Information provided by OSF Health

U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine, an effort by an OSF HealthCare executive to support the country in its war with Russia, will soon deliver a wheelchair accessible vehicle to the country thanks to a donation from the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District.

The vehicle is the first of its kind for U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine and the first donation from the Champaign-Urbana area. It is expected to be sent to Ukraine this fall as a part of the effort’s 10^th shipment, which will also include sport utility vehicles, ambulances and at least one fire engine.

“This vehicle will help move wounded soldiers, especially those with significant injuries who are confined to a wheelchair. Its capabilities will also allow it to be used in emergency evacuations when Ukrainians with disabilities need to be relocated,” said Chris Manson, OSF HealthCare Vice President of Government Relations and the founder of U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine. “We receive updates for every vehicle after it is sent to Ukraine, and we know they are making a difference. We thank MTD for its generosity.” 

"MTD is proud to partner with OSF and U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine on this global initiative,” said Karl Gnadt, MTD Managing Director. “Donating this vehicle, which met the federal requirements of a useful life, gives our community the opportunity to share accessible transport with those who need it most." 

U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine has delivered 67 vehicles, along with several tons of medical supplies and firefighting equipment, to Ukraine since March 29, 2022. The effort has won praise from state and federal lawmakers in the United States, plus top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Long time police officer and Vermilion County Board member Bruce Stark has passed away. The 67 year old Stark died at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.
Stark retired from the Danville Police Department after 35 years of service. After retirement, he served with police departments in Fithian, Muncie, Indianola and Tilton. He was a member of the County Board for more than 25 years.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home with Masonic Rites accorded at 4:30 PM prior to visitation.

How is the pumpkin season going in Illinois? Randy Graham is owner operator of Curtis Orchard in Champaign and he says the crop varies across the state.

Graham also serves as chairman of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.

The Danville District 118 School Board has approved a $5.4 million upgrade to the Danville High School football field.  It will mean an artificial turf field and a larger field than can be used for soccer. There will be new home bleachers, replacement of the tunnels leading to the field, and a new press box. The new field will be moved to the east of the present field.

The project will begin at the end of the current football season. It’s hoped that it will be done for the start of the 2024 season. 

Three men were seriously injured in a Danville traffic accident caused by a driver eluding the police.

A 74 year old Danville man has been listed in critical condition. Two other Danville men have been listed in stable condition.  Their names have not yet been released.

Deputy Police Chief Josh Webb says about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers on patrol at Bowman and Fairchild Street saw an SUV being driven by a 22 year old man who they knew had a revoked license. As the officers began to follow the vehicle, they observed it was driving erratically.

 Officers activated their emergency lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and accelerated away from the officers. Officers observed the driver of the vehicle throw what appeared to be a handgun out the window in the 900 block of Norman Street. An officer exited his vehicle and recovered a handgun at the scene.

Other Officers continued to pursue the vehicle in an attempt to stop the driver. The pursuit traveled westbound on Voorhees Street toward Vermilion Street. The driver disregarded the red light at the intersection of Voorhees and Vermilion Streets.  Officers then observed the driver striking a truck at the intersection of Voorhees and Gilbert. Police rendered aid to occupants of both vehicles until medical personnel arrived.

The occupants of the truck were identified as a 74-year-old man and a 33-year-old man. They and the driver of the SUV were all taken to the hospital.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the crash, the Illinois State Police were contacted for assistance. Further investigation of this matter has been turned over to them.

The case has been under review by the Vermilion County States Attorney’s Office and formal charges have not yet been filed.

The City of Danville is planning to hire an outside financial firm to help with some accounts.  The Public Services committee approved increasing the treasurer’s budget by 70 thousand dollars to hire a firm to help with bank reconciliations.  The former Treasurer was late with bank reconciliation which can cause financial problems with some city accounts such as grants.  Mayor Rickey Williams says the current Treasurer and the Finance Department have been working on the problem.

The committee’s action now moves to the full city council.

 A man from Rossville has died following an accident at a Flex-N-Gate facility near Covington, Ind. on Monday.

Officials with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the facility for an emergency and found the man dead. Justin Brummett, Warren County Coroner, identified the man as 44-year-old Daniel Laird.

The cause of death has not been determined yet, as autopsy and toxicology results are pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Willard Airport in Champaign has been chosen the Primary Airport of the year by the Illinois Department of Transportation. IDOT says the award considerations are cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events.

Should Danville make it easier for a cannabis dispensary to come to the city?  That was the question before the Public Services committee. 

Danville has already approved two such businesses.  But the current ordinance only allows the company to be built along Lynch Road.  And two businesses faced opposition saying there would be too much marijuana business in one area.  One of the firms has since opened in Tilton.

Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk presented an ordinance revision that removes some restrictions.  He said the city could allow each cannabis business request to be considered as a special use permit no matter where it is located.  The other option would be to limit the total number of such businesses Danville would allow.

When the city developed the existing ordinance there was only one such business expected.  The city could see one or two more requests soon since the state keeps increasing the number of licenses approvals to the companies.

The ordinance revision will now move to the Public Works Committee for discussion.

The idea of repairing the heating, ventilation and cooling system at the Public Works building has passed a Danville committee. The Public Services Committee okayed spending more than 700 thousand dollars for the HVAC system. The system was originally installed in the 60’s and renovated in 2007. 

The committee also has approved a plan to repair the roof of Danville stadium. The roof sustained substantial storm damage this spring. The City’s insurance company provided some 162 thousand dollars for repairs to the damaged section of the roof.  The city decided due to its age the entire roof should be replaced. The total replacement cost will be more than 238 thousand dollars.

Danville Area Community College will take over ball fields in Winter Park under a plan given the green light by the committee. Public Works Director Carl Carpenter said DACC approached the city seeking to improve the fields.

All of the committee’s actions will come to the full city council next week.

The city is completing plans for how to use a 399 thousand dollar grant from the state of Illinois.  Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk told the Public Services Committee that the city will be able to tear down blighted houses with the money…

He said this should remove all of the residential structures the city owns and can demolish.  Mayor Rickey Williams said unfortunately, there are a lot more structures that need to be torn down.   

The discussion saw several aldermen say that the city needs to develop a program of incentives to help homeowners before  a house is beyond help. The city does have the Community Development Block Grant program to help homeowners, but it is a limited fund.

The community’s favorite annual food event returns Thursday.  The 73rd annual Kiwanis Pancake Day will take place at the David S. Palmer Arena in Danville.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from Kiwanis members or by calling 217-497-3087. They can also be purchased at the door. Tickets are $6.25 per person in advance and $7 per person at the door. A book of four tickets is $25. Tickets for children ages 3 to 11 are $3.50 at the door.

The pancakes and sausage will be served from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit local youth charities. Kiwanis members hope to serve a crowd of 3,000 throughout the day.

The Vermilion County Board of Health has appointed a new public health administrator. Dr. Prince Danso Odei will take the position effective November 1. He was previously an administrator/health officer and also a disease prevention and control manager with the Florida Department of Health. He has a doctorate in public health -epidemiology.

Environmental Health Director Jana Messmore has served as interim public health administrator since last November, following former administrator Doug Toole’s resignation. In March, the board approved a mutual separation agreement between itself and Toole.

An icon in Danville is for sale. The Custard Cup will available at a public auction at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 26th in the Turtle Run Banquet Center. This sale will include land; the building; the business; the name; and the proprietary mix, used in custard cup ice cream. You can attend the auction live or online.

 The Custard Cup has been in existence at North Vermilion and Ridgeview since 1949. It is expected to be open through the end of October.

A  Danville man has been charged with murder following a deadly shooting on Interstate 20 in Texas.

Jason Rashad Williams was booked into the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center on a $1.75 million bond in connection with the victim’s death, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office. Williams was also charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, police received a call around 1:20 p.m. on Sept. 19 advising a shooting had occurred on I-20. Police said the incident began as road rage and ended with the victim being shot one time. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect vehicle was identified as an 18-wheeler that continued eastbound on I-20. Following a search, police found the 18-wheeler and detained the driver, who was identified as Williams.

Information supplied by DACC

DACC Radiologic Technology program just received great news from the
national accrediting body, JRCERT. The DACC program that prepares students for careers
as X-ray technologists has received the highest honors allowed, an eight-year accreditation
extension.
This marks the culmination of a long process that began with writing and submitting a self-
study report that was due July 2022 and preparing for the JRCERT visiting team of Karen
Moorman and Hortencia Gonzalez that arrived on campus Apr. 20. Ms. Moorman is a
retired rad-tech instructor from Maryland’s Prince George’s Community College. Ms.
Gonzalez is a rad-tech professor/program director at Texas’s Loredo College.
Says Medical Imaging Director Tammy Howard, “As peer practitioners in the field of
community-college rad-tech programs, Ms. Moorman and Ms. Gonzalez have impressive
credentials and they knew exactly what to investigate when they arrived at DACC.”
The visiting team interviewed everyone from faculty to students to our local healthcare
providers who hire our students after they graduate. Says Ms. Howard, “As impressed as
our peer reviewers were with the DACC program, (DACC’s Clinical Coordinator) Madison
Harrison and I were equally impressed with them. We deeply appreciated the quality and
the substance of their review. The self-study and accreditation process was absolutely
beneficial for us, as well it should be.”
The accreditors reviewed the DACC program based on national “Standards for an
Accredited Educational Program in Radiography.” As JRCERT chair Dr. Tracy Herrmann
noted, “DACC has achieved the maximum award of accreditation based on the College
having been in compliance with all relevant standards. I congratulate (Ms. Howard) and the
program faculty for their high-quality program.”
DACC’s Provost Dr. Carl Bridges was also effusive in praising DACC’s radiologic technology
staff. “The visiting team left no stone unturned,” he says. “Thanks primarily to the hard
work of Tammy Howard and Madison Harrison, what (the reviewers) consistently found
was a well-managed program that supports student success and addresses local employers’
needs with highly skilled graduates. I commend our people for this achievement.”
But the Rad Tech faculty won’t be resting for long on their laurels. Although the next
accreditation visit will take place in 2031, DACC will be required to submit an interim

2

report only four years from now, during the second quarter of 2027. As Dr. Manny
Rodriguez, DACC’s new dean says, “When I see all of the great work going on in DACC’s
rad-tech program, I’m going to do whatever I can to support the efforts of Ms. Howard and
the staff to keep up their great work so that the program continues to receive accolades.”
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only
agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council
for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the accreditation of traditional and distance
delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and
medical dosimetry.

Students Halee Sloan, Taylor Koch, and Damylia Stuckey with Director Tammy Howard

Photo Caption #3: Director Tamara Howard and Clinical Coordinator Madison Harrison

A new cannabis dispensary has opened in Tilton.

Parkway Dispensary is off Illinois Route 1 in Tilton. The dispensary building also has two other business – a cannabis consumption lounge with couches and tables and chairs; and a bar/restaurant area with video gaming machines and an outdoor area for bands and food trucks.

A ribbon-cutting will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, and there will be vendors who will showcase their dispensary products, music on site starting at 6 p.m., and food.

Hours for the dispensary are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Hours for the consumption lounge and restaurant/bar will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Audio of the ribbon cutting ceremony is below.  Speakers were Tilton Mayor Bill Wear, Developer Paul Offutt, and EO Ambrose Jackson.

Enrollment at Danville Area Community College is up. Alexis Simmons, DACC Coordinator of Student Engagement says the increase is being seen in about every educational program.

She says the college’s staff members are delighted to have the higher number of students.

She said part of the increased number is that students are feeling more comfortable on campus after the COVID pandemic. She also says the college is offering the type of programs wanted by the community.

Simmons says it’s not too late to enroll in DACC courses.

Enrollment is also up in courses off campus and at the Danville prison.

A new family planning clinic has opened in Danville. The Family Planning Center is at 1000 E. Voorhees St., a former bank building. The clinic will serve insured, non-insured and underinsured individuals. It is operated by the Indiana Family Health Council.

The clinic will offer confidential and quality reproductive health care to women, men and adolescents. The services provided will include contraceptive care, regular exams, STD/STI screenings pregnancy testing and more.  Hours for the clinic are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. It is closed for a lunch hour. An Open House is set for next month.

The unemployment rate is up locally from last year’s levels according to a report from the Department of Employment Security.

The August jobless rate in Vermilion County was 7.1 percent, compared to 5.1 percent in 2022.  The Champaign County rate stood at 5.6 percent, an increase from 4.1 percent a year ago.

The unemployment rate in Danville stood at 8.4 percent.  It was 6.1 percent in 2022. The August number in Urbana was 6.1 percent, up from 4.6 percent last year.  In the City of Champaign, it is 5.8 percent, an increase from 4.3 percent a year ago.

The number of jobs, however, increased.  In Champaign County Nonfarm employment increased by 1,600 compared to last August.  In Vermilion County, Nonfarm employment increased by 600 compared to last August.

The Vermilion County Conservation District will be hosting the Revolutionary War Reenactment and Pioneer Craft Day this weekend in Forest Glen Preserve. Admission is free. The Revolutionary War Reenactment will be both Saturday and Sunday. The Interactive 18^th Century Encampment starts at 10 am with tours of the encampment, fashion shows and axe throwing competitions and culminates with a battle at 4:30 on Saturday and 3:30 on Sunday. Pioneer Craft Day will be only on Sunday at the Pioneer Homestead Cabin. Featured demonstrations are candle dipping, apple cider pressing, rail splitting, and fry bread.  Children’s games are planned. 

Information provided by Carle

Carle Health is once again hosting several community influenza (flu) vaccine clinics beginning Oct. 2 through Nov. 1 at various locations throughout the system. Community members can stay up to date on their vaccine by visiting a drive-thru or by scheduling an appointment.

These clinics are a popular option for those seeking a convenient way to get their annual shot. Patients can also receive their flu shot at most local pharmacies and public health departments. Carle Health officials encourage patients to receive their influenza vaccinations in October before it can spread in throughout the community.

Even those who received a flu shot last year should be sure to complete their vaccination with the updated formula to best protect against the current flu strains. Flu viruses change from year to year, and every flu season is different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccines for persons age 6 months and older because the flu can cause life-threatening complications for infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions.

“Every year, flu vaccination prevents illness, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Sally Salmons, MD, associate chief medical officer, Ambulatory Care. “These clinics provide more convenient access to influenza vaccinations for our patients and their families. I strongly recommend that everyone vaccinate to protect their loved ones, themselves and their community.”

Nasal Flu Mist will not be available at any Carle Health location. The High dose vaccine will be available for patients 65 and older, or those who are immunocompromised. To streamline the experience for participants, flu clinics will not offer the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients should bring their current insurance card and ID to any clinic they attend. Carle encourages everyone to take extra precautions in the fall and winter months by increasing hand-washing and limiting contact with anyone displaying flu symptoms.

Carle will offer the following community flu clinics in 2023:

Appointment Only Clinics

Carle Urbana on Windsor Clinics – Scheduled Appointments Only

1818 E. Windsor Rd., Urbana, IL

*Patients can schedule an appointment using MyCarle or by calling the Scheduling Center at (217) 383-3200. Check-in for your appointment at the front desk on the second floor.

Drive-Thru Clinics

Carle Outpatient Services at The Fields

3105 Fields South Dr., Champaign, IL

*Patients who attend a Carle drive-thru clinic should have their ID and Insurance card ready to display. All patients will remain in the vehicle.

Walk-In Clinics

Visit Carle.org for more information.

The City of Danville has been awarded a 399 thousand dollar grant from the Strong Communities Program. Mayor Rickey Williams says the money will be used  for additional demolitions of abandoned structures in the city.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority Board approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. The funds will go to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation, and demolition of abandoned residential properties.

The Champaign County Regional Planning Council also was awarded 337 thousand dollars.  The City of Champaign was granted 135 thousand dollars.

The program aims to return vacant residential properties to productive and taxable use through rehabilitation, and provide funds for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighborhoods. The program hopes to help to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue, and attract further community investment.

 A Prophetstown man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to attempted arson of a building at 600 N. Logan Ave. in Danville in May. 73 year old Philip J. Buyno is scheduled for sentencing in February at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Urbana.

In court Buyno admitted that, on May 20, he brought several containers filled with gasoline with him and used his car to breach the front entrance of the building for the purpose of burning it down before it could be used as a reproductive health clinic. The building has been the center of controversy in Danville for several months. During the hearing, the government stated that Danville police officers responded to an alarm around 4:30 a.m. Officers found Buyno stuck inside a car that he had backed into the entrance of the building, which was under renovation. During a search of the car, FBI Agents found bottles containing gasoline, a hatchet, road flares, multiple old tires and a pack of matches. Agents also found that Buyno had fortified the trunk of the car with 4x4 wooden beams.

The City of Danville has announced two road projects  that will begin next week. There will be a complete closure at the CSX railroad crossing on West Newell Road for

track maintenance. Beginning Monday, the crossing will be closed to all traffic while it is having upgraded rail maintenance. The work and closure at this crossing are anticipated to last during the entire week.

Signal repairs at the intersection of E. Williams St. and N. Bowman Ave. will begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. This work is scheduled to be completed by 2:00 PM. During this time, the traffic signals will be flashing red in all four directions and the intersection will become a four-way stop. This work will affect motorists traveling in all directions through the intersection.

Motorists should use caution around both of the work zones and choose an alternate route. All these events are tentatively scheduled, weather permitting.

Police officials from every jurisdiction in Vermilion County are invited to a free lunch tomorrow. The Vermilion County Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Luncheon will be held Friday in the Turtle Run Banquet Center from 11 AM to 1 PM. 

The lawsuit against Danville’s casino is over according to the city’s corporation counsel James Simon.  He said the judge ruled in the city’s favor.

The Mervis company had been seeking action against the casino saying it was located in an inappropriate space and the city violated zoning ordinances to bring it to its location at 204 Eastgate Drive. The legal battle has gone on for months and many of the Danville aldermen had to give depositions about their knowledge of the casino issue and the reasons for their votes.  Simon told aldermen their depositions had a positive effect on the case.

The Golden Nugget casino and a steakhouse have been open since May and officials report a strong business.

The audit of the City of Danville shows positive movement.  Sandra Cook of the Clinton-Larson-Allen firm gave the city council an audit report on Tuesday and it shows improvement over past years.

One item of note is the funding of police and fire pensions.  While still considered underfunded, Cook says Danville has made tremendous progress on the funds.

Because of the time frame of the audit, it does not show any revenue yet from the casino.  City officials expect tremendous growth annually from the casino.

The city council Tuesday approved providing a grant of some 19 thousand dollars for improvements to the Danville Rescue Mission.  Mayor Rickey Williams said the city has been working for three years on getting approval of such a grant.

The council also amended its budget to receive an EPA grant of more than 983 thousand dollars. The grant will be used to clean up a brownfield site at the southeast corner of Vermilion and Fairchild Streets.

The promotions of two firefighters took place at Tuesday’s city council meeting.  John Darby was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief.  Ryan Allison was promoted to Captain.

The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department Tuesday arrested a 57 year old man from Dekalb after he approached a group of juveniles at the Fairmount Park. Steven Pawlowski approached the children and asked them if they wanted to see money that he had won. The children walked away from Pawlowski and reported the incident to their parents. A citizen was able to take a picture of the vehicle Pawlowski was driving and his license plate. A deputy sheriff later located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Little Nugget at US Route 150 and Henning Road. Pawlowski was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct. Captain Micheal Hartshorn said the quick thinking of the children and their parents prevented this from becoming a far more serious incident. 

This incident serves as a reminder to all children not to speak to strangers. Always alert an adult if you see something suspicious. If you have access to a phone, take a photo or video of the individual as you are walking away to help law enforcement identify the suspect. 

News and comment provided by State's Attorney's office

Monday markedthe implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act across the State of Illinois, better
known to some as the no cash bail portion of the SAFE-T ACT. What this means is that any
individual charged with a criminal offense will be presumed to be eligible to be released. There
will be no cash bail amount set by the court. The SAFE-T ACT was scheduled to go into effect
on January 1, 2023. With pushback by prosecutors across the state of Illinois like the Vermilion
County State’s Attorney, the legislation has been modified.
In most all cases, the State’s Attorney’s Office will request offenders be detained when legally
possible. However, there are many offenses such as Felony Aggravated Driving Under the
Influence, Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude the Police, and Possession of
Methamphetamine that detention is not permissible.
“As the Chief Legal Officer of Vermilion County, public safety is my main concern,” said
Jaqueline Lacy, Vermilion County State’s Attorney. “I have been an advocate for victims of
crime and will continue my fight to bring criminals to justice. I feel it is my continuing duty and
responsibility to inform those whom I have sworn to protect of what this legislation means for
public safety.”
Unless there is an exception to the rule, the court will be required to release the offender from
jail with pretrial conditions. If eligible, after an arrest an offender is ordered to be detained in the
custody of the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, there will be no bail amount ordered. If
an offender cannot be held in custody, they will be given a notice to appear in court and a list of
pretrial conditions.
Jacqueline Lacy is committed to working with Vermilion County law enforcement partners,
following the law and doing what is right for Vermilion County. More information will be shared
on the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office Facebook page over the next several weeks.

Info from FEMA

Vermilion County is one of the 19 counties now approved to receive Public Assistance following the severe storms and flooding event on June 29 – July 2, 2023.
With this addition, federal funding is now available to state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the disaster in Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Macon,
McDonough, Monroe, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, Vermil lion, Warren and Washington counties.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program includes recovery assistance for governments and certain private nonprofits after a disaster and does not include individuals and households. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program—or federal grant
funding to assist individuals and households with their recovery after the June 29 – July 2, 2023, disaster—is currently available only in Cook County.
The next step in the public assistance process is a series of applicant briefings to identify and report damage to FEMA, so project worksheets can be prepared for eligible work. FEMA provides 75 percent of the project cost to the
state with other non-federal sources covering the remainder. For more information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program, visit Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster | FEMA.gov.
Additionally, all areas of the state are now eligible for hazard mitigation assistance.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728.

Information from Sen. Faraci

State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“No family should be left wondering how they are going to keep their home warm during the winter months,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all qualifying residents to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance while resources are available.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Beginning Oct. 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is at the forefront of all we do,” said Faraci. “This vital program will provide support to families struggling to keep up with high energy bills.”

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.

News release from City of Danville

The City of Danville would like to announce that a Contractor has informed the city they
need to have a complete closure at the roadway crossing on Eastgate Drive northbound at
the Lynch Road connector road for installation of a storm sewer line. Beginning Monday,
September 18, 2023, Eastgate Drive northbound access will be closed to all traffic during
the installation of the storm sewer line.
The work and closure at this location are anticipated to last during the entire week.
Motorists should use caution around the work zone and choose an alternate route. Detour
signage will be in place during the closure.

The annual Fall Festival at Ellsworth Park in Danville begins Friday. This is the 48^th year for the event. All three days will offer activities for the whole family. Enjoy shopping from dozens of vendors featuring crafts, fall décor, foods, produce, and unique products. Visit the food trucks, inflatable bounce houses, and children’s activities and games.

The festival is open from 10 a.m. until 8p.m. today and tomorrow.  It will be open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

On Saturday there will be Pony Rides and an Antique Car Show. Sunday will be Family Day and will have face painting, a reading tent with the Danville Library, balloon animals, bubbles and the Fire Department’s Fire Truck Sprinkler.

Information  provided by DHS

Danville High School has recognized outstanding alumni since 1991 through annual
inductions into the DHS Wall of Fame. The purposes of the DHS Wall of Fame include:
? To promote pride in the Danville Public Schools
? To promote pride in Danville
? To provide positive role models for students
Danville High School students are exposed to the Wall of Fame on a daily basis. Inductees’
framed biographies and photographs are hung prominently outside the auditorium in the
office lobby at DHS. Community members also become familiar with our alumni success
stories when they visit the high school.
Any individual may nominate a candidate for the DHS Wall of Fame. Candidates are
preferably graduates of Danville High School or have attended DHS for at least one year.
An independent community committee will review the nominations and select the
inductees for 2024. All nominations are due to the Office of the Superintendent, 110 E.
Williams St., Danville, IL 61832 by Wednesday, January 10, 2024. A nomination form is
attached. Three references must be provided for a candidate to be considered. Forms are
also available on Danville High School’s website at www.danville118.org/WallofFame
under About Us, Wall of Fame.
It is expected that inductees have demonstrated achievement or service above and beyond
the responsibilities of their normal employment.
? Inductees who no longer live in the local community must have distinguished
themselves with excellence nationally, internationally, or within a particular field or
service to humanity.
? Inductees who have remained in the area must have distinguished themselves with
excellence locally or regionally within a particular field or with service to humanity or
have been actively involved in local community service. This category may include a
nominee who achieved locally but later moved away.
Inductees include Congressional Medal of Honor, Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony
Award recipients as well as public servants, doctors, teachers, community activists,
athletes, and authors. Your assistance in publicizing our 2024 DHS Wall of Fame
nomination process is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact the
Superintendent’s office at 444-1004.

The City of Danville is going to have to adjust its budget to pay for higher than anticipated fees for the audit. Comptroller Ashlyn Massey told the Public Work committee that the bill from the firm Clifton-Larson was a significant jump, largely due to the city taking over new utility billing responsibility.

The fact that the city’s financial information has been late also increased the audit cost.

Rantoul Village Administrator and former Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer will be able to avoid prosecution for a domestic-violence charge if he successfully completes a second-chance program.

Eisenhauer agreed to participate in a diversionary program that calls for him to pay a $100 fine, perform 15 hours of public service and complete an online education course on conflict resolution within 60 days. Prosecutors say if Eisenhauer complies with those terms, his domestic-violence case will be dismissed at a Nov. 2 hearing. If for some reason he does not, the prosecution on the misdemeanor charges will go forward.

Prosecutors said Eisenhauer’s wife felt the resolution of the case in this manner was “fair.” Through the program, Eisenhauer will be able to retain his $110,000-a-year job with Rantoul.

An arrest has been made in the shooting of a Danville man. Tuesday night, Danville Police responded to the 1600 block of Beechwood Drive and located a 37-year-old Danville man with a single gunshot wound to his abdomen. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening wound.

Officers determined that there had been an altercation between the victim and

the suspect prior to the shooting. Officers identified the suspect as 46-year-old Deponshia L. Davis of Danville. He was taken into custody Wednesday morning. He is in Danville Public Safety Building on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

The investigation into this incident continues.  

A rail crossing on Lynch Road in Danville is going to be closed for maintenance beginning Monday.

Lynch Road at the Vermilion Valley Railroad crossing will be closed to all traffic while the crossing is having upgraded rail maintenance. The work and closure at this crossing are anticipated to last during the entire week. Motorists should use caution around the work zone and choose an alternate route. Detour signage will be in place during the closure.

Information provided by DACC

With another double-digit enrollment increase, Danville Area
Community College continues to be a happening place for students.
 
For the Fall Semester, DACC enrollment is up by more than 11 percent in credit
hours while overall headcount is up by 13 percent.
 
In his role as provost, Vice President Carl Bridges leads the College’s enrollment-
management initiatives. He says, “We have nearly 300 more students attending
DACC than we did last fall. The increase includes 100 more African-American
students. What I love about the community we serve is that the people here
understand DACC’s inclusiveness, that the College has an open door for anyone
seeking a better life through education.”
 
Dr. Bridges attributes this enrollment boom partially to the “Bonus Program” that
gives students a $600 credit—which amounts to a free class—if they register for at
least 12 credits. “This Fall, we have 12 percent more students taking a full-time
course load than in 2022. Not only does this help boost enrollment, but an even
more important benefit is that being full-time keeps students on track to graduate
on time.”
 
Another key to the enrollment boom is the 13-percent growth in high-school dual-
credit enrollment. Dual-credit classes give college-bound students a head start
toward their college degrees, whether at DACC or at other colleges and universities.
 
For the first time in more than 10 fall semesters, enrollment in DACC’s bachelor’s-
degree transfer programs has increased—up by 7 percent. This category includes
students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree through the DACC-Franklin
University 3 + 1 partnership.
 
The College also reports steep enrollment increases in College Express for high-
school students taking career-and-technical classes at DACC (up 8 percent), a 13-
percent increase in students taking adult-education classes to earn a high-school

2

diploma, and a 26-percent increase in courses taught online or as a hybrid that
combines online with in-class instruction.
 
The Fall enrollment increase follows a trend that began this past spring with an 8-
percent jump in enrollment. DACC’s summer enrollment rose by 16 percent.
 
DACC President Stephen Nacco points out that the DACC Foundation has once
again played a major role in supporting enrollment growth. “Through the efforts of
the Foundation Board, Executive Director Tonya Hill, and hundreds of local donors,
for the third year in a row, every student who applied for scholarship assistance
received it. This year, the Foundation has awarded more than 760 scholarships, and
for the first time ever, the total has passed $1 million—a figure that as recently as
three years ago no one other than Tonya Hill thought was possible.”
 
Dr. Bridges points out that it’s not too late to get into DACC classes. The College
expects to see continued enrollment growth in the weeks ahead. Late-start classes
begin on Mon., Sept. 18. Eight-week classes begin on Mon., Oct. 16.
 
To apply to DACC online, visit www.dacc.edu or call 217-443-3222.

News provided by OSF

The Family Birthing Center at OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville saw its first birth this week since reopening. We are excited to again provide this essential service to the Vermilion County area.

The mother’s name is Alina Nickerson.
The child (female) is Akira Dream Jackson.
Born 9/11/23 at 11:51pm
8lbs 5oz
20.5 inches long

The birthing center staff surprised the family with a gift basket to mark the occasion of the first birth since reopening. Photos of mom, baby, and the gift basket are attached.

The City of Danville plans to amend its budget to receive an EPA grant of more than 983 thousand dollars. The grant will be used to clean up a brownfield site at the southeast corner of Vermilion and Fairchild Streets according to city engineer Sam Cole.

The brownfield portion is part of a larger site the City is preparing for future commercial growth.  The cleanup is largely to remove soil with chemicals from a former dry cleaning business. The Public Works Committee was told it will likely be a year before any work begins on the project.

The committee Tuesday okayed purchase of a tandem dump truck for 275 thousand dollars.  The new truck will have a plow and spreader.

The committee also approved a grant to improve a strip mall on Gilbert Street. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says it would help the developer improve the building.

          Aldermen also approved providing a grant of some 19 thousand dollars for improvements to the Danville Rescue Mission.  Cronk said the money will be used to update electrical wiring and panels.

The committee also signed off on a 90 thousand dollar expense for recent emergency sanitary sewer repairs. The work was done in the 700 block of Oak and along Myrtle drive.

All of the committee’s actions will go to the full city council next week.

The Danville fire department recently had a pair of fires to battle. Friday morning, firefighters were dispatched to the 900 block of Fera Street where they found heavy smoke coming from a building. Two occupants had escaped from the building and were standing in the front yard upon the fire departments arrival. The occupants reported that another individual may be in the home. Firefighters searched the home, but no other people were found. Initial damage to the property and contents was estimated at $17,500.

Early Saturday morning, firefighters were dispatched to a fire on the North side of Fairchild Street near the overpass. The first arriving fire unit was directed by Danville Police Officers to a large warehouse located under the overpass at 809 E. Fairchild Street. For a brief period of time during the fire, the Fairchild Overpass had to be shut down to allow the departments Ladder Truck to work from the bridge to assist with extinguishing the fire.

Firefighters used multiple hand lines to control the fire, eventually the building was determined to be unsafe to enter and equipment was brought in to assist with extinguishing the fire. Initial damage estimates are set at $46,000 dollars. The cause of both fires is under investigation.

The visitation for Former State Representative Bill Black has been scheduled for 4 to 7 PM; Friday, September 15th; at Sunset Funeral Home.

A private funeral will be held on Saturday.

Tim Dudley, President and CEO of Vermilion Advantage, has resigned from his position. Todd Lee has been named as Interim President and CEO. A search committee will be formed to find a permanent CEO. No other information has been released by Vermilion Advantage.

Bill Black will be remembered as a public servant who fought for Danville and Vermilion County. Black passed away Saturday at 81.

 He served 24 years in the state legislature winning several outstanding legislator awards. He was known for his fiery comments and debate on the floor of the House of Representatives. Black held several leadership positions during his time in the House.

Black also served at various times on the Danville City council, the DACC board of trustees, the Palmer Arena board, and the Vermilion County Board – where he had been chairman.

Black was a former educator, having worked at the local college before joining state government. DACC in 2012 dedicated the William B. Black Health Professions Center on campus.

Present and past office holders have expressed sadness at Black’s passing.  They say he was an honest man who provided many contributions to the community.

The funeral arrangements are pending at Sunset Funeral home.

Info provided by Survivor Resource Center 

Survivor Resource Center (SRC) is excited to announce The Second Annual
Dancing for the Stars event, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Historic Fischer
Theatre in downtown Danville, at 7 pm. This event promises to be an evening of
fun and dance as local “celebrities” partner up with area dance professionals.
The funds raised from this event will assist SRC with the ability to provide services
to over 400 clients in Vermilion, Clark, and Edgar Counties. Services that are
supported by donations include individual, family, and group counseling, medical
advocacy in the hospital emergency department, 24-hour crisis hotline, legal
advocacy in the court system, case management services and prevention
education programs in area schools and in the community, along with
professional trainings. SRC is a non-profit organization that is funded through
grants and fundraisers and this event will make a significate impact to survivors in
our community.
Dancers are Andrea Troxel with Lt. Tim McFadden, Amre Carey with Ashton
Greer, Tierra Brown with Mary Catherine Roberson, and Erica Troxel with Peter
Blackmon.
The distinguished panel of judges include Jane McFadden, Chief of Police Chris
Yates, Tonya Hill, Kris Bell and YOU! Bring cash in hand, every dollar counts when
you vote for your favorite pair of dancers!
The evening is once again hosted by Danville’s resident funny guy Christopher
Hightower and the always fabulous Sharda Pascal.
Tickets can be purchased at atthefischer.com
Main Floor tickets are $30 and Balcony $15.
Princess seating is $60 and includes an invitation to the VIP cocktail hour including
food and a drink ticket.

Call today for sponsorship opportunities starting at $250.
Your Support helps to provide hope and healing to survivors, the stars of the
Survivor Resource Center.
If you have any questions or would like information on sponsorship
opportunities, contact SRC at 217-446-1337 or email Marcie Sheridan
msheridan@thesrc.org.

 Submitted by Visitors Bureau

The Danville Area Visitors Bureau has announced that Danville/Vermilion
County tourism generated a direct local economic impact of $129.5 million, an 18.4% increase
over 2021. The boost in tourism contributed $ 4.3 million in local tax revenue and supported 784
jobs adding a direct labor income of $26.6 million.
Adding to the numbers, total employment came in at 1,188, with a total labor income at $45.7
million, and local tax income at $6.7 million. The annual economic impact data is provided by
Tourism Economics, with state hotel revenue collections provided by the Illinois Department of
Revenue.
“Since the start of the State’s Certified Convention & Visitors’ Bureau program in 1984, tourism
has provided a steady source of income for Danville/Vermilion County,” said Bureau Executive
Director, Jeanie Cooke. “This fiscal year we have seen significant increases in every category,
coming off of covid years,” said Cooke. “Additional support from the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism provide many resources and help add
additional opportunity and success to local communities.”

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“Tourism is a key economic driver for our state, contributing to the growth of small businesses
while generating jobs for our local communities,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“From iconic road trips and scenic drives to family-friendly attractions, thrilling outdoor
adventures and picturesque state parks, Illinois is full of extraordinary and diverse experiences
that attract visitors from around the world,” said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism.
And that’s what you find here in Danville/Vermilion County – a place you really can “Escape the
Ordinary.”

Information from DACC

Danville Area Community College Foundation will host the Annual Honors Program for
scholarship recipients Friday, September 15th in the Mary Miller Center Gymnasium. The
Honors Program will begin at 10 AM. Limited parking is available behind the gymnasium. Additional
parking is located off of Main Street, north of the Julius W. Hegeler II Advanced Technology Center.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Foundation will celebrate awarding a record-breaking 760
scholarships totaling over $1 million. Once again, every qualified scholarship applicant who is
attending DACC has received a scholarship award for the current academic year. Last year, the
Foundation awarded 658 scholarships valued at over $945,000. Scholarship numbers and values at
DACC have grown each year for more than a decade.
The Foundation’s annual Honors Program celebrates the achievements of scholarship recipients at
DACC and the generosity of the donors who support them. The Honors Program is an opportunity for
scholarship recipients to meet and thank their donors in person.
DACC Presidential Scholars, students representing the top 15 percent of their graduating high school
classes who receive full tuition scholarships, will assist checking-in, seating, and serving light
refreshments to guests.
For more information, call the DACC Foundation office at 217-443-8843.

Information provided by DACC

Danville Area Community College will host its Annual IACAC/IRCF
College Fair on Thursday, September 14, 2023 in the Mary Miller Center
Gymnasium. College Day hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am. Parking behind Mary
Miller Center will not be available until after 10:00am.
Participants will be able to meet and speak with representatives from more than 50
universities (listed below) -- representing nine states– as well as representatives
from DACC’s academic divisions and specialty career programs. Area high schools
are encouraged to bring students from their junior and senior classes to explore
their college-going options. Students may register in advance at www.strivefair.com
to save time in speaking with the college representatives they choose.
DACC will also have student services representatives on hand to discuss financial
aid, admissions, and career advisement.
For more information, call the DACC Admissions office at 217.443.8801.

Visit with representatives from 9 states…

? Blackburn College
? Bradley University
? Butler University
? Chicago State University
? Concordia University Chicago
? Eastern IL University
? Eureka College
? Illinois College
? Illinois State University
? Illinois Student Assistance Commission
? Illinois Wesleyan University
? Indiana State University
? Indiana University Indianapolis
? Lakeview College of Nursing
? Lawrence Technological University
? McKendree University
? Methodist College of Unity Point Health
? Millikin University
? Missouri State University
? Missouri University of Science & Technology
? Murray State University
? Northeastern Illinois University
? Parkland College-Institute of Aviation
? Purdue University
? Quincy University
? St. Francis Medical Center College
? SIU-Carbondale
? SIU-Edwardsville
? SIU – College of Pharmacy
? University of Buffalo
? University of Evansville
? University of Health Science & Pharmacy in St. Louis
? University of Illinois Chicago
? University of Illinois @ Springfield
? University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign
? University of Indianapolis
? University of Missouri St. Louis
? University of Nevada Las Vegas
? University of Notre Dame
? Valparaiso University
? Vincennes University
? Winona State University
? Wyo Tech

The issue of the Women’s Health Clinic is still alive at Danville City Council meetings.

In May, Mayor Rickey Williams cast the deciding vote for Danville to limit medicine and materials used in abortions. It was in response to a planned clinic on Logan Avenue. Ben Sears addressed the Council Tuesday saying during discussion of a planned fitness center, the Mayor said the developer had not gotten needed permits to build the center and that no one is above the law. Sears says he agrees with the sentiment, but the Mayor has been inconsistent.

Sears said voters are still upset about the vote.  Several people attended the meeting with pro-choice signs.

The City Council Tuesday approved a proposal for a backup system for the city’s computer network. The plan is for a three year contract with a company to provide the service. The contract would cost 43 thousand dollars in the first year and 40 thousand dollars each of the next two years.

The council also approved a plan to purchase two 1-Ton Trucks complete with plows, spinners, spreaders, and dump beds to be used by the Sewers Division of the Public Works Department.  The total cost would be 187 thousand dollars.

Downtown Danville Inc. has awarded a five thousand dollar grant to Crose Insurance Agency. The exterior improvement grant was to support a tuck point repair project on their building at 113 N. Vermilion Street.

James and Debra Crose purchased the building in 2000 and renovated the first floor into their insurance agency and turned the second floor into their downtown home.

 The Executive Director of Downtown Danville Inc., Annie Monyok, says this is the first of many grants the organization is planning to award in the next year.

Danville has been awarded two state grants to examine railroad crossings in the city. The grants are from the Illinois Department of Transportation program to fund long range transportation plans.

One grant is for 400 thousand dollars to fund a planned grade crossing and rail relocation study.  Mayor Rickey Williams says the city wants to study the train crossings to see if there are ways to install devices that would tell motorists about crossing blocks ahead and provide alternative routes.  The total cost of this project is expected to be 500 thousand dollars.

The second grant is for 200 thousand dollars of federal and state money.  The Mayor says it will be used  to do  a long-term analysis of Danville Mass Transit routes and how they can work better with rail crossings.