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 A Week 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.

Vermilion Advantage is presenting a public meeting at Danville Area Community College, Bremer Theater, Danville Illinois, at 9:00 AM on April 24 to discuss the Broadband Breakthrough Program. This program is designed to attract and obtain grant funding for reliable, speedy, affordable internet connections throughout the county.

Bill Coleman of the Benton Institute one of the central figures in the Breakthrough program will be present to answer questions and explain more about how the program benefits the county. The Breakthrough Program is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension and Benton Institute and funded by entities such as the Soybean Association.

Mike Marron at Vermilion Advantage says quality internet is a must for our local economy to grow. It supports businesses as diverse as family farms to small town businesses like a newspaper. It is also critical for quality of life from education to entertainment to telemedicine opportunities. While many take being connected to the world for granted, it is not a tool every home and business has in the rural area of the county and even in some populous cities and villages. This program can be a game changer and real dollars are available when we partner with providers to find ways to meet the needs of our

community. Join us to hear the facts and some success stories to illustrate the potential we have if we put our minds to it!

News provided by DDI

Downtown Danville Inc.,  announces the award of an Interior Improvement Grant to Danville Light Opera.
Danville Light Opera was recently awarded $5000.00 of grant funding by Downtown Danville
Inc., to support the interior improvements of their building. DLO Musical Theatre began in
1956, making it the oldest musical theatre group in the area. Each year, this all-volunteer
community theatre presents three mainstage musical productions, as well as youth and teen
musicals every summer. The interior grant was used to improve electrical wiring in their space
and to make upgrades to their rehearsal space.
The DLO Musical Theatre’s “Backstage” location is at 141 N Walnut and is the organization’s
home for rehearsals, auditions, administration, set construction, and storage. DLO Musical
Theatre presents Godspell on April 18, 19 & 20, 2024 at 7:30pm and April 21, 2024, at 2:30pm
at the Danville Masonic Temple (109 W. North Street). DLO’s Summer Youth Shows are Finding
Nemo Jr. and Pippin. Details for all DLO productions can be found on their website:
https://www.dlomusicaltheatre.com/.
The Executive Director of Downtown Danville Inc., Annie Monyok, says that DLO Musical
Theatre is a deserving recipient of the grant. “DLO Musical Theatre is a volunteer led
organization that makes experiencing and participating in musical theatre accessible to our
community. Downtown Danville Inc. is thrilled to have the opportunity to support DLO.”
Monyok continues; “As Downtown is a growing hub for the arts, we’re pleased to see DLO
investing in their facility as they are a welcoming space and home to so many artists in our
community. We hope to only grow our support of the arts in Downtown Danville!”
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.

The winner of this year’s Martin Luther King Scholarship read his winning essay to the Danville City Council on Tuesday. DHS Senior Davari Boyd said that Black children are disproportionately labeled as having learning problems. He was one of those kids; but with the support of his mother and himself, he was able to succeed.

Boyd has been accepted at Eastern Illinois University and Indiana State University. He hopes to get a  degree in Criminology  and become a Danville police officer. Police Chief Christopher Yates said he is already working to support Boyd.

Vermilion County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland is assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic value and not subject to the state equalization factor.

Assessments in Vermilion County are at 33.26% of market value, based on sales of properties in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2023 taxes, payable in 2024.

Last year's equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.

The final assessment equalization factor was issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor. The tentative factor issued on 09-Nov-2023 was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments/county assessor.

If the three-year average level of assessment is one-third of the market value, the equalization factor will be one (1). If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one (1). And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1).

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property tax bills will increase or decrease. Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when they request money each year to provide services to local citizens. If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then total property taxes will not increase even if assessments increase.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume. That individual's portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) is a chief co-sponsor of legislation that passed out of the House on April 15, 2024. House Bill 4350 mandates certain establishments, like hotels and emergency rooms, to hang posters developed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) that provide information for children on how to report physical and sexual abuse.

“I am proud to serve as a chief co-sponsor on this important measure aimed at protecting children in abusive situations,” said Rep. Schweizer. “In Springfield, we must tackle difficult issues to have a positive impact on our communities, which is why I support taking this important and necessary step in the battle against child trafficking and abuse."

House Bill 4350 creates the Child Abuse Notice Act, which focuses on placing a notice on how to report abuse in high-traffic areas, like hotels or motels, emergency rooms, and public transit stations, as those establishments have higher chances of children who are being abused or trafficked to pass through.

The posters will be created by the Department of Children and Family Services. A model will be available to download at no cost to the requesting entity. Printed posters must be 8.5 x 11 inches in size and written in 16-point font. Each requesting establishment must print the posters in other languages if a large population of non-English speakers live in that establishment's county.

“The implementation of this bill serves to help children in unimaginable situations get the help they need by providing information on how to get help,” said Schweizer.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. To follow its progress, visit ILGA.gov.

The City of Danville has agreed to put a solar energy system on part of a former land fill site. The city council Tuesday voted on a Special Use Permit to allow for a Large-Scale Ground Solar Energy System on the old city landfill along Highland Boulevard and Greenwood Cemetery Road.

Chad Tady of TotalEnergies told the council that the plan would have a variety of benefits to Danville

The company and the city will now develop a detailed lease for the project. Tady says the solar panels should last 35 years, and if the project is ever ended, the company will do the cleanup

The company hopes the project can be underway by the end of 2026. City officials say they know of no other use for the former landfill property.

The Danville City Council Tuesday appointed Dave Ruwe as Director of Public Works. Ruwe’s appointment will be a switch of jobs with long time Director Carl Carpenter. Carpenter had planned to retire and was training Ruwe. But Carpenter decided against retirement. So Carpenter will become Operations Administrator, which is Ruwe’s present job.. Ruwe thanked the council members for their support.

The council also approved changes to the solid waste ordinance. New prices are being established for special large scale collections in the city. The monthly HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE COLLECTION also will go up $1.50 a month to $25. There will also be slight increases the next four years.

Also okayed was funding for a new perimeter fence around Friendly Town in Lincoln Park. Friendly Town is being refurbished, and Police Chief Chris Yates says the community response to adopt or sponsor part of  the town has been great.

There will be a community workday on the project next month. And Yates hopes the project will be complete for a community open house June 1.

Local U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, legislation aimed at raising awareness for scams targeting our nation’s seniors.

The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue a report on the types of scams seniors face, the frequency of these scams, and possible policy recommendations to help older adults identify scams before it is too late.

"Our senior citizens deserve the respect and resources they need to live with dignity and thrive. Scams preying on their fears are unacceptable and often harm entire families," Congresswoman Robin Kelly said. "We have a moral obligation to stop these con artists by empowering seniors with facts and information and empowering the FTC to understand how these criminal operations start and prevent them from continuing."

“Each day, Americans fall victim to deceptive schemes,” said Balderson, “and it is especially cruel when these scams target seniors. This legislation will help us get a better understanding of how these criminals operate and, in turn, help us intervene to prevent seniors from being taken advantage of in the first place.”

The Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act also directs FTC to update its web portal with information about scams targeting seniors. This portal would allow consumers to search for scams by region, and access contact information for law enforcement and adult protective service agencies. It also directs FTC to work with media outlets and law enforcement agencies to distribute this information to seniors and their caregivers.

“The bipartisan, 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition is proud to endorse the bipartisan Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act. Reps. Kelly and Balderson are to be commended for this commonsense legislation addressing a most debilitating form of elder abuse, financial abuse caused by scams. This bill would enhance the already fine work of the FTC in scam prevention. This legislation is all about protecting seniors from losing, in some cases, their entire life savings from a scam,” said Elder Justice Coalition National Coordinator Bob Blancato.

VA Illiana Health Care System will recognize 74 regularly scheduled volunteers, April 21-27, for the 7,395 hours they have contributed toward caring for Veterans through volunteer assignments associated with driving, directing, accompanying, serving, comforting, and counseling during fiscal year 2023.

Across America, VA will recognize more than 25,400 volunteers for their service to Veterans at VA medical facilities nationwide during National Volunteer Week. In fiscal year 2023, VA volunteers and organizations nationwide donated more than 3.2 million hours of service and more than $81.1 million in gifts and donations for Veterans and their families.

“The dedicated volunteers at VA Illiana do truly remarkable work that helps us connect Veterans with care,” said VA Illiana Executive Director Staci Williams. “One particularly impactful duty performed by volunteers is serving as drivers and shuttle operators. Our volunteer drivers provide veterans transportation from the rural areas we serve to our clinics and community partner providers. These, and all volunteers, truly help us accomplish our mission.”

National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans. There are many ways to volunteer. For instance, VA Illiana offers the unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer driver, helping ensure Veterans have the transportation they need to reach their care. Also, volunteers are a critical part of shaping a warm and welcoming environment at VA through initiatives such as the Veteran Coffee Cart.

“Volunteering in any capacity is a noble pursuit, but the joy and fulfilment I have seen in those who choose to volunteer with VA is remarkable,” said Aaron Cain, VA Illiana’s acting chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement. “From friendships formed on the open road between drivers and Veterans to preparing for a special holiday celebration, VA volunteers contribute immeasurable talent and gain lifelong rewards.”

While National Volunteer Week kicks off April 21, VA invites everyone in the community to explore ways to give back to Veterans any time of the year. In addition, Veterans can explore volunteer opportunities as part of VetServe 2024, which encourages Veterans to become volunteers to support other Veterans. No medical experience is necessary, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at VA Illiana, visit VA Illiana’s website or call 217-554-4525.

The victim of a fatal house fire has been identified. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim as 66 year old Helen Demarest the resident of the home in the 1300 block of McKinley.

When Danville Firefighters arrived on the scene, they found heavy fire coming from the home. A bystander informed them that an occupant remained in the home. Once the fire was under control, firefighters searched for the victim and found Demarest. Five animals also died in the blaze. Coroner McFadden stated that the Danville Fire Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s Office are still investigating the cause of the fire.