A Covington, Indiana woman died Tuesday in a traffic accident on U.S. 41

Indiana State Police said 72-year-old Anita Field died after a crash on U.S. 41 at the Indiana 234 intersection.

Preliminary investigation indicated Fields failed to stop at the intersection and collided with a semi-trailer. The semi-trailer and tractor overturned. The driver of the truck was not injured. Fields was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fountain County coroner.

The roadway was closed for approximately nine hours for investigation and cleanup.

Friday is June’s First Fridays Event – Sports & Brews from 5-8 PM in  Downtown Danville! This event features many activities for the whole family including live  music, food trucks, kids’ corner, and many sporting activities! More information here:  https://www.firstfridaysdanville.com/event-details/sports-and-brews-community-yoga 

Because of this event, road closures will occur starting at 2 PM and ending at 8:30 PM.  Vermilion Street will be barricaded from Harrison Street to Main Street and North Street will be  barricaded on either side of Vermilion Street to the closest alleys.  

See attached map for clarification. If you have further questions, please reach out to  Community Relations Administrator, Ashton Greer, at 217-431-2317. Thank you.

Danville casino prepares for opening

Posted About One Year Ago by Bob Iverson

The long-awaited Danville casino is about ready to open.  Danville Mayor Rickey Williams said the casino underwent testing yesterday and will do it again tonight.

 

 

Officals with the Illinois Gaming Board have been in Danville for the testing. They will have to give the offical okay to open the casino. The Golden Nugget Danville is located at 204 Eastgate Drive on the east side of the city.

The man charged with trying to burn down a Danville medical building that is set to become a woman’s health Care Clinic told the FBI he would try to burn it again if he had the chance.

According to an FBI affidavit and a release from the United States Attorney’s office, 73 year old Philip Buyno of Prophetstown allegedly tried to destroy the building at 600 N. Logan Ave. by ramming his car into it.

The incident, which took place about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, caused “significant damage to the building, especially the front entrance,” officials wrote. Buyno allegedly had multiple containers of gasoline and antifreeze in his vehicle, as well as matches and flares to light a fire. After the car got stuck, Buyno was trapped inside and could not get out. Buyno stated that he threw a gas can out of the window so the gas would spill, and he could light the gas on fire, but the can landed in an upright position. Buyno told police that he intended to burn his own car, along with the building, but he never got the chance because he got stuck inside and then the police arrived.

The building, the former location of Dillman Eye Care Associates, is due to be converted into a facility where abortions will be performed. The News Gazette reports Buyno told a Danville police officer that he is a “member of a ‘rescue group’ whose purpose was to prevent abortion clinics from being established. Buyno apparently talked freely to investigators, waiving his legal right to remain silent.

Buyno was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Urbana, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene Miller told the News Gazette that Buyno reportedly “experienced a medical event” at the Vermilion County jail before he could be taken into custody by the FBI. Buyno was subsequently taken to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. His hearing is now set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Buyno faces five to 20 years in prison if convicted of federal arson charges.

Brian Smith has been named Assistant Fire Chief for Danville.  Smith is a 22 year veteran of the fire department. He replaces Justin Watt who retired.  Smith will be officially sworn in at a ceremony Friday at City Hall.

Danville’s Public Services committee Tuesday approved applying for a grant that could be used in securing, maintaining and demolishing abandoned properties in the city. The city will seek a 750 thousand dollar grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Stronger Communities Program. There would be no local match for the grant.

The committee Tuesday also approved a grant to replace fencing at the local dog park. The Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation has awarded the city more than 69 thousand dollars for replacement fencing at Fetch Dog Park. The city will award a contractor 56 thousand dollars to replace the fence. The rest of the Hegeler grant will be used to maintain the dog park.

All of the committee’s action will come before the full city council next week.

A man has been arrested for driving his vehicle thru the door of a proposed women’s health clinic in Danville in an effort to burn it down.

73 year old Philip Buyno of Prophetstown man has been arrested and charged with terrorist threat, burglary, conspiracy to commit arson, attempted arson and criminal damage to property in excess of $10,000. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office are investigating the incident that took place Saturday.

Deputy Chief Josh Webb says due to coordinating efforts with federal authorities Danville police will not be releasing information about the incident.

According to a court filing by Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, Buyno “intended to cause and created a risk of death or great bodily harm by using his vehicle as an incendiary device to burn down the building” at 600 N. Logan Ave. The filing also states Buyno drove a vehicle loaded with flammable material into the building, intending to damage the building by fire. His bond was set at $500,000.

The damaged building used to house Dillman Eye Care. It was sold in March to an Indianapolis based Clinic for women that provides abortions. That news met with protests by anti-abortion groups, and on May 4 the city council passed an ordinance that would ban the shipment of abortion pills and other items intended for abortions. The vote was a 7-7 tie with Mayor Rickey Williams breaking the tie.

City officials say they had yet received an application for a permit from the buyer to renovate the building.

It’s a new day in Tilton, as the long time Mayor has stepped down.  Dave Phillips has been Mayor for 22 years.  He says besides Mayor, he has had a lot of other posts in Tilton.

Phillips decided it was time to retire.  The new Tilton Mayor is Billy Wear.  But there have been changes in Tilton’s type of government

Phillips is proud of the number of businesses that have been brought to Tilton.  He says the Village has always been supportive of business including what was done with federal COVID relief money.

He also is proud of special activities for the village residents including concerts, senior dinners and other events that have always been free.

It has been a good year so far at the Harrison Park Golf Course.

Manager Jim DePratt told the Danville City Council that improvements and good Spring Weather have brought out a lot of golfers…
 

He said there have been improvements to the clubhouse and the course itself this year. He said the golf course still has other improvement needs such as irrigation.

Danville’s Public Services committee this week will discuss a grant that could be used in securing, maintaining and demolishing of abandoned properties City wide.

The city will seek a 750 thousand dollar grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Stronger Communities Program. There would be no local match for the grant.  The Public Services committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Danville Area Community College  will host the 15th Annual Car & Truck Show on Saturday in the Technology Center Parking Lot at DACC. Registration is from 9AM-11AM for a fee of $15. Trophies at 3PM. The show is open to all makes and models of cars and trucks. The event is FREE for spectators.  The Car Show will be held rain or shine. There will be music, food and prizes.

The village of Tilton has a new Mayor. Billy Wear was sworn in as Mayor Thursday.  He has been a Trustee on the board. Wear will replace Dave Philips who has been Mayor for more than 20 years.  He has decided to retire.

Wear will serve as a part-time Mayor.  The Village also now has a village manager.

Danville police are investigating a Wednesday night shooting in the Aldi parking lot. Deputy Chief Josh Webb said in a news release that police responded to the lot at 502 Gilbert on a report of shots fired. Officers located a 23-year-old Alvin  man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he remains in serious condition. Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was meeting with another man in the parking lot when the shooting occurred.

Danville police are currently following up on several leads from the public. Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to call Danville Police at (217) 431-2250. Or call Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIPS

The Illinois House Transportation Committee has passed a Senate Joint Resolution, to honor the life and public service of Senator Scott Bennett. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Mike Marron.

The resolution now moves on to the full House for consideration after being unanimously approved in the Senate late last month.

In partnership with I-Grow of Vermilion County, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a diaper drive for Vermilion County residents. Faraci’s office is continuing an effort by the late Senator Scott Bennett to provide diapers to Vermilion County families in need. People can drop off donations now through June 2 at the collection box located outside of Faraci’s third floor district office at 201 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. For more information, contact Senator Faraci’s Danville office at (217) 442-5252.

The interim Vermilion County Public Health Administrator has decided not to take the job permanently. Jana Messmore said she decided she was happy as the Environmental Health Director  and decided to keep that job.

The Board of Health was set to name Messmore as the permanent Administrator.  The search for a new Administrator will now continue.  Messmore has been interim Administrator since Douglas Toole resigned in November..

Information provided by VCHD

As the State of Illinois and the nation reached a major milestone and ended Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations on May 11 that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vermilion County Health Department (VCHD) and NAACP Danville have announced they will partner to host a Health Equity Health Fair May 20. The event will be held in the front parking lot of the health department beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at noon.

“NAACP Danville has been instrumental in ensuring vulnerable and underserved residents of Danville have had access to valuable resources throughout the pandemic. It just makes sense for the health department to partner with the organization to hold this event to mark the end of the PHE declaration,” said VCHD interim public health administrator Jana Messmore.

Health department staff from every department will be onsite to talk to residents about the services that are offered at the health department. WIC staff will be available to offer information about the program and to sign qualifying participants up. Immunizations staff will be able to schedule students for back-to-school immunizations. Environmental health and vital records staff will also be onsite. Narcan trainings will be offered at 10:30 and 11:30. Attendees will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Indiana Beach.

“The NAACP Navigator Program, the Vermilion County Health Department and Champaign Immigrant Services of Champaign Urbana are still concerned about your health and well-being. According to the federal government, our grant will be over soon but we are still here until June 30,” said NAACP Danville President Edward J. Butler.  “Come on out and be with us on May 20. Thank you and stay healthy.” NAACP Danville will offer COVID-19 education material on moving forward after the expiration of the PHE and COVID-19 cleaning kits. OSF, Precious Time Pampering, Immigrant Services-Champaign will also be onsite.

The Danville City Council Tuesday honored some police officers for their bravery in saving some lives. Receiving Life Saving Awards were Danville policemen Damon Bellick, Scott Showers, Ayden Lamar, and Jared Greer and Vermilion County Deputy Seth Moody.

Danville police chief Chris Yates said these officers did extraordinary service. Two of the officers noticed a fire at 1228 garden Drive early one morning.  Knowing there were people in the apartment building, Yates said these men risked their lives..

He said other officers found a family trapped on the second floor and knew they had to get them out before a fire truck with a ladder arrived.

That family had been alerted by the 11 year old boy.  The city presented Andrew Dampier with a Recognition of Heroism for his efforts.

The Danville City Council has approved putting another 58 thousand dollars into a professional services agreement for bridge maintenance.  The service is being done for ten city bridges.  City officials said federal requirements and other changes are what has caused the bill to go up.  The total project now will cost 620 thousand dollars.

The council also approved an agreement with a firm to provide a study of compensation for city employees.  The study will cost nearly 63 thousand dollars.

The Council okayed salary increases for several employees.  Mayor Rickey Williams says these employees were past due for a raise.  The Director of Public Transportation will now make $85 thousand dollars. The City Clerk will make $75 thousand.  The Human Relations Administrator will also make 75 thousand, and the Community Relations Administrator will make $70 thousand.

The president of OSF Sacred Heart in Danville says the hospital is looking forward to meeting the community need when it reopens its birthing center in September. Tim Ditman of OSF has more.

Women who want to learn more about giving birth at OSF Sacred Heart can call the hospital at 217-443-5000. Women who want to get established with an OSF OBGYN can call 217-477-4718.

While OSF is opening the birthing center in Danville, it is closing the one at the OSF hospital in Urbana

2023 DACC Graduates by Country/State/Town

Andorra:

Engordany, Andorra: Maria Sobany Bosch.

Spain:

Leon, Spain: Candela Nevares Garcia.

Tarragona, Spain:  Laia Vidaller.

United States:

California:

Elk Grove, CA:  Kendall Taylor.

Florida:

Pensacola, FL:  Jason A. Kohlenberg.

Georgia:

Norcross, GA:  LaSonna Nirie Washington.

Illinois:

Alvin, IL:  Ariana R. Card.

Armstrong, IL:  Olivia Sage Logue, Loyal Ty Mabry.

Ashmore, IL:  Justin Blair Peterson.

Bismarck, IL:  Ryan Patrick Bostwick, Jakob Anthony-Paul Bozarth, Ethan C. Edwards, Haley Marie Hill, Dawn Michelle Richter, Trenton Daniel Spicer, Parker R. Stonecipher, Dianne Trimble.

Bloomington, IL:  Danielle M. Shuey.

Camargo, IL:  Tyler W. Benedict.

Catlin, IL:  Logan Rylee Appelman, Jaiden Anne Baum, Matthew J. Crawford, Naomi Marie Dolan, Susan J. Edwards, Hannah N. Guthrie, Macallister R. Hill, Torin Lee McHone, Grace Lynn Niedzwiecki, Rebecca Anne Rogers, Kayla Payge Russell, Makenzie L. Severs, Zoe Michelle Washkowiak, Emily Danielle Watson.

Champaign, IL:  Brittany B. Austin, Benjamin J. Dickerson, Michael Esteves, Isis C. Fortner, Fiston Mulenga Kanku, Bob K. Libekele, Maria Nicole Washburn.

Charleston, IL:  Ashlynn McPeak.

Chrisman, IL:  Skylar L. Buckley, Lindsey Anne Franz, Sydney Nicole Quick, Ty Anthony Woodyard.

Clinton, IL:  Stephanie Ann Peck.

Crescent City, IL:  Madison L. Hamilton.

Danville, IL:  Nora J. Abdelghani, Ronald J. Aldridge, Bobby T. Anderson, Amber Atkinson, Rebecca S. Balla, Adrianna D. Beasley, Molly Elizabeth Becker, Geneva Betancourt, Caden Reid Billingsley, Makayla Denise Blurton, Xitlally Bonilla, Nevaeh J. Brooks, Jasmine Dulove Brown, Mica Renee Brown, Michele R. Budnovich, Brycie Carnahan, Tannah Ceader, Chance Adler Clark, Rowan D. Clawson, Jeremiah D. Cooper, Deanta L. Crenshaw, Mariela Cruz, Cole Ryan Damilano, Mai Lin Davis, Paili Rose Davis, Jose Enrique DonJuan, Terri D. Duckworth, Sharain L. Dunn, Veronica J. Eades, Olivia Renee Edgington, Montavius Ty'Shay Epps, Jaclyn Marie Esteves, Stacy C. Ewing, Robin M. Farr, Brenda J. Fisher, Makenna Rose Fletcher-Champion, Shania J. Forman-Bolden, Selena M. Gannon, Brittan Danielle Gash, Elaine Elizabeth Gibson, Vickie L. Gnaden, Noah Jesus Gomez, Elisa Maria Goodwin, J'Nyia D. Griggs, Chloe L. Grites, Meghan A. Gross, Dalton Garrett Hagley, Nicole M. Hale, Katelyn R. Hanson, Carey K. Heatherly, Chemika J. Hemphill, James E. Hoopingarner, Cade S. Howie, Jennifer Brooke Huckstadt, Lexi Hudson, Jaydon M. Jefferson, Ginaveve J. Jessup, Maisey Nicole Johnson, Alyssa M. Julian, Jenna Ann Kingrey, Jessica M. Ledesma, Alexander William Lewis, Elisa Loredo, Antonio B. Luster, Harley Marie Makemson, Jericho T. Maniquis, Justin Tating Maniquis, Miguel Angel Martinez, Kalia Lashawn Mason, Kyra Jarise McCall, Janis Elaine McClellan, Brittany Lynn McCoy, Katelynn Niccole McQuown, Jaylen Nicole Merrill, Thia Marie Michael, Nate Z. Mikalik, Julieanna M. Morse, Aniston Elise Myers, Taylor S. Myers, Hoang Mia Tram Nguyen, Jose Sito Nunez, Aaron M. Olmstead, Evan R. Overley, Kayla Marie Peterson, Brianna Kay Phebus, Joni Marie Pollock, Cyrena Renee Rangel, Ethan G. Rayburn, Jerry Le Reed Jr., Chelsea Lynn Reeves, Kearby D. Robinson, Danielle Renee Rouse, Karlie Lynne Rudd, Ruth Salazar, Penni Margene Saul, Woodley A. Scholz, Rhiannon Paige Shaw, Tres V. Sillings, Maxeen Louise Smart, Tyler K. Smith, Julia K. Staley, Shawna L. Stewart, Dani Nikole Stimac, Raven Marie Thompson, Samantha E. Tomlinson, Yacouba C. Traore, Haziel R. Trujillo, Ethan L. Tutwiler, Janisha L. Tyler, Britney L. VanCamp, Danica Fatima Villanueva, Kayce Lynn Wagle, Cassie J. Warren, Madison Jax Watson, Benjamin George Winn, Aaliyah Laneigh Wright, Hilliary Anne Wright, Garrett Douglas Young.

Donovan, IL:  Brodi J. Winge.

East Lynn, IL:  Halie Carol Lynn Marie Selsor, Abigail Lee Walder.

Fairmount, IL:  Aaron Christopher Dean.

Findlay, IL:  Dirk William Bruyn.

Fithian, IL:  Codey B. McMahon, Jacob Speer.

Georgetown, IL:  Cloe Breann Amos, Fabienne C. Daulton, Noah M. Gordon, Haley E. Hoover, Jeremy Logan Lappin, Jacob Steven Maskel, Chelsea Renee Petticrew, Jacklynn Daleanna Taylor, LaVonte A. Taylor, Caleb R. Tovey, Hunter D. Way, Madison M. Wilson.

Gifford, IL:  Shelby L. Sollars.

Henning, IL:  Colton Lee Jackett.

Hoopeston, IL:  Charis Annette Allen, Alyssa Alwardt, Story Michelle Fenner, William O. Franke, Gage Adam Lee Hopkins, Morgan Keith, Lindsey Channelle Paredes, Otto Donald Smith, Mercedes Allison Stevens, Ryleigh Alexis Wardall, Michelle L. Weber, Tobi Christine West, Allissa Faye Witvoet.

Indianola, IL:  Mercede H. Addis, Journey May Clark.

Joliet, IL:  Lucas James Coyl.

Kansas, IL:  Lu Gong.

Mahomet, IL:  Ahmad Amad Al-Heeti, Gunner Dean Bohlen.

Mattoon, IL:  Raven S. Morrison.

Milford, IL:  Jessica Lee Hines, Adam Khan, Braidee-Anne Noelle Urich, Craig John VanHoveln, John M. Young.

Monticello, IL:  Jessica Lynn Evans.

Muncie, IL:  Braden A. Powell-Bryan.

Oakland, IL:  Isaac A. Miller.

Oakwood, IL:  Lane Allen Bensyl, Jarron Scott Fleming, Travis J. Goodner, Madison E. Helka, Christina Marie Hill, Isiah James Wesley Hoepner, Anderson K. Hohn, Raiden E. Jackson, Hayley A. Mascari, Kimberly Noel Montgomery, Abigail Natalia Peace, Grant Michael Powell, Andrea Rameno, Isaiah Robert Ruch, Chad Turner, Brevin Dean Wells, Greg A. Wolfe.

Paris, IL:  Scott E. Ricketts.

Paxton, IL:  Gage M. Grindle.

Pesotum, IL:  Melanie Nicole McFarland.

Philo, IL:  Kyleigh Joe Weller.

Potomac, IL:  Elizabeth Louise Birge, Emily Joyce Fier, Destiny Sabrena Fitzsimmons, Jayden L. King, Violet Grace McCool, Mason Allen McMasters, Kenneth R. Mizell, LeAnne Elizabeth Rogers.

Rantoul, IL:  Agnes Andretta Broughton, Latosha Ilonda Grayned, Whitney Hall, Takeisha Louise Johnson, Tina Lynn Myers-Kaiser.

Ridge Farm, IL:  Tabatha Avalos, Matthew Coleman, Whitney R. Cramer, Gentry Dayle Howard, Ryan L. Kruger, Savannah Nichole Taylor.

Robinson, IL:  Makenzee Legg.

Rossville, IL:  Adam Eugene Duncan, Natalie Jean Duncan, Heidi M. Goble, Jacob C. Gregory, Elena M. Harris, Hunter Allen Howe, Morgan Grace Miller.

Sheldon, IL:  Julia Marie Bushnell, Alexis M. Puetz.

Sidell, IL:  Dalton Lane LaGrand, Marcus G. Yeazel.

St. Joseph, IL:  Lacey Nicole Berlatsky.

Tilton, IL:  Cody S. Abernathey, Joshua W. Edwards, Sara Henderson, Dustin P. Hume, Samuel Jefferson, Cody M. Sollars.

Tuscola, IL:  Alexis Leigh Koester.

Urbana, IL:  Anika C. Ford, Katrina A. Gray, Vinie T. Mato, Audrey N. Mfulama.

Watseka, IL:  Noah James Martin.

Westville, IL:  Arron P. Benschneider, Caleb J. Brasker, Ariel Karen Clarkston, Emilee M. Eller, Chad Alan Hardesty, Hunter Michelle Lange, Megan Denise Miller, McKenzie D. Montgerard, Emma Jean Myers, Joella Amelia Ritz, Brody A. Sexton, Keely Ann Sonneborn, Michelle Lyn Thomas, Zachary C. Troxel.

Indiana:

Attica, IN:  Justin J. Davis, Kolton J. Pearson.

Boswell, IN:  Avril Abbegail Ignacio.

Brazil, IN:  Hayden Laine Smith.

Cayuga, IN:  Rylee K. Dowers, Ryan A. Johnson, Dylan Michael Nelson.

Coal City, IN:  Stephen Atkinson.

Covington, IN:  Alyssa B. Cheuvront, Dustin A. Cockrell, Kassandra Gale Lothschuetz, Kristopher J. Sneed.

Evansville, IN:  Savanah Grace Mattingly.

Hillsboro, IN:  Lauren M. Highland, Lauren Madison Richardson.

Indianapolis, IN:  Sahara S. Kubwalo, Dameriz Merriweather, Alexus I. Mobley, Maisha Roine Perry.

Kingman, IN:  Julia Blue.

Lafayette, IN:  Robert N. Livengood, Ashlynn McTagertt.

Mooresville, IN:  Blake T. Nigg.

New Market, IN:  Samuel Cole Endicott.

Osgood, IN:  Elizabeth Carol Ann Pavy.

Oxford, IN:  Randall W. Fink.

Williamsport, IN:  Ethan Wayne Hickman, Jordan Keith St. John.

Kentucky:

Louisville, KY:  Lewis D. Richards.

Michigan:

Homer, MI:  Jewelia Wolfe.

Inkster, MI:  Ahmoni Keith Weston.

Ohio:

Blacklick, OH:  Nevaeh M. Reaves.

Reynoldsburg, OH:  Hana Davide Isahac.

Wisconsin:

Sun Prairie, WI:  Carter T. Wambach.

==============================
 

FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Danville, IL:

Phillip Edward Howie

Criminal Justice Administration BS

Oakwood, IL:

Marlo Maher

Psychology BS and Communications BS

===============================
 

SUMMA CUM LAUDE
 

Danville Area Community College is pleased to confer degrees and certificates on more than 300 graduates during Commencement exercises on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 7PM in Mary Miller Gymnasium. About 160 graduates are expected to participate in the Ceremony. The event will be live streamed on YouTube for friends and family who aren’t able to attend in person.

Students who have a cumulative grade-point average of 4.000 will graduate with the designation summa cum laude and will wear a gold tassel, gold cord, and a medallion. There are 11 such graduates in the class of 2023 who will represent their class during the ceremony.

Marshals leading the processional will be Xitlally Bonilla, Rowan Clawson, both of Danville; Ryan Bostwick, Bismarck; Olivia Logue, Armstrong; Mason McMasters, Potomac; and Kyleigh Weller, Philo. Rowan Clawson is a dual graduate, receiving her high school diploma and Associate degree at the same time. She also has served as an All Star Jaguar student ambassador this year. Olivia Logue served as the Student Trustee on the DACC Board from April 2022 to April 2023.

Rebecca Rogers, Catlin, and Madison Watson, Danville, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Morgan Miller, Rossville, and Emma Myers, Westville, will lead the tassel ceremony. The class response will be given by Olivia Edgington, a Criminal Justice major from Danville.

Magna cum laude graduates have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.750-3.999 and will wear a gold tassel and a gold cord; cum laude grades have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50-3.749 and will wear a gold tassel. Students’ ability to be recognized at the graduation ceremony is based on the cumulative grade-point average calculated at the end of the fall semester prior to the spring ceremony.

The College will recognize two Franklin University graduates who have completed Bachelor’s degrees through DACC’s 3 + 1 partnership with Franklin. Phillip Howie, Danville, is receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Marlo Maher, Oakwood, is a double major receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a second BS in Communications.

These two graduates previously completed an Associate degree at DACC and then took a third year of DACC courses that counted toward their Bachelor’s degree before completing that degree online through Franklin. The program allows place-bound students to complete a Bachelor’s degree while meeting their family and work commitments at home at a significantly reduced cost compared to a traditional residential university degree.

State Representative Mike Marron has seen his legislation dealing with county auditors approved in the Illinois Senate.    The bill decreases the minimum number of inhabitants that must reside in a county for the county to be required to create the office of county auditor It was lowered from 75,000 inhabitants to 70,000 inhabitants.

The measure was an initiative of the County Auditors Association and Vermilion County as Vermilion County’s population has dropped below 75,000, as determined by census, and they wanted to maintain an Auditor. Marron said it was important to get the bill passed and keep an independent watchdog for the taxpayers of Vermilion County.

The measure was approved in the Senate on a 56-0 vote after being unanimously approved in the House.   The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk.

Earlier this year, local officials asked the public for their input in a survey on roadway safety needs for a Vermilion County Safety Action Plan.

An open house from 5-7 p.m. May 18 at Carle at The Riverfront, in a first-floor conference room at 516 W. Madison St. in Danville, will give an overview of this input, data and a strategy to reduce and eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries in the community.

Local leaders have been studying existing roadway safety needs throughout Vermilion County and are using the public’s input in developing strategies to improve safety.

Around 70 people are killed or significantly injured in roadway crashes each year in Vermilion County.

The Vermilion County Safety Action Plan will strive to achieve its goal of eliminating roadway deaths by identifying locations with high crash rates, developing potential improvements to increase safety for all users and prioritizing improvements to strategically plan for federal funding opportunities.

The public was asked to help identify behaviors and attitudes that impact roadway safety, identify traveling barriers throughout the community and develop community supported improvements to increase roadway safety for all users.

Identifying projects and activities that can protect Vermilion County residents, property, and critical infrastructure from natural and man-made hazards while maintaining vital services when severe weather hits will be discussed at the Vermilion County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meeting at the at the Courthouse Administration Building,  2nd Floor, 201 N. Vermilion St., Danville, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18.

“Severe weather frequently damages buildings, crops, roads, and other critical infrastructure in this area. Since 1968, the County has been a part of eight federal disaster declarations. In addition, there have been at least seven fatalities, 39 injuries, and $128 million in verified property and crop damages caused by hazard events in the County,” said Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency Director, Russell Rudd. “Identifying preventative steps that can be taken to reduce the dollar damages as well as protect public health before a natural hazard event occurs is the goal of this planning process.”

This Committee began work in October 2022 to update the County’s All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Committee meetings are open to the public.

“Other emergency plans are directed at responding after a storm or disaster strikes. With this Plan, we will identify actions that can be taken to reduce damages caused by natural and man-made hazards for each participating jurisdiction before they occur. This Plan also helps assure each participating jurisdiction is eligible to receive federal grant money for mitigation projects,” added Rudd.

Building community safe rooms, acquiring flood prone properties, resolving drainage issues, retrofitting critical infrastructure to better withstand hazard events, installing back-up power supplies, and developing public information materials are a few of the more frequently encountered mitigation projects in Illinois.

The Saltgrass Steakhouse, connected to the Golden Nugget Danvilole Casino is open to the public. The casino is not open yet. Taste testing of the food ocurred last week. the restaurant will be open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hours will be extended once the casino is open.

Golden Nugget authorities say officals from the Illinois Gaming Board have been at the casino and will be conducting some more tests. Casino officals hope to be open by the end of the month.

When the temperature starts to warm, so does the concern for allergies. But one condition – allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever – isn’t confined to spring. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare talked to a Danville doctor about it…
 

Information provided by Illinois Attorney General office

A Danville man has been convicted of murder in the 2021 shooting deaths of two Vermilion County teenagers. 18 year old Jaevin Griggs is the third individual to be found guilty of the homicides, which resulted from a drug sale and robbery.

Griggs was found guilty in the deaths of  19 year old Wyatt Bailey of Oakwood and 16 year old Clayvonte Sloan of Danville. A sentencing hearing for Griggs is set for July 12. Dennis Cooper and Camarion Halthon, both of Danville, were earlier found guilty in the same case and received prison sentences.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office prosecuted the case. According to Raoul, Griggs accompanied Cooper to Bailey’s home to  purchase drugs. Griggs and Cooper, who were both armed, robbed Bailey, who was also armed with a handgun. Griggs fired his weapon during the robbery, hitting Bailey and Sloan. Before fleeing the scene, Cooper shot Bailey in the chest as he lay on the ground.

A Vermilion County sheriff’s deputy responding to the shooting stopped Cooper’s vehicle as it drove toward Danville. Upon searching the vehicle, investigators found a bag of cannabis products and a gun stolen from Bailey. They also found an unregistered “ghost gun” that was used in the shooting.

To honor the life and legacy of the late Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure to name portions of I-74 the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway." This is a way we can continue to honor Bennet for decades to come, said Faraci. Senator Bennett passed away suddenly in December. Senate Joint Resolution 32 passed the Senate on Thursday.

The Old National Bank Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Danville Area Community College Foundation to advance the success of the Middle College program as well as the College’s associate-degree courses at the Danville Correctional Center. The grant will distribute $50,000 a year over the next four years to enable DACC to boost enrollment and support services for both programs.
DACC’s Middle College partners with regional school districts as a high-school dropout- prevention program. As Dean Terry Goodwin says, “The goal of Middle College is to provide a pathway to a high-school diploma for students who are at risk of dropping out. The success for the program at DACC has been unparalleled in guiding students toward high-school completion and beyond.”

Since its inception in 2009, DACC’s Middle College has enrolled 525 high-school students and has an 80 percent graduation rate over the past 15 years. The Old National grant will help DACC boost Middle College enrollment to nearly 100 students per semester. Another goal is to encourage Middle College students to attend DACC or other colleges once they receive a high-school diploma. DACC offers a $1,000 annual scholarship for Middle College graduates who continue at DACC in a College program. As for the Danville Correctional Center, DACC offers general-education courses leading to associate degrees for individuals who are within two years of being released. Graduates can then transfer seamlessly to a bachelor’s program that Eastern Illinois University offers. This past spring, enrollment in these DACC classes more than doubled to nearly 80, while almost 50 more of these incarcerated men are on a waiting list. Says Mr. Goodwin, “The Old National grant will help as many as 200 of these individuals earn a college degree and a chance for a better life after they’re released.”

DACC recently hired Judy Bowie as the director for both Middle College and the Department of Corrections programs. Grant funds from Old National will partially fund the director position, which is responsible for expanding enrollment for both Middle College and the DOC and for ensuring that every student receives personalized case management, tutoring, advising, and career development.
 

Ms. Bowie points out that both Middle College and the DOC programs typically serve people in low socioeconomic status. She says, “The average household income for our Middle College students’ families is $20,000 per year, which is below the poverty level. The men in the Danville Correctional Center also fit this demographic.” Old National Bank Foundation President Amy Casavant informed the College of the award in a recent letter to DACC Foundation Executive Director Tonya Hill. Ms. Casavant says, “The Old National Bank Foundation is proud to invest in an organization like DACC, which works with measurable outcomes to strengthen our community. Both the Middle College program and DACC’s educational support for the Department of Corrections are transforming the quality of life for students and for the community as a whole.”
 

DACC and the Old  National Bank Foundation held a “Big Check” ceremony to commemorate Old National’s $200,000 grant to support DACC’s Middle College program to help high-school dropouts earn a diploma. Shown here are the Old National Bank Foundation’s Amber Holle, Denise Crowder, Diana Wilczynski, Matt Smiley, OJ Harrison, Robert Smith, Lesly Flores, Dan Callahan, and Diane Hyatt. From DACC are DACC Foundation Executive Director Tonya Hill, Business & Technology Dean Terri Cummings, Adult Education Dean Terry Goodwin, and Middle College Director Judy Bowie.

The Vermilion County War Museum will honor members of each branch of the Military again this year on Armed Forces Day, which is Saturday, May 20 th . Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and admission will be free. “Our Allied Troops collection has just been expanded with the addition of rare British Paratrooper Uniforms from World War II,” according to Larry Weatherford, Events Coordinator for the Museum. “Along with the uniforms, we have weapons, accoutrements and artifacts to complement the collection. We’re excited that Board Member and Volunteer Ron Bolser was able to acquire this unique collection for our newest exhibit.”

There will be Living History presenters and re-enactors representing the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam eras. Weatherford said, “This year, we’re expanding our perspective on the families at home during military action. And we’re focusing on women in the military as well. We feel like this will bring things to a more personal approach and come closer to home for many of our non-military visitors.” Museum President James Kouzmanoff said. “We’re also planning to have some military vehicles on display including a newly restored World War II/Korean War era Jeep that belongs to a local veteran.” Tara Auter, a member of the Board of Directors commented that, “We always need volunteers in various capacities, and again this year, Fred Rinehart and J.C. Switzer will have a table set up for those who are interested in finding out about opportunities and/or to become a member of the War Museum Society.” The Museum is located at 307 North Vermilion Street in Danville adjacent to the Danville Public Library. Parking is available on the lots north and east of the building. The Museum entrance is at the rear of the building.

   

The following was submitted by the NAACP
 

The Danville NAACP’s “Pandemic Health Navigators” program has received six nominations for Community Health Worker awards from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Under the leadership of NAACP President Edward J. Butler, the Navigator Program relied on State funding to conduct outreach and provide services to Danville’s most vulnerable residents—especially those living in low socioeconomic status. The entire Pandemic Health Navigator team was nominated as Community Health Worker Organization of the Year, in competition with more than 250 other State-wide groups. In addition, five individuals received IDPH nominations: Latricia Caston for Community Health Workers’ Supervisor of the Year; Gayle Brandon, the group’s financial director; Jasmine Gonzalez-Jones, the bilingual communications coordinator; Mary Ann McCullough, the nurse and community coordinator; and Sabina Image Therenciel, graphic artist and marketing
coordinator.
 

Services that the Navigators provided throughout 2021 included house-to-house visits with residents in Danville’s most impoverished neighborhoods. As Mr. Butler says, “We brought to people a lifesaving message: that Covid can kill and that masks and vaccinations are the best way to save your life and the lives of your loved ones.” The group also provided support services in the form of free groceries, medicine, and masks, and they hosted a number of health fairs. Says Mr. Butler, “Our NAACP Navigators did such an amazing job during the pandemic that our grant has been extended so that we can participate in the Health Equity Grant, which expands vaccination education to underserved communities in Douglas County along with Vermilion County.” The winners will be announced at the Second Annual Community Health Workers’ Summit on May 17.

Danville’s Branch 3009 of the NAACP is located on 703 N. Kimball Street in Danville, IL 61832, and is committed to equity and social justice. The NAACP welcomes anyone who shares this mission. To become a member, call President Butler at 217-920-2825.
 

NAACP Pandemic Health Navigators participating in a 2021-22 health clinic and
distributing kits with personal protection equipment. NAACP President Edward J. Butler is on the right.

State Senator Paul Faraci passed legislation aimed at creating a hunger-free campus grant program.
 

“Student hunger is grave and it's crucial that we exhaust all means possible to aid our students in having access to nourishing and healthy food,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This proposed legislation is a significant stride toward resolving this issue and creating a campus that's free from hunger for our students. The grant program is an essential aspect of this legislation.”
 

House Bill 2528 aims to address student hunger by providing funding for grants to higher education institutions that have one or more campuses designated as hunger-free campuses. The grants will be used to leverage sustainable solutions, raise awareness of existing services on campus and build strategic partnerships to address food insecurity among students. The legislation also requires each institution to establish a hunger task force to determine strategies for achieving a hunger-free campus in order to be eligible for the grant.
 

Representative Carol Ammons (D-Champaign) sponsored this measure in the House.
 

Other states including California, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Louisiana and Pennsylvania have already adopted customized versions of the Hunger Free Campus legislation. Swipe Out Hunger reports that more than $100 million has been distributed nationwide through the Hunger Free Campus Act, with California alone supporting over two million students.
 

House Bill 2528 passed the Senate on Wednesday and awaits further action before the governor.

Danville’s Public Works Committee has approved putting another 58 thousand dollars into a professional services agreement for bridge maintenance.  City engineer Sam Cole told the committee that the service is being done for ten city bridges.  The work will include a variety of maintenance issues.

He said federal requirements and other changes are what has caused the bill to go up.  The total project now will cost 620 thousand dollars.

The committee also approved an agreement with a firm to provide a study of compensation for city employees.  Comptroller Ashlyn Massey says the outside firm will give a complete look at Danville’s employment package.

The study will cost nearly 63 thousand dollars.

The committee also approved a plan to update the location of stop signs, yield signs and traffic lights throughout the city.  A major emphasis will be near schools.

All of the committees actions will be reviewed by the full city council next week.

Two Ogden men died in  a single-vehicle accident Monday in Champaign County. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said  58 year old Douglas Stevens, and his passenger, 28 year old Keylan Henry, both died from multiple blunt-force injuries received in a crash on Illinois Route 49 north of Ogden. Police say Stevens was driving a Corvette at a high rate of speed when he lost control and hit a guardrail.  Neither man was wearing a seat belt, and both were ejected through the vehicle's open roof.
 

Henry was pronounced dead at the scene, while Stevens was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The investigation into the incident continues.

The Danville Police Department has announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19-30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives.

“Seat belts have proven to be life-saving in the event of a crash,” said Sergeant Andrew Brooks. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up. Worse yet, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that can be passed on to younger generations who follow the example set by their elders.” Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they are only effective if they are used.

While Illinois currently has a 93% seat belt use compliance rate, unbelted occupants still account for more than half of those killed in motor vehicle crashes. The simple click of a seat belt could save thousands of lives each year.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds.

Article provided by the Vermilion County Health department
 

Now that warmer weather is finally upon us, the Vermilion County Health Department is asking for the public’s assistance with the collection of dead birds to test for West Nile Virus (WNV). Each summer, the health department collects dead birds and mosquitoes around Vermilion County to determine the prevalence of WNV in the county.
 

Birds are collected May 1, 2023 through October 15, 2022. VCHD will be accepting a limited number of dead birds (5) for testing. Crows and Blue Jays are preferred but Finches, Sparrows and Robins will also be accepted.
 

Not all dead birds will be accepted for testing. Birds to be submitted for testing must be intact and dead for no more than 24 hours. Birds must not have any signs of decomposition (maggots, ants, strong odor, bloated or deflated eyes) and must not show any obvious signs of trauma.
 

In 2022, VCHD set 20 mosquito traps throughout the county. The Department collected 53 mosquito samples and two samples tested positive for the virus. The Department collected 5 birds and submitted them for laboratory testing. One tested positive for the virus.
 

In 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health, with the help of the local health departments, reported that there were 32 human cases of the virus and 7 human deaths.
 

The Illinois Department of Public Health says that most people are not affected when bitten by a West Nile-infected mosquito. Individuals who are over the age of 50 and who may have chronic health problems are most at risk from the West Nile virus.
 

To decrease your chance of contracting WNV, it is recommended to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. It’s also important to ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
 

In order to control mosquito populations, it is important to remove their breeding grounds by removing empty planters and containers (tires), keeping gutters clean, removing abandoned swimming pools and removing any ponding or accumulating standing water. Ensure bird baths are properly maintained.
 

To report a dead bird, found in Vermilion County, call the Vermilion County Health Department at (217) 431-2662, Ext. 5. Please call 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Additional information is available on the health department's website at https://vchd.org/resources/mosquito-borne-illnesses/.
 

Environmental Health staff will also be conducting tick surveillance this year. They will conduct 5-6 tick drags in various locations throughout the county to determine the distribution of specific tick species in the county.

Article provided by OSF Healthcare

OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart will open a new Wound Care Clinic on May 11 to
offer advanced wound care for people living with chronic, non-healing wounds. OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart has partnered with Healogics, the nation’s leading provider of advanced, chronic wound care services. OSF Sacred Heart
Wound Care will be located on the ground level inside the hospital, at 812 N Logan Ave.

It is estimated that chronic wounds affect 6.7 million people in the U.S. and that number is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb.

“OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart recognized the need for more wound care in this community, and is here to help provide innovative and easily accessible wound care to our patients,” said Ned Hill, president of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart. “By opening a wound care center at our location, we are achieving the goal of expanding our resources with more advanced technology.”

OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Wound Care offers an evidence-based, systematic approach to advanced wound care. A patient’s individualized treatment plan may include specialized wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy,
advanced cellular products and topical growth factors, edema management and/or non-invasive vascular assessment.

These treatments are the result of a team approach between the center’s physicians, nurses and the referring physician. A treatment plan is developed and scheduled based on the patient’s needs. Once treatment is complete, the
patient will return to their primary physician to continue routine care.

Additionally, OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Wound Care will be equipped with Healogics newest technologies: Clinical Optimization and Decision Support. These applications on Healogics’ WoundSuite platform, enable the critical connection between people living with chronic wounds and their multi-disciplinary healthcare team for collaborative, evidence-based, patient-centered care.

“Patients wanting or needing treatment closer to home will finally have access to a wound clinic with highly trained providers,” said Julie Welch, chief nursing officer at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart. “The valuable partnership with Healogics will allow our location to heal more patients living with conditions that lead to chronic wounds.”

For patients that are suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that haven't healed within a reasonable time frame this clinic is for you. People with wounds that have not
improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to the OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center Wound Care. No referral is needed, call 217-443-5667 for more information.

Local State Representative Mike Marron says a mistake by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Pritzker Administration is threatening the very existence of cirtical after-school programs in his district. An internal error in the allocation of funds caused the state to cut funding for local Project Success programs. Marron said this will affect children in need

--AUDIO--

Project Success recently notified the families that some programming would end at the conclusion of its summer program. Funding for one-third of Project Success of Vermilion County's after school enrichment programs has disappeared. The non-profit organization will have to cease programming at sites in Westville, Georgetown and Oakwood in August.

Project Success provides intervention services, mental health services, educational tutoring servies, and activities for young people to engage in that help them thrive and keep them out of trouble," Marron said.

--AUDIO--

Funding for one-third of Project Success of Vermilion County’s after school enrichment programs has disappeared. “Project Success provides intervention services, mental health services, educational tutoring services, and activities for young people to engage in that help them thrive and keep them out of trouble,” Marron said.

The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics collection event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College for all county residents. Residents are encouraged to bring their broken, obsolete or unwanted televisions, monitors and other electronic items to the collection events so they can be recycled. Items such as cable boxes, satellite dishes, computers, computer peripherals (keyboards and mice), printers, copiers, DVD players, fax machines, gaming consoles, laptops, PDAs, scanners, VCRs, wires, cameras, clocks, radios, vacuum cleaners and fans will be accepted. Cell phones will not be accepted.

The event is jointly sponsored by Danville Area Community College, the Vermilion County Health Department, and Keep Vermilion County Beautiful, and is open to any County resident. Residents will be limited to a maximum combination of seven televisions or computer monitors at the collection. The event is free but donations to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful are greatly appreciated.

24-year-old Jacob Lovell of Danville was killed in a traffic accident on Saturday.

Illinois State Police  said the crash happened in the eastbound lanes of I-74 near Oakwood. They determined that Lovell was riding a motorcycle when it hit a pothole and he lost control. He was ejected into the middle of the lane.

Officials added that there were two cars driving behind Lovell. The driver of the one immediately behind him was able to swerve out of the way. The driver of the second car, however, did not see Lovell in time and could not avoid hitting him with her car.

Lovell was taken to an area hospital where was later pronounced dead. The driver of the car that hit him was not hurt.

Eastbound I-74 was shut down for approximately two hours as troopers investigated the crash.

A ceremony Friday marked the naming of the Joseph Cannon building in Danville. The building houses the administrative offices of Vermilion County.
 

Former Congressman John Shimkus was the keynote speaker at the event.  While in Congress, Shimkus was able to get the federal government to turn over the vacant former post office to Vermilion County.  Cannon lived in Danville and rose to become Speaker of the House.  Shimkus says Cannon came from poverty to power through hard work.
 

Shimkus said the life of Cannon is a valuable lesson
 

Friday night a bust of Joe Cannon was also unveiled in the building.
 

Rep. Mike Marron was chairman of the Cannon Celebration committee.  He says the size of the crowd in the first floor of the building amazed him.
 

Marron and other speakers thanked the committee and the county employees that worked on renaming the building.

On 5/4/23 at approximately 2352 hours, Danville Police Officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Chandler for a fight in progress. While officers were responding, dispatch advised a gunshot was fired during the fight. Upon arrival, Officers located a 33 year old male with a gunshot wound to his groin area. Officers immediately began rendering aid until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim as Christopher J. Smalls of Danville. An autopsy is to be conducted tomorrow.

Officers spoke with area witnesses and a suspect was developed. Officers identified Brandon A. Buford 8/19/91 as being the primary suspect and located him near the scene. Buford has been arrested and charged with 1 st degree murder at this time.  The Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate.

Any one  who has information regarding this incident is asked to call Danville Police at (217) 431-2250. Or you can call Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIPS

Pictured: Brandon Buford

Repercussions continue to come into Danville concerning the vote to restrict the mailing and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs and paraphernalia. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday released a statement against the action approved by half the city council and Mayor Rickey Williams. The Governor said, "Illinois respects a woman's right to choose in every corner of this state, and the passage of this illegal ordinance will not change that. When I signed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, it codified protections for reproductive healthcare into state law. That law explicitly prohibits local governments from passing ordinances or legislation restricting abortion rights.”  The Governor added “I will fight for the women of Danville and the surrounding area to ensure they have access to the healthcare they need, and that this ordinance never takes effect."
 

Robin Kelly, who represents Danville in Congress, addressed the issue at a rally Thursday outside of the Danville Library. She told the group of about 75 people that she will fight the ordinance. She said at this point it has not taken effect and the ordinance has no weight.
 

She said Danville has limited amount of women's health care options now, and an ordinance like this could keep additional professionals from coming to the area
 

Kelly says there are some federal efforts in Congress to support reproductive rights
 

The rally was developed by the newly formed group Vermilion County Pride Coalition.
 

The Illinois Pharmacists Association is the first agency to act against the measure. The organization filed a formal complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It said the local ordinance has a direct impact on the delivery of patient care and practice of pharmacy. The complaint said the measure is in clear violation of Illinois law.
 

The anti-abortion effort developed when a Women’s Health Care clinic announced plans to open in the former Dillman Eye Center on Logan Street. The city council split 7-7 on the issue. The deciding yes vote was cast by Mayor Rickey Williams. The proposal will not take effect until a declaratory judgement is made by a judge.

Downtown Danville will be filled with special events tonight. The First Friday event will be Sweets in the Street. And there will be the official naming of the Joseph Cannon building. John Shimkus, A former Congressman who represented Danville, will be the keynote speaker at the event remembering former Speaker of  the House Joseph G. Cannon, Cannon served nearly five decades in Congress –including eleven as Speaker of the House. The program at 201 North Vermilion Street in Downtown Danville will include dedicating the Vermilion County Administration Building as the Joseph G. Cannon Building. After the ceremony, the public will be able to tour the building.
 

The Sweets in the Street will be from 5-8 p.m. The downtown area will be filled with music, bake sales, a candy cart, face painting, joyful bubbles, balloon animals, and a classic car show. There will be a variety of food options for sale. And the David  Palmer Arena will host the Market on Main with a variety of vendors to shop! In preparation for the event and to accommodate certain event activities, many of the downtown roads will be closed from 1-8:15 PM today.
 

The Cannon Celebration continues Saturday with a 5k Walk/Run’. It starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Vermilion County Museum at 116 North Gilbert Street. After the race there will be an Open House at the Fithian Home part of the Vermilion County museum.

Three new probational police officers were sworn into the Danville Police Department this week. Richard Robinson, Brandon Williams and Jered Cornwell are the newest police officers. They were sworn in by Mayor Rickey Williams.

This coming Friday is Sweets in the Streets, a First Fridays event in
Downtown Danville from 5-8 PM. In preparation for the event and to accommodate certain event activities, many of the downtown roads will be closed from 1-8:15 PM on Friday, May 5.

See included map for specific details.

Please choose an alternate route. For more information, please contact Ashton Greer,
Community Relations Administrator at 217.431.2317.
 

The Illinois Attorney General says he will not take any immediate action against Danville over the measure passed by the council and mayor. The proposal restricts drugs and equipment that can be used in abortions.  But the plan got a last minute amendment Tuesday night that said it would not be in effect until it is approved by a Declaratory Judgement by a Judge.
 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul said “After stepping up to the brink of open defiance of state law, I am relieved that the city of Danville heard the concerns I raised in the letter I sent earlier this week and those raised by fellow advocates. Ultimately, after a last-minute amendment, the City Council decided to pass an amended ordinance that, by its own terms, is not in effect.
 

I will not express any opinion as to ordinances the City Council might consider in the future except to reiterate what I said in my May 1, 2023 letter- that any attempt by the City of Danville to restrict the fundamental right to access abortion care is a violation of Illinois law and will not go unchallenged.
 

The Attorney General said in his letter to Mayor Rickey Williams, “While I disagree with your symbolic gesture, I am pleased that the residents of Danville continue to have the full and effective ability to exercise their rights under the Reproductive Health Act.”
 

Because of the amendment that was attacked to the measure, the proposed Women’s Health Clinic planned on Logan Avenue in Danville would be allowed to open. It would only be restricted after a declaratory judgement allowed the Danville ordinance to go into effect.  The Illinois Attorney General feels the Illinois law will win the day.
 

A crowd gave impassioned statements on the proposal at the City Council meeting on Tuesday.  Chad Baker was there covering the news of the event…
 

State Senator Paul Faraci  had urged the state’s attorney general to take immediate action against the mandate. He said “The government should not get involved in decisions made between a person and their doctor. People deserve to have access to reproductive healthcare free from infringement from politicians,”
 

The Danville City Council Tuesday night also acted on a plan to obtain a one million dollar grant designed to help the police department enhance violent crime prevention and community/police development. The grant may be awarded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity made available through a special house bill. The money would be used to create a Police Training Center that would be housed in Danville’s Public Works facility on Voorhees Street. It also would go toward improvements to Friendly Town, police equipment and supplies, and the enhancement of police/community projects.

Danville Mayor Rickey Williams cast the decided vote Tuesday to approve an ordinance restricting abortions in Danville. Alderman had split 7-7 on the issue. chad Baker has more.
 

After the regular meeting, recently elected city officials were sworn into office Tuesday night in a reorganization meeting.  Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. was sworn in by Judge Joe Skowronski. The Mayor then swore in new Treasurer Chris Herren and the several aldermen who were elected.  Alderwoman Tricia Teague was selected as Vice Mayor. Mike Puhr was named Chairman of the Public Works Committee and Rick Strebing was picked as Chairman of the Public Services Committee.

Danville Area Community College is offering Summer Adult Education Classes. These Adult Education classes are FREE!
 

GED DAY CLASSES

• May 22 -June 29; Monday-Thursday; 8:30AM-11:30AM
• July 3-Aug 11; Monday-Thursday; 8:30AM-11:30AM
   

GED NIGHT CLASSES

• May 22-June 29; Monday & Wednesday; 5PM-7:30PM
• July 3-Aug. 11; Monday & Wednesday.; 5PM-7:30PM
   

   ESL-English As A Second Language

• May 22-June 29; Monday-Thursday; 8:30AM-11:30AM
• July 3-Aug. 11; Monday-Thursday; 8:30AM-11:30AM
   

GED & ESL Online Classes are available upon request.
 

Registration and Placement Testing will take place on the DACC campus in Prairie Hall between the hours of 8AM-1PM, Monday-Friday.
 

For any questions or more information, please call 217-443-8782.

Danville Area Community College’s Community Education department is offering College For Kids Summer Camps 2023. See the individual camp information for exact dates, times and ages.
 

Camps offered include: Jaguar Basketball Camp, Sports Media Camp, Minecraft, eSports Action, Computer & Game Design, Welding, Art Studio 101, Explore Pottery, DACC Master Baker, First Gig Rock Camp, Jaguar Cheer, Music Mania, Leadership Master Camp and Lego Robotics. Camp ages vary from 8-18.
 

For a complete listing of classes with course description visit www.dacccommunityed.coursestorm.com.
 

To register or for more information call 217-554-1667 or email commed@dacc.edu.

The Community Education Office is located on the DACC Campus in the Clock Tower Center Room 106, 2000 East Main St., Danville.
 

Classes are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Register early to ensure you get the classes you want.
 

DACC Community Education

College for Kids Summer 2023

Register at dacccommunityed.coursestorm.com or call Community Education at 217-554-1667

June 5-8, 2023

• MINECRAFT - 10AM-Noon; CT-005; Ages 8-11; Cost: $80
• ESPORTS ACTION - 1PM-3PM; CT-005; Ages 8-11; Cost: $80
• WELDING - 8AM-Noon; Tech Center Room 139; Ages 13-18; Cost: $175
• ART STUDIO 101 - 10AM-Noon OR 1PM-3PM; Clock Tower Art Studio Room 011; Ages 8-14; Cost:$100
• EXPLORE POTTERY - 1PM-3PM; Clock Tower room 117; Ages 8-14; Cost: $100
• COMPUTER & GAME DESIGN - TWO Sessions: 9AM-11:30AM OR 12:30PM-2PM; Clock Tower Lower Level; Ages 10-18; Cost: $80
   

June 12-15, 2023

• JAGUAR BASKETBALL - 9AM-Noon; Gym; Ages 8-18; Cost: $60
• JAGUAR CHEER - 1:30-3:30PM; Gym; Ages 4-12; Cost: $50
• MUSIC MANIA - 10AM-Noon; Clock Tower room 003; Ages 10-17; Cost: $80
• DACC MASTER BAKER - 10AM-Noon; Bremer Culinary Kitchen; Ages 10-14; Cost: $100
   

June 19-23, 2023

• SPORTS MEDIA CAMP - 1PM-4PM; Mary Miller Room 300; Ages 10-17; Cost: $80
• LEADERSHIP MASTER CAMP - Noon-2PM; Tech Center Room 140; Ages 15-18; Cost: $80
   

June 26-29, 2023

• LEGO ROBOTICS - TWO Sessions: 10AM-Noon OR 1PM-3PM; Bremer Room 140; Ages 10-14; Cost: $100
   

July 24-29, 2023

• FIRST GIG ROCK CAMP - 9AM-5PM; Bremer; Ages 10-17; Cost: $299

For More Information Call 217-554-1667

Email commed@dacc.edu

Register online: www.dacccommunityed.coursestorm.com

or visit us on campus in the Clock Tower Center, Room 106
 

This is the official news head for Danville Area Community College. College news items received by media that are not on this news head should not be used. To connect media representatives with the person who can best answer questions about college issues, all inquiries should begin in the Marketing and College Relations office, 217-443-8768.

Accredited - Higher Learning Commission

www.hlcommission.org   Phone: 1-800-621-7440 or 312-263-0456
 

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Danville Area Community College

COLLEGE FOR KIDS SUMMER 2023 CAMPS

SCHEDULE & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Register at dacccommunityed.coursestorm.com or call Community Education at 217-554-1667
 

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MINECRAFT

June 5-8 from 10:00AM-Noon; Ages 8-11; $80

This camp challenges kids to imagine and create a cohesive world in Minecraft over the course of the week. Campers will plan and design a world around a theme, and brainstorm what it should contain, then design and build the structures and environments of that world. The level of this class is very flexible. Held in the eSports Lab in the lower-level of Clock Tower Center in room 005.
 

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ESPORTS ACTION

June 5-8 from 1:00-3:00PM; Ages 8-11. Cost: $80

Did you know that you could actually earn a college scholarship playing video games? Welcome to the world of competitive collegiate eSports. Come check out DACC’s new state-of-the-art eSports gaming lab. Find out how fun it can be to compete with a group of people using gaming PCs. Enjoy playing Rocket League, League of Legends, Smash and other games. Held in the lower level of Clock Tower room 005.
 

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WELDING

June 5-8 from 8:00AM-Noon; Ages 13-18; $175

Get hands-on experience in this high-demand technology field. You’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to be a welder in the state-of-the-art welding lab at DACC. Learn how to join two pieces of metal with a 10,000°F arc! This camp is perfect for 4H students wanting to submit a welding project for the fair. All necessary criteria will be met. Take home all of your creations. Held at the Technology Center Room 139.
 

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 ART STUDIO 101

June 5-8 from 10:00AM-Noon OR 1:00-3:00PM; Ages 8-14; $100

Have fun in the Danville Area Community College art studio while exploring a range of media and techniques. This week-long camp is designed for inspiring artists who want to explore different mediums. Bring your creative spirit and enjoy a week of creating art. Held in the Clock Tower Art Studio Room 011.
 

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EXPLORE POTTERY

June 5-8 from 1:00-3:00PM; Ages 8-14; $100

Wrap your hands around a three-dimensional project that you completely design and create. Learn basic skills for sculpting and manipulating clay with pinch, coiling, and slab techniques. All work will be glazed and fired in the kiln. All pieces will need to be picked up at a later date. Located in Clock Tower room 117.
 

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COMPUTER & GAME DESIGN

June 5-8: TWO Sessions 9:00-11:30AM OR 12:30-2:00PM; Ages 10-18; $80

Are you interested in learning how to design and develop video games? Then join us for this series of classes and learn how to create video games from the ground up. Use the Unity Engine to create your project and learn the basics of C# programming language to write basic game logic. Create simple 2D animation using premade art and learn basic game design principles to incorporate into your game. Each level in this series of classes you will build upon existing knowledge so the classes must be taken in sequence. Held in Clock Tower Lower Level.
 

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JAGUAR BASKETBALL

June 12-15 from 9:00AM-Noon; Ages 8-18. Cost: $60

Students will be broken up into groups based on skill level. Work on all the fundamentals of basketball: including shooting, passing, defense, dribbling, rules of the game, and good sportsmanship. Held in the gym at Mary Miller.
 

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JAGUAR CHEER

June 12-15 from 1:30-3:30PM; Ages 4-12; $50

Join us for a week long mini cheerleading camp. Campers will receive a free t-shirt! The campers will learn a cheer, dance, stunt and work on tumbling! They will create friendships and have fun all week long! On the last day of camp the mini cheerleaders will perform a full routine for families! There will be camp bows for purchase as well! We can't wait to cheer with you! Held in Mary Miller Gym.
 

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MUSIC MANIA

June 12-15 from 10:00AM-Noon; Ages 10-17; $80

Learn the basics of blending songs and making beats while learning the business and technical side of what it takes to be a working DJ. Campers will each get hands-on experience working with DJ controllers and Serato Pro. We will be discussing all avenues of DJing from club work, public events, parties, radio and sporting events. Each camper will get their own DJ rig to use for the week. Held in Clock Tower room 003.
 

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DACC MASTER BAKER

June 12-15 from 10:00AM-Noon; Ages 10-14; $100

You’ve watched the kids baking championship on TV and now it’s your turn to get into the kitchen and start baking. You will learn how to create delicious sweet treats along with some decorating tricks. When you take the skills, tips, and tricks you learn during this camp you’ll be on your way to becoming a master baker. Held in Bremer Conference Center Culinary Kitchen.
 

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SPORTS MEDIA CAMP

June 19-23 from 1:00-4:00PM; Ages 10-17; $80

It all starts here, a career in the Sports Media Business. Participants will be instructed by members of the Neuhoff Media staff with special guests coming from the biggest jobs in broadcasting and digital sports media. Start with getting experience behind the sports desk, doing teleprompter work, and editing video footage. Held in Mary Miller Room 300.
 

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LEADERSHIP MASTER CAMP

June 19-22 from Noon-2:00PM; Ages 15-18; $80

Get ready to unleash the power within. This interactive seminar will give you the skills you need to build confidence, conquer your fears, and create the life of your dreams. Using scientifically proven principles of communication, you will learn what it takes to become a powerful leader and attract success with ease. Guided by your expert coach, you will be taught to master the simple techniques of removing limiting beliefs and replacing them with a better understanding of yourself and your purpose. If you’re ready to achieve personal and professional growth along with advanced career readiness training that will last a life time, this inspiring and transformational experience will be held in the Technology Center Room 140.
 

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LEGO ROBOTICS

June 26-29: TWO Sessions 10:00AM-Noon OR 1:00-3:00PM; Ages 10-14; $100

If you're a Lego Maniac this camp is made just for you! You will start by following detailed instructions on building a Lego robot which you will also program. Once you get an understanding of how it all works you will work on customized your robot making it one-of-a-kind which you'll enter into the classes' robot wars. You will customize and program your robot and battle your way to classroom domination. Bremer Conference Center Room 140.
 

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FIRST GIG ROCK CAMP
July 24-29 from 9:00AM-5:00PM; Ages 10-17; $299
Do you have a desire to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns, or be a lead vocalist then this camp is perfect for you. You don’t have to be an expert or even have played before. You will be taught everything you need to know to perform live on stage. Your first gig will be held on the last day of camp. All participants will be working with professional musicians who have worked in their specific discipline for years. Held in Bremer Conference Center on campus.
 

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The Illinois Attorney General has written a letter to the Mayor of Danville urging the city not to approve a proposed ordinance.  The proposal seeks to ban abortion in the city by not allowing the delivery or use of medicine or equipment that can be used in abortions.
 

The measure is on the agenda for Tuesday's city council meeting.
 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul reminds Danville that the Reproductive Health Act recognizes a fundamental right to abortion in Illinois and prohibits government from infringing on that right. The law specifically limits home rule municipality powers: a municipality may not regulate an individual’s ability to freely exercise the fundamental right to an abortion in a manner more restrictive than that set forth in the Reproductive Health Act. Raoul says state law expressly preempts Danville’s home rule authority to enact the proposed ordinance. He says enacting the proposed ordinance risks considerable legal liability and expenses for Danville. Legal action can be brought against any governmental official or entity  that attempts to deny, restrict, interfere with, or discriminate against an individual’s exercise of the fundamental rights set forth in the Act, according to Raoul,
 

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office will continue to closely monitor the status of the proposed ordinance and stands ready to take appropriate action to ensure that Illinois law, including the Reproductive Health Act, is adhered to by Danville and its elected officials.

Those making the proposal say that federal laws could be adhered to instead of state laws. An organization and attorney from Texas says it will provide legal serves to defend the proposal.
 

A large crowd of supporters of both sides of the proposal are expected at tonight’s city council meeting.  The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m. After that meeting there will be a reorganization meeting to swear in recently elected city officials and make committee assignments.

A pile up on Interstate 55 in Central Illinois yesterday  claimed multiple lives.
 

Wind driven dust off of farm fields created a zero visibility situation around Farmersville causing more than 80 vehicles to crash according to the Illinois State Police. Six people have died and More than 30 people were transported to four local hospitals, with Injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.  Two semi-trucks caught fire in the crash. Illinois State Police Major Ryan Starrick says the Interstate highway was closed in both directions for some 17 miles because of the crash.
 

Starrick says Troopers and other first responders have canvassed the area and believe that everyone has been accounted for.
 

State Plice say the first set of crashes happened on the northbound lanes and then vehicles began to pile-up on the southbound lanes.

The following is provided by OSF Healthcare
 

May marks National Stroke Awareness Month. Teaching the signs of a stroke is critical to save lives. But OSF HealthCare is going further for people who have suffered a stroke with Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug that experts say stands to become the gold standard for acute stroke care.
 

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year.
 

Strokes can have life-altering consequences like vision, walking and swallowing difficulties. They also rank in the top five killers of Americans. For each minute a stroke goes untreated, the brain loses around 2 million cells it cannot recover.

"Getting to the hospital quickly – within four and a half hours of your onset of symptoms – is important," says Leslie Ingold, a registered nurse and stroke coordinator with OSF HealthCare for both Vermilion an Champaign Counties.

A cutting-edge stroke drug recently rolled out at OSF HealthCare is already turning the tide for people.
 

Tenecteplase (TNKase ®) can be used in people experiencing a stroke and who meet certain criteria, such as a specific blood pressure, history of brain bleeds, medications taken at home and how quickly they arrived at the emergency department. TNKase is a clot-busting agent that stands to become the gold standard of this type of care, Ingold says.
 

"It has a lower cost. It’s something providers can mix much, much quicker," Ingold says. "And it’s given quickly in an IV push over five to 10 seconds, and we’re done."
 

TNKase also does a better job than its predecessor at finding and breaking up clots, and there’s a lower risk of bleeding.
 

"The quicker we can get oxygen flowing back into that brain tissue, the better recovery the person is going to have," Ingold says.

The following is provided by the Illinois Attorney General's office
 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after sending a letter to the mayor of Danville, Illinois regarding a proposed city ordinance that, if enacted, would violate state law.
 

“Today, I sent a letter to the mayor of Danville urging the city to reject a proposed ordinance that would violate the Illinois Reproductive Health Act by purporting to ban or severely limit access to abortion care in the city of Danville.

“The Reproductive Health Act enshrines the fundamental rights of individuals to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health. The act clearly states that units of local government cannot limit abortion rights, and Danville has no authority under Illinois law to enact a municipal abortion ban.
 

“ The ordinance proposed in Danville violates state law. I am calling upon the city’s elected officials to refrain from passing or attempting to enforce this unlawful ordinance and avoid exposing the city and taxpayers to unnecessary and potentially costly legal liability.
 

“Illinois law could not be clearer. Our state is a proud safe haven for access to reproductive health care that respects bodily autonomy and fundamental rights. I will continue to stand up for the rights of everyone in Illinois to access reproductive health care, and my office stands ready to take appropriate action to uphold Illinois law.”