Authorities are still trying to identify the man who died after being struck by several vehicles.  The Vermilion County Coroner stated that the male pedestrian was struck by multiple motor vehicles on County Road 2030 East north of Voorhees Street in the early morning hours of Tuesday. An Autopsy was performed late yesterday, and an identification has not yet been made.

The preliminary investigation shows that the man was walking in the roadway wearing dark colored clothing. The roadway is in a rural area without streetlights and there was fog present at the time. The pedestrian was struck by multiple vehicles, the driver of one of the vehicles stopped and reported the incident to law enforcement. A second vehicle that struck the pedestrian was located later. 

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office continue to investigate. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident call the Sheriff’s Office at 217-442-4080 or Vermilion County Crimestoppers.

 Three new probationary police officers were sworn into the Danville Police Department Wednesday. The new officers are Roman Wagner, Trevor Snider, and Brody Yates. They will begin a 16-week law enforcement training course at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute next week. This will bring the Danville Police Department to 70 officers.

News provided by police

On 04/30/24 around 4:51 pm, Danville Police officers spotted a stolen Volkswagen Jetta in the
1300 block of E. Williams St. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle and a
vehicle pursuit began when the driver refused to stop. During the pursuit, a Danville Police squad car
struck a concrete curb in the alleyway near the 500 block of Griffin St and that vehicle was rendered
inoperable.
The pursuit continued east bound to the area of Main St and Brewer Rd where the stolen vehicle
struck a Ford Flex that was traveling eastbound, both vehicles left the roadway, and the pursuit ended.
Officers took the driver of the stolen vehicle into custody and he was identified as 29-year-old Stephen
D. Reed of Danville, IL. Reed was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing and
eluding, reckless endangerment and criminal damage to property.
The two occupants of the Ford Flex were evaluated by medical personnel and released at the
scene. The officer who struck the concrete curb in the 500 block of Griffin St was transported to OSF
Sacred Heart Medical Center where he was treated for a fractured wrist and later released.

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed
innocent unless proven guilty.
The investigation into this incident continues and no other information is being released at this time.
Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to call Danville Police at (217) 431-2250.
Or you can call Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIPS

Steohen Reed

Item provided by Danville Fire Dept.

Danville Fire Department Now Hiring Probationary Firefighters
Application Period: May 01, 2024 – June 15, 2024
The Danville Fire Department is opening the application period for appointment to Probationary Fire Fighter with the City of Danville. We are looking for compassionate, hardworking individuals looking to carry out the mission of the fire
department.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be between 20 and 35 years of age at the time of application; 21 to 40 years of age if employed as a
firefighter at time of application (certain conditions apply)
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States of America.
Applications may be picked up from Fire Department Headquatrters: 1111 N. Griffin Street, Danville, Illinois 61832 or
downloaded from the Cityofdanville.org website.
Applications are due by June 15, 2024.

Item supplied by CRIS

CRIS Healthy-Aging currently has openings for clients needing screened for enrollment into the Community Care Program offered through the State of Illinois. To be eligible, clients must be 60 plus years old and in need of assistance to live independently in their own homes.  The Community Care Program offers the following services to eligible clients: Home Aides, Medication Dispensers, Emergency Home Response Systems and Home Delivered Meals. Our professional Care Coordinators can come to your home and complete an assessment to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for these state funded services.

Please call CRIS today to schedule an appointment for your screening at 217-443-2999 and ask for Quinn or Kyle. 

For more information about CRIS Healthy Aging please visit our website at CRISHealthyAging.org. 

The Danville Fire Department battled a pair of fires on Saturday. Fire Chief Aaron Marcott says the First Incident was just after 1 p.m. at 1110 East Seminary Street. First arriving personnel reported a large amount of smoke coming from the roof of the building. Firefighters were told everyone was out of the building. While performing a search of the building firefighters did locate and remove two cats from the residence. The fire was determined to have started in a bedroom as a result of a malfunctioning power cord. The smoke detector was present and working. The estimated dollar loss is 45 thousand dollars.

The second incident was just before 3 p.m. A neighbor reported a possible house fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the residence at 851 E. Seminary Street. Firefighters located a fire in the kitchen area of the residence and brought the fire under control. The cause of the fire is undetermined and Under Investigation. A detector was present and working. The estimated dollar loss is 32 thousand dollars.

Westville, IL - The Nature Center and Pioneer Homestead Cabin at Forest Glen Preserve, as well as the Bunker Hill Historic Area buildings at Kennekuk County Park, will be staffed with volunteers and open to the public for tours on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1 - 4 pm. 

Visitors to the Forest Glen Preserve Nature Center can learn about Vermilion County plants and animals with displays, exploration tables, and more. The Pioneer Homestead Cabin takes visitors back in time to discover how early settlers lived in Vermilion County.  Forest Glen Preserve is located at 20301 E. 900 North Road
Westville, IL 61883.

Danville, IL - The Bunker Hill Historic Area buildings of the Neff Grocery Store, Atwood Home, Bismarck Train Depot, Red Oak School, Old Time Print Shop, and the Mack and Son Barber Shop at Kennekuk County Park take people back to the time period of 1890's-1940's.  To add to the nostalgia, the Redbud String Band will be performing at the Gazebo located in the Bunker Hill Historic Area.  The Redbud String Band will play two sets, 1 pm and 2:30 pm, with a mixture of American old time, Celtic (Scots and Irish), Civil War era, and some early 20th century ragtime. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of nostalgia with tours of the buildings and live music! Kennekuk County Park is located at 22296-A Henning Road, Danville, IL 61834

The Vermilion County Conservation District utilizes volunteers to staff these buildings. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lara Danzl, ldanzl@vccd.org, or 217-442-1691.

The City of Danville is working with neighborhood associations to make community improvements. Community Relations administrator Ashton Greer said a meeting of volunteers and city leaders  was held Saturday to work together.

The meeting discussed subjects like clean-up, blight, fire safety, and working with police. Greer said the meeting will help develop new neighborhood associations and improve existing ones.       

There are currently 10 neighborhood associations in Danville and city officials are hoping to develop more.

Greer said that working together on city problems and successes is what is needed in Danville.

Some 80 people attended the meeting.

Two local fire departments received grants from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program awarded a total of 4 million dollars to 165 fire departments and EMS providers across the state. The Hoopeston fire Department in Vermilion County and the Carroll Fire Protection District in Champaign County each got around 26 thousand dollars. The grants are to allow the opportunity to purchase small equipment that such agencies may otherwise not be able to purchase.

The comptroller for the City of Danville is resigning. Ashlyn Massey is leaving the post in August. She has been Comptroller for 4 and a half years. Her resignation note said she is moving to a new chapter in her life. She says she will remain in Vermilion County and will be actively involved in the city.

Massey said she will work with the next Comptroller and the Treasurer to ensure a smooth transition.

A local portion of Interstate 74 has been designated as the Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.  Elected officials, community members, as well as friends and family came together yesterday in Oakwood to honor the late Senator.

Senator Paul Faraci told the group that the Illinois Senate made the designation…

Mike Marron, who served in the legislature with Bennett, says designating that portion of the highway was appropriate, because Bennett spent a lot of time on it serving the people of Champaign and Vermilion Counties..

He said the late Senator represented people of all political persuasions and that kind of bipartisan effort is needed today.

Most people knew Bennett as a successful lawyer and senator.  But his uncle rob Bennett says he will remember Scott Bennett as a family man. He said Scott was always helping the family.  

Scott Bennett passed away in December 2022 leaving behind his wife of 20 years and their children.

The local unemployment rate is nearly unchanged from a year ago, according to a report from the Department of Employment Security. The March rate for Vermilion County is 5.7 percent, identical to that from a year ago. In Champaign County it is 4.3 per cent, a slight increase from 3.7 percent last year.

In the city of Danville the rate is 6.3 percent, compared to 6 percent last year.  In Urbana it is 4.3 percent, where it was 3.6 percent in 2023.  In the city of Champaign, it is 4.2 percent, an increase from 3.4 last year.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly Wednesday presented Danville a substantial grant to help improve a city neighborhood. She said a check for 850 thousand dollars will help the Madison Neighborhood Revitalization Project.

The area to be developed is around the Carle at the Riverfront Medical Campus. Mayor Rickey Williams says the funds will be used for a variety of community improvements.

The Mayor and the Congresswoman both said this is just the beginning of work to improve the neighborhood.

Kelly said she has been working with the Mayor on getting special funding for the city.

Kelly says getting federal grants for local projects is important.

The Mayor and the Congresswoman both said this is just the beginning of work to improve the neighborhood.

Item from Sen. Faraci

State Senator Paul Faraci will join members of the community, elected officials, and family and friends of the late Senator Scott Bennett at a memorial naming portions of I-74 as the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.”

Last spring, Faraci (D-Champaign) passed Senate Joint Resolution 32 designating I-74 from U.S. Route 45 in Champaign to the Indiana state line as the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.” The Illinois Department of Transportation will place signs along the interstate in his honor.

WHO: State Senator Paul Faraci, Rob Bennett, Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Jeanie Cooke and Danville High School Student Council President Isaiah Easton

WHAT: I-74 dedication to the late Senator Scott Bennett

WHEN: April 25 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Oakwood Village Hall, 100 S. Scott St.

News supplied by State's Attorney

On April 15, 2024, Rahkeam Cammon (DOB: 10/13/1992), formerly of Danville,
pleaded guilty and was sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2
felony, to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following his time in prison,
Cammon will serve a term of one year mandatory supervised release.
Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that on September 10, 2023, Danville Police Department
was dispatched to a bar on Vermilion Street in Danville for a report of a man with a gun.
Danville Police responded and observed the suspect matching the description get into a car. An
officer approached the vehicle and the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed. Shortly after, a
vehicle crash was reported and police found the suspect vehicle at the scene of the accident.
Rahkeam Cammon was located nearby on foot and was positively identified as the driver of the
suspect vehicle. Police found the suspect’s gun inside the car.
State’s Attorney Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their quick response in this
case. She added, “My office will continue to work with police agencies to follow Illinois law to
remove guns from the hands of felons.”

DANVILLE CEREMONY TO HONOR THOSE WHO LOST LIVES ON THE JOB
Elected officials, union leaders to recognize 55 local residents on Sunday

For just the second time, Workers' Memorial Day ceremonies will take place in Danville on Sunday, honoring those who have lost their lives while on the job.
Hundreds of ceremonies will happen across the country, including one at 11am Sunday at a memorial outside Kruger-Coan Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams St., Danville.
State Sen. Paul Faraci is expected to join union leaders and other local officials in recognizing Workers' Memorial Day, which has taken place each year since the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect more than 50 years ago. While labor unions are leading the fight for greater workplace protections, the day honors all whose lives were lost on the job, regardless of whether they were union members.
The Danville memorial was built in 1993 and includes the names of 36 local union members and 19 other workers. Last year was the first ceremony there and organizers are asking for the public's help in identifying those whose names should be added for recognition in future years.
"We recognize the importance of honoring the memories of those who lost their lives while on the job," said Connie Ostrander, of the Vermillion County AFL-CIO. "We know there are more than just those whose names are on the memorial today. We hope their friends and family members will reach out to us and bring attention to their loved ones."
Those who would like someone's name added to the memorial should contact Ostrander at ostranderconnie40@gmail.com or 217-418-0944.

Danville City officials are optimistic that the new pool will open Memorial Day weekend like planned, but there is no guarantee.

Public Works director Dave Ruwe told the Public Services Committee on Tuesday that despite hard work by everyone there are still things to get done.

City officials also want to make sure the new employees working in the updated facility feel comfortable before the public enters. The pool is being completely rebuilt and includes special features like slides.

The pool will have an inspection from the Department of Public Health next week. The official name of the new pool is the Danville Aquatics Center at Garfield Park.

The committee did vote to approve prices for the pool. The daily pass will be 8 dollars, with those 3 and  under free. Passes for non-profit patrons will be 4 dollars. There will be a punch card with 10 admissions for $70. There will be no pool party rates this year.

The committee approved an increase in towing and vehicle storing fees. The rates have not changed since 2009. These rates are only for work the two towing companies do for the city of Danville. It does not affect private towing jobs.

The committee’s actions will go before the full city council next month.

Smoke detectors save lives, and the Danville Fire Department would like to see more use of them. Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott told the Public Services Committee Tuesday that a recent fire death was in a residence with no smoke detector

A grant the department recently got will help them pay for some smoke detectors. Firefighters are hoping to have a big campaign this summer to make people more aware of smoke detectors and get more of them installed.

The discussion of fires brought up the subject of demolishing fire damaged buildings. Several aldermen expressed concern that such structures were not take down more quickly.

Mayor Rickey Williams says that an unsafe building can be taken down as firefighters battle a blaze. But if a house survives the fire, then the city must jump through complicated legal hoops.

Unfortunately, the legal battle can last years. Police and fire officials are currently investigating several recent suspicious fires.

The Fischer Theatre in Danville is moving away from selling tickets at the box office. Tickets will only be available online. Fischer officials say buying on-line is the preferred method, and is less expensive for the Fischer. All tickets for events can be purchased in advance on atthefischer.com or before the show at the theatre. The box office will always be open one hour prior to showtime for those who prefer to purchase tickets in person.

Downtown Danville Inc. proudly announces the award of an Interior Improvement Grant to
Hussmann Rogers Law, LLC, a dedicated member of the downtown community.
Hussmann Rogers Law, LLC, located at 48 N. Vermilion St., specializes in Family Law, Personal
Injury, and Juvenile Criminal Law. The $5000 grant, provided by Downtown Danville Inc.,
facilitated the installation of new flooring, enhancing the firm's workspace.
Liya Hussmann Rogers, owner operator of the firm and Secretary of Downtown Danville Inc. has
long been an advocate for small businesses in the area. Her commitment to downtown
revitalization and active involvement in community events exemplify the spirit of our
organization.
Annie Monyok, Executive Director of Downtown Danville Inc., emphasizes the inclusivity of our
grant program: “As a membership organization funded by a the Special Services Area Number
One tax, our mission is to empower our members to improve their properties. Our grants
match their investment, up to $5000, fostering partnerships like the one with Hussmann Rogers
Law, LLC.”
The mission of Downtown Danville Inc. is to drive sustainable growth in the heart of our city by
championing downtown businesses, funding targeted grants, creating opportunities for
collaboration, and implementing initiatives that enhance the appeal and economic prosperity of
the vibrant Downtown Danville community. The Downtown Danville Inc. Grant Program assists
businesses within the Special Service Area of downtown with the maintenance, upkeep, and
expansion of their downtown businesses.
For more information about Downtown Danville Inc. and its grant programs, please visit
www.downtowndanville.org.

Photo: left to right Vickie Smith (receptionist), Connie Hudison (bookkeeper), Kathy
Ramsay (office manager/secretary), Lindsay Starwalt (associate attorney), Liya
Hussmann Rogers (attorney/owner), Lori Cornell (secretary).

The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) concludes its 2023-24 season and Music Director search May 4 th with “Beatles & Bach” in the Dick Van Dyke
Auditorium. On Saturday, May 4 th at 7:30 pm, Music Director Candidate, Maestro Matthew Sheppard, will return to the podium and lead the DSO through a program featuring classical works and pop hits. This concert will feature the works of J. S. Bach, Christopher Theofanidis, Leonard Bernstein, Alexander Arutiunian, Leroy Anderson, and the Beatles. Headlining the evening will be award-winning soloist and composer, trumpet master Brandon Ridenour, who, at the age 20, became the
youngest member of the famous Canadian Brass.
Following the concert, patrons are invited to a small reception in the lobby to meet the Maestro. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tickets are still available for the May 4 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.

Police memorial service set

Posted About Three Weeks Ago

The Danville Police Department and The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department will hold the annual Police Memorial Service at Sunset Memorial Park. It will be Thursday, May 9, at 10 a.m.

The public is welcome to attend to show respect for our fallen officers, and support our current working officers from both departments. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. will read our fallen officers names with reflections from Reverend Frank McCullough. Honor Guards from both agencies will perform along with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps. Wreath presentations will be conducted by Sheriff Hartshorn and Chief Yates.

The construction of the new Garfield Park pool is moving along, so the  City of Danville is set to establish admission rates for the upcoming season.

The Public Services committee will discuss the rates at its meeting Tuesday night. The proposal calls for an 8 dollar daily pass (per person) and a 4 dollar per person cost for non-profit organizations. There will be a punch card for 10 daily passes for $70.

The Municipal Pool has been completely refurbished and modified to include water slides. The plan is to open the pool for the first time around  Memorial Day.

A 33 year old Danville man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Terry Carter pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Deliver. A news release from State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacey said the Vermilion County

Metropolitan Group uncovered that Terry Carter was dealing methamphetamine in Danville. Through a series of controlled buys, enough evidence was gathered to obtain a search warrant for Carter’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, agents found Carter to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine, packaging materials and drug paraphernalia. During an interview with law enforcement, Carter admitted to selling methamphetamine.

The Danville Public Library is expanding its operating hours to better serve the  community. Starting April 29, the library will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday & Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The library will be closed on Sundays. 

 Officials say this change reflects a commitment to providing more accessible and convenient service hours for patrons. For more information, please contact the Danville Public Library at (217) 477-5220.