Information supplied by city of Danville

Join us as we transform Downtown Danville into a magical land for all to enjoy on Friday, November 3, from 5-8 PM! At the stroke of 5:00 PM Vermilion Street will become Diagon Alley, North Street will become Knockturn Alley, and the Danville Public Library will become Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

As one strolls through the whimsical Downtown Danville, be weary as one never knows what one might see! One may even want to pick up a scavenger hunt list at any of the Downtown Shops to see if they can find all the hidden items throughout Downtown for a chance to win a prize. Turn in your completed scavenger hunt maps to The Fischer Theatre before 8:00 to be entered into a drawing for a fabulous prize package! Don’t forget to venture to Hogwarts (at the Library), to see Potterfest characters in action! While you are on your journey, enjoy some Butterbeer at Cafe 13’!

See if you can find Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest, visit dementor cove and get a new tattoo at Markus Scarr’s (Requite Tattoo), have your fortune read by Professor Trelawney, collect a potion, or try your hand at quidditch at Kresge Park. Get your themed Potterfest photo taken and printed on the spot by Rossi Photo Studios, and visit The County Administration Building (Hogsmeade) which will also host a variety of potter-themed booths, products, and activities! Compete at Sweet Repeats in a Harry Potter Themed Trivia Tournament at 6:30. Registration is at 6:00 PM. Teams of 4, please. First come, first serve.

All this and many more magical surprises are Downtown on Friday, November 3 from 5-8 PM at the 5th annual Potterfest!

Pre order your 2023 Potterfest shirts here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0F44ACAF2DA3FEC43...

It is going to be a truly magical night. No muggles allowed. More details to come as the event planning commences!

Thank you to our sponsors who help us create this magical night:

Champion Sponsors:
Hayley Siefert with Keller Williams Realty, TREC
Carle Health

Investor Sponsors:
OSF Healthcare
Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness

Partner Sponsors:
Christie Clinic
Two Roads Wellness Clinic
Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs
Country Financial - Pete Goodwin, Chris Griffin, Amanda Galloway
Watchfire
Vermilion Advantage
Old National Bank
ThyssenKrupp Dynamic Components
Child Care Resource Service at University of Illinois
Hyster-Yale
Culligan Water

Supporter Sponsors:
Lima Bean Glassworks and Gifts
Aqua Illinois
Ameren IL

Supplied by Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees Danville and Santa need more helpers!

Volunteer and get in Free for the 2023 Festival of Trees

November 11th-15th at the David S. Palmer Arena Danville. 

It's fun and easy! Just go to FestivalofTreesDanville.com and 

click the Volunteer tab. Their is a list of the various tasks and 

description of each. Click the link and sign up right there. 

Grab a friend and enjoy the beautiful Holiday Wonderland. 

It's a great way to get on Santa's Nice List this year.

Special Event Tickets

There is a full description of each event, when and everything that each ticket includes for the price on https://www.festivaloftreesdanville.com/.

Cheers to You Bingo is the only one that doesn't have assigned seating. Princess Tea Party and Ladies Luncheon are sold out. 

Hurry and get your Festival of Trees Danville Special Event Tickets for

Breakfast with Santa, Cheers to You Bingo and Family Bingo tickets before they sell out. Have Fun & start a holiday tradition at the 2023 Festival of Trees Danville with over 120 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees & Wreaths and so much more. 

All profits raised from Festival of Trees Danville go back to our local community in the form of Impact Grants that are shared with OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center and groups and organizations that benefit children throughout our community. 

Purchase tickets at FestivalofTreesDanville.com or avoid the ticket fee from the ticket vendor and purchase them in person at the David S. Palmer Arena box office M-F 10am-4pm or call 217-431-2424

News supplied by Sen. Faraci

State Senator Paul Faraci was proud to accept the 2023 Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Association of School Social Workers. 

"I am proud of the work we were able to accomplish this year to protect students and educators,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “School social workers play an important role in supporting our children, especially children living with disabilities.”

The Illinois Association of School Social Workers is the largest school social work organization in the world. Each year they honor legislators in Illinois who have worked hard to promote and advocate for students in the public education system.

Senator Faraci sponsored House Bill 3680, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. Under Faraci’s measure, extra accommodations needed for a student during emergencies must be taken into account when developing their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a federal Section 504 plan. It also requires administrators and school support personnel to include a student's IEP team or Section 504 plan team when making a decision about whether to exclude the student from a walk-through lock down drill.

“I will continue to stand with educators across our state every step of the way,” said Faraci. “Educators’ roles are so important for our community, as they mentor the next generation and help them be successful.”

Faraci received the award at the Illinois Association of School Social Workers’ 53^rd Annual Conference in Springfield.

Information supplied by Library Foundation

The Danville Library Foundation is excited to bring the nationally recognized blues and jazz group Davina & The Vagabonds to the Fischer Theatre Saturday, November 4th for a public performance. The concert is the conclusion of an evening dedicated to the Danville Library Foundation’s donors and supporters over the years.
Library Foundation Director, Peter Blackmon touted the partnership between the foundation and its’ supporters. “We want to say ‘Thank You’ to our donors who are critical to the foundation’s operations, and as always, we wanted to provide
music and entertainment to those who work so hard to keep local services and businesses running. That is why the tickets to the concert are not only for our donors but open to public – it is really a ‘Thank You’ to them as well for their continued dedication to this community.”
Davina & The Vagabonds is fronted by renowned singer and songwriter Davina Lozier (formerly Sowers). The group hit #13 on the Billboard Blues Chart in 2014 for their album Sunshine and have toured extensively in the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, and Europe.
Tickets for the show are on sale now through the Fischer Theatre both in person during operating hours and online at atthefischer.com
For more information contact: Peter Blackmon at (217) 260-4548.

On 10/28/2023, The Custard Cup in Danville marked the close of its 74th season as
the lights in its iconic sign turned off. But they are not off forever. Danville native and past Cup
employee, Andrew Seibert announces his upcoming purchase of The Custard Cup, following his
successful bid at last week’s auction for the beloved local dessert spot.
“Ever since I first put on the gold apron 25 years ago, the Cup has always held a special place in my
heart,” Seibert said. “When the news broke last month that it was to be sold, the lemon custard-loving
kid in me felt called to ensure that it was preserved for generations to come. Never in a million years did
I think I would actually have the winning bid!”
With next year marking the long-standing business’ 75th anniversary, Seibert says he’s excited to
celebrate that milestone, but his focus is on making sure the business is flourishing all the way to its
centennial. “The Custard Cup has always been, and will continue to be, a source of great pride for
everyone in the city of Danville and Vermilion County, and for all those, like me, who call it ‘home’ no
matter where we roam,” shared Seibert, who currently lives in Chicago.
Seibert, who grew up in Danville and worked at The Custard Cup in high school, knows the importance
of local small businesses first-hand. Seibert’s father, Roger Seibert, owned Danville Omni Kolor, an
automotive paint store, for 28 years until retiring in 2016. “I spent a lot of time at the store, after school
and in the summers. I loved making the daily rounds with him to all the local body shops. Everyone
would always ask ‘Is he going to take over someday?’ and we’d both laugh. But he taught me the
importance of building genuine relationships with customers and going above and beyond to help them.
And that’s something the Cup has done for 74 years, and we will continue to do for many years to
come,” Seibert said.
The opening date for the next season will be March 15, 2024. Customers can expect many of the same
friendly faces behind the window and all their treasured flavors and treats. “There will be lemon. There
will be cold fudge. There will be Green Rivers,” Seibert reassured, naming a few of the most popular
menu items.
The sale of the business will be finalized in late-November and more updates will be shared at that time.

The 25th Annual Salute to Veterans Concert will be Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 6:00 in the DHS auditorium. The DHS Music Department including Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Madrigals will perform. The night will feature Armed Forces Salute where each branch of the Armed Forces will stand to be honored. We will also play the Stars and Stripes Sousa march along with a variety of other music. The Honor Guard will present the colors, Danville High School students will be narrating the evening. The concert is free to the public.

A Danville woman and her son were killed in a traffic accident Thursday evening on I-74. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victims as 32 year old Monique Stanciel and her 7 year old son Simir Stanciel. They were passengers in a passenger car driven by Nathaniel Thompson of Chicago. Thompson was stopped in the left lane of traffic near Oakwood because of a flat tire.

A pickup truck driven by Andrew Pilkington of Cayuga, Ind., hit the rear end of the car, and both vehicles caught fire. Thompson and Pilkington were both taken to area hospitals with undisclosed injuries. Police said Pilkington was given tickets for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and having a suspended registration. Thompson was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and stopping where prohibited.

A section of I-74 was closed for several hours due to the accident, and traffic was redirected to U.S. 150. The Illinois State Police and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office continue to investigate.

Danville’s Golden Nugget Casino received its permanent license to operate on Thursday from the Illinois Gaming Board. The board voted 3-0 in favor of granting the casino license to Danville Development LLC. The license is in effect for four years. It will have to be renewed by the board in October 2027.

Danville’s license was one of four in the state approved Thursday by the gaming board.  The gaming board also approved the owners and top personnel for the Danville casino.  The IGB also was introduced to Jahnae Erpenbach, the new Danville casino general manager. Erpenbach was born and raised in southern Illinois and has 30 years gaming experience in Indiana and Illinois

The casino opened at the end of May. They've welcomed almost 135,000 people through the turnstiles.

The casino has about 244 employees, with a 90 percent retention rate. They would like to get another 20-30 dealers. The Danville Golden Nugget casino gaming floor features almost 500 slot machines, in addition to 14 table games. The Sportsbook has yet to open.

The $100 million Golden Nugget Danville Casino is off Lynch Road at 204 Eastgate Drive on city’s east side. Illinois is now home to 15 casinos, 11 licensed sports books, and a network of more than 8,400 licensed video gaming establishments.

The local unemployment rate went up in September from a year ago.

The jobless rate in Champaign County was 4.8 percent compared to 3.3 percent last year.  The Vermilion County rate was 6.3 percent, up from 4.4 percent.

In the City of Danville, the September rate was 7.5 percent.  It was 5.4 percent in 2022. The rate in Urbana was 5.2 percent, up from 3.7 percent in a year.  In the city of Champaign it was 5.0 percent, a hike from 3.5 percent.

The number of jobs actually increased by 18 hundred in Champaign County and over 1 thousand in Vermilion County.

A woman was hurt in a house fire in Danville early Thursday. Danville firefighters were dispatched to a fire in the 1600 block of Oak Street and were told an occupant was inside the structure. Firefighters entered the home and began fighting the fire.  Other firefighters entered a window at another location and began the search for the resident. Firefighters located a woman and removed her through a window under heavy fire and smoke conditions. She was taken to OSF Medical Center.  Her name and condition have not been released. One firefighter suffered a minor hand injury while performing the removal of the victim. The firefighter did not seek medical treatment for the injury.

The cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Damage to the home is estimated at 50 thousand dollars.

The Danville Police Department is urging motorists to commit to sober driving during this Halloween season. If you will be out scaring up a good time, remember to plan ahead for a sober ride home.

Never get behind the wheel impaired. It is illegal in Illinois to drive impaired by alcohol, marijuana or any other impairing substance. DUIs are not restricted to alcohol-related offenses. If you drive high, you’ll get a DUI.

Follow these simple tips to help keep our roads safe this Halloween season:

?--Plan a safe way to get home before you attend a party.

? --Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, or call a sober

friend or family member to get home.

? --Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving while impaired. Designate a sober friend to accompany you home.

? --If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so.

  Item submitted by Rep. Robin Kelly

Local Congress woman Robin Kelly (D-IL), Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), and Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) announced the establishment of a new Congressional Caucus focused on educating policymakers and uplifting the needs of Predominantly Black Institutions. The Congressional Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Caucus will unite policymakers who share the goal of understanding and advancing policies to support PBIs. 

PBIs were established in 2007 via P.L. 110-84, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, to expand access to important federal grants to assist institutions with limited institutional wealth to include colleges and universities serving large percentages of low-income African American students. Prior to 2007, these support grants assisted only a subset of institutions that educate low-income students who are underrepresented in higher education, including: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions; Hispanic Serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.  The 2007 law created grants for PBIs, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and Native American-Serving, Non-tribal Institutions to better support low-income and minority students. Rep. Davis, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), and Rep. Major Owens (D-NY) championed the legislation to establish PBIs because these under-funded institutions that serve hundreds of thousands of students could not receive institutional aid as similar colleges. Although there were grants to support the important work of HBCUs, PBIs cannot be HBCUs because HBCUs must have experienced affirmative discrimination by the federal government prior to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Thus, Congress changed the Higher Education Act to better assist under-funded colleges in graduating low-income minority students.

PBIs represent an increasing cadre of four-year and two-year institutions that serve as the access point for a growing number of urban and rural Black students whose personal and financial situations limit their ability to pursue higher education in many states. There are approximately 110 such institutions that serve over 480,000 students. These institutions have minimal institutional wealth and serve a population of students who are low-income, minority, and first-generation, and whose personal finances present special challenges to educational success. PBIs are required to meet stringent eligibility requirements related to student enrollment, family income, institutional wealth, and percentage of minority students. The PBI Caucus will work to help policymakers understand the needs of PBIs so that policies better assist these important institutions.

“I’m proud to support Predominantly Black Institutions across the nation and at home in the Chicagoland area. PBIs foster Black student success, offer direct support to first-generation and low-income students, and address some of the most pressing challenges facing Black students,” said Rep. Kelly. “I am happy to join with Reps. Davis, Clarke, and Jackson to establish the PBI Caucus to advance policies that support these institutions and ensure that their students can achieve their dreams.”

Plans for solutions to erosion issues in some Danville ravines were displayed at an open house on Wednesday. Emily Jenkins of Farnsworth Group is the project manager. She said the project is designed to reduce erosion in the ravines.

She said the meeting was important to get input of affected residents…

Jenkins said the idea is to slow the flow of water in the ravine…

She says the fast flow of water is the cause of erosion in the ravines.       

The ravines are near Lakeshore Drive, Rivercrest Road, Myrtle Drive, Suncrest Drive and Shady Lane. These were selected after stormwater studies done over serval years.  The construction is expected to start next Summer. It will be funded through Covid relief money provided to the City.

The Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday adopted a measure which mourns the passing of former Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Bill Black of Danville. State Representative Mike Marron sponsored the resolution and spoke about his mentor and the impact he had on people.

He also thanked Black’s family for sharing him with the public.

At various times, Black served in the state legislature, Danville City Council, Vermilion County Board and DACC board.

Information provided by  Attorney General

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that an Indiana woman prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $510,000 in restitution for stealing cash from the vault of a loal credit union where she was employed.

Laurie Allen, 55, of Perrysville, Indiana, was sentenced today by Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Derek J. Girton after pleading guilty to one count of financial institution fraud, a Class 1 felony. Allen was immediately taken into custody to begin serving her five-year sentence.

“The defendant stole more than $500,000 from a credit union where customers – likely her acquaintances and neighbors – deposited their hard-earned money believing it was safe,” Raoul said. “Individuals who steal from their employers and their communities for their own personal financial gain must be held accountable.”

According to Raoul, between January 2014 and December 2020, Allen stole more than $500,000 in cash from the vault of Vibrant Credit Union – previously known as First Illinois Credit Union – where she was employed as a branch manager. Raoul alleged in court that Allen stole the cash on multiple occasions and would take it home for her personal use.

Raoul’s office prosecuted the case after a referral from the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s office.

Assistant Attorney General Samantha Cain prosecuted the case for Raoul’s Special Prosecutions Bureau.

Danville Firefighters are investigating a fire at 1208 Harmon Street early Tuesday. Firefighters were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a residence. Upon arrival firefighters found heavy smoke throughout the home. They entered the home and began extinguishing the fire while simultaneously performing a search of the residence for occupants. No one was found to be in the home. No injuries have been reported and there is no damage estimate.

Danville is going to see more of those radar speed limit signs around the city. There have been the speed signs up near some Danville Schools. Police Chief Chris Yates told the Public Services Committee that the additional lights are going up this week.

He said information gathered from these signs is used to help determine where local police should place its law enforcement efforts.

The committee Tuesday okayed an update of the city’s ambulance staffing requirements. The ordinance spells out what type of medical training the ambulance attendants must have. Fire Chief Aaron Marcott says it is designed to help local services maintain good staffing levels

There are two ambulance services working in the city. The Fire Department also provides ambulance runs.

Brandon Pluskis, formerly of Danville, has been sentenced in multiple cases to a total of 20 years in prison. Pluskis plead guilty to Methamphetamine Possession. The Court heard evidence that in this case, that Danville Police responded to a call of a man with a knife. The responding officer contacted Pluskis and found he was in possession  of over 5 grams of methamphetamine. Pluskis was sentenced to 4 years in prison for this offense.

While on bond, Pluskis was arrested and charged with Possession of Firearm Without a FOID Card. The Court heard evidence that in 2021, police spoke with the victim who stated Pluskis had made multiple threats to shoot him, banging on the door of the victim’s residence and then sending threats via text message. When police located and interviewed Pluskis, he was found to have a gun. He pled guilty to this gun charge and was sentenced to 4 years in Prison.

In August of 2022, while on bond, Pluskis was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery With Firearm. Evidence was presented that Pluskis was walking with an uninvolved third party when a man he knew rode by on his bicycle. Pluskis shot the victim. Pluskis fled the scene, and the gun was not recovered. The victim was taken for medical treatment. Many witnesses identified Pluskis as the shooter and he was apprehended by the Danville police. Pluskis plead guilty to this offense and was sentenced to 12 years in  prison.

The sentences, ordered by Judge Charles Hall, will be served consecutively for a total of 20 years in prison.

Broc Tuggle, formerly of Georgetown, has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the offense of Burglary. The Court heard evidence that on May 16, 2023, Tuggle and a co-defendant entered into the well house located at 100 North Road, Ridge Farm without permission. Tuggle and his co-defendant cut a padlock, unplugged the power supply to the security cameras, and took items from the building with a total value greater than $2,000.

In addition to being caught on camera, Broc Tuggle’s driver’s license was found lying near the entrance to the property.

There will be an open house concerning Danville’s plans for ravine improvements tomorrow at Harrison Park Clubhouse.  The meeting will be from 5-7 p.m. The discussion will involve ravines near Lakeshore Drive, Rivercrest Road, Myrtle Drive, Suncrest Drive, and Shady Lane. Planners will discuss  design solutions for erosion issues within the ravines, and how it impacts property long-term and during construction.

The public can ask questions, voice concerns and provide input.  The ravine stabilization work is part of ARPA funding allocations for stormwater improvements.

Information supplied by Danville Police

On October 21, 2023 around 2:03 am, Danville Police responded to the 1500 block of E. Fairchild Street in reference to a 911 call for assistance with an unknown problem. Upon arrival officers learned that a man had been stabbed and had left the area prior to the officers arrival. At approximately 2:10 am, officers were notified that a victim had arrived at the OSF Sacred-Heart Emergency Room for

treatment. Officers made contact with the victim who was identified as a 22-year-old Danville man with stab wounds to his leg and chest.

During a follow-up investigation, it was learned that an altercation had taken place at a residence in the 1500 block of E. Fairchild Street and during the altercation, the victim was stabbed. Later on October 21, 2023 around 2:00 pm, Danville Police were notified that the victim had died as a result of his injuries.

As a result of this investigation 49-year-old Ipolito I. Rodriguez-Sanchez of Saratoga, Wyoming was identified as the suspect in this case and Rodriguez-Sanchez was taken into custody in the 1500 block of E. Fairchild Street on October 21, 2023. Rodriguez-Sanchez is currently being held at the Danville Public Safety Building where he is awaiting his initial appearance in Vermilion County Court

on a charge of first-degree murder.

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

Ipolito Rodriguez-Sanchez

News release from Danville Police Department

Sergeant Comrie, of the Danville Police Department, announces that the
Department conducted 37 Tobacco/Vape compliance check investigations in
Danville on October 12, 2023, and October 13, 2023.
The investigations resulted in the citation of 11 individuals on the charge, of
sale of tobacco/vape to a minor. In addition to the citations, retail locations
may be cited for the sale of tobacco/vape to minors and will face possible
fines and/or suspension of their tobacco licenses if violations continue.
The offenders are;
Casey’s General Store., 2101 E. Main St, Danville, IL
Circle K Gas Station, 610 S. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL
Lynch Travel Mart, 379 Lynch Rd., Danville, IL
Danville Grocery, 1814 E. Main St., Danville, IL
Main Package, 732 E. Main St., Danville, IL
BP Gas Station, 3910 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Walmart, 4101 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Vermilion Liquors North, 2709 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Circle K Gas Station, 1212 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL
Citgo Gas Station, 1207 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL
Amoco Gas Station, 851 E. Main St., Danville, IL

Sergeant Comrie pointed out that the following 26 locations did not sell to
the undercover minor:
Murphy UAS Gas Station 4105 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Sky Smokerz Inc. 4111 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Meijer Express Gas Station 3635 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
County Market 2917 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
JB Hawks 501 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
The Blue Store 801 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Dollar General 300 W. Fairchild St. Danville, IL

Jack Flash Gas Station 510 N. Gilbert St. Danville, IL
Circle K Gas Station 401 W. Main St. Danville, IL
Stroud Liquors 418 S. Gilbert St. Danville, IL
Quick Stop Tobacco 1403 E. Main St. Danville, IL
My Brother’s Liquors 536 E. Main St. Danville, IL
Walgreens 842 E. Main St. Danville, IL
Sunshine Liquors 2013 E. Main St. Danville, IL
EZ Mart 205 W. Fairchild St. Danville, IL
The Blue Store 614 E. Voorhees St. Danville, IL
Casey’s General Store 845 E. Voorhees St. Danville, IL
Dollar General 1427 N. Bowman Ave. Danville, IL
Family Dollar 1228 E. Main St. Danville, IL
Dollar General 100 N. Griffin St. Danville, IL
Walgreens 400 W. Fairchild St. Danville, IL
CVS Pharmacy 820 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Phillip’s 66 Gas Station 2602 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Meijer Grocery 3649 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL
Family Dollar 2 E. Main St. Danville, IL
Sergeant Comrie noted that these establishments and their employees are the
first line of defense in the battle against underage tobacco/vape use. He
praised them for their continued efforts in making

Item provided by Danville police

Again, Halloween is a couple weeks away and many in our community enjoy being involved in the festivities by giving or receiving “Tricks or Treats”.  The Danville Police Department needs everyone’s help to keep our each other, especially our children, safe. Trick-or-Treating will be permitted in Danville from 5 pm – 8 pm on Tuesday, October 31^st.

Our primary concern is pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the roadways and other risks to our children’s safety.  Parents and guardians must remain vigilant again this year to protect against anything that poses a risk to our children and community. The choice of allowing your children to trick or treat and responsibility will, as it should, fall on the individual parents, guardians and families.  As always, do your best to make the correct decision whether or not to participate.

There will be those households who will want to participate in distributing candy while others will not for various reasons.  Again, that will be their individual choice.  Many of their decisions not to participate may be based on health concerns, vulnerability or simply not being available or wanting to participate.  Please be respectful to each other and enjoy the celebration with those who want to be involved.

Unfortunately, we always have to keep our guard up for additional risks that could jeopardize the community’s safety.  Please inspect your children’s collection of candy. Anything suspicious should be thrown away or reported to local police.  Any unsealed candy should be discarded.  Use your best discretion as you would for anything involving our most precious commodity, our kids.  

Neighborhood trick-or-treating

In promoting a Halloween that is both fun and as safe as possible, the Danville Police Department offers the following tips to children, the adults supervising them, and others who are out and about during those hours:

Costumes

-Consider the potential benefits of wearing a protective mask under the costume mask

-Avoid Costumes that could cause you to trip

-Make sure your footwear fits properly

-Avoid masks that unreasonably reduce your vision

-If wearing dark clothing, use reflective tape and/or carry a flashlight.  It is always a good idea to carry a flashlight or have a glow-stick attached to the costume

-Be careful of open flames or other heat sources from decorations; many costumes can catch fire

-Remember that many pets can get scared or may not recognize children in costumes

Treats

-Wash your hands before you eat your treats

-Check it before you eat it; wait until you get home and have your parents or guardians inspect your treats

-Throw away unpackaged items or candy that the wrapper has been opened

-If something is suspiciously wrong with the treats, report it to the police

Stay Safe Rules

-Respect your neighbors and the community; use walkways and respect their property; be polite to your fellow citizens

-Travel in groups of 3-4 if not accompanied by an adult

-Visit homes in your neighborhood or those that are familiar

-Have a predetermined meeting spot in case you get separated from your group

-Do not go to homes with their lights/porch lights off

-Carry a flashlight or glow-stick

-Use sidewalks when available; if not, walk on the side of the street

-Look both ways before crossing the street

-Do not cross between parked cars

-Do not start before 5pm and wrap it up at 8pm

-Some people like to walk their dogs while Trick or Treating.  Remember you may look like a monster and they may not recognize the person/monster trying to pet them.

-Consider best practices in cleanliness.  Wash your hands before digging into the candy.  Covid is still an issue for some as well as other bacterial and viral concerns.  Even the traditional cold is an inconvenience.

-Did I mention carry a flashlight or glow-stick? We want everyone to be visible.

DO NOT ENTER ANY STRANGER’S HOME

The Danville Police Department also asks that residences that want to participate turn on your porch light.  This will tell trick or treaters that it is OK to approach while also providing a safe walk to your door.  Do not ask anyone in if you are serving at your door.  If your children are out without you, know who they are with, where they are going, and who is supervising them.  Have all contact information.

Drivers, whether it is regular business or dropping off children, PLEASE drive with extra caution and slow down.  Stay alert!  Halloween from the public safety perspective has added challenges.  Make it safe by using good discretion, be smart and be vigilant so everyone comes home safe and remains safe.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween, Danville!  We will be out there with you but we need your help in keeping our children and community safe.  Thanks!"

Information provided by Library Foundation

Danville is announcing the upcoming "Holidays in the City" campaign, a city-wide initiative designed to unite the community through local events and attractions. In collaboration with various local entities including the Danville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Danville Public Library, First Fridays in Downtown Danville, the Fischer Theatre, and Vermilion Advantage, the campaign aims to build on the success of the recent "Summer in the City" initiative.

Presented in part by The Golden Nugget Casino and scheduled to run from November 1 through December 31, "Holidays in the City" will showcase a variety of local events, including Festival of Trees, the Holiday Parade, and performances by the Danville Symphony and DLO. The campaign invites community members and organizations to participate, aiming to highlight and celebrate all that Danville has to offer. 

"We are thrilled to bring 'Holidays in the City' to Danville. This campaign is not just about promoting local events, but also about fostering a sense of unity and celebrating our community," said Peter Blackmon, the Executive Director for the Danville Library Foundation and campaign coordinator. "Danville has so much to offer, and we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it." 

Community organizations are encouraged to get involved in several ways, including incorporating the campaign's tagline and logo in their event promotions, sharing their logos for showcasing at the Festival of Trees, and taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Ten percent of the sponsorship revenue, with matching funds from early sponsor Neuho? Media, will be used to further promote the campaign and the diverse range of activities available in Danville. 

For more information, or to discuss involvement in the campaign, please contact:

Press Contact:

Peter Blackmon 

(217) 260-4548
peter@portalbooking.com 

Information provided by CRIS

CRIS Healthy-Aging is proud to announce that they are offering a vaccine clinic for those 60 plus (or people with disabilities 18-59) at our Danville Senior Center, 309 N. Franklin Street, Danville, Illinois on Wednesday, October 25^th from 9AM to 11AM. 

Hudson Pharmacy will be administering the vaccines and will offer both the Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Booster, while supplies last.  You will be required to bring your insurance cards to receive the vaccines. 

Please make your reservation by calling CRIS at 217-443-2999.  This initiative is offered through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, powered by USAging – Leaders in Aging Well at Home.

For more information, call CRIS Healthy-Aging at 217-443-2999 or visit www.usaging.org/ADVC.

The issue of electrical rates has been coming up lately among Danville residents. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams told the city council and the media that the city has a program designed to save residents money. The rate is set by the Homefield company and is different than the rate from Ameren.  The city rate has been lower than Ameren’s for years, but Ameren may be slightly lower right now. The Mayor said being part of an electrical aggregation program assures local homeowners of a rate.

There are salesmen going door to door in Danville trying to get people to change what plan they are using. A person may opt out of the city’s program by calling Homefield at 866-694-1262

Danville’s annual firefighter memorial service will be held Saturday morning at Station #3, 1111 North Griffin in Danville.

The service at 8:30 will honor the five firefighters who lost their lives battling fires in Danville history. A retirees breakfast will be served at the conclusion of the event. 

A Danville firefighter will be promoted to Lieutenant next week. The swearing-in ceremony for Mathew Kosik will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. in City Hall’s Lower Chambers. A reception for Mathew Kosik will be held at Fire Station #3 after the event.

Information provided by the Library Foundation

The Danville Public Library Foundation and the Danville Area
Community College Foundation are excited to announce the upcoming visit of Matt George and his
"Change Lives Save Lives Tour." The event will take place on Friday, October 27, from 12 to 2 PM at
the Danville Public Library.
Matt George, a former nonprofit President/CEO and Harvard Business School Leadership Coach, has
decided to embark on a mission fueled by positive change. This tour, spanning over 50 cities, aims to
inspire local community leaders and heroes and teach them the value of true collaboration.
"Pete Blackman, Executive Director of the Danville Public Library Foundation, expressed his
enthusiasm for the event, saying, "We are thrilled to host Matt George's 'Change Lives Save Lives Tour'
at the Danville Public Library. Matt's expertise and message of collaboration will resonate with our
community, inspiring positive change."
The event is also supported by the Danville Area Community College Foundation. Tonya Hill,
Executive Director of the Danville Area Community College Foundation, added, "We believe that Matt
George's tour aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering individuals to enrich the community. We
look forward to the valuable insights he will share with our local leaders."
Matt George's tour comes after the release of two new books and promises to be an engaging and
transformative experience for all attendees. The event will provide community members with an
opportunity to learn from Matt's leadership expertise and gain valuable knowledge on collaboration.
Save the date for the Matt George Change Lives Save Lives Tour on Friday, October 27, from 12 to 2
PM at the Danville Public Library. All community members are invited to participate and be a part of
this life-changing event.
For more information about the event, please contact Peter Blackmon, Executive Director at (217) 260-
4548.

An arrest has been made in connection with the September 26, 2023 fatal traffic
crash that resulted in the death of 74-year-old William Marietta of Danville. On October 16, 2023 at approximately 5:22 pm, members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 22-year-old Jaylin J. Butler on an active Vermilion County arrest warrant for charges related to the traffic crash on September 26, 2023. Butler was taken into custody outside a residence in the 400 block of 4 th Street in Hoopeston, IL. Butler is currently being held at the Danville Public Safety Building without bond on charges of reckless homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery, armed violence and felon in possession of a weapon.

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation;
the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Further inquiries into this case can be directed to the Vermilion County States Attorney’s Office.

Original Release from 09/27/23

On September 26, 2023 at approximately 6:30 pm, Danville Police (DP)
Officers were on patrol in the area of Bowman Avenue and Fairchild Street when they observed a tan colored Ford Escape driven by a 22-year-old Danville man who officers knew had a revoked Illinois driver’s license. As the officers began to follow the vehicle, they observed it was driving erratically and struck the curb at the corner of Bowman Avenue and May Street.
DP Officers activated their emergency lights and siren in an attempt to
conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle for the observed violations. The driver of the Ford Escape refused to stop and accelerated away from the officers. As the officers attempted to catch up to the vehicle, they observed the driver of the vehicle throw what appeared to be a handgun out the window in the vicinity of the 900 block of Norman Street. An officer exited his vehicle and recovered a handgun at the scene.
Other DP Officers continued to pursue the vehicle in an attempt to stop the
driver and take him into custody when the pursuit traveled westbound on Voorhees Street towards Vermilion Street. Officers then observed the Ford Escape continue westbound and disregard the red light at the intersection of Voorhees and Vermilion Streets. As the officers approached the same intersection, they had to slow down and stop at the intersection due to the light still being red.
Once officers were able to proceed through the intersection they observed
the Ford Escape several blocks ahead of them as it struck a black colored Chevrolet
Silverado at the intersection of Voorhees and Gilbert Streets. Officers continued to the crash scene and rendered aid to the occupants of both vehicles until medical personnel arrived on-scene. The occupants of the Chevrolet Silverado were identified as a 74-year-old man and a 33-year-old man both from Danville.
The occupants of the Chevrolet Silverado and the driver of the Ford Escape
were all transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

Jaylin Butler

Danville aldermen have signaled that they are okay with changes that would allow cannabis dispensaries to seek locations in additional parts of the city. Any dispensary would still have to be reviewed by the Zoning Commission and approved as a special use permit by the city council.

Current law forces any dispensary into a specific location and Vice Mayor Tricia Teague feels it should be opened up.

Several aldermen objected to the change feeling it would bring cannabis stores closer to local homes and increase drug problems. Supporters felt such businesses would bring safer marijuana into the area to be used as medicine and will provide money the city would use to fund police and fire pensions,

The plan was approved by an 8-6 straw poll. It now goes to the Zoning Commission for review and will have to be officially approved by the city council later.

The Danville City Council Tuesday approved plans which it hopes will create future development in South Danville. The council okayed taking over ownership of property on South Gilbert street that used to be owned by Bullock Garages. The council also voted on an expenditure of more than 600 thousand dollars for professional services to eliminate a pumping station and make road improvements in the area. The plan would eliminate the 5^th Street pumping station and replace it with a gravity sewer. The project would include reconstruction on Jefferson, 1st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and Bridge Streets.

Danville is moving forward with a plan to demolish more substandard houses. The council approved a budget amendment to accept a 399 thousand dollar state grant to remove blighted homes. The city has buildings earmarked for the project

The council also okayed a plan to improve the outdoor tennis courts at Lincoln Park. The 485 thousand dollar project would completely renovate the courts.

The project would be paid for with Covid relief money provided to the city. Danville owns the tennis facility, but it is operated by the Danville Tennis Center

The first draft of the city of Danville’s proposed  tax levy calls for no increase. Comptroller Ashlyn Massey says the same amount of money is being sought as last year.

The levy could still go down once the county’s equalized assessed value is known. The city’s tax levy only funds police and fire pensions and the Danville Library.

For almost two weeks the House of Representatives has gone without a Speaker of the House. Ohio’s Jim Jordan did not get enough votes on Tuesday to take the job. Local Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a Democrat, says she doesn’t want Jordan elected Speaker.

The House is expected to vote on a new Speaker of the House Wednesday.

A house fire on Monday is being investigated by the Danville Fire Department. When firefighters arrived at 17 Michigan Avenue they found fire on one side of the building and heavy smoke through the roof. Entry to the house was blocked, so they fought the fire from the exterior until entry was gained through a window. The home was unoccupied and had no utility services. Damage is estimated to be $10,000 to the structure and $3,000 to the contents.

News supplied by EMA

The updated Vermilion County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan outlining projects and activities to reduce damages caused by severe weather and other natural hazards will be available for public review and comment starting November 2, 2023.  The Plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available for review at the Vermilion County EMA office and on the County website.

The comment period will remain open through November 16, 2023.  Public comments received will be used to make any revisions needed before the Plan is submitted to the Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies.

The Vermilion County All Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee has been conducting working meetings open to the public since October 2022.  The Committee prepared the Plan with technical assistance from state and federal agencies as well as a consultant specializing in emergency management planning. 

The municipalities of Danville, Fairmount, Fithian, Georgetown, Hoopeston, Muncie, Oakwood, Rossville, Sidell, and Tilton have participated in the planning process.  Other participating jurisdictions include OSF Healthcare, the Sidell Volunteer Fire Department, and the Vermilion County Conservation District.  Technical partners in the process include the Danville Branch 3009 of the NAACP, Vermilion Advantage, and the United Way of Danville Area.

“This Plan describes how the County and the participating jurisdictions have been impacted by severe weather and other hazards and identifies specific mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce damages to people and property before events occur,” explained Russell Rudd, Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency Director.

An open-house style public forum will be held at the Courthouse Administration Building, 2^nd Floor, 201 N. Vermilion St., Danville, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023.  Individuals can come and review the Plan at any time during the forum.  Those unable to attend can still review the Plan and provide comments without participating in the public forum.

CRIS Rural Mass Transit District is looking for a new CEO. Nicole Dowling has resigned as CEO to become the executive Director of Family Services in Champaign County. The organization provides transportation needs of the community, particularly older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The board of directors is preparing a search for a new director.

CRIS Rural Mass Transit District is located at 615 E. Voorhees St., Danville.

News from DACC

If you’ve lived in the Danville Area for very long, you’ve heard the name
“Uncle” Joe Cannon. There’s even a painting of his face on a downtown building. But do you know what made Joe Cannon famous, where he came from, or what circumstances shaped his choices?
“Uncle” Joe Cannon was an influential leader of his time spending five decades in the US Congress. He graced the cover of the first edition of Time Magazine and he has a building named for him in Washington, DC. This documentary, produced by DACC student Jason Cotten, shares the story of Joe Cannon's life, his rise to dominance as the powerful Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and his influence on Washington. Premiering Wednesday, November 1, at 1:00PM in Bremer Theater, this movie explores the life of Joe Cannon from his earliest beginnings in Danville through his time in Washington, DC. The project was prompted by the dedication and renaming of the Vermilion County
Administrative Offices to the Joseph G. Cannon Building, and the unveiling of the Cannon bust. Cotten produced the film during the summer of 2023 with insight from local attorney and historian Tim Smith, and photos from the Vermilion County Museum. Both Cotten and Smith will be on hand to discuss the collection of materials and information, and the eventual filming and production of the documentary.
Admission to the presentation is free and open to the public.

News supplied by Danville Police

The Danville Police Department today announced it has been awarded a
Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to
conduct additional traffic safety enforcement efforts. The STEP program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by
reducing traffic crashes.
“We’re pleased to receive this grant to step up our road safety efforts with the goal of
saving lives,” said Deputy Chief Terry McCord “Our mission is to make travel safer
through directed, proactive patrols and to stop, cite and arrest those who choose to violate
traffic laws.”
During the STEP grant year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, the
Danville Police Department Patrol Division will conduct additional enforcement efforts
to supplement mandatory and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during
some of the deadliest times of the year.
The additional efforts will focus on the leading contributory causes of crashes: speeding,
impaired driving, electronic device use, failure to yield and disobeying traffic control
signals, as well as occupant restraint violations.
The STEP grant is funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois
Department of Transportation.

News provided by State's Attorney

On October 6, 2023, Arian Clark, formerly of Danville, Illinois, was sentenced to seven years in
the Illinois Department of Corrections. Upon his release from prison, Clark will be required to
serve six months of mandatory supervised release.
After a one-day trial on July 18, 2023, a Vermilion County Jury found Clark guilty of Aggravated
Driving While License Revoked. Evidence was presented to the Jury that on August 2, 2021
Clark was the driver of a vehicle that caused a rear-end collision on Poland Road in Danville.
Clark initially exchanged insurance information with the victim, but tried to convince them not
to call the police to report the accident. While the victim was calling 911, Clark left the scene
before officers arrived. Officers from the Danville Police Department conducted an investigation
and issued a citation to Clark for driving while his license was revoked.
At a sentencing hearing on October 6, 2023, the Honorable Derek Girton, who also presided over
the Jury Trial, delivered the sentence.

Danville’s Public Works committee has approved spending more than 110 thousand dollars to plan a route to bring the Kickapoo Rail Trail into the city. The project has been developed over the years by both Vermilion and Champaign County. City Engineer Sam Cole says a path needs to be developed to bring the trail into Danville.

He says a finished plan would help Danville in getting future grants for the project.

The full city council will act on the plan next week.

The City of Danville has received $1 million in federal funding for forestry efforts.

The funding is for Danville’s Urban Reforestation and Revitalization Plan. Mayor Rickey Williams says the grant was for less than Danville sought, but it will be a good start to the city’s efforts.

 He hopes the city will receive additional money later.

The project will support increased tree canopy coverage, maintenance planning, an updated tree inventory map, the establishment of a city Arborist Division, the implementation of a tree ordinance, and educational programming.

The effort will mostly be on trees on land owned by the city.

The Vermilion County Board has placed its proposed new budget and tax levy on public display.  The budget totals just over $52-million.  Expected revenues for the fiscal year are projected at $49 million.  

The county tax levy being proposed is $16-million dollars for the new fiscal year.  The County Board will vote on the new budget and tax levy at its November 14th meeting. 

Information from the City of Danville

The City of Danville would like to announce that IDOT and its Contractor has informed
the city they will have a complete closure at the I-74 roadway overpass on Griffin Street
for maintenance and inspection in preparation of the overhead bridge replacement.
Beginning Monday, October 16, 2023, Griffin Street at the I-74 overpass will be closed
to all traffic.
The work and closure at this location has been scheduled to last through Monday,
November 13, 2023. Motorists should use caution around the work zone and choose an alternate route. Detour signage will be in place during the closure.

The issue of how Danville should deal with future Cannabis dispensary requests is still an open question with the city council. The Public Works Committee discussed the issue Tuesday. The Public Services committee discussed it earlier.

The city ordinance now restricts such dispensaries to the Lynch Road area on Danville far east side. The city has lost potential developers due to these restrictions.

Community Development Coordinator Logan Cronk presented a revised ordinance that would allow dispensaries to be in other parts of the city if approved under a special use permit. He said the other option would be to set a limit as to how many dispensaries should be allowed in Danville.

Several aldermen said the city only wants to have dispensaries to increase revenue to the city. They oppose any increase in the number of dispensaries feeling it would increase the use of drugs and ruin more lives.

Alderwoman Heide Wilson disagreed saying the issue is not about money, it is about safety for those using cannabis

Cronk hoped to take the revised ordinance to the next Zoning Committee meeting,  but aldermen said there should be a consensus of the city council before it is taken to the Zoning group. The full city council will discuss the issue next week.

Danville is moving forward with a plan to demolish more substandard houses. The Public Works committee approved a budget amendment to accept a 399 thousand dollar state grant to remove blighted homes. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk said the city has buildings earmarked for the project

Cronk said the city hopes to get a grant to rehab other houses before they have to be demolished.

The committee also approved an expenditure of more than 600 thousand dollars for professional services to eliminate a pumping station and make road improvements. The plan would eliminate the 5^th Street pumping station and replace it with a gravity sewer, according to City Engineer Sam Cole.

The project would include reconstruction on Jefferson, 1st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and Bridge Streets.

The committee also okayed a plan to improve the outdoor tennis courts at Lincoln Park. Cole said the 485 thousand dollar project would completely renovate the courts.

The project would be paid for with Covid relief money provided to the city. Danville owns the tennis facility, but it is operated by the Danville Tennis Center.

All of the committee’s actions will go to the full City Council next week.

A 74-year-old Danville man has died from injuries he sustained in a vehicle crash on September 26.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup identified the man as William J. Marietta. Marietta had been in critical condition in Carle hospital following the crash that resulted from another driver attempting to evade the police.

Police had attempted a traffic stop on September 26, but the driver eluded officers. The chase went for several streets until the 22 year old driver ran a red light and struck Marietta’s vehicle.

The Illinois State Police have been heading the investigation into the crash.

Rantoul Administrator and former Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer faces other harassment charges and an Order of Protection filed by a woman. These are  in addition to domestic battery charges from another incident.

Channel 20 news in Springfield reported the court documents verified by the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office. A Champaign woman filed an Order of Protection against Eisenhauer back on July 28th. She claimed Eisenhauer was stalking and harassing her on several occasions dating back to September 2022. The woman said on Valentine's Day of this year, Eisenhauer showed up to her home with gifts and flowers. When she opened the door to tell him to leave, Eisenhauer grabbed her by the throat. The documents also show the woman reported that Eisenhauer sent voice messages and had texted her over 360 times in June of this year. WITY will not report the woman’s name.

Last month, Eisenhauer filed a motion to dismiss in court. The woman has filed to have the Order of Protection extended. The next court date in the case is December 4th.

This is separate from the domestic battery charges that Eisenhauer faces from an incident with his wife. He has been enrolled in an anger management program and has been allowed to keep his job.

Danville police are investigating a shooting that injured a teenage boy.

Sgt. Eric Olson said that police were dispatched to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center around 7:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of a 14-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The victim was alert and speaking, and told police he was on a basketball court in the 1600 block of Clyman Lane when he heard multiple gunshots and then was struck in the back of the head. Witnesses with the 14-year-old also corroborated his story. The victim was transported to the hospital and has been listed as stable.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or can contact the Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at 217-446-TIPS.

The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics collection event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street in Danville for all county residents.

The event is free but donations to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful are greatly appreciated. Residents are encouraged to bring their broken, obsolete or unwanted televisions, monitors and other electronic items to the collection events so they can be recycled.

The October 14 Vermilion County event is jointly sponsored by Danville Area Community College, the Vermilion County Health Department, and Keep Vermilion County Beautiful, and is open to any County resident, including City of Danville residents. Vermilion County residents will be limited to a maximum combination of seven televisions or computer monitors at the collection.

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke. In fact, the agency says the chance of having a stroke about doubles every 10 years after age 55.

Leslie Ingold, stroke coordinator at OSF HealthCare in Danville and Urbana, says the science lines up with the statistics.

The good news, Ingold says, is that older adults don’t need a separate set of instructions on stroke prevention. All ages can remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, check their balance, eyes, face, arms and speech for irregularities. The T in B.E.F.A.S.T. stands for time, as in, if someone is not normal in letters B through S, it’s “time” to call 9-1-1.

Ingold said you need to be aware of acute symptoms

Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville and Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana were recently redesignated as primary stroke centers.

The local harvest is looking good according to Mike Marron.  Despite the Thursday rain, the state representative -- who is a farmer -- said field work has been good.

He said he is anxiously awaiting the results of his corn crop.

Marron  Wednesday attended the ceremony honoring the late Senator Scott Bennett at DACC.  He said Bennett was a good friend, and he misses him.

Article provded by State's Attorney

On October 2, 2023, Terrell Brown, formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful
Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and was sentenced to 8 years in the Illinois Department of
Corrections. Brown will serve one year of mandatory supervised release following his prison
sentence.
The Honorable Charles Hall heard evidence that an officer with the Danville Police Department
conducted a traffic stop and an investigation ensued. Brown was a passenger in the vehicle.
Brown was found to be in possession of cannabis and when asked by the police officer if he had
anything else illegal in the car, Brown responded by stating he had a gun. Located under
Brown’s seat was a loaded Glock 42, .380 semi-automatic pistol. The gun had been reported
stolen out of Indiana and Brown admitted that the gun was in his possession.
The illegal possession of guns in our community is prevalent. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy
expressed her gratitude to law enforcement for their diligent efforts to keep illegal guns off the
streets. “We will continue to seek strong sentences to discourage felons from possessing
firearms,” stated State’s Attorney Lacy.

Information provided by OSF

People getting stroke care at OSF HealthCare in Urbana, Illinois, and Danville, Illinois, can continue to be confident they are getting care consistent with the best standards as laid out by three major organizations.

OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville have been redesignated as primary stroke centers (PSC) by The Joint Commission (TJC), a national health care accreditation organization. TJC’s standards also incorporate best practices from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The standards are informed by scientific literature and health care experts with a goal of helping hospitals measure, assess and improve performance.

“We are in a constant state of readiness looking for new guidelines set forth by these organizations,” said Leslie Ingold, regional stroke coordinator for OSF Heart of Mary and OSF Sacred Heart. “We work with health care providers locally and at our Ministry headquarters in Peoria, Illinois, to make these best practices part of our daily work to provide safe and quality care.” 

To achieve the redesignation, the two OSF hospitals recently underwent a rigorous on-site review by TJC. A TJC representative surveyed several areas, including the Emergency Department, inpatient units and radiology. The surveyor also interviewed doctors, nurses and other health care providers. 

OSF Heart of Mary has maintained the PSC designation since 2010, while OSF Sacred Heart has done so since 2015. 

The late Senator Scott Bennett was remembered Wednesday as a man of integrity and love for the people in this area. Bennett was honored at a tree planting dedication at Danville Area Community College. Bennet died unexpectedly in December.

Governor J.B. Pritzker was one of  those honoring Bennett. 

He said Bennett was chair of the Higher Education Committee and was a leader in developing bills to help people go to college.

And the Governor said the impact of Scott Bennett went far beyond the Danville area.         

The late senator’s brother, Rob Bennett, is with the University of Illinois.  He echoed the governor’s comments that education was a cornerstone of his brother's life.

Rob said his brother tried to help everyone

Senator Tom Bennett was Scott Bennett’s uncle. He says Scott left a legacy everyone should try to emulate.

He said Scott would have loved the legacy of a tree because it is all about change, growth and adjustment.

Danville police are investigating the shooting of two men. Early Wednesday, Police responded to the 1000 block of Grove Street in reference to a victim with a gunshot wound. Officers located a 32-year-old Danville man with gunshot wounds to his arm and back.

While investigating the scene, officers located another victim -- a 26-year-old Danville man -- lying in the unit block of Columbus Street with multiple gunshot wounds to his legs. Both victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment of their wounds and have been listed in stable condition.

It was learned that the victims were at a residence in the unit block of Columbus Street along with multiple other people when an altercation occurred, and shots were fired. Danville Police are still working to identify further witnesses to this incident.

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

Article submitted by DACC

DACC’s commitment to preparing students for careers in
environmentally friendly energy fields just took another leap forward.
Already a leading educator in wind technology and solar energy, the College will soon add
geothermal energy to its portfolio of “green technology” training programs. On Sept. 28, the
College received a $95,000 grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network to purchase
equipment to train students in repairs of geothermal units. IGEN is a consortium of State
community colleges with a mission of promoting a clean environment.
In the Danville Campus Tech Center, DACC has four geothermal units that work like air
conditioners but draw from underground water to operate. According to Jonathan Daugherty,
professor for heating and air-conditioning repair at the College, “DACC’s geothermal units are
extremely energy efficient because they retain the same water in a closed loop.”
According to Professor Daugherty, there is a high demand for employees who are able to repair
geothermal units. “I’m asked all the time to train students in this field. I know of an apartment
complex in Danville that has 50 geothermal units that are used to supply air conditioning
throughout the building. For students at DACC learning repairs in HVAC, geothermal
maintenance would be an additional credential they will have for their future careers.”
Even so, repairing geothermal units is tricky. As Professor Daugherty says, “The wiring and
circuitry are packed in really tight. What we need is a training board similar to what we use for
repairing traditional HVAC units.”
DACC’s liaison with IGEN, Brandy Marron, applied for geothermal training equipment and got
word on Sept. 27 that the geothermal project would be fully funded. Ms. Marron is also an
agriculture professor at DACC and personal experience in “green technology,” as evidenced by

the aquaponics demonstration farm she introduced for DACC students more than two years ago.
She says, “I appreciate Jonathan’s commitment to exploring geothermal energy as an
environmentally friendly HVAC. Evidently, too, the IGEN committee was also impressed with
Jonathan’s proposal.”
The grant is extremely competitive among Illinois community colleges. Business & Technology
Dean Terri Cummings says, “IGEN received more than 30 grant applications, and we were one
of a dozen to receive awards. We truly appreciate our partnership with IGEN.
The same vendor that supplies DACC with training equipment for its wind-energy program
(Amatrol) will fabricate a training board that displays all of the components within a geothermal
unit. The grant will also fund training software for diagnostic trouble-shooting. As Professor
Daugherty says, “The computer program will cause ‘faults’ in the units that students will have to
find and repair.”
For more information about DACC’s HVAC program, contact Dean Terri Cummings at (217)
443-8786 or DACC’s admissions office at (217) 443-3222.

HVAC Professor Jonathan Daugherty with a geothermal unit—which is an air
conditioner that runs on underground water.

A change in the interest rate being received will mean a lot of money to the city of Danville. City Treasurer Chris Heeren told aldermen Tuesday night that Comptroller Ashlyn Massey recently discovered that the city was getting a low interest rate on the money received from the American Recovery Program Act.

That change has greatly increased the money going to the City from interest on the COVID relief money.

He said that has caused a review of all the city’s accounts and got some higher rates.

The City Council has approved hiring an outside firm to help with some accounts.  The treasurer’s budget was increased by 70 thousand dollars to hire a firm to help with bank reconciliations.  The former Treasurer was late with bank reconciliation which can cause financial problems with some city accounts.  Mayor Rickey Williams says the current Treasurer and the Finance Department have been working on the problem.

The council Tuesday okayed a $718,000 contract to upgrade the HVAC system at the Public Works facility at 1155 East Voorhees.  Public Works Director Carl Carpenter says this will be an upgrade of the entire system.

He said the work will be done in phases, and should take about a year.

Aldermen also approved a 238 thousand dollar contract to replace the roof at Danville Stadium. Also approved was a four year lease with Danville Area Community College of Winter Park softball fields, concession and maintenance building.

 The Danville City Council approved a contract to insure the Danville Mass Transit fleet. The one year contract will cost more than 328 thousand dollars. The DMT sought bids earlier in September, but there were none. Bids were later sought from other companies and one bid was received from the National Liability & Fire Insurance Company.

The local Catholic diocese is considering a proposed merger for the Danville area that would close local churches. Under the recommendation, St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Danville would be the primary site.

Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville and St. Isaac Jogues in Georgetown are recommended to not be used in the future. Also under the plan St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoopeston and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville are recommended secondary sites. There would be three priests assigned to the area.

According to a social media post, the Holy Family October parish meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in the downstairs hall.  A video about the recommended plan will be shown.

A final decision on the plan is expected in May.

Residents have returned home in Teutopolis after an anhydrous ammonia spill and accident killed five people. Now the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the accident that turned deadly and drove hundreds from their homes. Tom Chapman, an NTSB Board Member, says the driver of the tractor trailer carrying the chemical may have been trying to avoid an accident.

Chapman says NTSB investigators will be on scene for several days.

Federal officials are said to be  considering a recommendation...that you limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks per week. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more on how excess booze can drain your health.

Doctor Khokhar (KOE-kar) says the two drinks per week recommendation isn’t a bad idea. But everyone should be aware of their health and how they process alcohol. See a doctor if you have concerns.

News from DACC

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will visit Danville Area Community College on Wednesday, October 4, to pay tribute to the late State Senator Scott Bennett during the Memorial Tree Dedication ceremony at 11:00 am. The ceremony will take place on the lawn south of Prairie Hall. Additional speakers include former colleagues and members of the Senator’s family. The public is welcome.

During his time in office, Senator Bennett was a great friend to community colleges, and DACC in particular. DACC President Stephen Nacco can recall countless occasions when Senator Bennett participated in campus activities over the years. “He helped dedicate Jacobs Hall and Hegeler Hall. He established a fund for student scholarships. He’s been the keynote speaker for our PTK honor society. He hosted a number of town-hall meetings on campus. He led our students in campaigns to donate valentines for veterans as well as a campaign to donate books and dictionaries for inmates in the Danville Correctional Center. He’s been an enormous advocate for Illinois colleges as the chair of the State’s Higher Education Committee and a wonderful friend.”

As DACC Board Chair Dave Harby recalls, “Over the past seven years, Senator Bennett made every effort he could to attend major events at DACC. He was always a welcome presence and staunch supporter of our students.”

Betty Seidel had been Senator Bennett’s legislative aide and is currently the aide to Senator Paul Faraci. In recognizing Senator Bennett’s longstanding love for DACC, she and Senator Faraci wholly endorsed the idea of dedicating a tree on the campus. Senator Faraci has been instrumental in facilitating event details with Senator Bennett’s family and friends in Springfield.

When talking about the good and bad of pregnancy, you might have heard terms like postpartum depression or, more casually, baby blues. The umbrella term is PMAD: perinatal mood, anxiety and depression. And it’s critical that moms and their doctors pay attention to this. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare talked about it with a health provider at  Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Resources include support groups, counseling, spiritual care and medication. A proper diet is also key, along with finding time to relax with a hobby.

Information received from IDOT

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction on the Interstate 74 bridges over Griffin Street and Stoney Creek in Danville begins Wednesday, October 4.

The project involves replacing the I-74 bridge over Griffin Street and rehabilitation of surfaces on the bridge over Stoney Creek and will reduce both bridges to one lane in each direction through December 2024.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. When feasible, alternative routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

The Danville City Council this week will be asked to approve a contract to insure the Danville Mass Transit fleet. The one year contract will cost more than 328 thousand dollars. The DMT sought bids earlier in September, but there were none. Bids were later sought from other companies and one bid was received from the National Liability & Fire Insurance Company. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

The Danville Fire Department was one of the numerous departments that responded to the deadly accident and chemical leak in Teutopolis. Several vehicles crashed Friday evening, including a truck carrying thousands of gallons of anhydrous ammonia. The ammonia started leaking out of the trailer and evaporated into a toxic plume of gas. The plume of anhydrous ammonia expanded and was carried by the wind toward Teutopolis.

Five people, including two children, died at the scene and five others were airlifted from the scene, seriously hurt. Everyone within a one-mile radius of the scene, including half of Teutopolis, had to be evacuated. Emergency crews walked up and down the roads and through houses, decked out in full gear and gas masks, helping people escape the gas.

Danville Fire officials confirmed its HAZMAT team was on scene for a while. Officials said they remain ready to respond again if requested. Firefighters from across Central Illinois spent many hours at the scene to stop the leak and clean up the toxic plume of gas. A team from the National Transportation Safety Board is coming to Teutopolis to assess the damage and investigate the accident.