An arrest has been made in connection with the fatal shooting in Danville on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Terry McCord said in a news release that Wednesday evening police responded to the 800 block of South Street on a report of subjects shooting. Police located two men at the scene.

A 30-year-old Bourbonnais man identified as Leequale E. Key was transported from the scene to the Danville hospital. He was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Police took into custody 26 year old Nairobi Williams of Champaign for investigation of 1^st degree murder.

This incident is currently under investigation and no other details are being released. Anyone with information on this incident can contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at 217-446-TIPS.

Danville’s Got Talent returns to the Fischer Theatre Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 6:30.

13 local performers will appear on the Fischer Theatre stage as they compete for the title of Danville's Most Talented and for cash prizes.

First Prize - $1500

Second Prize - $1000

Third Prize - $500

People's Choice - $500 (decided by the audience)

Tickets for the main floor and balcony are only $5 and are available at the box office tonight

Article supplied by Carle

A publication that focuses on healthcare industry news recently listed Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center (CHRHC) among the top hospitals in the country, including among only 15 in Illinois, to be the best in nurse communications for patients.

Becker’s Hospital Review came up with the list based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services. The star rating is based on responses to three survey questions on how patients feel about nurses providing clear explanation, nurses treating patients with courtesy and nurses respecting and listening to patients. The data, released Jan. 31, 2024, is from post-visit patient surveys done between April 2022 and March 2023.

“We are very proud of our nurses at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center. The care and respect the nurses offer each patient is evident each day. The nursing teams have provided a commitment to a rural area that is otherwise limited to care received close to home. The nurses take pride in providing access to world-class care, listening to individual patient needs, and ensuring they have the information they need for healthcare decisions,” Heather Tucker, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC, Hospital Administrator at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, said.

CHRHC nurses are on a journey to Magnet designation, the highest recognition for nursing excellence in the healthcare industry. They are dedicated to creating an inclusive and compassionate care experience and are proud to earn the trust the community has in their care. 

Danville Mayor Rickey Williams says it’s time to end a strange rumor.  The owners of the Village Mall are emptying out part of the building and have been unresponsive to city overtures.  Williams says the rumor is that the Mall owners are going to turn it into a housing area for illegal immigrants.  The Mayor says that is simply not true.

The Mayor has expressed disappointment with the lack of communications with the out of town Mall owners.

State Senator Paul Faraci has announced that Danville Area Community College is set to receive $550,000 and the Illinois Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors is set to receive $165,000 in grant funding. The money is to support pre-apprenticeship programs for the construction trades.

The money to DACC was previously announced for its pre-apprenticeship program which helps prepare students to successfully transition to a registered apprenticeship in carpentry, plumbing and construction. Tuition and fees for this program are entirely grant-funded through state programs.

Faraci said that the money given to the  Associated Builders & Contractors will also have a local impact. Its pre-apprenticeship program offers opportunities to workers located within 50 miles of Champaign-Urbana.

The Vermilion County War Museum will be re-opening this Saturday,(March 2) following remodeling. Several new exhibits, spaces and rooms will be open including a Media/Technology Center which features an area for recording videos with veterans, an 85-inch TV screen for videos, research and historical programming, a library and displays. The Medal of Honor Hall is now complete with uniforms like those worn by each of the local recipients, storyboards and displays. A new downstairs display area is also open with new exhibits and a coffee bar for visitors, volunteers, and veterans. Painting and “freshening” have been completed in many areas of the museum as well. A new World War II Jeep desk is at the sign-in area for visitors downstairs. Various displays have been changed or updated throughout the Museum as well.

War Museum Vice President Larry Weatherford said, “We think that visitors will like the new look and feel of the Museum and enjoy learning about and seeing all our new items and displays. We also have plans for a soon-to-be constructed interactive children’s area. That should be in place by late spring or early summer.

Curator Ron Bolser said, “An Open House to commemorate and celebrate our 25th anniversary is being planned for later in the year. Special observances of military holidays are also planned throughout the year.”

The Vermilion County War Museum is located at 307 North Vermilion Street in Danville. The 14,000 square foot building was originally Danville’s Carnegie

Library. “Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. We do have openings for volunteers in various areas. You can call  431-0034 or stop by the Museum for details.”

A proposal to update Danville liquor and video gaming licenses has passed through committee, but some changes were approved first. The plan changes the type and number of liquor licenses. It also changes fees for liquor licenses and video gaming permits. Mayor Rickey Williams says the proposal is designed to meet current needs and to help businesses

The Public Services Committee reduced the planned cost of licenses for bars, restaurants and video gaming parlors.  Micheal Gregory was one of the bars owners who told Aldermen that bar profits are slipping.

The new proposal creates a video gaming permit which allows 10 businesses in the city to have video games without serving liquor.

 The committee also approved a plan to purchase two police dogs and associated training of the canines and canine handlers. The agreement with a professional canine service would cost 33 thousand dollars. The Danville Police Department currently has one canine unit.

The committee also approved applying for an Assistance to Firefighters grant for 60 thousand dollars. If accepted, the grant would cover 90% of the cost for ten sets of personal protective equipment for firefighters.

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

Article supplied by Vermiion Heritage Foundation

The Vermilion Heritage Foundation is announcing the resignation of its Executive Director, Jason Rome, effective February 29, 2024. We have been working towards this transition for quite some time and we would like to congratulate Jason for five years of service to The Fischer Theatre, its patrons, and to the community at large. During his tenure as Executive Director, Jason led the organization through what felt like the impossible - making the dream of so many a reality as our Lady opened her doors to thousands of visitors to experience the arts in this magical and historic space. 

Jason was successful in pushing the organization through a global pandemic, thoughtfully restructuring the financial position of the foundation, creating diverse opportunities, and presenting a variety of programming to the members of our community during his time of service to the organization. Jason consistently made choices with the survival and mission of the theatre at the top of his mind, and we are grateful for his leadership. 

We wish him the best in all his future endeavors and would like to extend our gratitude to Crystal Bivans for accepting the role of Interim Director effective March 1, 2024. Crystal has been serving at the Fischer Theatre in the role of Operations Director since July of 2021. She has been instrumental in driving the theatre's forward momentum through thoughtful communication, streamlining processes, dreaming up creative and engaging events, introducing flavorful concoctions to the café, and coordinating our volunteers. She has consistently been a positive resource for the theatre, and the Board of Directors is confident in her abilities to bridge the gap for the organization during this transition. 

The mission of the Vermilion Heritage Foundation is, "We believe that art is vital to a good life. Our purpose is to fund and oversee the restoration, maintenance, and operations of the Historic Fischer Theatre in order for all to experience the arts in this local treasure." Our promise to the community during this transitional period is to keep the mission of The Vermilion Heritage Foundation at the center of our focus as we begin the search for our next Executive Director. 

We will make every effort to continue providing programming during this transitional time, and we ask the community, our partners, and our patrons to be patient with us while we reorganize, strategize, and continue to grow stronger as an organization. We know how incredibly lucky we are to have this gem in our community, and we will be serving diligently, with integrity, to ensure the best possible outcome for all. 

We extend our gratitude to all who have given time, talent, and treasure to the Fischer Theatre, carrying the torch to this point and into the future. The Fischer will never go dark so long as we have our friends. 

A burning ban has been issued for the City of Danville and will be in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Warm temperatures, gusty south winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation will create conditions favorable for the rapid spread and growth of fire. Strong gusty winds of 30-40 mph will persist through Wednesday.

The burn ban does not apply to charcoal or gas grills used for cooking, although extra safety precautions should be taken.

Firefighters are investigating a fire that damaged a home at 210 State Street in Danville. Firefighters were called to the scene Sunday night and found a large fire in the front porch area. They immediately extinguished the fire on the front porch and moved into the home to extinguish the blaze inside the structure. A search of the home was carried out, and no victims were found. The occupants of the structure were not home at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Damage was estimated at $19,500.

The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) continues its 2023-24
season and Music Director search Mar. 9 th with “¡Noche Hispana!” in the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium.
On Saturday, March 9 th at 7:30 pm, Music Director Candidate, Maestro Richard Zielinski, will
return to the podium and lead the DSO through a classical program inspired by the Hispanic
world, featuring composers Berstein, Bizet, Debussy, and Márquez. This concert will also feature
renowned classical piano recording artist and scholar, Rochelle Sennet, who will be performing
Manuel de Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain – Noches en los Jardines de España.
Following the concert, patrons are invited to a small reception in the lobby to meet the Maestro.
Light refreshments will be provided.
“¡Noche Hispana!” is made possible by Sybil Mervis in memory of Lou Mervis. Tickets are still
available for the Mar. 9 concert, with seats remaining on the main floor and balcony for $35 and
$45. Students with a valid ID can buy tickets for $10.
Tickets may be purchased online at danvillesymphony.org, or by calling (217) 443-5300. Tickets are also available at the DSO office at 715 West Fairchild Street, Danville. Hours 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Danville police department wants to add a pair of four footed helpers. The Public Services committee this week will discuss a plan to purchase two Police Service dogs and associated training and certification of the canines and canine handlers through an agreement with Midwest Profession Canine Services. The agreement would cost 33 thousand dollars.

The resolution says the police Canine Unit needs to replace previously retired Police Service Canines and handlers. The service Canines and Police Officers handlers will be professionally trained and certified to State and Departmental standards,

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

The Illinois State Police report that in 2023, Metropolitan Enforcement Groups and multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Forces across the state seized 718 firearms, 17,812 pounds of drugs, and arrested 1,904 individuals. The Vermilion County MEG last year made 90 arrests. The agency also took 34 guns and 153 pounds of narcotics off the streets.

These groups are comprised of state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies and are focused on enforcing Illinois drug laws, investigating gang activity, and combating high-level gun, drug, and human trafficking.

News provided by State's Attorney

On February 20, 2024, Emmit Brown (DOB 9/7/1979), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony. He was sentenced to 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be followed by 1 year mandatory supervised  release.
Circuit Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that on January 11, 2024, Emmit Brown was stopped by an officer with the Danville Police Department for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Brown was on mandatory supervised release for a prior felony conviction. Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and found a loaded Hi-Point handgun under the driver’s seat.

News provided by State's Attorney

On February 20, 2024, Avery Brandon (DOB 5/23/1973), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession With Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance, a class 1 felony. He was sentenced to 9 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be followed by 1 year mandatory supervised release.
Circuit Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that on October 28, 2022, agents with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group executed a search warrant of the residence of Avery Brandon. During the search, agents located many grams of cocaine, plus drug scales. During an interview, Brandon admitted he had cocaine throughout the house and that he had sold cocaine on October 28, 2022.
 

Two store operators in Danville’s Village Mall say they are being forced to close by the mall owners. And City officials say they have offered to help the Mall, but the owners are not interested.

The issue of the JumpOff store in the Mall being forced to close prior to its lease being up came to the Danville City Council Tuesday night. According to business owner Alvarez Dixon, the JumpOff! indoor family fun center received a 30-day notice of early termination of its lease with the Danville Village Mall.

Mayor Rickey Williams said the situation is sad because JumpOff has been providing a good entertainment option for kids. The city would like to help, but the private owners of the mall have declined assistance.

Claire’s has also been forced to close at the mall next month. And Burlington also recently announced it was closing.

JumpOff is launching a crowdfunding campaign online to help with the cost of relocation. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says the city is helping the store.

Williams says the city has no control over leases with a private business. The Village Mall owners are incorporated in Texas.

Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his budget address to Illinois lawmakers Wednesday. Capitol News Illinois reports the 51.7-billion-dollar spending plan includes increased funding for human services, healthcare, education, and more.

Pritzker highlighted his Smart Start early education initiative, saying in its first year, the state exceeded its goal of 5,000 new preschool seats by 15 percent.

Pritzker announced plans to push for a new “Healthcare Consumer Access and Protection Act,” which will impose stricter regulations on health insurance companies and the coverage they provide. Pritzker says doctors and patients should be in charge of making healthcare decisions – not insurance companies:

Although Gov. Pritzker’s spending plan calls for spending $1.8 billion more than the current fiscal year, financial forecasters are predicting a deficit next year. Pritzker says his proposed budget makes – quote – hard choices.

Local state Senator Paul Faraci called the Governor’s budget plan a good start. He was happy to see increased funding for education. He also liked that the budget calls for funding to help people living with disabilities. He says he would like to see more of such funding.

Republican local Representative Brandun Schweizer was not quite as supportive of the Governor’s plan and said he was skeptical of the priorities. He said he is a team player and wants to see the budget planning to fruition, but he is uncertain if lawmakers will all agree to roll back on unnecessary spending.

A study shows a need for Danville to demolish and rebuild all three of the city’s fire stations. The firm ShiveHattery gave a presentation to the City council Tuesday examining the current stations and the need to improve fire safety in the city.

Andrew Avara of the firm said all three stations show structure damage. He says any new construction would be built to last longer than those buildings.

The study also shows that the location of the fire stations makes it impossible to reach all locations in Danville within the four minute industry guidelines. Daniel Spake said that is the reason that  the recommendation is to move some of the stations.

Station three would be located in a spot where it could better serve residents on the east side as well as the VA and businesses in Eastgate.

Much of the plan is also designed to protect firefighters. There would be zones where equipment and the trucks could be safely cleaned of toxic materials away from firefighter living areas.

          Such a plan would have a hefty price tag.

Mayor Rickey Williams such the city would have to do a bond sale to fund such a project. The City council and the fire department will be discussing the plan over the new few months. The consultants estimate it would take about two years to build new fire stations.

Danville is proposing changes to the liquor and video gaming license structure. Mayor Rickey Williams presented a proposal to the city council Tuesday saying it is designed to correct some licensing issues and to help local stores.

The plan changes the type and number of liquor licenses. It also changes fees for liquor licenses and video gaming permits. After getting alderman input, the proposal will go to the Public Services Committee next week and then on to the full city council.

Ongoing expansion and renovation work at Northeast School is causing a calendar change for the Danville School. The school will be continuing a traditional school calendar next year. The school had operated with a balanced calendar for several years, but went to the traditional calendar this school year because of the construction at the school. The plan had been to revert to the balanced schedule next school year.

Superintendent Alicia Geddis sent a note to Northeast parents saying there is work that needs to be done in the current portion of the school. So the school needs to open later than the balanced calendar allows to give contractors time to work. The school will open August 12 next school year.

A Danville man was arrested Monday after police executed a knock and announce search warrant. Deputy Chief Terry McCord said police went to the unit block of Stroup Street to execute the warrant obtained with assistance from the Vermilion county State’s Attorney. Police arrested 40-year-old Lafayette Harper on an outstanding warrant. Harper was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Restraint, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. All charges were developed from a complaint and investigation conducted by the Danville police. If anyone has more information to provide please contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or Crime Stoppers at 217-446-TIPS (8477).

Three probationary Danville firefighters were sworn in Monday. Dean Lambert, Cristofer Harrier, and Nash Garrison all took the oath from Danville Mayor Rickey Williams in a ceremony at City Hall. All three will go into a training program. Five other firefighters are coming off training to keep the Danville Fire Department at full staff.

News supplied by OSF

For the past few months, OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois, has been renovating the patient care area on the hospital’s fourth floor. Upgrades have been made to the floor, ceiling, furniture, showers, nurse call system and telemetry system. The walls have a fresh coat of paint and new artwork. The project was made possible thanks to generous community donations.

“Anywhere there’s patient care at the hospital, we’re looking at upgrading,” said Ned Hill, president of OSF Sacred Heart. “The fourth floor is usually where people spend multiple days with us to get better, so we want the area to feel welcoming and modern.”

Phase one of the upgrade, comprising roughly half of the patient care area, is nearing completion. Patients will soon be receiving care in the completed half while the other half is vacated to start renovations. OSF Mission Partners (employees), community leaders and others will gather to bless the completed space on February 21.

Article from the City of Danville

Join us for the third year of Danville’s Got Talent at the Fischer
Theatre! Danville’s Got Talent will take place on March 1

st, starting at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6

PM.
Danville has been the hometown of many talented performers. Today, many gifted performers
still reside here!
Danville's Got Talent will display 13 local performers on The Fischer Theatre stage as they
compete for the title of Danville's Most Talented and cash prizes. Tickets for the main floor and
balcony are only $5, sold in advance at atthefischer.com or at the box office before the show.

First Prize - $1500
Second Prize - $1000
Third Prize - $500
People's Choice - $500 (decided by the audience)

For more information regarding Danville’s Got Talent, check out FirstFridaysDanville.com!

Danville Mass Transit has been awarded four buses through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The state said this is 688 thousand dollars awarded to the mass transit district. The state announced more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 public transportation providers and nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Champaign County and the Champaign-Urbana mass transit district each will receive 3 buses with a value of 360 thousand dollars.

CRIS Rural Mass Transit District will obtain 5 buses worth 600 thousand dollars, and  Crosspoint Human Services will also get 360 thousand dollars for 3 buses. For more than 20 years, the program has helped smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications. By purchasing in large volume, the state buys the vehicles at a lower cost than if they were purchased individually or in smaller amounts.

The state announced Thursday that Danville Area Community College will receive 550 thousand dollars for expansion of work pre-apprenticeship programs. A state news release said that this is a renewal of funding for DACC.

The money is part of $18 million in funding to 36 recipients, serving 1,700 community members statewide. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says the program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades. The program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

          Three probationary Firefighters will be sworn into the Danville Fire Department on Monday. The ceremony for Cristofer Harrier, Nash Garrison, and Dean Lambert will be at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council chambers at City hall.

Vermilion County's retired Justice Hon. Rita B. Garman has been awarded the Order of Lincoln. It is the state’s highest civilian honor for professional achievement and public service. She was one of seven winners announced by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Garman retired as an Illinois Supreme Court Justice after nearly five decades of service. Garman was appointed associate judge in Vermilion County in 1974, she was elected to circuit judge in 1986, and elected to the Fourth District Appellate Court in 1995. In 2001, Garman was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court, and went on to serve as Chief Justice from 2013-2016. She was only the second woman to hold that position. The Vermilion County Courthouse is named in honor of Rita Garman.

Danville is developing a lease agreement for the golf carts at Harrison Park. Public Works Director Carl Carpenter told the Public Works committee Tuesday that it would cheaper than the past practice to lease the entire golf cart fleet

He said the good news is that the golf course budget had to be increased because of more use and a longer playing period due to weather last season.

The committee approved the plan, and now it goes to the full City Council next week.

The committee also heard that the state has given approval for demolition of 28 dilapidated houses. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says the demolition should happen quickly

The city was granted 399 thousand dollars from the Illinois Housing and Development Authority Stronger Communities Program. 

Supplied by State's Attorney

On February 8, 2024, Orlando Perkins (DOB 11/9/1988) formerly of Danville, Illinois, plead guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony, and was sentenced to six years and six months in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The term of imprisonment will be followed by 1 year mandatory supervised release. Circuit Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence from the People that on September 30, 2022, Orlando Perkins was stopped by an officer with the Danville Police Department for driving a vehicle with expired registration. During the traffic stop Perkins informed the officer that there was a firearm in the back seat of the vehicle. Perkins was removed from the vehicle and a loaded 380 Taurus handgun was located on the floor board behind the driver’s seat. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy stated, “Thank you to the Danville Police Department for their work in this case. It is illegal in the State of Illinois for a convicted felon to possess a firearm, and my office will continue to work with police agencies to uphold the law.”

Supplied by State's Attorney

On February 8, 2024, Rail Hibbler (DOB 7/31/1982), formerly of Danville, Illinois, plead guilty
to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony. Hibbler was sentenced by
Circuit Judge Robert McIntire to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by 1
year mandatory supervised release.
Evidence was presented to Judge McIntire that on August 19, 2023, Rail Hibbler was being
investigated for a domestic battery that had occurred at Hibbler’s residence. When Danville
Police went to the residence, Hibbler was getting into a vehicle. Officers approached to question
Hibbler and he was found to have a loaded firearm on his person.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their work in this
case. She added, “My office will continue to work to remove firearms from the hands of felons
to end violent crime in Vermilion County.”

News provided by Rep. Robin Kelly

Today, Congresswomen Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Co-Chairs of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Protect Black Women and Girls Act. This bill would establish an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, labor and employment, housing, justice, and civil rights, to promote community-based methods for mitigating and addressing harm and ensuring accountability and to study societal effects on Black women and girls.

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act was introduced by Rep. Kelly, Clarke, Watson Coleman, and Fitzpatrick in 2021.

“Simply acknowledging our country’s history of targeted discrimination, harassment and violence against Black women and girls will not correct years of systemic racism and sexism. We must leverage the full weight of the federal government to seek justice for Black women and girls who deserve an equal opportunity for a full, happy, healthy life,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “The Protect Black Women and Girls Act acknowledges that justice requires a holistic approach. This legislation commits our government to improving the education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights available to American Black women and girls. I am proud to introduce the Protect Black Women and Girls Act alongside my Caucus on Black Women and Girls Co-Chairs and Congressman Fitzpatrick.”

“For far too long, Black women and girls have faced disproportionate inequities in education, health care, housing, and economic development,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to establish an interagency task force aimed at improving outcomes and livelihoods of Black women and girls across the country.”

“I’m proud to stand with my fellow co-chairs Rep. Kelly and Rep. Clarke, in introducing this crucial piece of legislation,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). “The Protecting Black Women and Girls Act is an important step forward for addressing the root causes of the disproportionate challenges Black women and girls face. We must all work together in doing more for this nation’s Black women and girls to ensure they have equal opportunity to lead happy and prosperous lives.”

“Throughout our nation’s history, Black women have remained marginalized, overlooked, and underserved in communities across the country. The Protect Black Women and Girls Act represents a key step to, at long last, doing right by Black women in America. By establishing a Task Force to examine the conditions they confront and experiences they face, we will be taking critical action to fundamentally reassess the role Black women play in education, economic development, health care, housing, and more. Every American – including Black women – deserves the chance to create their own American Dream. Congresswoman Kelly’s legislation is a necessary measure towards delivering those opportunities to the women and girls who have too often been denied them,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

While the data collected on the experiences and conditions of Black women and girls is often insufficient and incomplete, we know the following to be true:

• Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at 3 times the rate of their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
• For every US dollar that a white man earns in the United States, Black women are paid 67 cents.
• 60% of Black girls experience sexual assault before they reach adulthood.
• In comparison to white girls, Black school-aged girls are 4x more likely to be arrested at school and 5x more likely to be transferred to another school for disciplinary reasons.

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act would establish an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls in the United States. This task force would be responsible for:

• Identifying and assessing the efficacy of policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels designed to improve outcomes for Black women and girls,
• Making recommendations for improving these policies and programs,
• Covering issues involving Black women and girls in education, economic development, health care, justice, civil rights, and housing, and 
• Submitting recommendations to Congress, the President, and each state or local government on policies, practices, programs, and incentives that should be adopted to improve their outcomes.

It would also direct the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct a study and collect data on the effects of specified economic, health, criminal justice, and social service factors on Black women and girls.

Doing what is right for Black women and girls will require coordinated policy efforts and strategic federal attention. The Protect Black Women and Girls Act will help achieve these important goals.

If you are hoping to get approved for a new home repair program in Danville, you better hurry. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk told the Public Works Committee on Tuesday that application time is running out.

The money to repair homes is part of a 1.4 million dollar grant received by the city. Cronk says the number of homes that will be repaired under the program depends on the needs of each home.  He hopes to get 40-60 repaired. The idea is to help people save their home before it becomes unlivable.

The Danville Public Works committee  has approved some major road projects.

A budget amendment of 1.25 million was okayed to fund three projects. Improvements will be made on Vacketta Drive, Chandler street, and Cleveland Street.  There also will be miscellaneous concrete improvements to roads. This budget amendment will be paid by fund reserves.  City Engineer Sam Cole says the entire project will cost over 2 million dollars.

The committee also approved an engineering agreement for the improvement of Williams Street from Bowman Avenue to State Street. The agreement would cost 285 thousand dollars. It would be paid for through funds the federal government awarded Danville. The renovation of Williams has been in the works for about five years.  Work on the street renovation could begin next month.

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

 New moms at OSF Sacred Heart in Danville will soon have a more comfortable stay...thanks to a donation from a family who has a long history with this community. Tim Ditman of OSF has more.

The donors have elected to keep the amount of the gift private. Dr. John Mason delivered thousands of babies over several decades. The garden outside OSF Sacred Heart was named in Doctor Mason’s honor in 2004.

News provided by City of Danville

Since the winter of 2022, the City of Danville has been diligently working on a strategic branding
initiative. A piece of this puzzle is a City of Danville logo that reflects our newly developed story,
pillars, and tagline (You Decide What’s Possible). We sought out assistance from local artists and
graphic designers through a logo contest and received more than 50 designs for the public to
vote on.
Through paper and online surveys, more than 4,000 votes were cast, and the most-loved logos
rose to the top. The top logos were then reviewed by our City Leadership Team, and after much
deliberation, the City of Danville logo was chosen!

This logo was designed by WhiteSmith Marketing Group and was selected for its modern style,
color pallet which coordinates with the City Seal, and unique design features that reflect
positive attributes of Danville. Congratulations to our winner!
The City of Danville extends gratitude to all who participated and made our choice so incredibly
challenging! We are so proud to be a city full of creatives and feel that this contest has been a
reflection of our strong arts presence and incredible talent in Danville.
Full utilization of this logo will be implemented in early summer of 2024.
For more information, reach out to Ashton Greer, Community Relations Administrator at 217-431-2317.

Article provided by United Way

United Way of Danville Area is thrilled to announce the return of the
Corporate Cup event, revitalized with a competitive "Border Wars"  theme. This exciting event will bring together corporate teams from Illinois and Indiana for a day of spirited competition and community support.
Scheduled for Friday, April 26, at The Landing in Veedersburg, IN, the Corporate Cup promises to be a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike. The event will feature two flights of contestants, with the morning flight commencing at 8:00am CST and the afternoon flight kicking off at 12:00pm CST.
"We're excited to bring back the Corporate Cup event with a fresh twist"; said Angie Lazzell, CEO at United Way of Danville Area. "The 'Border Wars' theme adds an extra level of excitement and camaraderie as teams from Illinois and Indiana compete in a series of fun and low-impact games.
Teams will vie for the title of Border War champion and the opportunity to claim a prestigious traveling trophy. The event will feature a variety of games and challenges, including tug-of-war, relay races, and more. In total, there will be 18 challenges designed to test teamwork, strategy, and agility.
Registration for the Corporate Cup is open until April 1, with a registration fee of $400 per four-person team. The fee includes lunch and two drink tickets for each participant. All proceeds from the event will benefit the United Way of Danville Area's annual campaign, which supports 20 agencies and over 24
programs across Vermilion County, Illinois, and Fountain and Warren Counties in Indiana. These programs focus on education, health, and financial security within the community.   "We are grateful for the support as we work towards our mission of improving lives and strengthening communities" added Lazzell. "By participating in the Corporate Cup, teams will not only have a great time competing but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need."
To register a team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen Orrick at (217)442- 3512 or karen@unitedwayda.org.

Information provided by Westville High School

The Westville High School Post Prom Committee is hosting a Pancake &
Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, February 24 th from 8 am to 11 am in the
cafeteria. We have the best pancakes around, so bring your family and
friends. All proceeds will be donated to the Westville High School, Post
Prom fund.

Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast and help our students and parents
raise enough money for our Post Prom event. You will have your choice of
pancakes with sausage links or biscuits and gravy.

Mark your calendars now and do not be late because it is first come, first
serve. For more information call Tobi Burnett at 217.497.8624 or Lisa Miller
at 217.497.1448. Thank you in advance for your support!

The public is invited to an informational meeting this week about children who are impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. The session called “Mend a Child’s Broken Heart” is designed to spread awareness of the silent children who affected by drug and alcohol addiction.  Grandparents, parents and caregivers are invited to come and learn about resources to help.

The meeting will be from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Danville Public Library. It is hosted by the Vermilion County Drug Endangered Children Coalition.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for former Danville Mayor Bob Jones.  He passed away Tuesday at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. .A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Illinois, Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Monday with Masonic Rites conducted at 4:30 PM prior to visitation. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of East Central Illinois 109 W. North Street Danville, Illinois 61832.

Jones served as the first mayor under Danville aldermanic form of government that started in 1987.  He was elected Danville Mayor four times. Before serving as mayor, Jones served several terms as Vermilion County treasurer. He also had operated several restaurants in Danville.

Danville will host the NJCAA Division II men's basketball tournament for 3 additional years.

The NJCAA Board of Regents has  approved a three-year bid for Danville Area Community College to host the event for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 championship. This is in addition to the two-year bid the college got in April 2023. Danville has hosted the tournament for more than 30 years.

This year's tournament will run from March 18-23 at the Mary Miller Center. It will be the first time there will be 20 teams in the tournament as four at-large teams will join the 16 conference tournament winners.

Information provided by State's Attorney

On February 6, 2024, Patrick Banks (D.O.B. 11/30/1985), formerly of Danville, Illinois, plead guilty and was sentenced to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon – Forcible Felony, a class 2 felony, in case number 2021-CF-542, for 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by 1 year mandatory supervised release. Banks also plead guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon – Prior Forcible Felony, a class 2 felony, in case number 2023-CF-763, also for 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by 1 year mandatory supervised release. The sentences are to be served consecutively. Circuit Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence in 2021-CF-542 that on September 15, 2021, Patrick Banks was seen with a handgun. On September 21, 2021, following an investigation by the Danville Police Department, Banks was questioned and searched at which time a gun was recovered from his person. Circuit Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence in 2023-CF-763, that police responded to the Amoco gas station on Main Street in Danville on the morning of December 11, 2023 for reports that Patrick Banks pulled a gun on a victim around 9:45 A.M. Danville Police were able to locate the vehicle Banks was seen driving, running outside of a residence on Giddings Street in Danville. Danville Police Department obtained a search warrant and located the gun described by the victim, along with Banks’ identification and debit cards.

News provided by State's Attorney

Kirk Marvel (DOB 7/6/1962), formerly of Catlin, Illinois was sentenced on February 7, 2024, by the Honorable Charles C. Hall. Marvel was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Methamphetamine Delivery, a class X felony and 4 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Possession of Explosive or Incendiary Devices, a class 1 felony. These sentences were ordered to be served concurrently and will be followed by 18 months of mandatory supervised release. The State provided evidence that while investigating a case of explosives being detonated in and around Catlin, Illinois in 2020, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department discovered that Kirk Marvel had provided Jason Boyd with explosives. When Marvel’s home was searched, a total of 74 grams of methamphetamines were located in Marvel’s bedroom which Marvel admitted belonged to him. During the search fuses were also located, but no other explosive materials were found. Marvel admitted to police that he had been in possession of other bomb making materials, but when Jason Boyd was arrested, Marvel destroyed the materials that were in his possession with the exception of the fuses. Marvel further admitted to making and providing the explosives used by Jason Boyd on March 9, 2020. On July 30, 2021, Jason Boyd plead guilty to Unlawful Use of a Weapon for 30 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections plus 1 year mandatory supervised release. 

News provided by DACC

Danville Area Community College hosted the Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science
(ACES) Regional competition, a test of aptitudes in Mathematics and Science, on February 6,
2024.  The regional competition was sponsored by the Math, Sciences & Health Professions
Division at Danville Area Community College.
Students were tested in seven different academic areas which included mathematics, physics,
chemistry, biology, english, engineering graphics and computer science.  Nine high schools,
represented by nearly 125 students, participated.  Teams that have placed first or second
overall, as well as all individuals earning the top two scores in each event in their division, will
be competing in sectional competition on March 13 at Eastern Illinois University. See below for
a list of winners.
Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science
Competition Winners
 
I. Participating High Schools
Armstrong Township, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, Hoopeston
Area, Milford, Oakwood, Salt Fork, Shiloh and Westville.
 
II. Team Awards – Trophies
Division 300- Small Schools (enrollment less than or equal to 300)
1 st : Oakwood High School
2 nd : Salt Fork High School
3 rd : Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School
Division 700- Middle Size Schools (enrollment between 301 and 700)
1 st : Westville High School
2 nd : Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin Cooperative High School
3 rd : Hoopeston Area High School 

2
III. Individual Award Winners – 300 Division
A. Math
1 st : Braden Bulla (Milford)
2 nd : Devon Davis (Milford)
3 rd : Brody Blew (Oakwood)
B. English
1 st (tie): Maddie Digby (Georgetown-Ridge Farm), Landon Freeman (Armstrong)
3 rd : Connor Yoak (Armstrong)
C. Chemistry
1 st (tie): Rylan Mosier (Georgetown-Ridge Farm), Brody Taflinger (Oakwood)
3 rd : Ben Craddock (Salt Fork)
D. Physics
1 st (tie): Gage Vogel (Milford), Brody Taflinger (Oakwood)
3 rd (tie): Mikayla Whaling (Oakwood), Savannah Hardwick (Armstrong), Thomas Wells
(Oakwood)
E. Biology
1 st : Thomas Wells (Oakwood)
2 nd : Andy Houlihan (Shiloh)
3 rd : Jack Houlihan (Shiloh)
F. Engineering Graphics
1 st : Gracie Enos (Oakwood)
2 nd : Carson Hepburn (Shiloh)
3 rd (tie): Owen Clark (Georgetown-Ridge Farm), Kennedy Brown (Shiloh), Kollin Schrader
(Oakwood)
G. Computer Science
1 st (tie): Braden Bulla (Milford), Riley Beeson (Oakwood)
3 rd : Kollin Schrader (Oakwood)

3
IV. Individual Award Winners – 700 Division
A. Math
1 st : Ethan Frattick (Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin)
2 nd (tie): Luke Barney (Westville), Aidan Skinner (Westville)
B. English
1 st : Sean Hudson (Hoopeston)
2 nd : Kelsey LeBeane (Bismark-Henning Rossville-Alvin)
3 rd : Amber-Christine Reed (Bismark-Henning Rossville-Alvin)
C. Chemistry
1 st : Amber-Christine Reed (Bismark-Henning Rossville-Alvin)
2 nd : Aidan Skinner (Westville)
3 rd : Piper Heiser (Westville)
D. Physics
1 st : Ava Anderson (Hoopeston)
E. Biology
1 st : Emmalee Bruens (Hoopeston)
2 nd : Jayden Bolton (Hoopeston)
3 rd : Alayne Mackiewicz (Westville)
F. Engineering Graphics
1 st : Sean Hudson (Hoopeston)
2 nd : Levi Tucker (Westville)
3 rd : Drew Wichtowski (Westville)
G. Computer Science
1 st : Levi Tucker (Westville)
2 nd : Ethan Frattick (Bismark-Henning Rossville-Alvin)
3 rd : Leo Vera (Bismark-Henning Rossville-Alvin)

V. DACC Scholarship Winners
This year Danville Area Community College awarded a scholarship to the two highest ranking
seniors competing in Academic Challenge. These scholarships cover 24 credit hours at DACC.
This year’s winners were: Landon Freeman (Armstrong) and Brody Taflinger (Oakwood)

Story provided by Rep. Schweizer

This week, State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) filed his first bill in the Illinois General Assembly. House Bill 4972 requires the Central Management System, the state agency responsible for handling health insurance and benefits for Illinois state employees and retirees, to give 120 day notice prior to any changes taking effect concerning health insurance and coverage.

The bill was filed after retired Rep. Mike Marron started the process while in office, after the State of Illinois wanted to implement Aetna as the sole insurance option for Medicare, which Carle Hospital of Champaign did not accept at the time.

“Families and seniors in east-central Illinois were left scrambling and were rightly worried that they would no longer be able to continue seeing their primary care doctor, which hospital to visit in an emergency situation, or whether they would be able to continue to receive treatment under their current care plan,” said Rep. Schweizer. “Under my bill, retirees and state employees would not be left in this unacceptable state of uncertainty. Coverage changes do happen, but notifying people in a last-minute way is totally unacceptable. That’s what my bill seeks to change.”

Rep. Schweizer says that this legislation creates a framework to protect those enrolled in the State of Illinois healthcare system from any impulsive decisions that could affect their care.  

“No one should be worried about immediately needing to find a new network of physicians and specialists and whether they will receive care in time due to last minute changes that lead to negative outcomes,” Schweizer said.

For more information on House Bill 4972, please contact Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 782-4811, or at repschweizer@district104.com.

Info provided by Farm Bureau

Learning more about cover crops and how farmers can use them to improve their soil and nutrient management will be the objective of an upcoming workshop hosted by Vermilion County Farm Bureau.

The Cover Crops and Soil Management workshop will be held on Thursday, February 29, beginning at 9:00 am. The program will be held in the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Auditorium, 1905 U.S. Route 150 west of Danville.

Presenters in the workshop will include Dan Schaefer, with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association; Lowell Gentry, a retired University of Illinois senior researcher; and Eric Beckett, Illini FS agronomist. The panel will discuss on-farm research that has utilized cover crops and soil management to help farmers discover practical applications for their farms.

The program is open to all Farm Bureau members.

State Senator Paul Faraci is leading a measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice.

 “We have to give veterans and first responders proper access to their preferred mental health services,” said Faraci. “Right now, we have police and firefighters who can’t receive mental health services from trained professionals of their choice and we need to change that.”

 The legislation is in response to a situation in Champaign where several firefighters were unable to engage the mental health counselor of their choice based on a non-compete clause in the counselor’s contract. Faraci’s legislation would allow every trained mental health professional to provide these much-needed services to any first responder or veteran, regardless of whether they have a non-compete clause in their employment contract. The change would give first responders additional access to mental health services and allow organizations to use their preferred mental health professional.

The bill passed the Senator Labor Committee on Wednesday and awaits consideration before the full Senate.

Voting for the upcoming Illinois primary election begins Thursday. This is the first day to mail a ballot for the March 19 Primary. Early voting in person at the county administration building also starts that day and runs through March 18. Voting can be done at the Vermilion County Clerk’s office or for Danville residents, at the Danville Election Commission.  Both offices are in the Cannon Building on Vermilion in Danville. There are federal, state, and county offices on the ballot.

Item provided by War Museum

THE VERMILION COUNTY WAR MUSEUM HAS DELAYED IT’S
RE-OPENING. THE 14,000 SQUARE FOOT MUSEUM HAD
PLANNED TO RE-OPEN THIS SATURDAY FOLLOWING
RENOVATIONS, BUT THAT HAS BEEN DELAYED UNTIL
SATURDAY, MARCH SECOND. MUSEUM VICE PRESIDENT
LARRY WEATHERFORD SAID THAT GETTING THE DEEP
CLEANING AND RENOVATIONS DONE BY THIS WEEKEND
JUST ISN’T POSSIBLE. WE WANT OUR VISITORS TO HAVE
THE FULL EXPERIENCE OF ALL THE CHANGES, AND
ALTHOUGH OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE WORKING HARD, WE
DIDN’T ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO GET THE JOB DONE. A
NEW MEDAL OF HONOR ROOM, MEDIA ROOM, DISPLAY HALL
AND WELCOME AREA ARE NEARING COMPLETION.

THE MUSEUM, WHICH WILL CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF
OPERATION LATER THIS YEAR IS LOCATED AT 307 NORTH
VERMILION STREET IN THE FORMER CARNEGIE LIBRARY.

A man who had a major role in changing Danville has passed away.  Former Mayor Bob Jones died Tuesday at 85 years of age.

Jones served as the first mayor under Danville aldermanic form of government that started in 1987.  He was elected Danville Mayor four times. The Robert Jones Municipal Building is named in his honor.  A public birthday party and reception for Jones was recently held at City Hall. Current Mayor Rickey Williams announced Jones death at the City Council meeting.

Before serving as mayor, Jones served several terms as Vermilion County treasurer. He also was a founder of the Dyslexia Center opened at the Masonic Temple.  Jones owned the Dairy Queen on Main Street for many years and previously had owned the former Colonial Parkway Restaurant.

Funeral arrangements for the former Mayor have not been announced.

The Danville City Council has passed a new rental housing registration ordinance designed to protect renters.  The new ordinance makes language to correct health and sanitation issues stronger.  It will allow city inspections inside rental property as well as the current outside inspections.  Alderwoman Tricia Teague says there is a real need for some regulations.

The new regulations were constructed without input from the local landlords association.  Alderman Jon Cooper tried to get the council to delay consideration of the plan until landlords could provide input, although Cooper says he supports the proposal.  He says Section 8 housing has federal guidelines to protect rentals which are more restrictive than Danville’s.

The proposal to delay the ordinance was defeated.

The city council also amended the city code pertaining to compensation for municipal employees. The action put into code the employee levels and salaries developed by an outside agency that reviewed worker compensation.  Several aldermen objected to the plan earlier and were told that some changes could be made later.  But Alderwoman Tricia Teague says the council still has not had the opportunity to review the salaries.

The wage compensation package passed by a vote of 8 to 6.

The City Council also approved purchasing several pieces of property for some 300 thousand dollars. The land is in the 500 block of Chandler, the 300 block of Harmon and the 400 block of Robinson Street.  City officials say the purchases are related to the West Williams Street realignment project and for economic improvement in the area.

Article provided by Robin Kelly

Today, Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Young Kim (R-CA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, applauded new CMS efforts to improve maternal health and birth outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants through the new Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. This 10-year payment and care-delivery model will support participating state Medicaid agencies (SMAs) in developing and implementing a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for women with Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.

To help mothers feel supported in their birthing plan, states participating in the TMaH Model will increase access to a variety of maternal health providers, such as midwives, freestanding birth centers, and doula services. Participating Medicaid agencies will work with their hospitals and health systems to help achieve the CMS “Birthing-Friendly” designation, which is the first federal quality designation with a focus on maternal health for hospitals and health systems. Additionally, states will foster connections to implement evidence-based practices and lessons, like monitoring pregnant women at home who are diagnosed with conditions that can lead to pregnancy-related complications, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes. Participating states will also have their maternity care providers screen for and address pregnant women’s health-related social needs – including, but not limited to, challenges like inadequate access to nutritious food, housing insecurity, or substance use disorder – by connecting mothers to community-based organizations.

“The unfortunate reality is that too many moms, and particularly Black moms, are losing their lives. The crisis of maternal mortality is unacceptable, and I’m proud of my work to combat these stark disparities,” said Maternity Care Caucus co-chair Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “This new initiative by CMS will further support new and expecting mothers, especially those who benefit from extended Medicaid postpartum coverage – which I fought to make permanent. I look forward to working with communities to implement these new strategies and bring more resources to mothers and babies who need them most.”

“We need to take concrete steps to address the maternal mortality crisis in our country,” said Maternity Care Caucus co-chair Young Kim. “I am pleased to see the CMS’s new Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model that allows more moms to access essential doula, midwifery, and postpartum services and receive care that meets their unique needs. Healthy mom means healthy baby, and I am hopeful that through more targeted research, workforce investments, and personalized care, we can end the maternal health care crisis.”

“CMS is taking a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to achieve our goal of making tangible improvements in maternal health and birth outcomes,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “The Transforming Maternal Health Model furthers our commitment to improve the experience for all pregnant women across the country, regardless of their background and ethnicity.” 

The man who tried to burn down a future reproductive health clinic in Danville  has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. 73 year old Philip Buyno of Prophetstown, was sentenced in Urbana by U.S. District Judge Colin Bruce on Monday. He pleaded guilty to attempted arson in September.

On May 20, 2023, Buyno went the future clinic on North Logan Avenue, with the intention of lighting the building on fire. He said he wanted to  destroy it before it could open. Buyno backed his car into the front entrance of the building, which trapped him inside the car. Responding police officers arrested Buyno and he has been in custody ever since. A search of the car by authorities revealed bottles containing gasoline, a hatchet, road flares, multiple old tires, a pack of matches and wooden beams used to fortify the trunk.

In addition to the five years in prison, Buyno must pay more than $327,500 for the damage he caused. The owner of the building has said it is unlikely Buyno would be able to pay her in full for the damages, so she will have to pay for the repairs.

The building has been a source of controversy since it was announced that the former eye clinic would be remodeled into a woman’s health clinic. Objectors were concerned that abortions would be performed there and a resolution to stop materials used in abortions from being sent to the clinic was passed by the city council. The vote was 7-7 with the Mayor casting the deciding vote. The measure passed by the council has not yet been approved by any court.

The owner of the building told the News Gazette that she still plans to have the center open this year.

The Danville City Council tonight will act on several appointments to local boards. Larry Fredricks and Amy Hoose will be appointed to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Rickey Williams Sr. will be reappointed to the Danville Public Building Commissioners. Stacey Morgenson will be reappointed to the Danville Public Library Board. Jakob Dazey will be appointed to the Palmer Arena Board. Becky Woodrum and Roberta Allen will be reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.

News provided by Conservation District

The Vermilion County Conservation District will be hosting “Whoo’s Your Valentine?” at Forest Glen Preserve on Sunday, February 11 from 1 - 4 pm. Visit with your family to learn about owls, their habits, and unique talents. Feathers, owl pellets, calls, and a craft will be available to explore throughout the afternoon. 

This public education program is free and open to the public, no registration required. Forest Glen Preserve is located at 20301 E. 900 North Road, Westville, IL 61883

Article supplied by Chief Judge

Fifth Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Derek J Girton has announced his retirement, effective at
the close of business July 2, 2024. The Fifth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Clark, Coles,
Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion Counties.
In announcing his retirement, Judge Girton stated: “I was born in Vermilion County, but then
moved away as a small child. My wife, Laura, and I chose to move back when I graduated Law
School. It was here where we wanted to raise our children and make a home. Neither of us ever
had any regrets about our decision and I know both of our boys will also always consider
Vermilion County home. Serving as an Associate Judge for Vermilion County provided me an
opportunity to give back to a community that gave me so much. I cannot put into words how
much I appreciate the chance to serve in this capacity and will miss all the great people with
whom I had the honor to work.”
Judge Girton was appointed as an Associate Judge on August 7, 2010 and assigned to Vermilion
County throughout his tenure. Associate Judges handle high-volume court calls, presiding over
civil small claims, eviction, traffic, misdemeanor, divorce, and order of protection cases. He was
assigned to the felony division during 2022, and assisted in transitioning the judiciary in its
implementation of the new Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Thomas
O’Shaughnessy commented: “The diverse nature of the associate divisions requires the judges to
be knowledgeable, resourceful, and versatile, and Judge Girton is all of these. We are proud of
the work he performed for the people of Vermilion County, and will miss him as a trusted
colleague and friend.”
Judge Girton was the presiding judge of the County’s Drug Court for twelve (12) years, a
Vermilion County record for continuous service to the program. He is a member of the Illinois
Judges Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and Vermilion County Bar Association. Prior
to becoming a judge, he practiced law as a partner in the Danville firm of Acton & Snyder with a
general practice, but primarily handled family law and criminal defense cases. Judge Girton
graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, with a bachelor’s degree in economics and
Ohio Northern Law School. He was active with the Oakwood School Board, the Oakwood
Men's Club, and youth sports, as well as several Danville community organizations. He lives in
Oakwood and has two adult children.

Associate Judges are appointed by vote of the Fifth Judicial Circuit’s twelve (12) Circuit Judges.
Judge O’Shaughnessy indicated that the process to fill Judge Girton’s vacancy will begin in late
February 2024, with a request to the Supreme Court for authority to fill the vacancy. If
permission is granted, the application period will begin in early March, with the anticipation of
electing the new judge in mid-to-late April. Judge O’Shaughnessy noted that “Judge Girton’s
thoughtfulness and courtesy in providing the judiciary timely notice of his retirement plans, will
allow the new judge ample time to wind down their caseload or practice and assume the office on
July 3.”

Danville police are investigating a shooting that left a woman hospitalized.  Early Tuesday morning, Danville Police Officers responded to the 1600 block of Edgewood and found a 21 year old woman who had been shot. She was given immediate medical care and taken to the hospital, where she has been listed in stable condition.

Officers recovered spent shell casings in the area where the woman was shot. Witnesses on the scene could not provide any suspect information and the

Police Department continues examining  this incident.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer is new to the office, so he is inviting all local residents to meet him at an open house at his Danville office on Wednesday, February 14th.

 “All residents are encouraged to come for light refreshments and conversations,” said Rep. Schweizer. “My staff will be in attendance, and we will be available to answer questions, connect residents with resources, and make future appointments.”

 Schweizer’s open house will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. His office is at 3821 N. Vermilion in Danville.  Schweizer’s district includes parts of Vermilion and Champaign counties.

Local State Representative Brandun Schweizer is hosting a Valentines for Veterans card-drop off at his Danville office. He will be collecting cards through February 14.  The cards will be hand delivered to veterans living at Mercy Housing in Danville. For any inquiries, please contact the Danville office at (217) 477-0104.

Item provided by Rep. Robin Kelly

Today, local Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) announced the establishment of a Congressional Digital Health Caucus. The Caucus aims to inform policymakers of the rapid advancements in digital health innovation, highlight the potential impacts on patients and the healthcare system, and ensure that all Americans benefit from the transformative power of digital health tools.

The Digital Health Caucus, composed of a bipartisan group of lawmakers, will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among experts from government, the private sector, and the healthcare industry. By fostering partnerships and driving informed discussions, the Caucus seeks to shape policies that support the integration of cutting-edge digital health technologies into the healthcare landscape.

Key Objectives of the Congressional Digital Health Caucus:

1. Informing Policymakers: The Caucus will play a crucial role in educating policymakers about the latest developments in digital health, providing insights into the potential benefits for patients, healthcare providers, and the broader healthcare system.

2. Ensuring Accessibility for All Americans: Recognizing the importance of equitable access, the Caucus will work to ensure that digital health tools are accessible to all Americans, irrespective of socio-economic status or geographical location.

3. Promoting Collaboration: The Caucus will serve as a hub for collaboration between government agencies, private sector innovators, and healthcare professionals. By fostering partnerships, the Caucus aims to accelerate the development and adoption of digital health solutions.

4. Addressing Regulatory Challenges: Digital health innovation often outpaces existing regulatory frameworks. The Caucus will advocate for policies that strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring patient safety and data security.

5. Advancing Research and Development: The Caucus will work to advance research and development in the digital health space, encouraging innovation that improves patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

“From telehealth visits to virtual treatment monitoring, digital technology is transforming medicine and improving prevention and treatment options at a rapid pace. I’m proud to co-chair the bipartisan Digital Health Caucus with Congressman Troy Balderson to identify innovative applications for digital technology in healthcare,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “The Digital Health Caucus will work to ensure that historically marginalized communities have equal access to these groundbreaking advancements. By incorporating the responsible use of technology into our caring systems, patients will be able to access ever-growing possibilities for treatment and prevention.”

“As lawmakers, we must foster innovation in health care and ensure accessibility and affordability for patients,” said Balderson. “Thanks to rapid advancements in health care technology, we can achieve all three. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and I are excited to launch the Digital Health Caucus, which will bring together Members of Congress who are passionate about improving health care outcomes and making health systems more efficient. Quality health care has too often been isolated to areas around bigger cities, limiting access for rural Americans. Digital health care can finally close the urban-rural divide and make quality care available to all, regardless of zip code.”

“I’d like to thank Representatives Balderson and Kelly for their leadership in forming the Congressional Digital Health Caucus. We know getting things done on the Hill isn’t always easy. But this is a bipartisan priority, and the Digital Health Caucus will address issues we should all get behind: helping Americans access and afford quality health care – and helping the American tech companies and other innovators leading the way in this space. That means public policies that support health innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association.

News provided by the City of Danville

The City of Danville has received $1.425 million through the Illinois Housing Development Authority for home rehabilitation projects. The City is currently seeking qualified contractors to perform this work. Please examine the basic requirements listed below to ensure that your company meets the initial criteria. Contractors can visit the City’s website under the IHDA HAFHR Program
webpage, or the Community Development office located at 1155 E Voorhees, Danville, IL to obtain the Contractor Prequalification Packet. Minority-owned and Woman-owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.
1. Bidders must be general contractors prepared to conduct or subcontract all aspects of housing rehabilitation including but not limited to; carpentry, roofing, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, weatherization and sitework.
2. Document the completion of an EPA approved Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting class and that the company is certified with the EPA as an RRP Provider.
3. Minimum Insurance coverage must include the following: 

• Workmen’s Compensation and Employee’s Liability - Workmen’s compensation of not less than the statutory amount and employer’s liability of not less than $100,000 per person.
• Auto Insurance - A minimum combined single limit of not less than $500,000 for injuries, including accidental death, or damages caused by the contractor’s vehicles on the site.
• Comprehensive Public Liability – not less than $500,000 for accidents or injuries, including accidental death, for each occurrence, and not less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate for the policy term.
Please visit:
https://www.cityofdanville.org/government/community-development/ihda-hafhr-grant-program
Direct any questions to Christina Turner via mail at christina.turner@cityofdanville.org or at 217-431-2405. You may also contact Tess Reffett via mail at treffett@cityofdanville.org or at 217-431-2321.

Notice to the residents of the City of Danville, Illinois of the availability of IHDA HAF Home Repair Grant funding.
The City of Danville has received $1.425 million through the Illinois Housing Development Authority for home rehabilitation. Homeowners that live within the city limits of Danville, Illinois may be able to qualify for up to $60,000 in Home Repairs. Eligibility requirements include household income limits to be less than or equal to 150% of the AMI. The property needs to be owner occupied, and if applicable, current on mortgage payments. Eligible submissions will be selected for assistance through a lottery process.

Visit the City’s website under the IHDA HAFHR Program webpage for the
complete eligibility requirements, pre-application form, and program policies. Pre-application forms are also available at the Community Development Office located at 1155 E Voorhees Street, Danville, IL.

Grant applications will be accepted from February 1st through February 15th, 2024.
For more information please visit:
https://www.cityofdanville.org/government/community-development/ihda-hafhr-grant-program 

Direct any questions to Christina Turner via mail at christina.turner@cityofdanville.org or at 217-431-2405. You may also contact Tess Reffett via mail at treffett@cityofdanville.org or at 217-431-2321.

Item presented by Chief Judge

Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Thomas M. O’Shaughnessy of Danville announced that the week of February 3 - 10 has been designated as Official Court Reporter and Court Specialist Week for 2024. The 5th Judicial Circuit encompasses five counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion.
Official Court Reporters and Court Specialists are key players in legal proceedings. The official court reporters and court specialists are responsible for producing an accurate and complete legal transcript of courtroom proceedings, including trials, hearings, and other legal matters. A legal transcript is the exact record of every spoken word and who spoke it during the legal proceeding. These include all of the words spoken by the judge, lawyers, witnesses, and other parties.
Court reporters rely on the latest in technology and use stenographic machines to capture the spoken word and translate it into written text in real time, oftentimes assisting members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities with gaining access to the courts. In order to capture this transcript, an official court reporter must be able to hear the words that are spoken and set them down as they occur. Official court reporters “write” (by keying) between 225 and 280 words per
minute on a court reporting stenotype machine, which has keys representing certain letters of the alphabet. Not all letters of the alphabet are represented by a key on the machine. An official court reporter must often press down two or more keys simultaneously to represent those letters or “sounds.” The stenotype machine is oftentimes connected to a computer with software that then converts the shorthand to English creating the legal transcript. A court specialist simultaneously monitors legal proceedings in multiple courtrooms through high-tech electronic recording systems. The court specialist then listens to the recording and
prepares a written transcript.
In making the announcement, Chief Judge O’Shaughnessy said “Official court reporters and court specialists are career professionals with exemplary English skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to focus for hours on end. They often have to deal with people under stress due to their legal problems. The judges of the Fifth Judicial Circuit appreciate the vital role they play in the judicial process, and acknowledge that they, as the silent guardians of the record, are critical
to every case that comes before our courts. This Week helps showcase what makes court reporting a viable career choice. Those reasons include a quicker entrance into the workforce since no four-year degree is required, good salaries, flexibility, interesting venues, and the increasing demand for more reporters to meet the growing number of employment opportunities available in the field.”
Illinois faces a shortage of court reporters. Out of 500 positions state-wide, a little over 100 are currently unfilled, including several in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. A tuition-free training class has been designed and implemented to rebuild this vital labor force and direct trainees to courthouse jobs.
Illinois Court Reporting Services, the administrative office which oversees court reporting services, policies, and procedures for the Illinois trial courts, is offering an in-person, tuition-free training program to become an Official Court Reporter, with guaranteed job placement upon passing the required certification exam.
The training program requires a two-year, in-person commitment. The in-person classes are held in Urbana. For more information, interested persons should see: CRS OFFICIALSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM | ilcrs