News provided by Danville Police Department

The Danville Police Department in cooperation with the following agencies, will be conducting a large-scale critical incident training scenario at Danville Highs School on Thursday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. Agencies or businesses partnering or attending are The Danville Fire Department, City of Danville Street Department, Danville Mass Transit, 911 Communications, Carle Ambulance, AMT Ambulance, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville School District 118, The Salvation Army, Vermilion County Health Department, Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency, Vermilion County Coroner’s Office, and possibly some Vermilion County Volunteer Fire and Ambulance agencies.

The public and community should expect to see several emergency vehicles and first responders in the area of Danville High School at 202 E. Fairchild St. during this scenario. For safety and training purposes, the Danville Police Department would request the public to stay clear of the area. As we attempt to enhance the quality of life and safety for District 118 and our community, the Danville Police Department will continue to train, collaborate, and partner with as many agencies as possible as we continue to strive to be an efficient and professional police department. The alliance we have built with this list of agencies is valuable beyond measure.

Information supplied by State's Attorney

Lengthy prison sentences have been naded down in two local cases.

Earl Mikell, formerly of Danville, was sentenced by Judge Derek Girton, on July 26 to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, a class X felony. This sentence must be served at 85%. Once released from prison, Mikell will serve a term of mandatory supervised release from 3 years to life, to be determined by the Prison Review Board. Between the dates of February 14, 2011 and February 14, 2012, Earl Mikell, for his own sexual gratification, used his hands to make physical contact with the sex organ of the minor victim, who at the time was under the age of 13.

On July 26, Rachel Sims, formerly of Danville, IL pleaded guilty to charges of Robbery and Identity Theft. The Honorable Derek J. Girton sentenced Rachel Sims to a total of 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; eight years for the offense of Robbery, and four years for the offense of Identity Theft. These terms are to be served consecutively.

On July 29, 2021, after having been previously convicted of Identity Theft, Rachel Sims took a relative’s Illinois Department of Employment Security unemployment card without permission and used that identification to obtain various goods in the Danville area. While out on bond for this offense, on March 12, 2023, Rachel Sims lured a man out of a bar in Danville, Illinois, and while outside, forcibly took the man’s wallet, containing multiple credit cards and cash.

The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting that occurred over the weekend. At approximately 1:00AM on Sunday, July 30, deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim outside of a residence on East 11th Street in South Danville. Upon arrival, a 17 year old male was located with a single gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an Urbana hospital for treatment. The investigation identified a 17 year old male as the suspect in the shooting. A warrant was issued for the suspect on Sunday morning, charging him with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. The suspect was located in Vigo County Indiana on Sunday morning and taken into custody. Names of the individuals involved will not be released at this time, as both are juveniles. 

Captain Michael Hartshorn, Chief Investigator 

Supplied by American Legion

The 9th annual American Legion State Golf Tournament will be held in Danville

on August 5 th & 6 th at Harrison Park Golf Course and Turtle Run Golf Club.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 AM Saturday, Aug 6 at Harrison Park Golf

Course. The American Legion Riders will be present and there will be presentation of colors, and National Anthem. The Danville American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard and other area Post Honor Guards will present the colors.

The $130.00 entry fee includes Saturday and Sunday rounds, cart fees, a tee prize,

Saturday Dinner, and prize money (in the form of Golf Shop credit). Entry limited to 54 teams, registration accepted if availability. Please call Danville Area Visitors’ Bureau at 800-383-4386 to get signed up.

Online registration is available at https://www.alstategolf.com.

Organizers ask that 1 player in each foursome be an American Legion Member in

good standing, or members of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or active military. Format is a four-person scramble.

Play will begin at 9 AM at both Harrison Park and Turtle Run on Day One. Golfers will switch courses on Day Two with a shotgun start at 9 AM.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to support Veteran charities.

News supplied by Rep. Marron

State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) oday announced he will not seek reelection, 

“Serving the citizens of Vermilion and Champaign Counties in the General Assembly has been a great honor. I’ve appreciated all the support from the constituents of the 104th and the partnerships we’ve built from my days as Vermilion County Board Chairman to my time in the State House. I feel lucky to have been part of a team that accomplished some good things over those years. My favorite part of the job was always helping constituents resolve some significant issues they needed help with. Those successes were largely due to my outstanding staff members who always worked as hard as possible. A special thank you to Tracie Petersak, Barb Nelson, and Marguerite Bailey for those efforts. I am announcing I will not seek reelection again for State Representative in 2024.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my successes over the years. It really has been a humbling experience. It is time to focus on my family farm and spend more time with my wife and daughter. After all, there is so much more to life than politics.

The unemployment rate increased in the local area in the past year, according to information from the Department of Employment Security.

The rate for June stands at 5.9 percent in Vermilion County.  It was 4.9 percent last year. In Champaign County, the rate is 4.7 percent, compared to 4.1 percent last year.

The City of Danville stands at 6.8 percent, up from 5.8 percent in 2022,  The city of Urbana is at 5 percent, compared to 4.4 percent last year.  The City of Champaign is at 4.8 percent, higher than the 4.2 percent last year.

Three people were killed in a traffic accident in Rankin. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden stated that a two vehicle accident occurred early Tuesday evening on State Route 49 in Rankin. She identified 19 year old Joseph Stallone and 17 year old Keegynn Martinek both of Paxton as the pair who were in a Jeep at the time of the accident.  The other victim was 43 year old Moises Concepcion-Roman of Rantoul. State police report that he was driving a car that was reported stolen. Police said he was driving up to 100 miles per hour and ignoring police lights. He ran a stop sign and hit the Jeep on the driver’s side.

The Illinois State Police and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office continue to investigate the accident.

Early Wednesday morning, Danville Police responded to the 600 block of Bowman Ave in reference to a victim with a gunshot wound. Officers located a 16-year-old Danville male with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The victim stated he was walking in the area of the 1300 block of English St when he heard several gunshots, and he was struck by the gunfire. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injury. No other injuries were reported during this incident.

Justin Gilbert has been sentenced  to 10 years in prison for possession of Methamphetamines. Evidence was presented to the Court that on December 2 last year, Gilbert was driving north of Hoopeston when a Vermilion County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop.  While the deputy was discussing the nature of the stop with Gilbert, another deputy walked a narcotics detection K9 around the vehicle. The K9 gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle. A clear plastic bag was located inside a toolbox containing approximately 450 grams of methamphetamine. Gilbert admitted that he had driven to Hoopeston from Rantoul to get the methamphetamine.

A Danville man has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Andrew Kaufman pleaded guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery. In November last year, Kaufman and the mother of his child were arguing.  Kaufman struck her in the head with a cell phone, causing a significant laceration. Kaufman would not allow the victim to call for help. After a significant period of time the victim was left alone and called 911. Danville Police Department responded, and Kaufman was eventually located.

The victims have been identified in two weekend motorcycle accidents.

Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden said 35 year old Jeremy Irons of Danville died in an accident that also sent his passenger to the hospital. She also identified  63  year old Rick Mockbee of Potomac as the fatality in the other Sunday crash.

Witnesses told Vermilion county deputies that Irons motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on Poland Road some two miles east of Danville. The motorcycle was attempting to pass a vehicle that was beginning to turn left. The motorcycle hit the side of the  vehicle throwing both the driver and passenger off of the motorcycle. Irons was taken to the Danville hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His passenger was taken to an Urbana hospital for treatment. Her name has not been released. The driver of the other vehicle did not require hospital treatment.

McFadden said that Mockbee died in an accident on 28220 N 900 East Road in rural Potomac. Autopsies are scheduled for both victims. The accidents are under investigation by police and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office.

Vermilion County has been added to a state disaster proclamation because of damage from recent severe storms,  Governor JB Pritzker added Vermilion and some other counties, bringing the total number of counties under the disaster declaration to twenty.  The new declaration is the result of new information compiled by units of local government. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams said he is hopeful that will mean some funding to the city to help with storm related expenses.  But what the city could get is unknown.

The new proclamation allows local entities increased access to state resources and emergency personnel. Taxpayers in these additional counties may also request waivers of penalties and interest on state taxes if they cannot file their returns or make payments on time.

A Danville committee has approved spending 25 thousand dollars to help start a new program to deal with opioid overdoses.

Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board Director Jim Russell is seeking to develop a Recovery Oriented System of Care. The program would involve people from throughout the community. A coordinator will pull together information on local services, and support groups to coordinate with all those providers to provide more help for people.

Russell is looking for 100 thousand dollars to start the program.  The county board has already approved 75 thousand dollars for the project.  Russell hopes grants will help fund the program in the future.

The public Services committee also approved a plan to transfer certain sewers to the Bunge Milling company.  Assistant Engineer Eric Childers told the committee that this is for an expansion of Bunge

          This plan would give the sewers to Bunge, who would have to operate them instead of the city.

The committee also discussed the idea of changing hours of operation for most city offices.  Mayor Rickey Williams says the new hours would be a four day work week.

He says the current hours of 9-4:30 with an hour for lunch are difficult for working people to get to City Hall for business. The hours are just a discussion for now.  City unions would also have to okay the plan.

The actions of the Public Service Committee will go to the full city council next week.

Angie Lazzell  has been named the new CEO of United Way of Danville Area. Lazzell has worked at OSF HealthCare Foundation in addition to having been involved with the Festival of Trees local event for almost 16 years.  She started Monday, replacing Mary Suprenant, who earlier announced she was reigning.

Also, United Way has a new home at 801 W. Fairchild St. in Danville. The building was donated to United Way by the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority.

 United Way of Danville Area mobilizes the community to create impact in community health, safety and prosperity.

A Sunday traffic accident claimed the life of a Danville man and injured a woman passenger on his motorcycle. Witnesses told Vermilion county deputies that a motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on Poland Road some two miles east of Danville.

The motorcycle was attempting to pass a vehicle that was beginning to turn left.  The motorcycle hit the side of the  vehicle throwing both the driver and passenger off of the motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was taken to the Danville hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His passenger was taken to an Urbana hospital for treatment. Their names have not yet been released. The driver of the other vehicle did not require hospital treatment.

Information provided by City of Danville

As City of Danville Public Works crews are nearing the end of the first pass through the City for storm debris collections, we would like to announce some updates on plans for remaining debris. As of Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 4:30 PM, the City plans to have the majority of storm debris collected. We will then begin doing a final pass through town to pick up the remaining piles. If residents have not called to get put on the list for storm debris collections by this time, and/or do not have their storm debris out at the roadside before this time, it will not be collected. As of Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 4:30 PM, free resident drop offs to the City’s Yard Waste Site for storm debris will expire, and normal rates and fees will go back into effect. Beginning Monday, July 31, 2023, Public Works crews will begin picking up the final remaining piles of storm debris that have been called in on those residential area’s normal yard waste collection days. Once this final pass has been completed, the City of Danville will no longer be collecting storm debris from the curb, and residents will be responsible for disposal of remaining storm debris at their own expense. If a resident has already called to be added to the list, we ask that residents please wait until AFTER your normal yard waste day to call back with a missed pile. Additionally, it has been recognized that some remaining piles in the City are piles of yard waste from recent tree trimming and landscape work, not actual storm debris. The City of Danville urges citizens to recognize that this service is being done to assist ONLY in storm debris cleanup, and regular maintenance and repairs to streets, sewers, and parks are being delayed during this debris cleanup time. Additional piles of regular yard waste debris being set out are outside of the intended purpose of this extra service and are keeping crews from performing their normal tasks that are needed throughout the City. In summary, residents that have already called in their piles should wait for 3 weeks for all yard waste collection routes to be completed before calling back a missed collection. Residents who have not already called in their addresses to be added to the collection list need to call in prior to Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 4:30 PM. Residents who are not on the list, and have not called in by this time will not have their storm debris collected and will be responsible for the disposal of the debris. Lastly, the City of Danville would like to thank all residents for their continued cooperation and patience as we complete the cleanup of this widespread storm debris. 

Information provided by SAtate's Attorney

On July 13, 2023, Jessie Jackson, formerly of Danville, Illinois, was found guilty, by the Honorable Derek J. Girton, following a Stipulated Bench Trial, of Home Invasion – Deadly Weapon, a class X felony. A class X felony is punishable from 6-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The Court heard evidence that an active Order of Protection required Jackson no longer reside at the home of the victim and his mother. On November 10, 2019, Jackson went to the home and attempted to gain entry. When the victim would not allow Jackson inside, he kicked in the front door and, without authority, forced his way inside. Jackson then remained inside, and while armed with a dangerous weapon, threatened to kill the victim, the victim’s mother, and himself. After the finding of guilty, the Court sentenced Jessie Jackson to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, plus 18 months of mandatory supervised release (i.e., parole), which Jackson will serve following his incarceration. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed her great appreciation of the victim’s courage in this case, to report the incident and then remain engaged until this matter was resolved. The State’s Attorney also thanked the members of the Danville Police Department for their efforts to ensure that this domestic abuser will spend a significant period of time behind bars.

Information provided by Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Vermilion County is partnering with the community to
serve local parents and teachers. The organization is asking for your help with donations and volunteerism to
ensure a successful start the school year.
The Walmart store in Danville will host the annual Salvation Army back-to-school drive the first weekend in
August, Friday, August 4 th & Saturday, August 5 th . Volunteers are needed to pass out fliers to shoppers and can
sign up online at https://bit.ly/backtoschool23sadan
The Salvation Army is also collecting supplies for military families through Operation Homefront at the Dollar
Tree located at 501 W. Fairchild until August 4 th .
For more information, visit sadanville.org, Facebook @danvillesalvationarmy, or contact Melissa: (217) 607-
9445.

News provided by Sen. Faraci

Senator Paul Faraci and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs teamed up to return $47,000 in cash from two forgotten PayPal accounts to a small business owner in Champaign. The two accounts were part of roughly 360,000 unclaimed PayPal accounts the Illinois Treasurer has received in recent years and is safeguarding for as long as it takes to find their rightful owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving local job creation and ensuring the economic stability of our state,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This story demonstrates the immense value Treasurer Frerichs’ unclaimed property program has for Illinois residents and businesses alike.”

Treasurer Frerichs safeguards billions in unclaimed property, including more than $51 million that remains to be claimed in Champaign County and over $20 million in Vermilion County.  Most of the unclaimed assets belong to individuals and originate from forgotten bank accounts, unclaimed life insurance benefits and other investments. However, Treasurer Frerichs currently safeguards more than 360,000 PayPal accounts as well, which often belong to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that relied on companies like PayPal for internet purchases and donations.

“Senator Faraci is a hands-on legislator who understands what $47,000 means to a small business owner and to the local economy,” said Frerichs. “As small businesses continue to recover from the pandemic, every bit can make a difference, and local elected officials are the key to reaching out to let them know these funds are legitimate,” he added.

“We are grateful to Senator Faraci and Treasurer Frerichs for their efforts to lend local businesses a helping hand and boost our economy,” said Laura Weis, President of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with Senator Faraci to reach out to business owners as well, and bring those dollars back home.”

Thousands of PayPal accounts remain unclaimed in Champaign and Vermilion Counties, including three with over $5,000 from Urbana, Danville and Champaign. Visit IllinoisTreasurer.gov/ICASH today to search for funds and start your claim. If you have questions or need help with a claim, please feel free to email UnclaimedProperty@IllinoisTreasurer.gov or call 800-961-8303.

 Information provided by the VA

In recognition of 125 years of service to America’s Heroes, VA Illiana’s Danville VA Medical Center will host a daylong “Summer Vet Fest” celebration on July 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Included in the celebration will be the health care system’s official 125th anniversary ceremony at 2 p.m.

This event, which also includes outreach at VA Illiana’s clinics and virtual engagement opportunities, will empower Veterans to make full use of new benefits available under the historic PACT Act. Because the PACT Act represents the largest expansion of VA care and benefits in more than 30 years, this event’s comprehensive approach gives Veterans a chance to engage with experts about care, benefits, toxic exposure screenings, women’s health care, and more. 

“July 26 will be a remarkable day for VA Illiana and the Veterans we serve,” said VA Illiana Executive Director Staci Williams. “Having so many excellent resources in one place on the day of our official ceremony means we can reach out to Veterans while we celebrate our legacy of 125 years of service. This event truly embodies what it means to honor the legacy of our past while serving the Veterans of today.”? 

The official ceremony program begins at 2 p.m. and will include the reading of an Illinois Senate Proclamation honoring VA Illiana by State Sen. Paul Faraci, remarks by VA and elected officials, music, poetry, and honors by the Charles Forrest American Legion Post 288 Honor Guard (Veedersburg, Ind.). 

A variety of food and refreshment options will be available throughout the day. The Sons of the American Legion will host a free cookout from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (while supplies last) and Kona Ice will be on hand from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., offering free snow cones for Veterans, staff, and visitors courtesy of Accolade Health at the gazebos near Building 25 (botanical greenhouse). Food will be available for purchase from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., with local food truck Up In Smoke food truck serving authentic smoked meats across from Building 102. 

A full schedule of events can be found here.

Local officials are planning to seek a Justice Assistance Grant that will be shared by Danville Police and the Vermilion county Sheriff’s office. The application will be presented this week to Danville’s Public Services Committee.

The grant would be 46 thousand dollars. The city portion would be 26 thousand dollars and the county’s would be 20 thousand dollars.

The City funds will be used toward the Police efforts to reduce and eliminate gang violence and gun violence. It would pay overtime costs for personnel to staff focused patrols in high crime areas.

The Sheriff’s Department will use their portion to pay overtime costs that exceed their normal overtime budget. These funds will allow for additional overtime details involving crime prevention efforts, violence suppression, drug interdiction and community policy projects.

The Public Services committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall.

A Danville man has been sentenced to 25 years in a federal penitentiary. 38 year old Alvin Beasley was sentenced for firing shots at his pregnant girlfriend’s home four years ago.

Judge Colin Bruce found that Beasley qualified to be considered an armed career criminal based on his prior convictions for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and second-degree murder. A federal jury earlier convicted Beasley of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Beasley will have to serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.

Evidence presented showed that Beasley’s girlfriend was in her home on May Street in Danville when he drove by firing on May 23, 2019. At the time, he was on parole for second-degree murder.

The case was investigated by the Danville Police Department, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office, the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Illinois State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Information supplied by City of Danville

Venture to Downtown Danville on August 4 from 5-8 PM for a two-block event featuring a school supply, backpack, clothing, and toiletry give-a-way for the kids heading back to school! This event will be fun for everyone with other activities such as live music and a DJ at Temple Plaza featuring the Danville's Got Talent winners. Enjoy food trucks, the touch-a-truck activity, Danville Fire Department's fire truck sprinkler, joyful bubbles & bounce houses for the kiddos! Don't miss the Danville Public Library's Stranger Things immersive experience, taking place from 6-10 PM, free of charge! Champion Sponsors: Hayley Siefert with Keller Williams Realty, TREC Carle Health Investor Sponsors: OSF Healthcare Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness Partner Sponsors: Christie Clinic Two Roads Wellness Clinic Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs Country Financial - Pete Goodwin, Chris Griffin, Amanda Galloway Watchfire Vermilion Advantage Old National Bank thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components Child Care Resource Service at University of Illinois Hyster-Yale Culligan Water Supporter Sponsors: Lima Bean Glassworks and Gifts Aqua Illinois Ameren IL

Summer Reading Challenge: This year's theme is Find Your Voice. Register at tinyurl.com/dpl-reading. Our Summer Reading Challenge ends July 31^. 

August 4 & 5: Stranger Things - The Curse of Vecna. The library will once again be putting on a Stranger Things-themed interactive experience for patrons the weekend of Downtown Danville’s First Friday Back to School Bash. Similar to last year’s events, tour guides will lead patrons through the library, visiting various scenes inspired by Stranger Things Season 4. We have some new characters/actors joining us and many of the volunteers from last year are reprising their roles. Visit Creel House, the Rainbow Room, Eddie's Trailer, and more. Get your picture taken with characters, and enjoy free ice cream from Scoops Ahoy. Watch out for the Demogorgon! Free and open to the public.  Disclaimer: May not be suitable for all ages. 6 - 10 p.m. Hate lines? Try our new skip the line feature at https://tinyurl.com/StrangerThings2023 

July 31: Anime & Gaming Club. Join us after school each Monday for a fun mix of Anime and Gaming! Meet us in the Teen Zone to watch anime, have snacks, and play video games together! 4:00 PM in the Teen Zone. 

July 31- August 5: Back to the 80s Storytimes. Stranger Things are happening at the library this week! We've gone back in time to the 80's with story times featuring your favorite retro characters! July 31-August 5  

Check out the schedule:  

Monday, July 31: 10 AM Ghostbusters and 5 PM: Barbie  

Tuesday, August 1: 10 AM Indiana Jones and 5 PM: Argyle (Stranger Things)  

Wednesday, August 2: 10 AM Barbie and 5 PM: Bruce, the Shark  

Thursday, August 3: 10 AM Doc and Marty and 5 PM: Argyle and Robin (Stranger Things)  

Friday, August 4: 10 AM Robin (Stranger Things) 

Saturday, August 5: 10 AM Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite 

July 31: Children's Wonder Garden Club. Weekly gardening event for children and families. 9:30 -10:30 AM in the 1st Floor Meeting Room. This program is made possible through a partnership with the University of Illinois Extension Office. 

August 1: Tween It! Tuesdays. Fun programs for tweens each Tuesday. This week: BINGO! Come play Bingo and win prizes.4:30 pm in the Children's Room. Ages 8-13. 

August 1: Wee Wigglers Story Time. Action rhymes, stories, and songs for children age 5 and under. 10:00 a.m. in the 1st Floor Meeting Room. 

August 2: The Consult. An opportunity for your business to get advice over coffee from a consortium of business leaders; both current and retired, willing to share their knowledge. People from all over the business community are inviting you to engage them for advice in a relaxed atmosphere. No pressure, no sales pitch, just a resource for you to access, absolutely free. Starts at 8:00 a.m. in the 1st Floor Meeting Room. 

August 2: Dungeons & Dragons. A tabletop role-playing game that allows teens to quest for treasures and fame, or at the very least hunt enemies. This program is for teens, both those who are new to the game and those who already know the best way to cleave an orc. New players always welcome! Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in the Teen Zone.  

August 2: Rainbow Readers Playgroup.  Enjoy stories, STEAM projects and socialization activities for preschoolers, ages 3-5 years, and their caregivers. 10 AM- 11 AM. 1st Floor Meeting Room. 

August 3: Anything Tech for Teens. Introducing teens to some of the library's cool technology, including 3D Printing, 3D Pens, Sphero Balls, Cricut, and a Flight Simulator. Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. in the Teen Zone. 

August 5: Berry Cool Market: Come join the fun and familial environment at The Berry Cool Market at the beautiful DPL park! The Berry Cool Market features weekly music by this area's top musicians and other demonstrations, activities, and family friendly events throughout the season … and of course, our weekly, eclectic mix of art, food, and produce vendors! Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Children's Art Challenge: Send us a photo of your (child's) art and we will post it on both Facebook and our Website. Winners will be chosen at the end of the month. Submissions must be family-friendly. This month's Challenge is "Dog Days of Summer" To submit your work visit tinyurl.com/DPL-KidArt 

StoryWalk®: Enjoy a quiet walk and read a book! Tails from History: A Parrot in the Painting by Thea Feldman on our back (South) windows. (The side facing Madison St.)  

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed.  

Information supplied by Sen. Faraci

Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Paul Faraci, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an additional $200 million in road and bridge improvement projects is coming to Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“Fixing our roads and bridges is good for the safety of our community and our local economy,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “It’s good to see IDOT giving our area a fair share of the taxpayer dollars that go into infrastructure improvements.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Faraci represents will see 51 infrastructure projects totaling $201,626,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• 7.24 miles of repaving and repairs to I-74 between US-150 and the Illinois/Indiana border.
• 3 miles of ADA improvements and repaving to US-45/Neil St. from Springfield Ave. in Champaign to Curtis Rd. in Savoy.
• 1.76 miles of repaving and median repair on US-136 between Rantoul Foods and Broadmeadow Elementary School.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Illinois is actually putting money where its mouth is by making these investments,” Faraci said. “It’s always good to see construction going on because it means that that our roads will be improved and our residents will have more good-paying job opportunities.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 52^nd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

A Ridge Farm teenager died in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning south of Chrisman. 17 year old Andrew Riza was pronounced dead at the scene by Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett. Barrett said Riza was driving a truck on Illinois route1 between Paris and Chrisman when it crossed the center line and collided with a truck driven by Tony Cesinger of Terre Haute. The truck driven by Riza left the road and came to a rest in a ditch along the highway. Cesinger suffered only minor injuries and called 911 to report the crash. Route 1 was shut down for nearly five hours. Illinois State Police, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department and the Edgar County coroner continue to investigate the accident.

The Golden Nugget Danville Casino is ready to have a grand opening. The casino opened on May 27, but delayed having a grand opening celebration. A media notice says the casino will have a grand opening on Friday, August 4 at 11 a.m. No other details have yet been announced.

The Danville Golden Nugget Casino is the smallest in the state, but it is putting up some good numbers. The Illinois Gaming Board reports that in its 32 days of operation, the local casino has had more than 36 thousand admissions. It had 2.4 million dollars in  Total Adjusted Gross Receipts. The tax allocations were 318 thousand dollars to the state and 159 thousand dollars to the city

The City of Danville is hoping it might get some disaster relief from the recent intense storm. The June 29 derecho caused the city of Danville to spend $270,000 on equipment, contract usage and overtime.

Danville Public Works Director Carl Carpenter says he received an email from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that said the state is trying to get disaster relief funding for the city from the federal government. Carpenter said the city sent back financials numbers from the storm. The numbers don’t include the cleanup still needed this week and next week.

OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center is looking for volunteers...and if you think it’s just sitting in the lobby...think again. Tim Ditman of OSF has more.

Ozier says volunteers do have to get screenings like a criminal background check. But he can take people as young as 16. Call 217-443-5000 and ask for Jake Ozier...for more information.

The Bismarck Lions Club will serve fish and sweet corn at the High School in Bismarck on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 3:30pm – 7:30pm as part of their Annual Jonah Fish Fry. Tickets may be purchased for $10 with children 6-12 being $5 and 5 & under free.  Advance sales:  217-304-6167 or 217-759-7465. Sponsor packs of 10 tickets are available at a discount for $85. Additional benefits of sponsorship include advertisement at the event and on Facebook.com/BismarckLions.

Funds donated will be put back into the community.  Some of the ways the Bismarck Lions Club serves the area include through the Bismarck Lions Club Park, providing scholarships, and preschool vision screenings.  According to Bill Jaffe, Bismarck Lions Club Immediate Past President, money raised on August 5 will allow Lions to meet pressing needs in our county such as our preschool vision screenings, through the purchase of a plusoptix machine for use at the screenings.  Bismarck Lions members thank everyone who contributes to this important work. You are truly helping Lions make a difference.

Back again this year at the Fish Fry will be Michael Vice and his fishing boat with its wrap advocating for Scott’s Law.  In 2020, Mike was hit while sitting in his squad car on the interstate.  The boat brings two of his passions, fishing and law enforcement together to spread awareness for Scott’s Law.  Also, the Bismarck Women’s Club will have raffle baskets.  An inflatable will be available for the kids.  The event is only possible thanks to wonderful volunteers.

New this year at the Fish Fry, local organization, Bismarck Blessings, will be accepting donations towards their back-to-school drive. Bring school supplies and food donations.  See Bismarck Blessings Facebook page for a link to an Amazon shopping list and more details.

The Bismarck Lions Club meets the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of each month at 7pm. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. Chartered in 1956, the Bismarck Lions Club is celebrating 67 years of service.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 48,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

Danville has been undertaking some major sanitary sewer reconstruction, but there is much more out there. 

The city council Tuesday heard a report from the RJN group that did a sanitary sewer assessment and rehabilitation program for Danville.  The group did a study of manholes, did smoke testing of sewers, and televised sewer lines for damage. Marissa Villafuente, RJN Project manager, said one test they used was a dry weather test.

The company did two separate assessment areas which included some 20 percent of Danville’s sewers. The recommendation is for 25 million dollars in sewer rehab over five years. Mike Young, senior VP for RJN, says there are some funding opportunities available for the city through grants and low interest loans.  He said the competition for those funding opportunities will be fierce

City engineer Sam Cole says there are damaged and cross contaminated sewer lines throughout the city.

He said many of the sewers could have a new lining installed instead of replacing them.  The city will explore funding options such as EPA grants and low interest loans.

The city council also approved amending the contract for improvements to pump stations on Fairway Drive and Lake Ridge Court.  Due to unforeseen conditions during construction, the contract was increased some 24 thousand dollars.  The total cost will be more than 651 thousand dollars. The City Council Tuesday approved the purchase of a rear load truck for the solid waste department.  The truck will cost 265 thousand dollars.

The City of Danville has once again been given permission to demolish the tallest building in the city.  Tuesday was a court hearing on Collins Tower, which is better known as Breese Tower.  Chris Collins did not show up for the hearing, so Judge Mark Goodwin ruled in Danville’s favor in the default motion.  The city now can tear down the building.

This is the latest legal scrimmage in a battle that has gone on for years. The tower has been vacant for years, and pieces of the outer wall have fallen onto the street below.  A protective fence has been put up in the area.

Mayor Rickey Williams gave no timetable as to when the city might act on removal of the building. The city has already put several million dollars aside for such demolition, which would also include the former courthouse annex which is attached to the tower.

DEMOCRATS ARE APPLAUDING THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT’S RULING UPHOLDING THE STATE’S NO-CASH BAIL LAW.

THE COURT ISSUED A FIVE TO TWO DECISION SAYING THE NO-CASH BAIL PROVISION OF THE SAFE-T ACT IS CONSTITUTIONAL. SO, STARTING SEPTEMBER 18TH, A JUDGE WILL DECIDE WHO NEEDS TO REMAIN LOCKED UP WHILE AWAITING TRAIL INSTEAD OF A BAIL SYSTEM THAT CRITICS SAY FAVORS THE WEALTHY.

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL SAYS HE'S PLEASED WITH THE DECISION AND THAT "SOMEONE'S EXPERIENCE WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SHOULD NOT VARY BASED ON THEIR INCOME LEVEL."

State Representative Mike Marron was one of the Republican lawmakers blasting the decision. He said, “This decision is disappointing but is not surprising given the Democrat-stacked supreme court, which is another direct result of gerrymandered maps here in Illinois.”

Marron said the SAFE-T act has done nothing to reduce crime in Illinois. He said we must strike a balance between keeping our neighborhoods safe, protecting citizens’ rights, protecting victims of crime, and respecting law enforcement.

The City of Danville is going to have to repair a sanitary sewer that runs under Mer-Che manor.  Public Works crews discovered a manhole needing repair near the multi-story building at 723 Oak Street.  Further evaluation showed a sanitary sewer line under the building was damaged and needed to be lined up. Crews also are going to have to re-route the line.  Engineer Sam Cole estimated the whole project could cost up to 90 thousand dollars.

A Danville woman has been arrested for the death of a local man who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Sunday. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden identified the man as 58 year old Michael Woestman of Danville. She confirmed that he died after being hit by a vehicle.

39 year old Lou-Ann St. Onge of Danville has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death. Her bond was set Monday at $1 million.

Danville Police say they responded to the area of Bowman Ave and Griggs Street Sunday night in reference to a pedestrian having been struck by a vehicle. Officers foundWoestman with severe injuries. The victim was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, officers got a description of the vehicle that hit the man and then drove away from the scene. Officers located the vehicle in the 1100 block of Martin Street, made contact with the driver, identified as St. Onge. Officers discovered that she and the victim were in a dating relationship.

The investigation is continuing, Danville police said. 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.

 Two Westville residents died Saturday after crashing into a natural gas substation. The substation caught on fire. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victims as 77 year old Janice M. Harden and 3 year old Ella M. Thompson.

According to Illinois State Police, Harden’s vehicle was traveling west on Mill Street when for an unknown reason, it ran off the roadway, drove over a curb, through a grassy lot and struck a gas regulator station. The vehicle and station became engulfed in fire, state police said. Both victims were declared dead at the scene.

The road was closed for several hours for clean-up and an investigation. The city’s natural gas service had to be shut down for a while. McFadden says autopsies are schedule for this week. The state police and the coroner’s office are investigating the accident.

The victims were on their way to the Georgetown Fair when the accident occurred. Before performing at the Georgetown Fair on Saturday night, country star Rodney Atkins said he discussed postponing the show, but decided to go on with the show in memory of the pair.

The Vermilion County Board has approved funding to start a local Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) to combat drug overdose deaths. The program involves people in recovery and the community getting people on the road to recovery, and maintaining that recovery through programs and services, according to Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board Executive Director Jim Russell. A coordinator will pull together information on local services and try to coordinate and communicate with all those providers to provide more services for people in need.

Russell requested $75,000 from the county and $25,000 from the city of Danville to start the program. He said a grant will be sought later to continue the program. The City of Danville’s funding portion will be brought to the city council’s Public Services Committee at the end of this month for consideration.

Information supplied by Attorney General

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office obtained a 40-year prison sentence in its prosecution of a third individual involved in the shooting deaths of two Vermilion County teenagers. Jaevin Griggs, 19, of Danville, Illinois, is the third of four individuals to be sentenced in the murders, which resulted from a drug sale and robbery. 

Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Derek Girton sentenced Griggs on Wednesday to 40 years in prison after he was found guilty in May of first-degree murder in the deaths of Wyatt Bailey, 19, from Oakwood, Illinois, and Clayvonte Sloan, 16, from Danville, Illinois. 

“It is my hope this sentence will provide some sense of closure to the many families who were impacted by this senseless act of violence,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local state’s attorneys and law enforcement agencies to protect residents from violent crimes and hold those who commit them accountable.”   

Dustin Cooper, 17, of Danville, was found guilty of murder in July 2022 and sentenced to 40 years in prison. In November 2022, Camarion Halthon, 19, of Danville, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

According to Raoul, Griggs and Cooper, who were both armed with handguns, along with Halthon, Sloan, and a fifth teen, Ali Bryant, drove to Bailey’s home in January 2021 to allegedly purchase marijuana and cannabis-related products. Once there, they attacked and attempted to rob Bailey, who was also armed with a handgun. During the attack, Bailey's gun fired and hit Sloan, who later died. Griggs and Cooper then fired their weapons, hitting Bailey in both legs and knocking him to the ground. Before fleeing the scene with Bailey's products and handgun, Cooper shot Bailey in the chest as he lay on the ground. 

A Vermilion County Sheriff’s deputy responding to the shooting located and 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. Both Bailey and Sloan died from their gunshot wounds.   

The case was co-prosecuted by Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy’s office.  

“I’d like to thank the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s office for their efforts in this case,” Lacy said. “The State’s Attorney’s office will continue to request that violent juvenile offenders be transferred to adult court, when permitted by law, to face appropriate penalties for violent criminal acts.”

The fourth defendant, Ali Bryant, 20, of Danville, Illinois, is charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. Bryant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Deputy Bureau Chief Jonathan McKay and Supervising Attorney Daniel Weiler prosecuted the case for Raoul’s Criminal Prosecutions Bureau.  

Information supplied by Bankers Association

The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) has announced that Thomas J. Chamberlain has been elected Chair-Elect of the IBA’s Executive Committee.

“Throughout his career, Tom has been a pillar of his community and a dedicated leader in the Illinois banking community,” said Randy Hultgren, President and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association. “We are grateful for his time and contributions, and we look forward to continuing to build on our successful record of advocacy on behalf of banks across the state.”

Chamberlain’s history of leadership within the IBA includes service as Treasurer of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Illinois Bankers PAC Board, Chair of the Illinois Bankers Education Services Board, Vice Chair of the Government Relations Committee and Vice Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Committee. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors, Illinois Bankers Business Services Board, Audit and Finance Committee, Illinois Bankers Scholarship Committee and Nominating Committee.

Chamberlain is the Senior Executive Vice President and has been the Chief Lending Officer of Iroquois Federal since July of 2010. He has served with Iroquois Federal since July of 2004, when he joined the association as Vice President and Manager – Danville Office, with responsibility for the management and commercial loan activities of that office. Prior to his service with Iroquois Federal, Chamberlain worked with First Mid Bank & Trust for over 18 years, managing branches and working in their lending and trust/farm management departments.

Chamberlain has an MBA from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. He is a 2011 graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania where he also earned the Wharton Leadership Certificate and is a graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program.

He is actively involved in the Danville community, having held the top leadership position of several community organizations. Chamberlain has served as Board President of the Danville Area Community College Foundation, Board Chair of United Way of Danville, Board Chair of Vermilion Advantage economic development organization, President of the Schlarman Foundation, President of the Rotary Club of Tuscola, President of the Tuscola Chamber of Commerce, President of Main Street Tuscola, Grand Knight Mattoon Knights of Columbus and President of Mid-Illinois Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

A groundbreaking is set for the second cannabis dispensary in Danville. The ceremony for Seven Points dispensary will be at Noon July 24 at 380 Eastgate. The company will be near the other cannabis dispensary.  City ordinance restricts such businesses to the Lynch road area.  However, city council members have expressed willingness to look at expanding areas where they can be located.

 Information provided by the Salvation Army

Danville has a new officer; Lieutenant Katherine Reid, who is extremely excited to serve the community as the new corps officer for The Salvation Army of Vermilion County. Lt. Reid will work alongside Development Director Melissa Wilhelm, Social Service Director Larry Smith, several veteran Case Managers, including Kim Vailes, and many volunteers in Danville.
The Salvation Army intentionally moves its officers periodically as part of the overall National Plan. Officer ship with the organization is a lifelong commitment. Officers make a solemn promise to love and serve God, and to faithfully uphold the duties and responsibilities as an officer in The Salvation Army.
Lt. Reid first encountered the service organization at a young age when she and her mother briefly lived at The Salvation Army’s Crossroads Shelter in Independence, Missouri. As a young adult, Lt. Reid was involved with the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program, a program providing services to break the cycle of poverty, crisis, and vulnerability by overcoming challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education. During her time in the program, she felt God’s calling to pursue full time ministry as a Salvation Army Officer, soon after attending The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Chicago. Lt. Reid comes to Danville with her 14-year-old daughter, Kassidy, both of whom are looking forward to being a part of the community.
“It’s exciting for Danville to have the benefit of a female officer, a single parent, who has experienced first-hand the benefits of The Salvation Army’s work. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for Vermilion County,” said Melissa Wilhelm, Development Director.
For those who need help, please call (217) 442-5911 or visit SAdanville.org .

Danville’s Public Works Committee Tuesday approved the purchase of the last property to be cleared for expansion of the Kirchner Building company. The company will build a new store at the former location of Goodwill.  To expand the operation, the city has agreed to buy and demolition property on Grant and Robinson Streets. The property at 937 and 939 Robinson will be purchased for 150 thousand dollars.

City engineer Sam Cole said demolition of the houses in the project area is underway. He is not sure when Kirchner will begin work on the new store…

The committee also approved applying for a five million dollar grant for housing rehabilitation.  Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says the money would go to owner-occupied houses.

The median income in Danville is 35 thousand dollars. There will be a cap of 60 thousand dollars for each project.  Cronk hopes to hear soon whether the city wins the grant.

How many votes does it take for a measure to be approved in the Danville City Council?  That is the question aldermen are considering.

Aldermen Bob Iverson and Mike Puhr have brought a change in the city ordinance for discussion. They say the number of votes a measure must receive is vague. They want it to clearly state that the fate of an item before the council must receive a majority vote. Currently the ordinance seems to say that a vote in a committee can win with a vote of a majority of a quorum.  Puhr says this measure would require  a majority of the entire seven member committee. 

It would provide similar language to ensure that 8 votes would be needed for an item to pass the full city council.  The Mayor could provide the eighth vote if there was a 7-7 vote.

This measure would not change what number is required for a quorum in order to have a business meeting.

The item at this point is only up for discussion. Some changes will be made after the Tuesday discussion. It will go to the Public Services Committee later this month.  A revised measure will go to the full council later.

Cleanup of trees and limbs from the recent intense storm continues to be a challenge for the city of Danville.  Public works Director Carl Carpenter told a city committee Tuesday there has been a tremendous amount of work done.

 He said the public has brought lots of trees and limbs to the yard waste site. The site is open to the public for free today through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Friday from 7 – 2 and Saturday from 7  until noon.

The city is experiencing delays in curbside pickup.  

The city asked that residents be patient and only call once for tree collection at their address. If the city has collected the debris and a resident requires a second collection, they are asked to state that when they call.

Cleanup of trees and limbs from the recent intense storm continues to be a challenge for the city of Danville.  The city is experiencing delays in curbside pickup.  

Due to the high volume of calls, the city asked that residents be patient and only call once with their address. If the city has collected the debris and a resident requires a second collection, they are asked to state that when they call.

The city has extended the yard waste site drop off location hours. The yard waste site will be open today through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. A ticket from the Public Works department at 1155 E. Voorhees St. is required for drop off on these dates.

No ticket will be required on Friday and Saturday. It is open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. until noon Saturday.

Local mental health officials are trying to establish a new program to deal with opioid overdoses. Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board Director Jim Russell told the Danville City Council that opioid users can be people of any age and any status. He said there is no one single program that will end the problem.  But one idea that is working in other locations is a Recovery Oriented System of Care.

The program would involve people from throughout the community. A coordinator will pull together information on local services, support groups and faith-based programs and try to coordinate and communicate with all those providers to provide more services for people in need.

Russell is looking for 100 thousand dollars to start the program.  The Vermilion County Board is expected to approve 75 thousand dollars for the program this week.  Russell is hoping the city of Danville will provide the other 25 thousand.

The proposal will be brought to the city’s Public Services committee later this month.

Danville firefighters Monday battled a fire that left a structure as a total loss. Firefighters responded to a garage on fire in the unit block of Illinois Street. While enroute to the fire, Danville police advised that a house was on fire at 13 Illinois. The house was fully engulfed in flame when firefighters arrived. The structure had no utilities and was determined early on to be vacant.

Damage estimates are placed at $11,000. No injuries have been reported. The fire is under investigation by the Danville Fire Department.

A Danville man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison on federal drug trafficking charges.

34 year old James Phillips pleaded guilty to three charges: possession of 500 grams or more methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a gun as a felon and carrying a gun during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.

Balloons over Vermilion had to battle windy weather and local event competition over the weekend. But event Co-chairman Jim Anderson says the event can still be deemed a success.

The event could not get either of the planned mass balloon launch off because of the winds and storms in the area. But there was the Balloon Glow, the Splash and Dash and several individual balloon flights. Anderson says the event has lots of activities to enjoy like music, vendors, and especially the Kid Zone

But he says attendance was down this year.

Windy weather did not help the event as it caused the cancellation of balloon launches. There also were a number of other events in the county this weekend giving the balloon event competition. Anderson says changing the dates of the event may not be a way to improve the weather and it could cut into the number of balloonists available.

The event, as well as the Festival of Trees, raises money that goes back to area agencies and schools. Last year 175 thousand dollars was granted to local groups, and Anderson hopes to meet that figure again this year.

State Senator Paul Faraci’s legislation to expand university admissions opportunities to community college transfer students who meet certain academic requirements was signed into law.

“This will give community college students a clear path on how to secure their admission into four-year Illinois colleges,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re giving more students across our state the chance to stay in Illinois for higher education.”

Under the new law, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University will create a four-year admissions program that admits community college transfer students each semester, beginning with the 2024-2025 academic school year.

The new program would guarantee university admission to all applicants who have enrolled at an Illinois community college after graduating from an Illinois high school, have earned a minimum of 36 graded, transferable semester hours at the time of application to the university, have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all completed transferable coursework, and have satisfied the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

Faraci’s legislation builds upon two existing laws that provide automatic admissions to Illinois universities, with one designated for high school graduates and the other for community college graduates. The previous law required the University of Illinois to admit community college transfer students who meet certain requirements, and Faraci’s initiative extends that guarantee to four additional Illinois universities.

"If more students from Illinois can stay here to attend college, that’s a win-win,” said Faraci.

House Bill 3760 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

The moving of Danville’s Community Day on Sunday did not keep the crowd away. It had to be moved from Lincoln Park due to damage there from the recent storm. The substitute location of Temple Plaza still attracted plenty of people to the free food, and music. Some city officials say they will consider whether the Temple plaza should be the permanent site for Community Day.

Three Kings of Peace Mentoring Center is now able to offer free lunches for its students. Through an alliance with District 118’s summer-lunch program the center serves Danville youth who are ages 5 and up. The Center is serving between 75 and 90 children Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Center is located at 428 N. Washington St. inside the recreation room of Mt. Olive Church. The Center is nonsectarian and welcomes all youth, regardless of their religious beliefs.

It will be an event filled weekend with Balloons over Vermilion, First Friday activities, and the Georgetown Fair all taking place.

Balloons Over Vermilion will be today and tomorrow at the Vermilion Regional Airport. There will be over 30 colorful hot air balloons doing nightly flyout and balloon glows. There also will be bands, numerous vendors, and activities for children in the Kids zone.  There also will be bi-plane rides for $85 a person and tethered balloon rides for $15.

Admission is $5 per person, 10 and under free with paid adult.  Tickets are available at the gate.  Parking is $5 per vehicle. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday.

First Friday will feature a Midsummer Luau at Temple Plaza from 6-9 p.m. Temple Plaza will host steel drums and fire spinners for entertainment as well as an outdoor bar with Tiki drinks and pineapple drinks for purchase. Don't forget your lawn chairs! Those who have purchased tickets will have a hog roast to enjoy. There also will be an after party at 8 p.m. at Obsidian Coffee in the back alley at 137 North Vermilion.

The Georgetown Fair begins today. The annual event will continue through Saturday July 15. There will be livestock exhibits, food vendors, carnival rides, arts and crafts, bingo, 4-h activities and more.  A Demolition Derby will kick off the fair Saturday night. There also be a fair queen contest, a comedy percussion show, a barn yard tractor pull, a talent show and a rodeo.  The highlight will be a country concert with Rodney Atkins and Drew Baldridge on July 15^th.  Gate admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children, with additional charges for the entertainment. The carnival starts Tuesday night and runs through Saturday, July 15.  

The Danville City Council Wednesday approved the agreement to get a grant to help firefighters.  And Thursday morning, Congresswoman Robin Kelly was in Danville to present the city with a check for 222 thousand dollars. The federal grant will cover 90 percent of the training and personal Protective equipment for six recently hired firefighters. The city is required to make a 10 Percent match.

The City council on Wednesday also approved a five year contract with a company that provides license plate readers for the city.  The agreement will save the city about 75 thousand dollars.

Now that its July, parents are making back-to-school plans. Children entering certain grades or playing sports are required to have a physical exam. But experts say it’s smart to schedule the check-up every year. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare spoke to a Danville pediatrician.

Before the appointment, parents should tell kids that the provider is a trusted adult. When the provider touches the child’s body, they should know it’s normal and part of being healthy.

The cleanup continues from the intense storm that hit the area, and city officials are thankful for the work done by city crews.  Mayor Rickey Williams Tuesday thanked all the crews who worked around the clock to clean trees, get power to traffic signals, help people remove debris and more.

He also thanked organizations that helped the city assist the public.

Public Works Director Carl Carpenter said he expects it could be several more weeks before all of the debris is cleared.  He said theft has even made some of the recovery efforts more difficult.

He said at one point, there were 130 trees blocking Danville streets.  He said the city crews have had two minor injuries in the recovery effort.

Due to last week’s storm damage to Lincoln Park, the 29th Annual Community Day will be held in Downtown Danville at the Temple Plaza on Sunday from 2:30-4:30 p.m.. This event is free and open to the public.  There will be free food, music and activities for the kids. In case of rain, Community Day will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N Vermilion.

The issue of allowing chickens to be raised in Danville once again came to the City Council Tuesday. The issue has come before the council several times over the years.  Those currently presenting the issue say chickens can be raised quietly and cleanly.  They offer an inexpensive food source and a way for children to learn about animals.

There were aldermen on both sides of the issue with some worrying about enforcement of a new ordinance.  Mayor Rickey Williams took a straw poll of the 11 aldermen present and did not find support.

Danville currently has an ordinance against raising chickens.  However, officials admit there are some city residents violating this ordinance.

State Representative Mike Marron has seen his legislation dealing with county auditors signed into law by the governor.   The measure decreases the minimum number of inhabitants that must reside in a county for it to be required to create the office of county auditor.  The number was cut from 75,000 inhabitants to 70,000 inhabitants. Marron says this is important since the Vermilion County population dropped below 75 thousand

The bill took effect immediately.

Two Danville streets will have lane closures beginning today. There will be multiple lane closures on East Main Street east of Park Street. A Contractor needs to install a storm sewer structure and a storm sewer line extension. Traffic will be closed to one lane for both eastbound and westbound traffic. The closures should be completed by Wednesday July 12.

Ferndale Avenue from Liberty Lane to Poland Road also will be closed. A contractor needs to perform base cement stabilization in preparation for new roadway pavement.  It should be completed by 8 p.m. Friday. Motorists should choose alternate routes.  

Illinois State Police are investigating an officer involved fatal shooting that ended a pursuit through parts of Vermilion and Champaign counties.

State police reported troopers assisted Danville Police Department officers, Vermilion County Sheriff’s deputies, and Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies Monday night in a pursuit of a vehicle believed to be involved in a shooting in Clinton, Iowa. After losing sight of the vehicle, it was located near the intersection of Homer Lake Road and County Road 2250 East, south of St. Joseph, state police said. In a search of the area, an officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources located the suspect in a detached garage.

Officials said the suspect engaged in a standoff with police. ISP said the suspect refused to comply and a trooper discharged a firearm. The suspect was struck and taken to Carle Hospital where he later died. No officers were struck or hurt during the incident, officials said.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup identified the fatality as 39-year-old Randy A. Jackson. Media reports say  Jackson was being sought on a warrant charging him with attempted murder in two separate shootings late Sunday and early Monday in Clinton, Iowa.

Power company workers and other emergency personnel spent the Independence Day holiday period making progress on cleanup from last week’s storm.

Ameren Illinois reports that virtually all of Danville has had its power restored. That is true in most all Vermilion County communities. As of Tuesday night the highest percentage of customers without power was 4.25 percent in Oakwood. Westville also had 3.6 percent powerless, and Ridge Farm had almost 3 percent.

The special debris collection continues this week in Danville. To have trees and limbs picked up, call Public works at 217-431-2288. You can also bring trees and limbs to the city yard waste site free.  You must stop by Public Works first to get a ticket.

July 4th is a holiday for most people, but emergency workers and power crews will be working today to continue the cleanup from the recent storm. Ameren Illinois says much progress has been made restoring power to customers.  As of Monday night, Only about 5 percent of Danville was still without power.  The percentage of customers without power was 24 percent in Catlin, 36 percent in Fithian, 23 percent in Indianola, 15 percent in Georgetown and 15 percent in Oakwood.

Work is still being done to clear streets and yards of damaged trees. All of Danville parks have reopened with the exception of Lincoln Park. Public Works officials say they are working diligently on getting tree debris removed from the parks.

Since Tuesday is Independence Day, all federal, state, county, city and township offices will be closed.  Also closed are schools, financial institutions and many businesses. There will be no outdoor warning siren test in Vermilion County today due to the July 4th holiday. Tests will resume next month. The Danville City Council has been moved to 6 p.m. Wednesday at City hall.

A reminder, fireworks are illegal in Danville. Generally, any firework that must be lit by a wick, explodes and/or shoots into the air is illegal in the City of Danville.   The penalty for violating the City fireworks Ordinance is a minimum fine of $250 with a maximum of $1000.

Clean up and power restoration are still ongoing after the powerful storm that swept through Central Illinois on Thursday. Ameren Illinois reports that a total of some 225 thousand customers had their power interrupted since the intense storm hit.

As of Sunday, there were still thousands of customers without power in the Ameren service area. Some 60 percent of the customers in Oakwood were still in the dark on Sunday evening. The number was 43 percent in Catlin, Danville still had 27 percent of customers without power, Fithian had almost 50 percent and Georgetown was at 23 percent.

Eastern Illinois Electrical Coop also has been working to restore service.  It estimated some 45 hundred customers without service at one point.

Ameren said a total of 2,800 workers are working in restoration efforts, including resources from 12 nearby states and representing 34 different contractor companies.

Officials are still struggling to clear trees from roads and yards.  What made it especially difficult was that many of the downed trees had power lines wrapped in them. The lines had to be removed by the power company before the tree limbs could be removed.  The storm also destroyed many power poles.  Ameren said about 12 hundred poles were damaged or destroyed.

Many businesses still have limited or no power.  Due to power outages Danville School District 118 Summer School will not be in session Monday. Custodians and Maintenance workers should report.  

Storm cleanup work can involve hazards. To keep these operations safe, authorities urge people to assume all power lines are live and keep a safe distance. Wear proper clothing when walking on near debris. Be careful of sharp objects such as nails and broken glass. Take proper safety precautions when operating generators, chainsaws, or other power tools. The area is experiencing high heat and high humidity, so limit the time spent working outdoors to prevent overheating.

Special cleanup efforts are being made to help residents. The Village of Tilton Public Works facility will be accepting limbs and trees.  This is for Limbs/Trees only, if any other items are dumped it will be considered illegal dumping, this facility is highly surveillance with cameras.

The City of Danville Public Works will be allowing all city residents to haul storm debris out to the yard waste site at no charge. Residents must stop by the Public Works facility at 1155 E. Voorhees to receive a ticket for the yard waste site.

The Danville Public Works Department will also have a special  storm debris collection event. Collection of storm debris will begin on Monday, with the final collection day being Thursday, July 13th. Limbs, branches and storm-related debris will be collected. Residents MUST CALL public works at 217-431-2288 to report addresses with storm debris for collection. The City will not collect debris if the address has not been called in.

NOTICE FROM FIRE CHIEF MARCOTT AND POLICE CHIEF YATES:

Danville, June 30, 2023 – As Independence Day approaches and our community begins to celebrate July 4th, Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott reminds residents and visitors that fireworks can be dangerous and to please celebrate safely by leaving the fireworks to the experts.

To help in the prevention of injuries and property damage, if you choose to celebrate with legal fireworks, follow the safety tips below:

• Be sure you are using legal fireworks, such as sparklers. Remember, sparklers might seem like a safer alternative, however, they can heat up to 1,200?F. Do not allow children to use them without adult supervision.

• Generally, any firework that must be lit by a wick explodes and/or shoots into the air is illegal in the City of Danville.

• Use all fireworks outside, away from homes, people, trees, dry grass, and any other flammable substances.

• When handling fireworks, always have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby. • If injured by a firework, go to a doctor immediately. If it is an eye injury, do not rub the injury, as that may cause more damage. • The best way to prevent firework injuries is to avoid using them entirely. Attend public firework displays and leave the igniting to the professionals.

Residents are also reminded to maintain a working smoke alarm and to regularly practice a home escape plan in case of fire or other emergency.

Danville Police Chief Chris Yates adds that July 4 is a busy holiday for the Police Department and all first responders. The Danville Police Department asks for the citizens’ help in keeping each other safe, respecting others’ property, and complying with the laws of Illinois as well as the City Ordinances of Danville.

Fireworks pose additional risks beyond the obvious burns that cause injury and potential property damage due to fire. Every time the police are dispatched to a fireworks call, they are taken away from their regular duties of responding to and preventing crime as well as other needs of our citizens. The penalty for violating the City Ordinance of unauthorized display and use of fireworks is a minimum fine of $250.00 with a maximum of $1000.00.

Fining the members of our community for celebrating our nation’s independence is the last thing that the Danville Police Department wants to do, so please do not eliminate our options. We would rather your focus remain on friends, family, and entertainment. Please stay safe and help us out so we can all enjoy the special day.