/german-restaurant-auctioning-off-decor/ |
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Park District announced on Wednesday that it will be closing the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center for the summer 2022 season. Swimming for the summer season will be offered only at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center.
Although the Urbana Park District operates the indoor center, the Urbana School District is the organization that owns it. Leaders say that it takes a great deal of support from both entities to make sure it is operating efficiently, safely and is fiscally responsible.
Park District Public Information Officer and Marketing Manager Mark Schultz said this has never happened before.
“The park district is committed to putting together quality aquatics programs, and right now it’s the best interest of the park district to put on those programs at the outdoor pool,” Shultz said. “But we still have plans and hopes to come back to the indoor pool and put on quality programs in the fall when it cools off”
People who have memberships at the indoor pool can transfer their membership to the outdoor pool, suspend their indoor membership or receive a refund of balance. Membership adjustments can be made over the phone by calling 217-367-1544.
Crystal Lake Aquatic Center will operate this summer on the following schedule:
Lap Swim/Water Aerobics: 6 – 8 a.m.
Programming (Nadiators, Swim Lessons, Aerobics, etc.): 8 – 11 a.m.
Lap Swim/Water Aerobics: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Open swim (early entry for members): 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Open swim (entry for nonmembers): 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Open swim (entry for nonmembers): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open swim: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 2022-04-01T05:01:38Z | www.wcia.com | Indoor aquatic center closing for summer 2022 | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/indoor-aquatic-center-closing-for-summer-2022/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/indoor-aquatic-center-closing-for-summer-2022/ |
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Power has been restored at Richland Community College after an outage on Thursday shut the campus down.
The outage happened before 2 p.m. and resulted in the all remaining classes for the day being cancelled. Power was restored by 6:30.
The campus will be open and fully operational for classes on Friday. | 2022-04-01T05:01:50Z | www.wcia.com | Power restored at Richland Community College | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/power-restored-at-richland-community-college/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/power-restored-at-richland-community-college/ |
NEW ORLEANS, LA (WCIA) — Alfonso Plummer and Trent Frazier are in New Orleans for the three point and all star championships.
Plummer for the three point contest, Frazier will play in the all star game tomorrow at 3:30 CT.
Plummer right away came out hot for his team. He drilled his three. Then went on to hit the half court shot before the time ran out. His team won the three point contest.
Plummer was also in the solo 3 point contest. He scored 15, but did not make it on to the next round. For the Illini, Plummer hit 98 total 3 point field goals this season. His season high was 8 in one game, that was against Ohio State. | 2022-04-01T05:01:56Z | www.wcia.com | Alfonso Plummer competes in NCAA 3pt contest | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/illini/alfonso-plummer-competes-in-ncaa-3pt-contest/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/illini/alfonso-plummer-competes-in-ncaa-3pt-contest/ |
MT. ZION (WCIA) — Mt. Zion football and track star Christian Keyhea is the WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week.
Keyhea is a dual sport athlete, playing both football and running track. He plans to suit up at Illinois State next season for football, but he is also excelling in track.
He won the 60 meter dash with a personal best time of 6.90 in the top times indoor state championships over the weekend. He blitzed the field, point 17 seconds faster than his runner-up to take the title. Now, his attention is turning to the outdoor season.
“Until last year I didn’t really start taking it as serious because I got second in state last year so after that I was like, alright I want to try winning state now so after winning indoors is a good start to the season.
Keyhea is now eligible for a 500 dollar scholarship we’ll give to one boy and one girl this summer. If you know a deserving high school student who should be our next weekly winner, fill out the nomination form here: https://www.wcia.com/athlete-of-the-week/#// | 2022-04-01T05:02:02Z | www.wcia.com | Keyhea wins Athlete of the Week | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/keyhea-wins-athlete-of-the-week/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/keyhea-wins-athlete-of-the-week/ |
Illinois lawmakers celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Several legislators and LGBT+ leaders in the Illinois State Capitol shined a light Thursday on Transgender Day of Visibility.
Transgender Day of Visibility started in 2009, as a celebration of transgender people’s accomplishments in contrast to Trans Day of Remembrance, a day remembering transgender people who die by homicide.
The somber celebration included a moment of silence for Elise Malary and Tatianna Labelle, two Chicago black trans women who died earlier this month. Labelle’s death, whose body was found in a garbage truck, has been ruled a homicide; Malary was found in Lake Michigan and medical examiners are currently investigating her cause of death.
“These two tragedies have captured the attention of many and urgently highlight how frequently trans women of color go missing or are murdered,” Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago), Illinois’s first openly gay senator, said.
The lawmakers also commented on other anti-trans legislation being signed into law in other states.
“Whether it’s Florida, Texas, or the city of Chicago, this hate must be defeated,“ Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) said, criticizing Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Bill on Monday, dubbed by opponents ‘Don’t Say Gay’, which prohibits talk about sexual orientation or gender identity in K-3 classrooms. Paxton wrote a memo last month allowing parents to be investigated for child abuse if they help their trans child receive gender-affirming medical care.
The Illinois Capitol has also been no stranger to debates about trans rights. On March 22nd, Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) complained on the House floor about Lia Thomas, the first transgender NCAA champion, deadnaming and misgendering her. (Deadnaming is calling someone by their old name before they transition, and misgendering is referring to a person by the wrong gender and/or pronouns.)
Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) responded, calling Morrison’s talk ‘hate speech’.
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) says as a mother to a trans daughter, she knows how much respect can go a long way. She admits her daughter tells her to calm down when a stranger looks at her daughter in a weird way.
“Some people haven’t heard a lot about transgender identity, or have trouble understanding what it means to be trans,” Lightford said. “And that’s okay. But all people, even those whose identities you don’t fully understand, deserve respect.”
Nationwide, President Joe Biden announced several initiatives Thursday, being the first time a sitting president recognized the day. These include allowing U.S. citizens to mark their gender as X on passport applications, and more mental health resources for transgender youth provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.
“To transgender Americans of all ages,” Biden addressed in a video posted to his official social media. “I want you to know that you are so brave. You belong. I have your back.” | 2022-04-01T18:52:54Z | www.wcia.com | Illinois lawmakers celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/illinois-lawmakers-celebrates-transgender-day-of-visibility/ | https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/illinois-lawmakers-celebrates-transgender-day-of-visibility/ |
SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Four people were recently arrested in an investigation of a “drug den.”
On Wednesday, at around 6:20 p.m., the Sangamon County D.I.R.T. and the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU) executed a search warrant on the home of 48-year-old Mark A. Estes on North 19th Street in Springfield.
Detectives said they had received information that this house is what is commonly referred to as a “flop house” or “drug den”. During an investigation, detectives learned that three controlled buys of methamphetamine were made from Estes. In addition, while investigating Estes, the detectives learned that two traffic stops were conducted and in those stops, suspected heroin was found in one of the vehicles and suspected crack cocaine in the other. As a result, a search warrant was obtained for the residence.
According to Sheriff Jack Campbell, Estes is facing preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine – 0 to 15 gram and one count of possession/delivery of methamphetamine – 0 to 15 grams. Estes is currently on probation for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance as well as a registered sex offender.
Seized from the residence were 8.3 grams methamphetamine, .3 grams heroin, Suboxone Strip, two cell phones and digital scales, detectives stated.
Besides Estes, there were 16 other individuals found in the house.
Those arrested were 27-year-old James M. Gilliam, 42-year-old Cristina E. Zelaya and 31-year-old Justin K. Dunlevy. The remaining occupants were identified and released with no charges. | 2022-04-01T18:52:58Z | www.wcia.com | ‘Drug den’ investigation: 17 found in house, 4 arrested | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/drug-den-investigation-17-found-in-house-4-arrested/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/drug-den-investigation-17-found-in-house-4-arrested/ |
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) recently purchased a neighboring warehouse as part of their expansion plan.
According to officials, the building, former home to Lang Distributing, is located about 23 feet to the north of the current EIF facility.
Officials said this purchase modifies EIF’s original plan to expand their existing building to the south. Instead, the existing building and the new building will be connected and renovated.
“We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to purchase the building next to ours. Instead of adding new construction to our existing facility, we can add the same square footage at a lower cost,” said Kelly Daly, President and CEO of Eastern Illinois Foodbank. “I am grateful to our Board of Directors and staff for their flexibility in making our vision for growth a reality. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community.”
Officials state that the purchase will allow EIF to:
· Provide the same deliverables as the original plan at a lower cost
· Complete renovations in less time
· Avoid disruption of service to EIF partner agencies during the renovation process
· Break down the scope of work into smaller projects, allowing for cost control
· Build to the south if needs change in the future
In January, EIF launched a $3.6 million capital campaign, More than Food, to raise funds for the expansion, and have already exceeded the goal.
Construction on the warehouse expansion is planned for summer 2022.
Anyone interested in learning more about the campaign can click here. | 2022-04-01T18:52:59Z | www.wcia.com | Eastern Illinois Foodbank announces warehouse purchase | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/eastern-illinois-foodbank-announces-warehouse-purchase/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/eastern-illinois-foodbank-announces-warehouse-purchase/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICA) — Springfield Firefighters were dispatched to the Howlett Building on South Second Street Thursday afternoon in response to a report of an active fire in the northwest portion of the building.
When fire crews arrived at the scene, state personnel led them to a multi-use area with fire.
The building was evacuated.
SFD connected to the standpipe and was later informed that a cap was not in place on the fifth floor. Water damage resulted in the area. Smoke moved up through the sixth floor and down through tunnels that connect the Howlett Building to other buildings. Fire crews used fans to ventilate and remove trapped smoke and CO. When carbon monoxide levels resumed safe levels, employees were allowed back in the building. | 2022-04-01T18:53:00Z | www.wcia.com | Firefighters respond to fire at Howlett Building | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/firefighters-respond-to-fire-at-howlett-building/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/firefighters-respond-to-fire-at-howlett-building/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A 52-year-old man was arrested Friday morning after he was accused of attempting to approach presiding Judge Ryan Cadigan while court was in session.
At around 9:55 a.m., a man was arrested on the seventh Floor of the Sangamon County Court House on South 9th Street. According to Sheriff Jack Campbell, the suspect walked into courtroom 7C while court was in session, walked past the public gallery area and attempted to approach presiding Judge Ryan Cadigan. Witnesses said the man had refused any verbal requests to stop or exit the courtroom.
Detectives from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer attempted to remove the man but he refused to leave the courtroom and fought with law enforcement personnel.
During the incident, it was reported that the man bit a Correctional Officer on the arm. He was eventually taken into custody, placed into handcuffs and escorted to the Sangamon County Jail. | 2022-04-01T18:53:33Z | www.wcia.com | Man arrested in courtroom | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-arrested-in-courtroom/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-arrested-in-courtroom/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — University of Illinois students gathered outside the Armory in order to wait for their Peoria Charter bus heading to the Chicago area. However, much to their surprise, a substantially smaller bus initially arrived for them.
James Wang, director of operations and co-owner of Peoria Charter, warned students over a megaphone a few minutes prior that they would have to pack into a smaller bus due a shortage of bus drivers.
“We don’t have enough CDL qualified drivers, so we’re going to have to take a smaller bus today,” Wang said. “It’s going to be a little tight, but I think we can fit everyone on board.”
Several minutes later a Peoria Charter go-kart, which they primarily use for parades, pulled up as staff pretended to take the passengers’ tickets.
“The world’s full of bad news and scary stuff, so we just wanted to have a fun day in the spirit of April Fools,” Wang said.
Wang later explained that Peoria Charter put together the prank, so that they could bring awareness to the “huge shortage of CDL drivers.” He told the students that anyone over the age of 23 is welcome to apply to become a driver, and that he himself actually started driving for Peoria Charter when he was in college.
Freshman Evan Rudolph was one of the students who waited in line for a bus ride home.
“At first, I thought we were going to load into the mini-van,” Rudolph said. “But, then I realized that it’s April Fools’ Day. It was a good joke though.” | 2022-04-01T18:53:39Z | www.wcia.com | Peoria Charter plays April Fools’ Day prank on students | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/peoria-charter-plays-april-fools-day-prank-on-students/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/peoria-charter-plays-april-fools-day-prank-on-students/ |
SHELBY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Shelby County first responders are searching for a man they said was swept away in a current Thursday morning.
The Shelby County coroner said a man was driving his vehicle around 4 miles southwest of Shelbyville. The road had flooded at a creek, according to the coroner.
The man got out of the vehicle and was then swept away in the current. First responders have not yet been able to find him.
Dive teams are searching the area for him. The coroner said that area is flooded. | 2022-04-01T18:53:45Z | www.wcia.com | Shelby County dive teams search for man swept away in current | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/shelby-county-dive-teams-search-for-man-swept-away-in-current/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/shelby-county-dive-teams-search-for-man-swept-away-in-current/ |
The Marriage of Figaro will be at Krannert Center April 5, 7, 9.
We are all students, led by faculty, performing at the highest levels of artistry in opera and musical theatre, with productions designed and made at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Hundreds of people are involved in producing each show, from orchestra members to ushers to wig and makeup specialists to singers and beyond.
Performances of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro April 5, 7, 9 at The Krannert Center
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois | 2022-04-01T23:27:09Z | www.wcia.com | Lyric Theatre at Illinois presents The Marriage of Figaro | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/lyric-theatre-at-illinois-presents-the-marriage-of-figaro/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/lyric-theatre-at-illinois-presents-the-marriage-of-figaro/ |
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Two people were arrested in connection to recent vehicular hijacking incidents in Decatur.
According to Decatur Police, there were four reported incidents of vehicular hijacking in the months of February and March and three vehicles were taken during the hijackings. One of the vehicles was wrecked and recovered right after the incident. Suspects were unable to drive another vehicle away from the scene.
Decatur Police and Springfield Police were working together in this investigation. Springfield Police were able to locate one of the stolen Dodge Chargers in Springfield. They also found the Toyota Camry that was stolen during the first vehicular hijacking in Decatur. Springfield Police arrested two suspects after they found the stolen Camry. They also found additional evidence linking the two suspects to the vehicular hijackings in Decatur.
Police said the suspects arrested were 20-year-old Calvin G. Shepherd III and 18-year-old Calvin G. Shepherd IV. These two are facing charges of aggravated vehicular hijacking (four counts).
Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to call Decatur Police at (217) 424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-TIPS(8477) to remain anonymous. | 2022-04-01T23:27:32Z | www.wcia.com | Decatur Police: 2 arrested in investigation of vehicular hijackings | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/decatur-police-2-arrested-in-investigation-of-vehicular-hijackings/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/decatur-police-2-arrested-in-investigation-of-vehicular-hijackings/ |
(UPDATED AT 5 P.M.) Indiana State Police said 45-year-old Corey L. Ellerbe, of Terre Haute, Ind. was arrested in connection to this robbery.
In a news release, Indiana State Police said Illinois State Police dispatched them with a description of the getaway vehicle and suspect, who they believed to be traveling eastbound on Interstate 70.
Officers found the vehicle near the 10 mile marker on I-70. They pulled over the vehicle and arrested the driver.
“Once it was determined that Ellerbe was the robbery suspect, he was transported to the Vigo County Jail,” said officers. “Ellerbe is now awaiting extradition back to Illinois.”
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — A person of interest is in custody in relation to an investigation of a bank robbery that happened Friday morning.
At 10:10 a.m., police received a report about a man who entered the First Mid Bank and Trust on North Keller Drive and demanded cash, telling the teller that he had a weapon. It was reported that no weapon was displayed at the time of the incident and no one was hurt. The suspect fled in a vehicle with an undetermined amount of cash, police added.
Effingham Police obtained a description of the suspect and their vehicle and broadcasted the details to other jurisdictions. Attentive citizens notified and updated authorities of the possible location of the suspect, and as a result, a person was taken into custody by police in Vigo County, Indiana.
Officers said the person will remain in custody pending the filing of criminal charges in Effingham County. Additional information regarding the person of interest will be released after formal charges have
been filed.
Chief Jason McFarland praised the efforts of local citizens who provided timely updates to Law Enforcement.
“We are very thankful for the assistance from our community – multiple people called to give information and that helped tremendously to narrow down direction of travel and allow Law Enforcement to safely take this subject into custody in such a short amount of time. This just highlights how important it is to have a good partnership between Law Enforcement and the citizens we serve. Remember ‘If You See It, Say It!’”
Chief McFarland also expressed gratitude for mutual assistance, stating, “We appreciate all the area Law Enforcement Agencies who immediately converged upon the scene and proceeded to assist in our search – special thanks to Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Secretary of State Police and the FBI for all the aid.” | 2022-04-01T23:27:38Z | www.wcia.com | Effingham Police: Person of interest in custody after bank robbery | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/effingham-police-person-of-interest-in-custody-after-bank-robbery/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/effingham-police-person-of-interest-in-custody-after-bank-robbery/ |
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) – Milk and Honey Coffee House is more than just a new coffee shop
“My wife was on maternity leave, and she was praying and reading in the Bible, and she had a vision of a coffee shop and safe place for people to come to,” Curtis McDowell, co-owner, said.
It’s a fresh start.
“I couldn’t see past an hour, let alone a future,” McDowell said.
Because, before McDowell and his wife Shelby opened the shop, he led a very different life.
“I struggled with drugs and alcohol for 21 years of my life. I was in and out of prisons, jails, institutions. I really feel like it was the only thing I knew. It was instant gratification,” he said.
After years of battling his addiction, he said he found hope within a local congregation, found his wife, and got clean.
“It’s just been a game-changer. Just having a loving family of believers to just support you and push you forward. It’s been amazing,” he said.
His wife said for anyone, your past doesn’t have to define you. Both of them said five years ago, they would have never thought they would be where they are now.
She said they’re grateful and blessed.
“I really have a lot of respect for what he’s overcome, and being the person God created him to be, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Shelby said.
Curtis said if you’re struggling with addiction, you’re not alone.
“There’s hope, you know, even if you’re out there right now and you’re struggling, and it doesn’t feel like there’s any hope or any future for you there is. Go with that one gut feeling that you have, and just give it up and walk away,” he said.
The coffee shop isn’t the only thing Curtis is doing now. He also started and is running his own construction business called Curtis McDowell Construction.
In the Mattoon Police Facebook post, they said they want everyone to know that you can beat addiction and have a successful life. They said McDowell is the perfect example of that.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction here are some resources to help:
Safe Passage Program with Mattoon Police
Champaign Treatment Center
Rosecrance Treatment
The Pavilion
Prevention and Treatment Services
Narcotics Anonymous of East Central Illinois | 2022-04-01T23:28:03Z | www.wcia.com | Recovering drug addict, now business owner has a message of hope | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/recovering-drug-addict-now-business-owner-has-a-message-of-hope/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/recovering-drug-addict-now-business-owner-has-a-message-of-hope/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – There are paintings, sculptures, films, music and so much more. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Boneyard Arts Festival.
Hundreds of artists will be featured around dozens of venues. For creators who’ve felt restricted by the pandemic, they’re more than ready to showcase their work again.
“We’ve all been kind-of holding all this stuff back and now it’s like a dam has broken and we’re like, ‘look at all these things we’ve made over the last two years,'” multimedia artist Marc-Anthony Macon said.
He said even though they’ve had small, virtual or outdoor shows – it hasn’t felt the same. Plus, art is for sharing with others.
“Especially when you make artists hide out in lockdown, they can do nothing but make art. So all of us just have a glut of new work that we want to share,” Macon said.
One artist wanted his space to be interactive, and make people reflect. So he tackled an environmental theme – plastic.
“Why not highlight the idea that it’s there at our disposal, first of all. It’s going to last forever. We’re going to be with it forever,” artist Michael Darin said.
Around the room is many forms of plastic. He said you can also see the beauty in it.
“I guarantee if you come in here and you take a look at the plastic things I’ve made… when you go home, go to the store, go buy something – every time you pull off that plastic wrapping, you start to think about it then,” Darin said.
Over the weekend, if you’re walking around places like downtown Champaign, you’ll be thinking about art.
“Everywhere you go there’s going to be art. So I love the fact that we just paint the town with art once a year,” Macon said. | 2022-04-02T06:50:54Z | www.wcia.com | Boneyard Arts Festival back for 20th anniversary | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/boneyard-arts-festival-back-for-20th-anniversary/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/boneyard-arts-festival-back-for-20th-anniversary/ |
Champaign, Ill. (WCIA) – Just in time for spring, VeoRide rolled out a new e-bike for Champaign-Urbana riders. Of the rougly 30 cities that have VeoRide bikes, Champaign and Urbana will join only a handful of others to bring the Cosmo-e Class II e-bikes to the streets.
Starting Friday, 100 new e-bikes will be available for riders to enjoy. They can go 15 miles per hour, and they’re powered by a throttle. Peddling is optional, which the company says makes them are more accessible for people with varying abilities and body types.
“You don’t have to use the peddles to get it to go. It is throttle-driven and they’re much more modern and up-to-date – very much more streamlined for the user and for our mechanics,” VeoRide operations manager for Champaign-Urbana Shea Belahi said.
The current Class I e-bikes will still be available. The company is looking to increase the number of new bikes by about 50 by the end of the month.
Belahi said VeoRide receives a lot of feedback from people saying they enjoy the bikes, but they’d like to have scooters too. While this is the “next best thing,” she said VeoRide is interested in working with both cities to eventually make that happen.
Belahi said if you find a stray vehicle and you need to get it off your property or simply move it to a centralized location, you can contact customer support at hello@veoride.com. | 2022-04-02T06:51:00Z | www.wcia.com | VeoRide rolls out new e-bikes in Champaign-Urbana | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/veoride-rolls-out-new-e-bikes-in-champaign-urbana/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/veoride-rolls-out-new-e-bikes-in-champaign-urbana/ |
WCIA — Illinois center Omar Payne is entering the transfer portal and will leave the Illini program, he announced on Twitter Saturday.
“I would like to start by saying thank you to my coaches, [Strength Coach Adam] Fletcher, teammates, and all the fans,” Payne wrote on social media. “Over the past year here at Illinois I’ve grown a ton. But with that being said I’ll be entering my name into the transfer portal and exploring my options. I look forward to my next chapter and opportunity. Thank you Illini Nation.”
Payne started three games and played in 32 in his one season with the Illini after arriving from Florida. He averaged 1.8 points per game and totaled 24 blocks on the season. The junior still has two seasons eligibility left. | 2022-04-02T21:52:11Z | www.wcia.com | Omar Payne enters transfer portal after one season with Illini | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/omar-payne-enters-transfer-portal-after-one-season-with-illini/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/omar-payne-enters-transfer-portal-after-one-season-with-illini/ |
Bielema hoping for more consistent offense in year two
CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — Illinois football announced Saturday the time for the Spring game on April 21 is being moved up by one hour, from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The reason is for scheduling with the Big Ten Network, who will carry the game nationally.
Orange and Blue Spring Game Update: Kickoff on Thursday, April 21 is now set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
Tune in on @BigTenNetwork. #famILLy pic.twitter.com/L5wByCgTxK
It will likely be the first time many fans get to see the much hyped Illini offense. New Offensive Coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. has called it a pro style mixed with tempo, and many players have said they love the speed the team is using. Head coach Bret Bielema hopes this is the way to a better offense than he had in Year One.
“The better offenses you’ve seen consistently win over time, and that’s what we want. Sustained success,” says Bielema. “There’s a lot of that, where there’s tempo at times, especially at certain areas of the field or certain times of the game, but also there’s a tempo to it that you can protect leads or understand what an offense is trying to do.”
The Illini are about halfway through Spring practices, wrapping up the sixth on Saturday with the first scrimmage of the Spring. | 2022-04-03T00:59:06Z | www.wcia.com | Bielema hoping for more consistent offense in year two | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/bielema-hoping-for-more-consistent-offense-in-year-two/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/bielema-hoping-for-more-consistent-offense-in-year-two/ |
WCIA — Illinois women’s basketball’s all-time winningest head coach Theresa Grentz is being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2022.
Congratulations to 3x AIAW National Champion, 3x All-American and #22HoopClass honoree Theresa Shank-Grentz. pic.twitter.com/0b4BT3Ll0d
Grentz won 210 games while she was in Champaign, more than 30 percent of her career wins. She guided the Orange and Blue to ten postseason, including back-to-back Sweet 16 runs. She is the sixth Illini to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and first Illini women’s coach.
Congratulations, Coach Grentz! 🔶🏀🔷#Illini x #22HoopClass https://t.co/K2wEJE5gwT
— Illinois W Basketball (@IlliniWBB) April 2, 2022 | 2022-04-03T00:59:12Z | www.wcia.com | Theresa Grentz to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/theresa-grentz-to-be-enshrined-in-the-basketball-hall-of-fame/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/theresa-grentz-to-be-enshrined-in-the-basketball-hall-of-fame/ |
ROSSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — With spring in the air, some high schoolers are getting ready for prom. A business in Rossville said they want to make sure everyone can enjoy the night without breaking the bank.
The owner of twisted sisters in Rossville said she wants to give everyone a chance to have a memorable night so she came up with a plan.
Twisted Sisters Owner Sherry Decker said, “In 2010 I retired and I have 8 sisters so we always go to Florida.”
It was the first trip to Florida after Decker retired that she came up with a creative idea.
She said, “When we were all sitting around the pool they said what are you going to do and I said you know how expensive it was for us to go to prom let’s give away prom dresses.”
That’s when Twisted Sisters was born. Now she has given away thousands of dresses.
“I’ve probably given away 4,500 to 5,000 dresses away in 11 years,” said Decker.
She said she gets people from all over.
Decker said, “I have gotten calls from Kankakee, and I had two moms and four girls that came from the east side of indy.”
It’s about helping kids enjoy prom and helping families that might not otherwise be able to afford a nice dress.
“The family that came over from east indy four dresses even if they’re 200 dollars apiece that’s 800 bucks,” said Decker.
She said helping makes all the work and using her own money worth it.
Decker said, “I had a guy come in and this has been a couple of years ago. I fixed his daughter up and he was the caregiver for his daughter so there was no mom and I put her in a dress.” She said, “gave her shoes gave her jewelry and he said you look gorgeous how much is this going to cost me and he said it’s free he cried I cried.”
She said she has been busier since Coivd-19 has hit. She told us she believes it’s because of a mix of people needing the help and the word spreading. | 2022-04-03T03:44:27Z | www.wcia.com | Free prom dresses | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/free-prom-dresses/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/free-prom-dresses/ |
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — State Police officials said they are investigating after a trooper discharged their weapon during a pursuit.
In a news release, ISP officials stated officers were informed Saturday morning about a suspect wanted in connection to a double homicide near Collinsville. Shortly after, law enforcement found the suspect vehicle northbound on IL Route 127, near Hillsboro. They chased the vehicle after officers tried to pull it over. Troopers joined in the chase that crossed Route 16 then north onto US Route 51, according to officials.
“After becoming partially disabled, the suspect vehicle came to a stop on US Route 51 just north of Pana, IL at approximately 1:53 p.m.,” said officials. They went on to say the driver of that vehicle got out and pointed a gun in the trooper’s direction. The trooper “discharged their duty weapon in the direction of the suspect. The suspect was taken to the hospital for the treatment of serious, life-threatening injuries.” Officials continued to say “the cause and nature of those injuries is under investigation. No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.”
Officials said the trooper involved in this situation is a 26-year veteran of the State Police.
Special Agents of the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation are looking into this situation. Upon completion, the investigation will be submitted for review to the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additionally, The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the double homicide near Collinsville. | 2022-04-03T06:16:38Z | www.wcia.com | State Police investigate after trooper discharges weapon | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/state-police-investigate-after-trooper-discharges-weapon/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/state-police-investigate-after-trooper-discharges-weapon/ |
Springfield firefighters respond to early morning fire
(UPDATED AT 10:50 A.M.) Springfield Fire Chief Brandon Blough said the fire was at a trailer, which they had now responded to twice in five days.
The chief stated the trailer was fully engulfed in flames. All residents in the trailer were able to get out.
It took around 30 minutes for firefighters to put out the fire.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Springfield firefighters responded to a structure fire early Monday morning.
In a Facebook post, fire officials said they were called around 5:30 a.m. near South Wesley Street and East Clear Lake Avenue. When crews got to the scene, they found heavy fire coming from the structure.
There is no word yet on if anyone was hurt or what caused the fire. | 2022-04-04T17:53:44Z | www.wcia.com | Springfield firefighters respond to early morning fire | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/springfield-firefighters-respond-to-early-morning-fire/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/springfield-firefighters-respond-to-early-morning-fire/ |
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur Park District announced on Monday that a big-name country artist is coming to the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in September.
Jake Owen is slated to perform September 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Owen has had nine songs appear at number-one on the Billboard Country Airplay charts, including both “Made For you” and “I was Jack (You were Diane).”
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10:00 a.m. at www.devonamphitheater.com. | 2022-04-04T21:00:41Z | www.wcia.com | Jake Owen coming to Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/jake-owens-coming-to-devon-lakeshore-amphitheater/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/jake-owens-coming-to-devon-lakeshore-amphitheater/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A Vermilion County icon known for her service and dedication to her community passed away over the weekend.
When you say the name “Linda Bolton,” many people in the county will know exactly who you are talking about and give you an anecdote about how she helped them.
“Her legacy is a service to the community,” said Neuhoff Media COO Michael Hulvey. Neuhoff Media Danville was the site of Bolton’s program, “Newsmakers,” which showcased important aspects around the community. Bolton had a passion for mental health as well as racial and religious equity.
Her service to the community was not limited to the airwaves. She served as the public information officer for the Vermilion County Health Department and then went on to serve in regards to economic development at Vermilion County Advantage, as well as become a member of city council and countless other positions.
It is with the heaviest of hearts I share that my dear friend, Linda Bolton, has gone on to glory. Thank you, Linda, for all of the things you did for our community and for being a true mentor and wise advisor to me and so many others!
Facebook post from Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr.
Additionally, she served on numerous boards. To name a few, she was chair for the Danville Board of Police and Fire Commission and worked on Balloons Over Vermilion. She also loved local theater and music.
Bolton touched the hearts of many across the community. Again, as Hulvey stated, she “leaves behind a heck of a legacy.”
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. A visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. | 2022-04-04T21:00:53Z | www.wcia.com | Vermilion County legend passes away | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county-legend-passes-away/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county-legend-passes-away/ |
October was Breast Cancer Awareness month, but is important to pay attention to all year. What are some stats to be aware of? Aunt Martha’s shares those details.
Visit us at www.auntmarthas.org to learn more!
To find your career at Aunt Martha’s, please check out our list of available positions here: https://bit.ly/AMHWJobs
Aunt Martha’s opened its doors on December 6, 1972, with a staff of 12 volunteers and a working budget of $2,500. Although it was located in and closely tied to the Village of Park Forest, there were no limits – geographic or otherwise – placed on Aunt Martha’s or its services.
In its first nine months, Aunt Martha’s volunteer staff responded to nearly 1,000 requests for assistance, handling problems related to family disturbances, runaways and drugs. As the needs of the community’s youth – and, not surprisingly, its adults – continued to emerge, Aunt Martha’s was always willing to take the lead in formulating a response.
The increasing awareness of child abuse and neglect – and the subsequent demand for services such awareness created – was exacerbated by increases in other contributing problems such as substance abuse and teen pregnancy. These were not merely “youth issues.” Family issues were being exposed. Community issues were being brought to light.
These were not new issues, especially to Aunt Martha’s, where by 1977 some 200 volunteers were already providing substance abuse services, Family Planning services, counseling services, as well as foster care and group home services. As the organization’s founders had envisioned the fundamental groundwork had been laid to make Aunt Martha’s a dynamic, agile, coordinated care provider. | 2022-04-04T23:46:07Z | www.wcia.com | Breast cancer awareness with Aunt Martha’s | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/breast-cancer-awareness-with-aunt-marthas/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/breast-cancer-awareness-with-aunt-marthas/ |
The Champaign County Historical Archives is hosting a speaker from the Road Scholar Speaker Bureau, Thursday April 7, 6-7 pm on Zoom.
Anyone interested in attending can register on The Urbana Free Library’s website or Facebook page.
The Road Scholar Speakers Bureau sponsors free speakers from all over the state, on a variety of topics, for libraries, museums, and all types of non-profits.
Jeanne Schultz Angel is giving a talk on the history of women’s suffrage in Illinois.
She is the Director of Learning Experiences & Historical Resources for the Naper Settlement in Naperville.
The lecture will include the history of suffrage of all women, Ida B. Wells, and the diverse group of activists that fought for the vote.
I have one more point to add to the list and some images that can be shared with it.
From CCHA’s collection: IL legalized women’s right to vote in 1913. Local women’s first chance to vote was on whether or not $10,000 of bonds should be sold to build The Urbana Free Library in 1914. These images are of two newspaper articles about the first vote, and the original Urbana Free Library that was built after the vote. They weren’t allowed to vote on all political offices, but this was a step towards full suffrage. | 2022-04-04T23:46:27Z | www.wcia.com | Upcoming lecture on history of women’s suffrage in Illinois | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/upcoming-lecture-on-history-of-womens-suffrage-in-illinois/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/upcoming-lecture-on-history-of-womens-suffrage-in-illinois/ |
MCLEAN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Ukraine’s farmers are expecting to only be able to plant half their acreage, with the focus on food for their citizens, instead of corn and wheat for export markets. Collin Watters of Illinois Corn Growers says that will be felt in Illinois.
“Depending on the duration of the war in Ukraine and how it impacts their planting and growing season, we’ll see,” Watters said. “It’s such a fluid situation right now, and its really hard to forecast what is going to happen.”
We export out of Illinois about 60% of our corn. Does that mean we are going to be exporting more? Will Illinois processors be using less of our corn?
“I don’t know that Illinois processors will be using any less,” Watters said. “I would expect the US as a whole might be exporting a little bit more, but chances are we might be exporting to markets that we don’t typically serve, so in the last 10 years we really haven’t much of a presence in European markets, North Africa, Middle East. Those have been dominated by Ukrainian exports. Just recently we have seen some cargoes headed to Spain, to Egypt. These are places that are usually Ukrainian markets. We’ve already seen that happen, so we might see a little bit more of that happening but it’s going to be an incredibly competitive market. A lot of volatility, all the way around. And it does look like the Brazilians are going to have a good crop this year, their second crop is shaping up pretty well. They are expecting a record year. That may put a little bit of downward pressure on the global price, but its really tough to say right now.”
Over the weekend, Ukraine announced it had planted about one million acres of an expected 17 million acre crop. But there will be a minimal amount of corn planted, with the focus more on human foods. And Russia has begun destroying the Black Sea grain terminals at the Ukrainian port of Odessa, further reducing Ukraine’s capacity to feed traditional markets. | 2022-04-04T23:46:52Z | www.wcia.com | From the Farm: Ukraine Impact | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/from-the-farm-ukraine-impact/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/from-the-farm-ukraine-impact/ |
URBANA (WCIA) — Senior Sydney Sickels has been a rock in the circle for Illinois softball for most of her career.
“Sydney has been on the mound and had the ball in her hands for any of our big games,” says head coach Tyra Perry. “A lot of our main Top 10, Top 25 wins, she was in the circle.”
“We always talk about just staying ready whenever the time comes,” says Sickels. “That’s just one thing we’re really good at is just rolling with the punches.”
The Illini have faced a challenging schedule this year, playing top schools in the SEC, ACC and more. Perry says challenging games will make her team better, especially with most of the team returning next year. A big reason they have competed in tough games was because of Sickels.
“That just shows how hard working and dedicated and talented Sydney Sickels is and we can’t do what we do without Sydney,” says Perry.
Over the past four years, Sickels has an ERA of 2.82. She was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week four times throughout her career. Recently, Sickels reached second in most strikeouts in Illini history. She’s 120 away from first place, but has one extra year left because of the COVID season.
“I really didn’t know I was getting that close to it, but it’s cool to see that come about,” says Sickels. “I’m really just trying to get the strikeouts for my team and that’s best way I know I can help my team is with those strikeouts.”
But it’s her calm demeanor and leadership capabilities that Perry says keeps Sickels impressive in the circle.
“I think most people would say I’m more of a leader by example,” says Sickels. “I’m not the most loud person on our team, but just leading by example and I know that our team needs a calm presence and I try to be that for our team as well.”
“She’s like a coach on the field,” says Perry. “She’s so mature and she’s really stepped into her leadership style over the past couple of years. She’s not extremely vocal, but when she does speak, everyone listens.” | 2022-04-04T23:47:38Z | www.wcia.com | Sickels chasing records, leading Illini in the circle | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/sickels-chasing-records-leading-illini-in-the-circle/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/sickels-chasing-records-leading-illini-in-the-circle/ |
Larry Skinner, Dale Ewing, and Randy Mayhall informed the Douglas County Circuit Clerk’s office that they would rather step down from their unpaid government duties than submit to “intrusive” transparency laws.
The Newman Murdock Union Drainage District has a meager budget. It collects $10,579.80 in property taxes each year, and sets aside funds to upgrade or install new drainage tiles to prevent backed up water from flooding farm fields.
When farmers report a blown tile or an issue with water backing up into a field, the drainage district approves the expense and processes the payment to fix it. While the county continues collecting those taxes, there are no longer any officials in a position to approve spending funds on urgent infrastructure repairs.
“We’re only there to save the soil and stop the erosion in the ground and the run-off so it doesn’t get in our water supplies,” Skinner said in a Tuesday afternoon phone call. “We basically protect the environment. We try to correct things to the best of our ability. We only have so much money that’s in our budget every year. We handle no money. We turn in a voucher to the treasurer in Douglas County and they pay the bills.”
Skinner and Ewing both submitted letters of resignation, though county officials said Ewing was considering potentially rescinding his resignation and complying with the new ethics law. Mayhall verbally resigned, but had not yet submitted his letter in writing at the time of this report.
“All three of us have resigned because they’re asking us to list our wives, they’re involving our spouses, trying to get us to list things that we owe on or we buy together,” Skinner said. “It’s just stuff that’s totally nobody’s business.”
Skinner’s resignation letter noted it’s an unpaid position and he doesn’t personally handle any government funds.
“We just try to fix drainage problems and make our farm land better for all of the county,” he wrote.
Their resignations are the first reported cases of local officials who fulfill mundane tasks in unpaid government jobs who ditched their posts before a May 1st deadline to fill out the more stringent forms.
Skinner, a local farmer in Newman, Illinois, said he’d rather quit the job than reveal his personal financial information to the government.
“I prefer to resign,” he said in a March 17th letter. “The questions being asked by the Statement of Economic Interest and the potential liability it places on someone just trying to do what is right and helpful is just a problem I don’t need.”
In a March 4th letter to Governor Pritzker legislative leaders, the Illinois Municipal League warned that hundreds more local officials were “considering resigning their positions” because the new disclosure law was “too intrusive and personal.”
The Illinois Municipal League sent a letter to legislative leaders last month urging them to simplify the new ethical disclosure requirements.
The letter said the new ethics law will have the “unintended consequence of pushing-out good local officials is significant, while bad officials at all levels will still likely ignore the rules and process completely.”
“I think the intent was good, because it’s to encourage greater transparency,” Decatur Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe said in a Tuesday morning interview.
Wolfe, the President of the Illinois Municipal League, said she understood why lawmakers would want to shine a light on public officials who may be “married to a lobbyist, or that sort of thing.”
“You want to be transparent, and you want to see where there might be pitfalls for conflicts of interest,” she said. “I don’t have a problem with that. The problem is I’m worried about losing some of our commissioners or board members, when they see what it is.”
“Nobody wants to get in trouble, because if you falsify this document, that’s a big deal,” Moore-Wolfe said. “It’s a law. You have to file this paperwork, but it looks very, very intrusive. It looks like they’re gonna know more than the IRS knows about you.”
The Illinois Municipal League published a fact sheet document to help local officials comply with the new ethical disclosure requirements.
“It’s a very confusing form,” Moore-Wolfe said. “And the big concern is we’re going to lose people who don’t want to disclose any of this.”
The next election to fill the vacancies at the drainage district are scheduled for the first Tuesday in September. A judge could potentially appoint a replacement in the interim.
An internal legislative document explains how the new ethical disclosure laws vary from the old statements of economic interest. The deadline for public officials and candidates for office to comply with the new rules is on May 1st, 2022. | 2022-04-05T02:18:21Z | www.wcia.com | Drainage district officials quit over tougher transparency rules | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/drainage-district-officials-quit-over-tougher-transparency-rules/ | https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/drainage-district-officials-quit-over-tougher-transparency-rules/ |
Champaign and Urbana firefighters respond to house fire
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign and Urbana firefighters responded to a fire near the corner of Busey and Indiana Avenue in Urbana early Monday night.
Fire officials said there was heavy smoke when first responders reported to the scene at around 5 p.m.
They said it took about 30 minutes to extinguish the fire. The roof and attic of the house sustained heavy damage, but no one was injured in the fire. | 2022-04-05T02:18:27Z | www.wcia.com | Champaign and Urbana firefighters respond to house fire | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-and-urbana-firefighters-respond-to-house-fire/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-and-urbana-firefighters-respond-to-house-fire/ |
Rural ballot drop box push met with contention among elected officials
TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Voters in parts of rural Champaign County will have permanent drop boxes for mail-in ballots for the first time in 2022.
The 275-pound boxes made of reinforced steel will be in place ahead of the June primaries, according to Champaign County Clerk and Recorder Aaron Ammons who has been pushing for this for years.
“It allows people to return their ballots without having to pay for postage,” Ammons began.
However, the final steps in the installation process have been met with some contention between elected officials.
In total, the county plans to establish 13 boxes. Seven of those were in the ground ahead of the last election and five more are expected to go up in rural towns as soon as the weather warms up, but the sixth box — which the Champaign County Clerk expected to put in the Village of Tolono — was stalled unexpectedly by the village board.
“I thought we were ready to go, we had an agreement,” Ammons said. “And we said, yeah we just need to get you to sign the intergovernmental agreement.”
“I said, ‘Sure,'” Village of Tolono president Rob Murphy agreed. He said issues rose when that intergovernmental agreement was brought into the village office. The document placed the drop box in a busy spot that Muphy said was not agreed upon.
“I tried to make meetings with them, you know, ‘Come out and do a site visit and we’ll show you exactly where you can put it.’ I’ll even put an ‘X’ on the ground,” Murphy said.
“Kind of comparing that and how easy it is to vote, we figured there isn’t a real need for it.”
Ammons, on the other hand, says his office gauged rural voter interest with portable boxes back in 2020.
“So what we did was something called drive-in drops that we did several of in Mahomet, Tolono, Rantoul and St. Joe,” he explained.
Ammons says 18% of Tolono voters did so by mail in 2020. He shared that in an email to the village board in January.
It’s unclear how many took advantage of the drive-in drop box but Ammons said, “We saw that there was a real interest there.”
The village board unanimously tabled the vote for a permanent box in early December. It was voted down two weeks later.
“It would be easy to throw extra things in there, you know, you get our juvenile population, they throw something in there that shouldn’t be in there and it would end up destroying ballots,” Murphy added to the list of reasons not to go through with the agreement.
“We have had zero problems, not on campus, nowhere,” Ammons rebutted. “No vandalism, nobody trying to write on them, nobody trying to break in them, none of that.”
Ammons called Murphy’s concerns “Republican talking points,” referring to a nationwide push against drop boxes by members of the GOP.
However, politics can’t be completely ignored. Village board member Terrence Stuber is Ammons’ lone Republican challenger for the clerk and recorder seat this year.
Ammons says that’s unrelated and that he began drop box conversations with Tolono before he knew who was running against him.
The board was on board with the ballot boxes initially, Murphy said.
“We’re fine with it, and then all the confusion and the back and forth started,” he concluded.
“It creates access,” Ammons said. “Convenience for people to drop their stuff off when they’re out and about and you don’t have to pay anything more for it, so we thought it was a win-win for everybody.”
He says the about $20,000 covering the cost of the boxes is a one-time investment, paid for through a mix of federal, state and non-profit grant funding.
Ammons wasn’t sure where that final box will be placed, but he said it’s already paid for. The Village of Savoy initially had concerns like Tolono, Ammons added, but local leadership has since “come around.”
Rural ballot boxes are planned for Savoy, Mahomet, Rantoul and St. Joe.
Those looking to sign up for vote-by-mail can do so on the Champaign County clerk’s website. | 2022-04-05T02:18:39Z | www.wcia.com | Rural ballot drop box push met with contention among elected officials | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/rural-ballot-drop-box-push-met-with-contention-among-elected-officials/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/rural-ballot-drop-box-push-met-with-contention-among-elected-officials/ |
Urbana City Council is hoping to fill a gap made by gun violence
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Monday night, the city council approved the resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an Urbana HOME Consortium Subrecipient Agreement.
The city council approved the resolution. Now, it will go on the regular council agenda.
However, the council has asked the community development services director to clarify parts of the resolution before it’s back in front of the council.
They want to help in the aftermath of violence. When family members might be out of work, or the family has to find a new place to live.
It’s called the Urbana HOME consortium sub-recipient agreement. It’s a resolution to fund a tenant-based rental assistance program for low-income households who are victims of gun violence.
Right now, the resolution said nearly 12 households could benefit from this. Rental assistance would be given to each eligible household, but for not more than 2 years.
“We’ve been trying to look at ways that we can help people who are impacted by gun violence who are under trauma, but really just don’t know where to turn, and this seemed to be a gap we could help fill,” Sheila Dodd, the Interim Community Development Services Director, said.
The money comes from a federal grant Urbana is leading. However, it would help families throughout Champaign County.
There is another resolution that would help families of gun violence on the agenda. That resolution would help them get a case manager to help with the aftermath of the violence. | 2022-04-05T04:37:46Z | www.wcia.com | Urbana City Council is hoping to fill a gap made by gun violence | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/urbana-city-council-is-hoping-to-fill-a-gap-made-by-gun-violence/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/urbana-city-council-is-hoping-to-fill-a-gap-made-by-gun-violence/ |
Roger Ebert’s Film Festival
Every festival is trying to put on the best program they can. Ebertfest likes to think that we show good movies but also movie that inspire empathy. That’s because Roger Ebert’s idea for this festival was that it would show films that allowed you to get to know someone a little different than yourself, bringing people closer together and building communities.
We’ve very careful to stick to that principle, but also to another principle that Roger had for his film selection. Ebertfest used to be called the overlooked film festival – and we’ve made a deliberate attempt to revive that concept for this festival.
The concept of overlooked is quite a broad one. To Roger that could mean a brilliant movie that didn’t get the attention it deserved from audiences or critics. Some of those movies become cult classics. For those who have seen them, they’re gens, but not enough people have seen them. This year we have Terry Zwigoff’s Ghostworld, which, you may not have seen but was one of Roger’s favorite movies.
Has the pandemic made it so more movies are overlooked or change the way people watch movies?
People havent been able to go to cinemas, and certainly not the art house cinemas that can show some of the best movies. So a lot of recent movies have been overlooked, or not looked at the way directors want them to be seen, on the big screen. So the festival this year is a chance to see great movies, like Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, not only on the big screen but in the B&W and 35mm print version that the director loved most of all. We’re also showing movies like French Exit and The White Tiger, both award winning movies that only went to streaming, but on the big screen with their directors right here with us to tell us all about their creative vision
After returning from a long-forced pause, it was important for the festival to return with a selection of films that had thoughtful films. But also films that were joyous. After returning from a long-forced pause, it was important for the festival to return with a selection of films that had thoughtful films. But also films that were joyous. We have comedies or documentaries about comedies (we will have Gilbert Gottfried joining us for example). But also many of our movies are tied in with music and we actually have three musical performances embedded in our schedule around the films. The alt-country artist Clem Snide will actually open the festival with a song he wrote called, “Roger Ebert” and we will show the movie Summer of Soul, with a performance of Soul music from local and Chicago musicians to follow. We also will have a movie called Soy Cubana, about a vocal group from Cuba, which we’ll follow up with musical performances from Afro-Caribean jazz ensemble – led by a Professor from the University of Illinois’ school of music. | 2022-04-05T23:16:08Z | www.wcia.com | Ebertfest is back! | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/ebertfest-is-back/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/ebertfest-is-back/ |
Indianapolis, IN (WCIA)
The largest animals to EVER walk the Earth will greet visitors of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis when the NEW Dinosphere reopens March 19, 2022, just in time for Spring Break road trips to Indy. Two HUGE sauropod dinosaurs (one 80 feet long and one 65 feet and approximately 150 million years old) were dug up in Wyoming by the museum, and are now installed! And that’s not all, fierce and ferocious undersea fossils also uncovered by our paleontologists are also on display in a new “underwater” prehistoric marine area. This has been more than five years in the making.
Giants of the Jurassic, Monsters of the Mesozoic Seas and Creatures of the Cretaceous Come to Life in the NEW Dinosphere at
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Imagine life 150 million years ago. The Earth shook with each footstep by massive dinosaurs (stretching 60–80 feet, nose to tail) as they pounded the ground and searched for plants to satisfy their huge appetites. Listen for the pitter-patter of smaller creatures racing for cover as theropods scavenged the area for their next meal. Hear the splashing and gurgling of ocean waves as you discover a treasure trove of marine life, from massive monsters to miniature shellfish. With each step into the NEW Dinosphere®: Now You’re in Their World at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, children and families come face-to-face—and in some cases, face-to-knee—with magnificent dinosaurs and marine reptiles that once dominated the world.
Visitors are fully immersed in a time long ago with magnificent sound and light shows, actor interpreter performances and gallery interpreters who answer questions visitors didn’t even know they had.
The museum brought in amazing new dinosaurs, including Giants of the Jurassic™ and Monsters of the Mesozoic Seas™, which will join longtime favorites in Creatures of the Cretaceous™ to create this extraordinary new exhibit. Along with international partners from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands) and the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), paleontologists from The Children’s Museum unearthed some of these fossils from its dig site in Wyoming known as The Jurassic Mile™.
“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’m not sure I’d believe it,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “The Jurassic Mile site is extremely unique because it is a fossil-rich plot of land that contains hundreds of bones as well as footprints or trackways that tell us more about the behavior of dinosaurs. Not only that, it contains fossilized plants that help us better understand the environment—all alongside an ancient seabed. To have everything in one place helps us paint a more complete picture of what that point in time really looked like, and it helps us bring real science to life for our visitors.”
“Rather than a story, I think of the fossil record as a giant library,” said Dr. Phil Manning, Extraordinary Scientist-in-Residence, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “As you enter the library, the new and most recent books are shiny and complete on the shelves, as you push deeper into the library, and time, the books start to get a little tatty—missing key bits of information. By the time you are in the abyss that is geological time (the age of dinosaurs,) only the occasional word or paragraph sit on the fossil record library shelves. It is from these disjointed sentences—fossils—that we are able to reconstruct the lost world of the Jurassic.”
Giants of the Jurassic™
Visitors will have to crane their necks way back to see the top of the first giant sauropod, which is posed as though it is rearing up on its hindquarters. It is followed by another sauropod that seems to be grazing behind it. An equally compelling find from the dig site that visitors will learn about is the discovery of hundreds of theropod teeth. “There are a couple hypotheses for why we found so many theropod teeth. One is [that] this was a large animal—making quite the smorgasbord for other animals to find out on the Plains,” said Dr. Jenn Anné, Lead Paleontologist, The Children’s Museum. “So a couple of theropods could chomp down on it and have enough space between them that they didn’t have to fight over it. Another hypothesis could be that this animal laid there for a fairly long period of time. Multiple individuals came up and took a nibble over time. It could also be that some of the teeth could have washed in from other areas.”
And then there are the trackways that tell you more about the animals’ movement and behavior. “When you find a fossil footprint, nothing is more exciting than finding the next footfall in the same trackway. You are then truly ‘walking with dinosaurs,’” said Manning. These footprints serve as a reminder that these were living things.
Monsters of the Mesozoic™
The atmosphere of this ocean-themed section makes families feel like they are swimming beneath the waves alongside a sea creature reminiscent of the Loch Ness Monster. The Elasmosaurus, with its with sharp, pointy, fang-like teeth and 23-foot-long neck, is posed to look like it is plunging into the water alongside visitors. A 20-foot-long Baptanodon had freakishly large eye sockets the size of dinner plates. The Sundance Sea, where Baptanodon once lived, wasn’t deep enough to get very dark, so its enormous eyes were likely most useful for hunting prey at night. The Plioplatecarpus (a type of mosasaur) was one of the top predators in the ocean. They ate just about anything they could catch, including other mosasaurs. They used their double-hinged jaws and flexible skulls to open their mouths wide.
Creatures of the Cretaceous™
Creatures of the Cretaceous features dinosaurs that visitors to The Children’s Museum have come to know and love, including a couple of T. rex, a Gorgosaurus, and a mummified duckbill dinosaur. The former Cinedome sets the perfect stage with a brilliantly colored sky that transitions from dawn to dusk to midnight (with meteor showers,) immersing families in the sights and sounds of the Cretaceous. Dracorex hogwartsia will remain on Level 2 by the main elevators.
Paleo Prep Labs
The museum’s scientists continue to work in the R.B. Annis Mission Jurassic Paleo Prep Lab and the Polly H. Hix Paleo Prep Lab, preparing fossils they brought back from the Jurassic Mile™ dig site. Visitors can watch them saw open giant field jackets that weigh 1–2 tons in one lab or put together the teeny tiny pieces of a fossil puzzle in the other lab. Our scientists enjoy answering questions about the bones and what different markings might mean.
Paleo art combines science and art to bring life to the everyday activities of dinosaurs. This area will help spark creativity and ignite imaginative play as visitors are invited to design their own dinosaur and scan the drawing. Then, they watch as their animated dino “hatches” from an egg and virtually joins other dinosaurs roaming the Earth on a giant projection screen. Trace a dinosaur trackway or feel two sides of a diplodocid sculpture (one fleshed out with scales and the detailing its bone structure). Or simply be inspired by the paintings, sculptures and comics on display.
Dinosphere® is made possible through lead gift support from Lilly Endowment Inc., The Scott A. Jones Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, The Enid Goodrich Educational Initiatives Fund of The Children’s Museum, Polly H. Hix, Yvonne H. Shaheen, The Elliott Sogard Family, and Bob and Carol Reynolds, with major support provided by The R.B. Annis Educational Foundation, Bowen Engineering Corporation, The Dan and Rhonda Hall Family, and Seymour and Rheta Holt. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s at Indiana University Health, Old National Bank and Ice Miller LLP.
About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children’s Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook. | 2022-04-05T23:16:15Z | www.wcia.com | New exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/new-exhibits-at-the-childrens-museum-of-indianapolis-2/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/ciliving-stories/ciliving/new-exhibits-at-the-childrens-museum-of-indianapolis-2/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Danville Public Library will open at noon on Thursday to allow staff an opportunity to attend the funeral of Board of Trustees President Linda Bolton.
Bolton served as President from May 2017 until her passing.
According to officials, Bolton had a great fondness for the library that stretched back to her childhood, visiting the former Carnegie library (now the War Museum) to pick out books. Bolton believed in reaching out to the community, especially to underserved populations. She held a strong vision of expanding library services, often stating that successful libraries were “more than a building full of books.”
The Library is located at 319 North Vermilion Street. Library hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click here for the library website. | 2022-04-05T23:17:19Z | www.wcia.com | Library to delay opening on Thursday | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/library-to-delay-opening-on-thursday/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/library-to-delay-opening-on-thursday/ |
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — An Illinois not-for-profit organization helps warm a mom’s heart after her daughter passed away in 2019.
Michelle Moore said her daughter, Lacey Moore, passed away because of a brain aneurysm three years ago.
“It was very sudden,” said Michelle. “Gift of Hope has helped us a lot with getting things together.”
She said Gift of Hope provides details and updates on people who received organ donations from her daughter.
“Our decision to donate Lacey’s organs…that would be something that she would have wanted…to help someone out,” said Michelle.
Since working with Gift of Hope, Michelle’s family has received many letters from people who received the donations, letting her know that they are doing well.
Michelle stated, “I know a boy, a 12-year-old, who has Lacey’s heart. It is emotional…It is a very happy feeling…to know that someone has her heart out there.”
When he received Lacey’s heart, the boy was 10.
Another person received Lacey’s lungs.
“She gave her lungs…and someone who was a grandpa could see his grandkids,” Michelle added.
Gift of Hope also gave Michelle’s family a kit to make a purple lantern, which they could light up at night to honor Lacey and her donations.
“It goes outside my house every night and it is all lit up,” Michelle smiled.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is a not-for-profit organ procurement organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation and services to families of donors in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana. | 2022-04-05T23:17:25Z | www.wcia.com | Mom advocates for organ donations to honor daughter’s life | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/mom-advocates-for-organ-donations-to-honor-daughters-life/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/mom-advocates-for-organ-donations-to-honor-daughters-life/ |
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Millikin University’s Cheer Team will be competing in the 2022 National Cheerleading Association’s (NCA) College Cheer Nationals.
This is the first time that Millikin Cheer gets to competing in the NCA College Cheer Nationals.
“I’m really excited because it is not something that every team gets to do,” said Millikin Cheer Head Coach Sarah Rapp. “You have to work really hard for it. Especially through COVID and everything that has happened, I am just so proud of my team and extremely excited to have this opportunity.”
The team will leave on Tuesday for the big competition. Their first performance will be on Thursday. | 2022-04-05T23:17:27Z | www.wcia.com | MU Cheer Team to compete in NCA College Cheer Nationals | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/mu-cheer-team-to-compete-in-nca-college-cheer-nationals/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/mu-cheer-team-to-compete-in-nca-college-cheer-nationals/ |
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Tuesday morning, a traffic stop in Somer Township led to two arrests and the seizure of an illegally possessed firearm.
Officials said that at around 10:45 a.m. a deputy left his stationary position to conduct a traffic stop. But, when he started in the direction of the car, the vehicle accelerated away in a perceived attempt by the driver avoid the traffic stop.
The driver of the vehicle, 25-year-old Dion J. Thomas pulled into a gas station parking lot, and exited to the vehicle before running through the gas station to avoid police contact. While this occurred, the deputy stayed with the vehicle.
Thomas returned a short while later when he realized that he had left his one-year-old child in the back seat. Upon arrival, Thomas provided a fake name as deputies checked the welfare of the child. They then noticed that the car smelled of burnt marijuana and the child was not secured in the back seat.
The investigation also resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic handgun, several hundred dollars in cash and two additional loaded handgun magazines.
Thomas was issued numerous Illinois Vehicle Code violations and was arrested for being a convicted felon of a handgun and for endangering the life/health of a child.
As authorities were investigating, the child’s mother, Gurldine Williams, arrived on the scene. Officials said that the 22-year-old became confrontational with deputies. An investigation quickly revealed that she was driving on a suspended license and had multiple warrants out for her arrest. When deputies attempted to take her into custody for her warrants, she actively resisted.
She was then taken into custody for aggravated battery to a police officer, driving with a suspended license and for having multiple warrants.
Deputies worked with her to get the child a proper car seat, while also finding someone authorized to take the child away from the scene. | 2022-04-05T23:17:57Z | www.wcia.com | Traffic stop in Somer Township leads to two arrests | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/traffic-stop-in-somer-township-leads-to-two-arrests/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/traffic-stop-in-somer-township-leads-to-two-arrests/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Federation of Teachers voted on their new contract Tuesday night.
According to officials, 76-percent of Unit 4 teachers voted in favor of the contract.
The teachers were set to go on strike until an agreement was reached early last Wednesday morning. The board will vote next Monday to ratify the contract.
“It was a long road to get here, but I’m glad to see that a majority of our members voted in favor of this agreement,” CFT co-president Mike Sitch said in a news release. “We look forward to working with the Unit 4 Board and administration further to best meet the needs of our students.”
This is still a developing story. We will have more information tonight. | 2022-04-06T05:00:04Z | www.wcia.com | Champaign Unit 4 teachers vote in favor of new contract | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-unit-4-teachers-vote-in-favor-of-new-contract/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-unit-4-teachers-vote-in-favor-of-new-contract/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – The city of Danville has been waiting for this moment for some time. They announced they’ll be breaking ground to build a new casino on April 19.
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said it was “very exciting” to get the invitation to cut the ribbon that day. They’re working with local unions to do most of the construction work, so this project will open up hundreds of jobs – and he said that’s just a ripple effect.
When it’s finished, the casino is expected to open up 300 full-time employment opportunities.
“When I became acting mayor, this is one of the first things that the Director of Economic Development told me. She said, ‘Mayor, I think this season we have a shot at this actually happening, so we’ve got to be ready for this.’ We worked so hard, and so long and so quickly to find the right place,” he said.
He said they’re hoping to finish construction within a year. They’re projecting an opening date for March of 2023. | 2022-04-06T05:00:10Z | www.wcia.com | Danville sets date for casino groundbreaking | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/danville-sets-date-for-casino-groundbreaking/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/danville-sets-date-for-casino-groundbreaking/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – If you didn’t already know, you can now sponsor a flag along Vermilion Drive in Danville this Memorial Day.
The Danville Rotary Club has kept this tradition going for more than 20 years. For a small fee, you can plant an American flag in your loved one’s honor. All of that money goes to places like the Vermilion County War Museum.
“Well, it’s just a great way to honor someone – a relative, a friend who’s been in the military. I myself have several relatives… and my flags are out there every year,” James Kouzmanoff, president of the Vermilion County War Museum’s board of directors said.
He said this money makes up an important part of their budget. If you’d like to sponsor a flag, you can visit the Rotary Club’s website. It reads: “The flags cost $5 and allow the sponsor to honor someone special to them with an American Flag and card. The card can note a branch of the military and any awards they received (Purple Heart, Silver Star, etc). While most flags honor our military service personnel, anyone can be recognized (and many are).” | 2022-04-06T05:00:23Z | www.wcia.com | Planning underway for Memorial Day flag planting | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/planning-underway-for-memorial-day-flag-planting/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/planning-underway-for-memorial-day-flag-planting/ |
Odyssey Project gives educational opportunities for students
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Odyssey Project was started in 2006 by the Humanitarian Research Institute with the University of Illinois and it has helped people like Jessica Black.
The program helps low-income students take college courses that can help figure out what they do in life and give them a chance at higher education.
After high school graduation, one of the biggest students one can make is what to do next,
“I came from a socio-economically effected background,” Black said.
And like many students across the country, Jessica Black was not sure if college was in the cards.
“At 18 years old, I wouldn’t have had support from my parents,” Black said.
But, she still went from cleaning houses to becoming a full-time student getting her degree after seeing a flyer with the words “free college classes.”
“And I was like free, I have nothing to lose,” Black said.
That’s when she started the odyssey project.
The mission is to provide opportunities for students who have historically lacked access to higher education.
“We really want students to not have to worry about those things that often prevent them from completing their education,” Black said.
Alaina Pincus works for the Humanitarian Research Institute at the U of I.
“You don’t even have to have a high school diploma or GED to take an odyssey course,” Pincus said.
She says most of the students in the program end up applying for universities and get their degree just like Black.
“I’m about to graduate with my associates from parkland .and then I’ll be full time at the U of I in the Fall,” Black said.
Black says if she didn’t take a chance on herself, she would have never fallen in love with education again.
“I think learning that I was capable, and seeing the value of education, and the value in myself,” Black said.
The Odyssey program has two different courses that meet twice a week, and the Humanitarian Research Institute provides not only all the needed materials, but also dinner, childcare and transportation service.
Anyone who does not have a four-year degree or an associate’s can apply, and there are income eligibilities for anyone 18 and over. | 2022-04-06T05:00:29Z | www.wcia.com | Odyssey Project gives educational opportunities for students | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/odyssey-project-gives-educational-opportunities-for-students/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/odyssey-project-gives-educational-opportunities-for-students/ |
‘We never know what we’re going to face’: how police prepare for danger
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – Police often don’t know what kind of situation they’re walking into. That’s when scenario-based training comes in handy. On Tuesday, Danville police responded to situations in a building that’s set to be torn down.
This type of training is a hands-on way for police to practice handling realistic situations. Chief Christopher S. Yates said when they have the opportunity to use a building however they want, they can prepare for the worst.
“We train for every possible real-life situation we may be in. Sometimes we over-train in it, because we never know what we’re going to face,” Chief Yates said.
He said there’s just nothing like moving around real working doors, stairs and windows. They may be everyday objects, but he said they make police training feel more real.
“You always have an advantage of having an actual building to work on rather than a tabletop exercise or something laid out in tape or outline.”
Flashbangs and offender-roleplayers are details that add to that realistic atmosphere. Whether their training is scenario-based or theoretical, and likely or not, it’s all based on things officers will face in the street.
“You look at a lot of the training that we do, and it’s not to meet the minimum standard. We want to often look at what are we possibly going to face and let’s prepare for it.”
The tactical team worked on entry techniques and moving as a team Tuesday. They’re already trained on how to solve problems as individuals, but when they have space to move as a team, Chief Yates said acting quickly in a crisis becomes second nature.
“Because a lot of the calls that officers are regularly dispatched to – that’s training in itself. So, a lot of the time they like to move into areas that are more unlikely to happen, but whenever it does and if it does – they have a proper tool set.”
Police and fire departments often use buildings that are set to be demolished as training facilities. They can start fires, break down doors and face the kinds of threats that come with the job. And Chief Yates said it’s all to offer the ultimate protection and safety for the community.
He said any time they come across buildings on the demolition list, they contact the owners and ask to use them – as long as they’re safe for officers to operate in. | 2022-04-06T05:00:59Z | www.wcia.com | ‘We never know what we’re going to face’: how police prepare for danger | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/we-never-know-what-were-going-to-face-how-police-prepare-for-danger/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/we-never-know-what-were-going-to-face-how-police-prepare-for-danger/ |
SPRINGFIELD (WCIA) — After the season abruptly ended for Illinois basketball in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the team was still honored at the state capitol for their accomplishments this season.
“Anytime you’re recognized by the leaders of the state for something that a group of guys accomplished is very, very special,” head coach Brad Underwood said.
The Illini didn’t make it out of the first weekend of March Madness, losing to Houston. A tough blow for a team with goals to make it to the final four.
WEB EXTRA: @BriceBement talks with Brad Underwood 1-on-1 after the Illini were recognized for their Big Ten title at the Illinois State Capitol Tuesday. https://t.co/aSnfR5L9aC
— WCIA 3 Sports (@WCIA3sports) April 5, 2022
“Heading into the NCAA Tournament, we were disappointed with the lost to Houston, but again we’d accomplished so much,” Underwood said. “We were not healthy, we can’t control that.”
“Obviously the post season didn’t go as well as we wanted to,” freshman Luke Goode said. “We lost to two great teams, Indiana in the Big Ten tournament and then Houston in the NCAA tournament, but I think next year we’ll just keep fighting and get back to the tournament and see what we can do again.”
Underwood hopes to continue to build off this recent run of success after finishing with the most Big Ten wins over the last three years. He hopes that leads to a longer stay in the tournament next season.
“We had a great year,” Underwood said. “We accomplished so much. We dealt with so much adversity and I’m really proud of our group for staying together through all of that and bringing home the Big Ten championship.”
Andre Curbelo and Omar Payne have both since entered the transfer portal. With their departures, the team now will focus on adding from the portal as well..
“They were integral parts of us winning this year and we wish them nothing but the best,” Underwood said. “We’ll go out, and we got a great staff, and we’re going to go out and find guys that will fill those roles and we’ll move forward.”
The big question still left this offseason is if Kofi Cockburn will test the pro waters again, or return for a fourth season with the Illini. | 2022-04-06T05:01:11Z | www.wcia.com | Illini honored for title-winning season, but still looking for more on the court | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/illini-honored-for-title-winning-season-but-still-looking-for-more/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/illini-honored-for-title-winning-season-but-still-looking-for-more/ |
CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — In his first season in Orange and Blue, Art Sitkowski made a difference at quarterback before going down in his fourth start against Penn State with a broken arm.
The New Jersey born QB has been working his way back to full health since then. He is joined in the room this year by fellow transfer Tommy DeVito. Recently Sitkowski was able to start throwing again, but he is still not able to run through drills. Something that has been hard for the Junior to deal with.
“It’s frustrating. It really is, but I’m surrounded by really great people in this building,” says Sitkowski. “Great coaches, great players, great support staff that are keeping me positive. I know what the end goal is and that’s be ready for Fall camp. And I’ll be ready for Fall camp.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing him as a player, a chance to see that part of it,” says offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. “But I’ve seen everything there is up and to that point about him and that’s all really positive.”
No starting QB will be announced at this point of the year, but Sitkowski and DeVito will battle for the job come Fall. | 2022-04-06T05:01:17Z | www.wcia.com | Sitkowski slowly working his way back to full health | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/sitkowski-slowly-working-his-back-to-full-health/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/your-illini-nation/sitkowski-slowly-working-his-back-to-full-health/ |
ILLINOIS (STACKER) — As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a ’96 commencement address at Wellesley College, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” If that’s the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
Stacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in Illinois using rankings from Niche. Here’s how it breaks down: Niche uses eight factors for its rankings, with each factor given a different weight. A whopping 60% of the score is based on academics and grades, which is calculated using state assessment proficiency tests, SAT/ACT scores, and survey responses. From there, culture and diversity, parent and student surveys on their overall experiences, and teachers each contribute to 10% of the score. Finally, scores for each school’s clubs and activities, health and safety, resources and facilities, and sports constitute 2.5% each.
#25. Libertyville High School
– School district: Community High School District 128
#24. Evanston Township High School
– School district: Evanston Township High School District No. 202
#23. Naperville North High School
– School district: Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203
#22. Naperville Central High School
#21. James B. Conant High School
– School district: Township High School District No. 211
#20. Metea Valley High School
– School district: Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204
#19. Glenbard West High School
– School district: Glenbard Township High School District No. 87
#18. Highland Park High School
#17. Deerfield High School
#16. Lane Tech College Prep High School
– School district: Chicago Public Schools
#15. University of Illinois High School
– Location: Urbana
– Enrollment: 306 (306:1 student to teacher ratio)
#14. William Fremd High School
#13. Lake Forest High School
#12. Neuqua Valley High School
#11. Vernon Hills High School
#10. Glenbrook South High School
– School district: Glenbrook High Schools District 225
#9. New Trier Township High School
– School district: New Trier Township High School District No. 203
#8. Hinsdale Central High School
– School district: Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86
#7. Glenbrook North High School
#6. Jones College Prep High School
#5. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
#4. Adlai E. Stevenson High School
– School district: Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125
#3. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
#2. Northside College Preparatory High School
#1. Payton College Preparatory High School
You may also like: Best colleges in Illinois
A student works on a math book in a school classroom (Nexstar, file) | 2022-04-06T17:07:11Z | www.wcia.com | Best public high schools in Illinois | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/best-public-high-schools-in-illinois/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/best-public-high-schools-in-illinois/ |
HOOPESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A city official said the emergency outdoor warning siren located at the corner of South Sixth Street and East Elm Street malfunctioned several times by sounding without being activated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
By 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the siren has been taken out of service and the power has been disconnected. A contractor has been contacted for repairs.
Officials said this reduced the coverage area of the outdoor warning system for the southeast part of Hoopeston. They wanted to remind people that there are many other ways to receive emergency alerts.
Officials stated, “If you have a smartphone, make sure that your emergency notifications are turned on. Several weather apps will alert you to severe weather in your area. You can also sign up for Nixle text message alerts from Vermilion County and the City of Hoopeston.” | 2022-04-06T17:10:54Z | www.wcia.com | Warning siren malfunctions | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/warning-siren-malfunctions/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/warning-siren-malfunctions/ |
Community Counts: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Sometimes, all it takes for a young child to succeed is for a mentor to step up. Well, that happened when Darrel Plank took on a “Little.”
That’s what the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois organization calls the youth they serve in several counties including Macon, McLean, DeWitt, and Ford to name a few. In Champaign, Darrel matched with C.J. in the summer of 2021. Ever since, they’ve both developed a bond they knew they needed in their own lives.
“It’s been a cool opportunity to invest in his life and see his school journey and his commitment to academics and sports and friends. Friends in his community and how he’s involved with that,” says Plank.
Over time, C.J. began exploring more of his interests and experiencing a variety of activities thanks to his match with Darrel. They discovered they both love sports, math and trying new things. Darrel helped open C.J.’s eyes to a different world, like trying tapioca drinks at Bearology in town or blowing off steam at Elevate Trampoline Park.
C.J.’s sister also had a “Big” through Big Brothers Big Sisters for about eight years with Becca. Their bond remains alive today and it fueled their mother to seek a mentor for C.J., something greatly needed after their father passed away. Ambur Thomas knows all too well the value of having a positive example in her kid’s lives.
“I know how hard it is to get a male role model as it is. So I was extremely blessed to know they found someone that would be perfect for him. In our situation, because C.J.’s father passed away, it was a huge effect to know he’ll have someone in this community that will be by his side and take the time out to talk to him, do things with him. I know it’s gonna change his life forever.”
With the time spent on match activities with Darrel, C.J. has grown into a mature, athletic and brilliant student-athlete. He’s a straight A student at Urbana Middle School, and he plays baseball and does travel baseball. All reasons for Ambur and Darrel to be proud. But Darrel will tell you it’s a worthwhile investment, guiding C.J. with his academics and athletics.
Darrel is a student himself at the U-of-I and studies engineering, so challenges are aplenty. Still, he makes the effort with C.J. because he too realizes the impact it’s having. In fact, he’s witnessing it firsthand each time they spend time together. Now, Darrel can sit back and enjoy the potential C.J. builds on each time..
“I’m a full-time college student and I work. I have a full-plate. But it’s worth it to find that time to invest in C.J. and see the impact it has on him. I feel super blessed that C.J. Is a great kid and easy to be with. I think anybody would be successful with C.J. as their match.”
But C.J. is one of many kids in Central Illinois who need a positive male figure in their lives. Now that Darrel is present, so many other men are needed for those kids without. A need his mother hopes can be met quickly.
To learn more about how to become a “Big” for our young men and women in Central Illinois, click here.
For more on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois as a whole, click here. | 2022-04-06T17:13:17Z | www.wcia.com | Community Counts: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/the-morning-show/community-counts-big-brothers-big-sisters-of-central-illinois/ | https://www.wcia.com/the-morning-show/community-counts-big-brothers-big-sisters-of-central-illinois/ |
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, South Matthew Avenue between West Springfield Avenue and Green Street will close to accommodate with event setup for a University of Illinois engineering open house.
City officials said that drivers should expect delays in these areas until the streets reopen at around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. | 2022-04-06T23:26:22Z | www.wcia.com | City of Urbana announces road closure on campus | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/city-of-urbana-announces-road-closure-on-campus/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/city-of-urbana-announces-road-closure-on-campus/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup recently released the identity of a man who was attacked outside his home on Peppermill Lane early Wednesday morning.
The coroner said the man was 49-year-old Nzengeli Mfwamba. Mfwamba was pronounced dead at around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday at an area hospital.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate Mfwamba died from blunt force trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds to the neck during the attack.
This death is under investigation by the Champaign Police Department and the coroner’s office. | 2022-04-06T23:26:29Z | www.wcia.com | Coroner identifies victim in deadly stabbing | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/coroner-identifies-victim-in-deadly-stabbing/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/coroner-identifies-victim-in-deadly-stabbing/ |
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Grain elevator managers need railroads to haul grain to locations waiting for it, and they also need empty railcars so room can be made for more in-coming grain from farms. But Mark Heil of Prairie Central Co-op says that’s not happening
“We are seeing supply chain issues present themselves, and it is having an impact back on the grain elevator shippers, both the origins and the destinations of the grain that is loaded here in this country,” Heil said.
Railroads are pretty important to country elevators…
“Very, very important,” Heil said. “The modes of transportation, grain can go north, south, east, or west, on different modes of transportation and rail is an important part of that. Its feeding export markets in the Pacific Northwest. It feeds the domestic livestock industry in California. We also see it going to New Orleans and Mexico for export. And when logistics related to that are not working the way it normally does, it creates pressure on everyone in the grain industry.”
On behalf of Mark Heil and his colleagues, the National Grain and feed Association has asked the Surface Transportation Board, which oversees railroad operations, for help in solving the problems.
“If nothing else, I think its just the grain industry saying, ‘hey, its extreme here,’ if you start running out of grain that a poultry user or cattle user are running out of product and they don’t have any other options, it’s a serious event that is happening and we have heard more of that in recent weeks and months, than we have in times past,” Heil said. “And I think it was just a moment that we need some help here. The industry has tried to be a flexible as we can here, but please pay attention to what’s going on here, because its important.”
There is a lot more to this story, and you’ll hear it on our weekend show, Midwest Ag This week. But for now, that’s our report from the farm. I’m Stu Ellis with WCIA-3, your local news leader. | 2022-04-06T23:26:35Z | www.wcia.com | From the Farm: Transportation Issues | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/from-the-farm-transportation-issues/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/from-the-farm-transportation-issues/ |
GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Bayern Stube Restaurant is set to auction off many of the items that decorated its walls.
The auction will start on April 10 at 8 a.m. and end on April 20 at 6 p.m.
Fore more information on the items, visit website or the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Photo courtesy: Facebook page of Bayern Stube Restaurant. | 2022-04-06T23:26:41Z | www.wcia.com | German restaurant auctioning off décor: Date & Time | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/german-restaurant-auctioning-off-decor-date-time/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/german-restaurant-auctioning-off-decor-date-time/ |
Local pipefitter flushes out competition in state contest
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Plumbing apprentices from UA Local 149 based in Savoy under Davis Houk Mechanical were recognized for taking home the top honors in a recent statewide competition.
Cole Reedy, a 2019 Monticello high school graduate, won the top pipefitting honor in the state, and Alex Matlock, a 2015 LeRoy high school graduate, finished second in plumbing during the two-day competition in Rockford.
Reedy and Matlock are in their third year of Local 149’s five-year apprenticeship program. Last month, they competed against other Local 149 apprentices in order to qualify for the state contest.
For both competitions, they completed written tests, followed by a two-day project to test their abilities. Judges focused on their accuracy, technique and precision before naming the winners.
“We are proud of the work that our apprentices do and the recognition that Cole and Alex earned,” Derek Reedy, local 149 training director, said in a news release. “When we invest in our training programs, we’re investing in the next generation of local union workers who will be providing high-quality service to businesses and homeowners for decades to come.”
Now that he won at state, Reedy will advance to a district competition in June competing against other state champion pipefitters from across the Midwest in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
“Plumbing is something I really enjoy doing,” Reedy said. “With the right people teaching you, anyone can do it, though not many are willing to do it.”
Photo Courtesy: UA Local 149 | 2022-04-06T23:26:47Z | www.wcia.com | Local pipefitter flushes out competition in state contest | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/local-pipefitter-flushes-out-competition-in-state-contest/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/local-pipefitter-flushes-out-competition-in-state-contest/ |
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The State’s Attorney of Christian County recently charged 34-year-old Jeffrey A. Burdzilauskas with sexually assaulting a victim under the age of 13 in 2016.
According to officials, the incident happened some time in between February and December 2016 at a residence on Franklin Street in Taylorville.
Burdzilauskas’ bond was set at $150,000 (10%). His next court date is scheduled for April 27 for the preliminary hearing. | 2022-04-06T23:26:53Z | www.wcia.com | Man charged with sexually assaulting a child | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-a-child/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-a-child/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Between the pandemic and rapid inflation, Illinois families have been hit hard over the last couple of years. Today, house democrats unveiled their plan to provide a little relief.
The house rolled out a plan that specifically targets the lowest income families.
They specifically want to expand the earned income tax credit. That number goes up based on how many children they have as well. Under the new plan, 18 to 24-year-olds and those over 65 would now qualify.
They would also increase the amount of money everyone that qualifies gets from the credit.
The average family gets $500 from the credit. This increase would tack on an additional $50 on average.
“Research has shown that the earned income credit is one of the tools that can move people out of poverty and change their very direction,” State Representative Carol Ammons said. “And so we are here to get today really to celebrate.”
The democrats’ plan also includes a year-long suspension of the grocery tax, and a year-long freeze on the gas tax, meaning it can’t go any higher.
The historic Illinois State Capitol building is seen February 9, 2007 in Springfield, Illinois. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) | 2022-04-07T04:39:16Z | www.wcia.com | House democrats unveil plan for tax relief | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/house-democrats-unveil-plan-for-tax-relief/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/house-democrats-unveil-plan-for-tax-relief/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — There are 23 days left until the Christie Clinic 5K, 10K and half marathon races, yet they are still needing between 500-600 volunteers to make it happen.
It will be the first time since the pandemic that there are any races.
Jan Seely, director of the Illinois marathon, said there is still time for people to help.
There are opportunities for you to direct racers, or if being indoors is more your thing, there are jobs available inside the State Farm Center.
Seely said that it takes about 2,000 volunteers total to run the races.
“Volunteering is so fun,” Seely said. “You get the swag, the participants love you. But, you make it possible to do the race. We provide the training, the swag, you get this cool ‘C-U at the finish line’ finger to direct people. So, that’s a big area for us.”
The race brings in about $9 million in economic impact to the Champaign-Urbana area, and the dates of the races are from April 28-30.
If you want to run in one of the events, you still have until April 27. | 2022-04-07T04:39:22Z | www.wcia.com | Illinois Marathon seeking volunteers | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-marathon-seeking-volunteers/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-marathon-seeking-volunteers/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Open heart surgery is a scary thing. Every year millions of Americans are faced with the tough choice to go under the knife. Now, a newer procedure right here in Champaign-Urbana is changing the game.
When Jim Bier starts talking about gardening, he could go on all day.
“Gardening is a hobby,” Bier said.
He’s spent a lot of his life working on gardens. Like the one in his backyard and several at the Japan House on the U of I campus.
“I’ll be out there, I’ll be out there pretty soon, as soon as we get a good day,” he said.
For the past few years, gardening has got a bit more difficult for Bier to do.
“I can sit on a bucket, at least for what I was doing last fall, last summer, pretty much handicap. I could sit on a 5 gallon bucket and work in one spot,” he said.
Eight years ago, he had open-heart surgery. Then in December of 2021 doctors decided he needed a heart valve replaced. Now, in his mid 90’s, doctors said they were worried about him surviving another open heart surgery.
Instead, doctors at OSF Heart of Mary Medical told him about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR. The FDA approved it in 2011, and even more recently, a team to perform it was launched at OSF.
It’s a minimally-invasive procedure that meant he had a higher rate of survival and could live a fuller life.
“What I offered him was more of a quality of life than longevity. He’s already 94, but a robust 94 and still works his garden and so forth, and we wanted to let him go down to the sunset gracefully,” Ashraf Al-Dadah, cardiac catheterization lab director for OSF, said.
“I can do a lot of work, no huffing and puffing like it used to be,” Bier said.
Bier said he might be 94, but he feels like he’s 60. His only complaint now, his knees.
“What was done now makes me feel really much better than I have in many years at the moment. If I get my legs all set, I’m good for another who knows,” he said.
Bier said he’s extremely grateful for the procedure and being able to have it. Plus, the recovery time is significantly shorter. Bier was able to go home just days later. | 2022-04-07T04:39:34Z | www.wcia.com | Newer heart procedure could help millions | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/newer-heart-procedure-could-help-millions/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/newer-heart-procedure-could-help-millions/ |
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Just Hamburgers, a popular Paxton establishment, announced on Wednesday that they will be closing at the end of the month.
A sign was placed on the restaurant’s door saying that it’s closing for good after 43 years of service and that the owners will be retiring soon. The last day of service will be April 30.
“We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our loyal customers for their past support!” they wrote on the sign.
Photo Courtesy: Just Hamburgers Facebook page | 2022-04-07T04:39:40Z | www.wcia.com | Paxton’s ‘Just Hamburgers’ announces closing date | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/paxtons-just-hamburgers-announces-closing-date/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/paxtons-just-hamburgers-announces-closing-date/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — It’s the first time in three years you’ll have to file your taxes on time, and it’s coming up soon.
The date taxes are due is April 18.
Tax experts recommend filing sooner rather than later. If you can’t file on by April 18, you’ll need to file for an extension. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
One tax expert in Savoy said there can be penalties for filing late.
“I think it’s important this year especially to take a look at your income and see if you’re going to need to make a payment,” Mandy Dejarnette said. “2021 was different, a lot of the investments were doing better than they were in the prior years, so some clients are needing to make payments, that hadn’t in prior years, so taking a look and seeing if you have a payment due by Monday so you are not paying under payment penalties or interest if you make that payment after the deadline.”
As a reminder, Easter is right before the due date, so some people could forget to file. Again, file sooner rather than later. A service app can also show you whether you owe anything and your withholdings could be different this year compared to last season. | 2022-04-07T04:39:58Z | www.wcia.com | Tax deadline quickly approaching | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/tax-deadline-quickly-approaching/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/tax-deadline-quickly-approaching/ |
CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — Former Illinois All American linebacker Whitney Mercilus announced on social media that he’s retiring. Mercilus played for Illinois from 2009-2011..
He was a first round draft pick by the Texans the next year. He played with them until he was picked up by the Packers last year. | 2022-04-07T04:40:10Z | www.wcia.com | Former Illini All-American Whitney Mercilus announces retirement | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/former-illini-all-american-whitney-mercilus-announces-retirement/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/former-illini-all-american-whitney-mercilus-announces-retirement/ |
SPRINGFIELD (WCIA) — Sacred Heart-Griffin announced some new changes to their athletic department. Bob Brenneisen will become the next athletic director and John Allison is the new football head coach.
Ken Leonard announced his retirement in December. He coached at SHG for 38 years. Leonard has more than 400 career wins, the most of any high school football coach in Illinois, to go along with five state championships and three runner-up trophies.
Ken Leonard announces retirement after upcoming season
Springfield, Illinois (April 6, 2022) Sacred Heart-Griffin High School announced today, Bob Brenneisen will become the next athletic director and John Allison as the new head football coach. The announcement comes after Ken Leonard announced his retirement effective December 31, 2022.
Bob Brenneisen started his career at SHG in 1992 as the assistant football coach. In 1998 he became the assistant principal, a position he will continue to hold in addition to athletic director. Bob has also served as SHG’s athletic liaison and IHSA official representative since 2000. “I am both grateful and honored to be the next athletic director at SHG and I thank Sr. Katherine and Mrs. Rapacz for giving me the opportunity,” said Brenneisen. “I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Ken Leonard and Helen Dulle. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to grow an already outstanding athletic program that also values the spiritual aspect. We make no apologies for our success and plan to continue them. I am also looking forward to working with our outstanding coaches and athletes.”
“Bob Brenneisen has been involved with Sacred Heart-Griffin athletics for nearly 25 years as a coach, administrator, parent, and spectator,” stated Kara Rapacz, Principal. “His faith centered approach to personal growth, both with students and staff, will make him an excellent athletic director for SHG. Bob is one of SHG’s biggest supporters and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our athletic programs,” she added.
John Allison came to SHG during the 2003-2004 school year. Allison is currently a science teacher and offensive coordinator for the football team. While at SHG he has coached offensive line, quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends/full backs, and inside linebackers. John holds a degree in Biology and Pre-Med from Illinois College where he was also a 4 Year Varsity Letter Winner for football, team senior captain and All Midwest Conference in football. In addition, he has a M.S. in Education and Physics from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and served as assistant football coach at Edwardsville High School and Granite City High School.
Brenneisen shared, “I am personally excited that John Allison has been named our new head football coach effective at the end of the 2022 season. I have personally witnessed John’s enthusiasm for working with our players, his exceptional knowledge, and his incredible work ethic. We will greatly miss Ken Leonard’s leadership but I am convinced that John is the right person to lead our program.”
“I am very confident with John as the future new head football coach at SHG. John has been our offensive coordinator for several years and has been instrumental in all of our past successes. He
is one of the smartest offensive coaches in the state of Illinois. John has been very dedicated to the SHG football program for many years and will be a great head coach for years to come.” | 2022-04-07T04:40:16Z | www.wcia.com | SHG announces new AD and head football coach | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/sports/high-school-sports/shg-announces-new-ad-and-head-football-coach/ | https://www.wcia.com/sports/high-school-sports/shg-announces-new-ad-and-head-football-coach/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A 23-year-old man is facing first degree murder charges in relation to the death of 49-year-old Nzengeli Mfwamba.
Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz said Dominic Fortune will be in court Thursday afternoon.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Fortune attacked Mfwamba outside Mfwamba’s home, striking him in the head with a hammer and stabbing him multiple times. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head.
According to the Champaign County State’s Attorney, Fortune was involved in a relationship with Mfwamba’s daughter and the two had a child. The two had a history of domestic violence and Fortune was the subject of an emergency order of protection obtained by Mfwamba’s daughter and had been ordered to stay away from Mfwamba’s home.
The State’s Attorney’s Office will be filing a notice that they will seek a natural life sentence based on the exceptionally brutal and heinous nature of the murder. | 2022-04-07T09:09:09Z | www.wcia.com | Man facing first degree murder charges in connection to deadly stabbing | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-facing-first-degree-murder-charges-in-connection-to-deadly-stabbing/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-facing-first-degree-murder-charges-in-connection-to-deadly-stabbing/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — His legacy runs deep into Danville’s history. Now, people are remembering Nate Cunningham after his death.
In 1982, he was one of the “Seven Plaintiffs”, who filed a lawsuit against Danville that would change how the city runs today. Although he is most known for the lawsuit, he was a community man.
Danville’s mayor said Cunningham was his football coach in high school and a mentor when he became mayor. “Coach was a fiery guy, but he was a fair person and was always someone who required you to do your best and he wasn’t going to accept anything less than that. And I can tell you, even as an adult, he was that way,” said Mayor Rickey Williams.
Williams said he would not be in the position he is in today without the help and guidance of Cunningham. | 2022-04-07T18:43:48Z | www.wcia.com | Community remembers legacy of Nate Cunningham | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/community-remembers-legacy-of-nate-cunningham/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/community-remembers-legacy-of-nate-cunningham/ |
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Investigators are looking into a fire that officials said was intentionally set overnight.
In a news release, officials stated the call came in shortly after midnight Thursday. There was a report of a house on fire by East Johns Avenue and South 16th Street.
When crews arrived at the house, they found heavy fire coming from the windows. They launched their attack to the first floor living room and bedroom, where officials said there was moderate smoke and fire.
An investigator with the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined the fire was set intentionally. They did not say how it started.
This fire is still under investigation. | 2022-04-07T18:44:00Z | www.wcia.com | Investigators: Overnight fire deemed intentional | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/investigators-overnight-fire-deemed-intentional/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/investigators-overnight-fire-deemed-intentional/ |
University of Illinois hip hop education program changing narrative of the school
Lamont Holden, aka TheLetterLBeats & Professor of Audio & Recording Technologies at University of Illinois and Jarrel Young, Hip Hop Artist and MSW Student at UIUC, join us with details on Illini Anthem.
University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign not only has a #1 basketball team in the Big 10, but also a rising Hip Hop education program in the School of Music spearheaded by a few professors, namely Lamont Holden, (also known as music producer TheLetterLBeats). Professor Holden who re-created the school anthem alongside fellow alum Jarrel Young, is helping to change the narrative for the school as well as higher education as we know it. Please check out the press release below on the music video release for their take on the school anthem.
The University of Illinois School of Music Amplifies Diversity With New Anthem
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Music celebrates its evolution with a new tradition and an infectious hip-hop sound, successfully bridging the cultural divide while showing people how to have a good time. The Marching Illini’s Low Brass Cheer is a blues riff that has been played during Illini Football games for decades. Professor Lamont Holden took the instrumentation and added some Drumline-like snares, following the Atlantic sequencing formula to create the Illini Anthem.
Illinois alumni, Jarrel Young and Professor Holden, also known as TheLetterLBeats, linked up to make a sensational anthem and music video that is inspiring a movement. The song’s message was originally for the university’s sports teams, but its impact has transcended the university’s confines, evoking positive energy that bleeds into surrounding neighborhoods. The University of Illinois has become the desired location for education and self-discovery, producing graduates that make notable contributions to society.
“Other kids from the C-U community who look like me can see from their own eyes that you can be anything you wanna be. The Illini Anthem just broke an old cycle and created a new one all at once. My take on the Illini Anthem reminds me of a “New Wave. It was an honor to be a part of history. Being the first rap/hip-hop fight song to represent a Big 10 University is monumental. Being from Champaign, this anthem hits home for me”, states Jarrel Young.
Directed by Chad “Boots” Howard, the music video perfectly demonstrates how higher education is embracing people of color. It also illustrates the sincere commitment the University of Illinois School of Music has made to recruiting more diverse musicians and meeting their needs. Under Professor Lamont Holden’s direction, the music program has offered new courses in songwriting, music business, beatmaking and podcasting. The program has also added Computer Science + Music and Music Technology degrees and is on the precipice of more course offerings that speak to forging a career in the commercial music industry.
In anticipation of the anthem’s release later this month, Clinical Assistant Professor of Audio & Recording Technologies Lamont Holden said, “The anthem speaks to the music programs’ efforts to create an ecosystem of musical success.”
When Professor Holden returned to the Urbana-Champaign area in 2012, he had a vision. After working with Chicago artist Young General who wrote an anthem dedicated to the White Sox, he knew if he could create the right beat and find the right artist, he could craft an anthem for a concentrated audience in another part of the state: Illini nation.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF MUSIC – https://music.illinois.edu/hip-hop-illinois
The University of Illinois School of Music offers students a unique educational experience. It’s the best of both worlds—a highly selective music program within a world-class university. The program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career, whether fully in music or blended with music. The School of Music embraces cutting-edge innovation and discovery while providing an array of musical and engagement opportunities within the artistic and educational communities of Urbana and Champaign.
Details on the upcoming Hip Hop Camp can be found at the links below:
https://isym.music.illinois.edu/programs/isym-hip-hop/
https://youtu.be/TpOnWzvKA1c
https://youtu.be/JNNimiyQgd8
Scott Bennett’s office has agreed to sponsor a local student who wants to attend Hip Hop Camp. There’s going to be a contest for the best verse and they will win the scholarship.
Below are the links and QR codes to apply as well as donate:
Camp Application: https://isym.music.illinois.edu/application-process/
Camp Scholarships/ financial aid here: https://isym.music.illinois.edu/financial-aid/ | 2022-04-07T23:44:10Z | www.wcia.com | University of Illinois hip hop education program changing narrative of the school | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/university-of-illinois-hip-hop-education-program-changing-narrative-of-the-school/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/university-of-illinois-hip-hop-education-program-changing-narrative-of-the-school/ |
It’s never felt so good to say we’re back and ready for April and all the events and activities it brings. This is traditionally one of our busiest months of the year and this year is no different.
Kicking off the first of the major events on the horizon, the Engineering Open House returns to an in-person event tomorrow and Saturday. If you’ve not been, here’s what you need to know. This two-day event is put on entirely by the students in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. They plan demonstrations, workshops, booths, and events to highlight how technology is evolving and can impact our daily lives. It will astound you what they have accomplished as they show off in ways that we can all understand. From robots to an American Sign Language Translator Glove, there’s so much to see. You definitely don’t want to miss the very popular Tesla Coil concert on the Engineering Quad on Friday night.
Before we jump ahead to the next event, you should be keeping your eye the cherry blossoms at the Japan House. The “Sakura” typically bloom this time of year and last for a very short time. Thankfully, the Japan House has a Sakura Watch happening on their social media channels providing updates on the expected timeframe for bloom. When they’re out, grab your camera and go enjoy this scenic space before they fall to the ground.
Easter weekend is also upon us, so there are plenty of opportunities for the kids and adults to take part in festivities that weekend. The Champaign Park District brings back their Nite Lite Egg Pursuit for adults at Hessel Park with some fun prizes. Kids can head out the next morning at West Side Park for the Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt, or head to the Rantoul Family Sports Complex on Saturday the 16th to catch candy as it drops from a helicopter.
Another event making a triumphant return this April is Eberfest at the Virginia Theatre. This April 20-23, you can fill your days with overlooked films and discussions from the directors and actors who brought them to life. This year’s line-up is outstanding, bringing guests like Guillermo Del Toro showing his film, Nightmare Alley, Gilbert Gottfried with his film Gilbert, and Director Ramin Bahrani with his film, The White Tiger. There’s so many more to see so get your festival passes or individual tickets today so you don’t miss out.
The Illini Baseball team is hot right now, so catch them at home in the middle of their Big Ten season. We missed these games the past two years, so get back out and show them your support. Likewise, just down the road Illini Softball is in action with plenty of Big Ten action on the horizon.
Finally, we’re at the last event making a return after two years away. This year, the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend returns with all events except the full marathon. We’re so happy to see the streets filled with participants again and can’t wait to welcome everyone to the community. If you aren’t running or walking, you can volunteer and help cheer on those racing. There’s a new one-mile event on Friday, the Green St. Mile, as well as the 5K. All other races will be on Saturday, so be sure to sign up or volunteer! We’ll host the 14th Mile celebration on Kirby right outside the stadium with food trucks, beer and wine, and 90’s Daughter providing the entertainment.
It will be a very full month, and we’re here for it!
Connect with Visit Champaign County HERE. | 2022-04-07T23:44:22Z | www.wcia.com | Your bucket list of activities to do in Champaign County this April | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/your-bucket-list-of-activities-to-do-in-champaign-county-this-april/ | https://www.wcia.com/ciliving-tv/your-bucket-list-of-activities-to-do-in-champaign-county-this-april/ |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign Police were dispatched to the intersection of Paula Drive and North McKinley Avenue at around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday in response to a report of shots fired.
According to officers, due to the scene being in the right-of-way, a section of McKinley Avenue was temporarily closed while officers investigated.
Police said no victims have come forward at this time.
Anyone who has information related to this shots fired incident is encouraged to call Champaign Police at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at 373tips.com or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest in any homicide case, $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest in a felony crime involving a firearm and up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for any other crime. | 2022-04-07T23:44:28Z | www.wcia.com | Champaign Police respond to shots fired | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-police-respond-to-shots-fired/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-police-respond-to-shots-fired/ |
Concerned citizens ask board to consider saving Cannon Elementary
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Several people used Wednesday’s Danville Board of Education meeting to ask them to save the Cannon Elementary building.
Leaky school poses problems
“When you look at the architecture of the building, it’s a beautiful building,” said one of those individuals, who said both of his children went to Cannon. “It’s 100 years old this year. Isn’t there some way we can save that and preserve it for the future. Surely there’s a need for it somewhere.” He went on to ask if it would be better to preserve the building instead of tearing it down.
School district leaders unsure of future
The school closed several years ago because of excessive flood water damage. It was estimated to cost more than $8 million to fix. At the time, the District moved students out of the building, leaving it empty ever since.
Another resident asked to use various district funds to revamp the building. Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis said there is a lot of background to what it would cost to bring the building back to life. Those concerned with the cost and what money could be used on that building were put in contact with Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education John Hart to get that background. | 2022-04-07T23:44:32Z | www.wcia.com | Concerned citizens ask board to consider saving Cannon Elementary | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/concerned-citizens-ask-board-to-consider-saving-cannon-elementary/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/concerned-citizens-ask-board-to-consider-saving-cannon-elementary/ |
SHELBY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke announced Wednesday that a 39-year-old man pleaded guilty to one count of armed violence and one count of armed habitual criminal.
Officials said James C. Anderson will serve the maximum 30-year sentence for the armed violence charge, which involved the possession of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, and will serve a concurrent 12 year sentence for the armed habitual criminal charge, a truth-in-sentencing offense that requires 85% of the sentence to be served. No day for day good time credit applies in truth-in-sentencing offenses.
On August 29, 2020, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Anderson’s vehicle. Anderson turned northbound onto 800 East Road and then accelerated west-bound onto 1300 North Road when a sheriff’s deputy activated his lights and siren. During the pursuit, the vehicle locked its breaks, spun out and then drove at the sheriff’s deputy who was pursuing him. Anderson then drove back onto Route 16, traveling northbound at a speed of about 80 miles per hour, leaving the roadway at one point with the vehicle on two wheels. Anderson ultimately lost control of the vehicle and struck a fence and a building in the area of Olive and Vine Streets in Shelbyville. Anderson, another man and a woman then fled on foot with Deputy David Myers and Canine Hektor pursuing. Anderson ran to an area of tall weeds, was engaged by the canine and taken to the ground.
A subsequent search of Anderson’s vehicle led to the discovery of two loaded pistols, one a stolen 9mm and the other a 40 caliber pistol with 14 rounds in the magazine. Deputies also found and seized 182.6 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle.
Anderson served an 8-year prison sentence in 2015 for the offense of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and a 9-year prison sentence in 2009 for the offense of burglary. | 2022-04-07T23:44:44Z | www.wcia.com | Man sentenced to 30 years in prison on weapon charges | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison-on-weapon-charges/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/man-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison-on-weapon-charges/ |
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Seven Point CEO Brad Zerman recently talked to officials of the City of Danville, proposing an idea to build a cannabis consumption lounge on top of a planned cannabis dispensary.
In August 2021, Zerman and his team were informed that they had won a lottery to receive licenses to open a cannabis dispensary in Danville. They quickly secured a property located at 388 Eastgate Drive.
According to Zerman, the property would be transformed into a new two-story building. He said the dispensary would be on the first floor and if the City of Danville would approve it, there could be a lounge on the second floor for cannabis consumption.
The plan to have a new dispensary was approved last fall by the City Council. However, it has not been built, pending litigation against the state from people who did not win the lottery while trying to get licenses to open a cannabis dispensary.
“A judge said last month that eventually we will get our licenses,” said Zerman.
The new dispensary would be across the street from the Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary in Danville. Zerman has a good relationship with the owner of Sunnyside.
“We have ties to the community already, through Sunnyside. We have also been working with a local architect as well as my design team in Chicago to start plans on drawing the building. So, we thought it is a good time to propose the lounge to the City,” Zerman said. “You know…to know if we need a second floor for the lounge or we do not need the second floor for the lounge before we go further into the project.”
The goal, according to Zerman, is to provide the information to the City so they could evaluate the proposal for the cannabis consumption lounge.
Zerman even visited the licensed cannabis consumption lounge in Mundelein and talked to the CEO to see how they have been running the place.
“In the Mundelein lounge as well as the lounge that we propose, you would not be able to bring your own cannabis into the space, you would have to buy it from the dispensary or the lounge. That is one way for us to guarantee everything will be safe and lab-tested.”
Zerman stated that the lounge would look and function very similar to a bar. However, instead of selling alcohol and letting people consume alcohol, the lounge would sell cannabis. Alcohol would not be allowed.
“From what we have learned, the most common way to get over-consumption is by mixing it (cannabis) with alcohol. That is just a recipe for disaster. So, there would be no alcohol in sight.”
And there would not be any edibles.
Zerman said he understands people who take edibles sometimes are not aware of the amount that they take can be too much.
According to Zerman, the staff working in the lounge would be trained to ensure the safety of customers. In addition, he said people who plan on going to the lounge would need to make a traveling plan ahead of time.
Two hours would be the time limit for people to stay and consume cannabis at the lounge.
“Right now, we will have to wait and see if there is enough interest in the area to do this,” said Zerman. “I hope there will be enough interest.” | 2022-04-07T23:45:02Z | www.wcia.com | Seven Point CEO proposes cannabis consumption lounge | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/seven-point-ceo-proposes-cannabis-consumption-lounge/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/seven-point-ceo-proposes-cannabis-consumption-lounge/ |
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Friends and family gathered in front of the Champaign County courthouse Thursday calling for justice for someone they lost, and an end to violence.
His name is Nzengeli Mfwamba. He was hit in the head with a hammer and stabbed several times outside his home.
Authorities said his daughter’s ex-boyfriend, 24-year-old Dominic Fortune, is responsible. It happened at Peppermill Lane and Brookfield Drive just after midnight Wednesday.
Now, we’re learning more about the victim and the disturbing details of that murder.
Fortune had been dating Mfwamba’s daughter and had a child with her. But they broke up, and she even had an order of protection against him. That didn’t end up protecting her or her family when her father was killed.
With shouts of justice, and pleas in their native language. Dozens from the Congolese community gathered in front of the court house, mourning the loss of one of their own.
“We’re here today because we lost our brother, our brother, who was a good man. He’d been here for over 20 years,” Robson Kiynga, the vice president for the Congolese community of Champaign, said.
The prosecutor said before the killing, Fortune had been texting and calling the victim’s daughter. They said she blocked his calls and asked him to stop.
That’s when Fortune drove from Chicago and showed up in her backyard. The prosecution explains the daughter called him and told him to leave.
Mfwamba got home from work and confronted him and told him to leave. They said that’s when Fortune hit him in the head with a hammer and stabbed him several times.
They said later he came into the home with blood on his hands, her father’s phone and keys, and told her he had just killed her father. The prosecution said she panicked and he threatened her and their child.
Fortune started to wash his hands and look for bleach to clean up. He also called his father and uncle during that time. The prosecution said his father then called 911 and told them he believed his son just stabbed his girlfriends’ father.
That’s when police showed up, and after running through several backyards, they eventually arrested him with the help of a K-9 officer.
During all of this, she had an order of protection against Fortune. Courage connection is a resource for domestic violence victims. They said when a victim gets an order of protection, leaves the home, or starts looking for help, that’s when victims are in the most danger.
“That is when the abuser understands that they’re losing control. Domestic violence is all about power and control, and once the abuser knows they’re losing control, that is when it can get really lethal,” Osajuli Cravens, Director of Engagement and Development, said.
Cravens said domestic violence impacts everyone. The abuser, the victim, their family and friends and the entire community.
“It’s always hard to hear of a victim of domestic violence to be taken out by their abuser, and then for a bystander, someone that is caring for, and protecting a victim of domestic violence, and for them to intervene out of love, and then lose their life because of it. It’s extremely hard to hear that as well,” she said.
His family and friends said this should not have happened to Mfwamba.
“He was a man of peace. He wanted his kids and his family to live peacefully,” Kiynga said. “Right now all of our hearts are broken.”
The Champaign County Coroner said the autopsy shows Mfwamba’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Fortune is being charged with four counts of first degree murder. The judge set his bail at five million dollars. | 2022-04-08T04:00:49Z | www.wcia.com | Details of deadly stabbing come out in court | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/details-of-deadly-stabbing-come-out-in-court/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/details-of-deadly-stabbing-come-out-in-court/ |
‘People need to know, and they need to know specifics’: Students stand with Ukraine in solidarity
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)– University of Illinois students are standing in solidarity with Ukraine following the dramatic images and video that surfaced from the city of Bucha, Ukraine this week.
The Ukrainian Student Association is joining a movement Thursday alongside colleges across the country by holding a vigil in front of the Illini Union.
Larysa Brandys, president of the student organization, is a Ukrainian American. Her grandparents made the journey to the U.S. From Ukraine decades ago. She still has cousins on the western side of the country.
Brandys is thankful they’re further away from the conflict concentrated in the east, but her family is still kept awake by air raid sirens night after night.
Ahead of Thursday’s planned vigil, Russia was suspended from the U.N. Human Rights Council for “gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights” and “violations of international humanitarian law” during the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
“It’s just really sickening. There’s really no other way to describe it,” Brandys said. “Like, just to think that these people are being murdered because literally just because they’re Ukrainian, and it’s like, that could be my cousins, that could be people that I know.”
She said part of the purpose of gathering Thursday night is to make sure people on this side of the world are fully aware of the crisis across the globe.
“People need to know, and they need to know specifics,” she added.
The vigil will be held at 8 p.m. at Anniversary Plaza in front of the Illini Union. | 2022-04-08T04:01:01Z | www.wcia.com | ‘People need to know, and they need to know specifics’: Students stand with Ukraine in solidarity | WCIA.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/people-need-to-know-and-they-need-to-know-specifics-ukrainian-american-students-stand-in-solidarity/ | https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/people-need-to-know-and-they-need-to-know-specifics-ukrainian-american-students-stand-in-solidarity/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.