The city of Hoopeston has been awarded a low interest loan of more than 2.6 million dollars for water system improvements. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced the investment of nearly $205 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts. The fund provides low-interest loans for wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects.

The City of Hoopeston will make improvements at the water treatment plant. The City will upgrade an aging system infrastructure and address operational deficiencies while continuing to provide drinking water to customers and maintain compliance. The funding will be at a low interest rate of just 1.81 percent.

Danville Police are investigating a shooting of three people. Officers responded to the 600 block of N. Griffin Street early Saturday morning after hearing shots fired. Officers located a 34-year-old woman who had been struck by gunfire. She was taken to a local hospital.

While officers were investigating the scene they were advised that two more shooting victims arrived at the OSF Emergency Department after being transported by a personal vehicle. Officers learned a 27-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were also in the 600 block of N. Griffin and received gunshot injuries. All three shooting victims were later released from the hospital.

Through an investigation, officers learned there was a large gathering in the neighborhood when the subjects received their injuries. Very little information was provided, and the Danville Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance.

If anyone has information about the incident, please contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or contact Vermilion County Crimestoppers at 217-446-TIPS (8477).

Danville’s Red Lobster has fallen victim to their parent companies economic problems and has been closed. Mayor Rickey Williams says he got notified that the parent company laid off the entire staff and closed the restaurant effective immediately. The parent company also closed another 120 stores across the nation.

The Red Lobster had been in Danville for more than 30 years. The Mayor says when Red Lobster was  taken over by Golden Gate Capital, they sold all of their actual property & started making the stores pay rent. The Danville restaurant was paying 12 thousand dollars a month. The Mayor says Danville was making enough money for the store but not for the corporation.

The on-line auction for Danville’s Village Mall is underway. The auction began yesterday and will continue thru Wednesday. The City of Danville and Vermilion Advantage have been in contact with some developers and hope that one of them will be successful in claiming the Mall.

The auction will be for three different portions of the Mall property. The expensive part is the front of the Mall which contains several businesses like the County Market, Dunham’s Sports, Pet Supply, and Ross clothing. The bidding for that had reached 2 million dollars as of last night.

Another part being auctioned is for the largely empty interior portion of the Mall. The third property is for a chunk of the parking lot. The highest bid, no matter what it is, will be accepted at the end of the bidding. As of last night, the bid for each property is 25 hundred dollars. The City of Danville has expressed concerns over who could buy the property and has warned that any new developer will be held to a high standard of maintenance and code enforcement.

Article from City of Danville

Get ready for a fantastic summer celebration because First Fridays in
Downtown Danville is back with its second Midsummer Luau! Join us on June 7th from 5-8 PM
in your best tropical attire and head to Temple Plaza for an unforgettable evening filled with
dinner and entertainment!
You'll feel like you've been transported to an island paradise with steel drums performed by Kent
Arnsbarger. Enjoy refreshing Tiki drinks from the outdoor bar or indulge in delicious pineapple
drinks from Exotic-Pina-To-Go. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs to make the experience
even more comfortable!
Vermilion River Beer Company and Berzerkers Kitchen and Catering will serve a delicious hog
roast dinner right outside while supplies last. Dinner tickets are $12 and must be purchased in
advance at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44ACAF2DA3FEC43-49193991-
midsummer#/.
This is one event you won't want to miss, so mark your calendar and join us for the ultimate
summer kickoff on June 7th from 5-8 PM at Temple Plaza.
Also, don't forget about the after-party at Obsidian Coffee from 8 PM until close! Obsidian
Coffee is in the back alley at 137 N. Vermilion Street and will serve a full menu of Tiki drinks
and relaxing outdoor seating!

News submited by Chief Judge

Chief Judge Thomas M. O’Shaughnessy today announced the appointment of Danville attorney

Nicolas J. Boileau as an associate judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, filling the vacancy which

will result from the retirement of Hon. Derek J Girton on July 2, 2024. Boileau was elected by

vote of the Circuit’s twelve circuit judges from thirteen applicants. Judge O’Shaughnessy

described the selection process as “extremely difficult and competitive amongst a highly

qualified field.”

Responding to the appointment, Boileau commented “I am grateful and humbled by the

appointment to serve as the next Associate Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Judicial service is

service to the public and profession, and I will strive for excellence in performing that service.”

Boileau (44), a native of Marquette, Michigan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (Criminal

Justice) from Western Michigan University, where he was a member of its collegiate hockey

team. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota. In 2008, he was admitted

to the practice of law in Illinois and is a partner in the Danville firm of Acton & Snyder, LLP.

He is affiliated with the Illinois State and Vermilion County Bar Associations, active in

community civic and social service organizations, and is currently a member of the Danville

YMCA Board.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit encompasses five counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, and

Vermilion. The new associate judge will primarily be assigned to Danville and is expected to

take office on July 3, 2024.

Four associate judges are assigned to Vermilion County and they primarily handle high-volume

court calls, routinely presiding over civil small claims, eviction, traffic, misdemeanor, divorce,

and order of protection cases, and are occasionally appointed to hear law division cases.

During 2021, because an increase in the felony division caseload and a backlog resulting from

the COVID-19 pandemic, two judges were assigned to handle the felony division, one of whom

is an associate judge.

Remarking upon the appointment, Judge O’Shaughnessy said, “The diverse nature of the

associate divisions requires the judges to be knowledgeable, resourceful, and versatile. Mr.

Boileau’s practice of law has demonstrated the depth and breadth of legal knowledge, abilities,

and experiences to signal a successful judicial career. While his practice generally focused on

civil litigation in both the State and Federal courts, where he earned a reputation as a skillful

advocate, he also has practiced in all of the areas of the law historically handled by our associate

judges. He consistently adheres to high ethical standards, and has a reputation for honesty,

diligence, and fairness. He is thorough, prepared, exacting, hard-working, and pragmatic. His

practice of law has evidenced a devotion to upholding the time-honored obligations to our

profession and responsibilities to the public, and he has earned this opportunity to serve as an

associate judge. We congratulate him and welcome him to the Bench.”

News provided by City of Danville

The City of Danville is pleased to announce that Rheanna Ollis, our current Community Relations Coordinator, will be taking the role of Community Relations Administrator, effective on May 13, 2024.

Current Community Relations Administrator, Ashton Greer, says, “We had a ton of candidates, and we interviewed several people. It was a tough decision considering all the talented people who applied. However, Rheanna is a fierce advocate for Danville. Her energy and tenacious spirit are exactly what this role requires. I have complete confidence in her ability to grow the department, and further the good work that we have accomplished.”

Rheanna is newly graduated from U of I Springfield with a major in Political Science and a minor in Communications and History. She is from Vermilion County and has been working for the City of Danville for the last two years. She resides in Danville, and she is dedicated to improving it through her education and skills.

Rheanna says, "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve Danville as the Community Relations Administrator. Having been raised in a smaller community just outside of Danville, I have a unique perspective on the possibilities here, and I am excited to play a role in making it a better place to live. I firmly believe that positive change can only occur when we take action, and I am thrilled to use my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to make a significant impact in the community. As a passionate advocate for open communication, I am dedicated to being a voice for citizens, staff, and aldermen. By working together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community that promotes growth and opportunities for all."

With Rheanna’s transition, we are now posting the Community Relations Coordinator job, effective immediately. This role is fun and engaging, providing the opportunity to affect the culture and forward progress of Danville in a hands-on way. We will be accepting applications through May 24, 2024. The job description and application can be found here:

https://www.cityofdanville.org/government/public-affairs/human-resources/employment-opportunities/public-affairs

Two local firms have been awarded grants from the state. The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) awarded $1.7 million in grant funding to 40 small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state through the Made in Illinois Grant Program. The program provides matching grant funding to local Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements. The Double S Liquid Feed Services in Danville received some 35 thousand dollars.  Wagner Machine Company in Champaign was awarded 47 thousand dollars.

Kurt Wagner, CEO of Wagner Machine, said Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and staying current can be costly. Over the past five years, there's been significant investment in new equipment.”  He said this investment has led to continued job creation and an increase in machinist wages.

Item provided by VA

VA Illiana will be hosting pop-up enrollment events throughout central Illinois. The first three enrollment events will take place concurrently with the VA Illiana’s Health Fairs in Springfield, Danville, and Bloomington, set for the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays in May.

“Thanks to VA’s historic expansion of care under the PACT Act, it has never been a better time for Veterans to enroll in the care they earned and that they deserve,” said Dori Camacho Torres, VA Illiana’s public affairs officer. “We urge all Veterans to apply for care today. You earned it, and we stand ready to serve you.”

Organizations interested in partnering with VA Illiana to host a pop-up enrollment event can contact VA Illiana Outreach Coordinator, Brandon Zito at brandon.zito@va.gov or 214-274-1708.

VA encourages all Veterans to apply for care as soon as they can. Veterans can apply for VA health care online, over the phone at 877-222-8387, or in person with an enrollment expert at the Danville VA Medical Center or the Bob Michel (Peoria) VA Clinic.

Event details (also available online)

1. VA Illiana Spring Health Fair (Springfield)

When: Wed. May 8, 2024, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Troopers Lodge #4

5880 S. Sixth St. Springfield, IL

2. VA Illiana Spring Health Fair (Danville)

When: Wed. May 15, 2024, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Danville VA Medical Center

Parking Lot J - Near Chapel and Building 98

1900 East Main Street Danville, IL

3. VA Illiana Spring Health Fair (Bloomington)

When: Wed. May 22, 2024, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Bloomington VA Clinic

207 Hamilton Road

Bloomington, IL

News supplied by Sen Faraci

State Senator Paul Faraci advanced legislation to extend the Energy Assistance Act, which provides low-income households with financial assistance on utility bills.

“Every resident in our state should have access to essential services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The ability to heat or cool your home should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

Faraci’s measure would eliminate the scheduled sunset date on a state fund that finances two needs-based assistance programs – the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The fund was set to shut down Jan. 1, 2025.

LIHEAP and PIPP offer bill payment assistance to low-income residential utility customers by helping eligible households pay for home energy services. Both assistance programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

“As our community continues to deal with ongoing inflation and the rising cost of living, I think it’s necessary that we extend this program,” said Faraci. “People who live in Illinois deserve to live with dignity.”

House Bill 4471 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday and advances to the full Senate for consideration.

News supplied by health Dept.

After a fairly mild winter, the Vermilion County Health Department is urging Vermilion County residents to protect themselves from mosquito and tick-borne illnesses. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is already reporting the first bird this year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Douglas County.

“The warmer winter and spring have both ticks and mosquitoes active very early this year. The Illinois Department of Public Health says Lyme Disease infections in Illinois have tripled in the last ten years. Finding a West Nile positive bird as early as April is another reminder that we need to start now, diligently protecting ourselves from insect-borne diseases,” says environmental health inspector Lee Schuler.

To decrease your chance of contracting WNV, it is recommended to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. It’s also important to ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

To control mosquito populations, it is important to remove their breeding grounds by removing empty planters and containers (tires), keeping gutters clean, removing abandoned swimming pools and removing any ponding or accumulating standing water. Ensure bird baths are properly maintained. Areas of standing water can be reported to the health department and staff will determine if larvicide can be applied to the area. Larvicide prevents mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes.

Each summer, the health department collects dead birds and mosquitoes around Vermilion County to determine the prevalence of WNV in the county. Environmental health staff set up mosquito traps throughout the county to test mosquitoes. Staff check the traps twice a week throughout the summer months. Positive mosquito batches are reported to the public. The Department is always looking for recommendations for new areas to place traps.

The health department is asking for the public’s assistance with the collection of dead birds to test for WNV. Birds are collected May 1, 2024 through October 15, 2024. VCHD will be accepting a limited number of dead birds (5) for testing. Crows and Blue Jays are preferred but Finches, Sparrows and Robins will also be accepted.

Not all dead birds will be accepted for testing. Birds to be submitted for testing must be intact and dead for no more than 24 hours. Birds must not have any signs of decomposition (maggots, ants, strong odor, bloated or deflated eyes) and must not show any obvious signs of trauma. To report a dead bird, found in Vermilion County, call the Vermilion County Health Department at (217) 431-2662, Ext. 5.

In 2023, VCHD set 19 mosquito traps throughout the county. The Department collected 73 mosquito samples and six samples tested positive for the virus. The Department collected 3 birds and submitted them for laboratory testing. One tested positive for the virus. The Illinois Department of Public Health, with the help of the local health departments, reported that there were 119 human cases of the virus and six human deaths last year.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says that most people are not affected when bitten by a West Nile-infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. Individuals who are over the age of 60 and those who may have chronic health problems are most at risk from the West Nile virus.

Environmental health staff will be also performing tick drags to determine the distribution of tick species throughout the county. Ticks will be sent into the IDPH to be tested for tick-borne diseases. Staff will work with the health department’s communicable diseases division to conduct tick drags in areas of known Lyme disease cases in the county.

Tick exposure can occur year-round, any time temperatures go above 50 degrees, but they become more active during the warmer months so it’s important to take preventative measures when outdoors. Ticks can be found in tall grass and brush so it’s recommended to walk in the center of trails when out hiking. Ticks can easily hide on dark colored clothing so it’s recommended to wear light colored clothing (long sleeve shirts and long pants) so you can easily see ticks. Use bug repellent that contains 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin. Clothing can be treated with permethrin prior to enjoying the outdoors (avoid applying to skin). It’s very important to check clothing and your body for ticks after being outdoors. Also, make sure pets are checked for ticks after being outdoors as ticks can hitch a ride into living spaces on pets.

Thank you!

Jana Messmore
Vermilion County Health Department

Director of Environmental Health

The Housing Authority in Danville has been awarded 2.28 million dollars to modernize public housing.

Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced more than $150 million to build, renovate and modernize public housing across the state. The funds will come from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Program. More than 90 public housing authorities are getting funding, including the one in Danville. 

Duckworth said access to safe and dependable public housing is critically important for families all across Illinois.

A promotional service for four Danville  firefighters will be held on May 13.  It will be at 9:30 at the council chambers in City Hall. The newly promoted officers are: 

William Ryan--promoted to Assistant Chief

Chad Busick – promoted to Captain

Neil Yelenick – promoted to Captain

Brock Dieu –promoted to Lieutenant

Info. provided by Fire Department

The Danville Fire Department will be hosting two Physical Ability Test Practice Sessions for those wanting to know if
they’ve got what it takes to be a Danville Firefighter. In order to qualify as a firefighter candidate, they must successfully
complete a Physical Agility Test.
The test is comprised of an independent ladder climb and a second timed event that tests the following list of skills:
Stair Climb and Hose Carry
Hose Hoist
Equipment Carry
Forcible Entry/Sledgehammer
Hose Drag
Victim Drag
The first practice session will be May 25, 2024, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Downtown Parking Garage 22 N. Walnut
Street, Danville, Illinois.
The second practice session will be June 8, 2024, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Downtown Parking Garage 22 N. Walnut
Street, Danville, Illinois.
Practice sessions are voluntary, but the sessions provide candidates with insights from firefighters on how to best
approach the agility test.
Candidates should wear comfortable clothing and must sign a waiver before participating.
Potential applicants can also pick up or return applications at the practice site.
Applications are due by June 15, 2024. The physical agility test will be June 22, 2024, for anyone who does not have a
current CPAT Card.

          The City Council Tuesday approved a project to enhance and renovate downtown Danville. The project that was approved will cost more than 4.3 Million dollars. An asphalt firm was approved for the work, and an engineering firm was approved to oversee the work.

          City engineer Sam Cole says it will be a large project.

          A grant from the state is paying the lion’s share of the project. Cole says it will make the downtown attractive.

          He expects work on the project to begin soon and hopes to have it largely completed by December. During the work, there will be times when Walnut and Hazel will be one lane streets. And on Harrison and Madison, there will be limited access to local businesses.

          The council also approved some 4 million dollars for road work throughout the city. It will be for crack sealing, paving, and other street repairs.

          This was Cole’s last council meeting as City Engineer. He has resigned the post to work in private industry.

          The rates for the Danville Aquatic Center in Garfield Park have been established, now the opening date must be set. Public Works Director Dave Ruwe says work on the pool has delayed the inspection visit by the state, which could delay the opening date.

          Admission to the pool will be 8 dollars for a daily pass. Non-profit organizations will pay 4 dollars per person. Kids 3 and under are free. There will be a 70 dollar punch card for 10 daily passes.

The pool has been completely rebuild and has added slides.

The Danville city council has approved a new four year contract with Laborers Local 703. Public Works employees will receive a 3 dollar an hour increase in the first year of the contract. They will receive a 3 percent increase in wages each of the next three years.

The new contract also includes new classifications for some skilled workers, new discipline language, and updated language for insurance and licenses.

The union already approved the contract.

WITY and local sponsors are thanking 1^st responders by buying them lunch. The program is to honor law enforcement, emt's and fire departments. Tilton EMT and Vermillion County Indiana were the first two stops.

 Tilton EMT Coordinator Butch Fields says recognition is nice, but the EMT volunteers are doing it to help the community

He says it is important for people to remember to call EMT’s immediately when needed.

At Clark Chevrolet in Cayuga, Jeff Clark said 1^st responders are the backbone of the community

Sheriff Michael Holtkamp said the community is lucky to have the experience it has in his department

This program is an annual event for WITY.

A 31 year old Danville man is being held in connection with a shooting that left a man hospitalized. Deputy Chief Terry McCord says about 3:45 a.m. Monday, Danville Police Officers were on patrol and heard what sounded like shots in the 1600 block of Edgewood Drive. Patrol officers responded there and located a 20-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he has been listed in stable condition.

During the investigation, warrants for apartments in the 1600 block of Edgewood were obtained with the assistance of the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Danville Police Department Emergency Response Unit served those warrants and placed Torrence S. Gardner of 1102 Fowler Avenue into custody. Gardner is being held on the charges of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. This incident remains under investigation.

News provided by Rep. Kelly

Today, U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Young Kim (CA-40), who serve as co-chairs of the Maternity Care Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 5-11, 2024 as “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week” to raise awareness about maternal mental health and its effects on maternal-child health.

“Mental health challenges affect millions of mothers every year but mothers rarely ask for help or seek treatment. I am proud to join my colleague and Maternity Care Caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Young Kim, to introduce this resolution marking Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. We must end the stigma and increase access to treatment for moms suffering from mental health challenges. These services are especially important in light of heightened maternal mortality, morbidity, and mental health needs, disproportionately impacting communities of color, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress must ensure that resources like the maternal mental health hotline are accessible and reach the communities that need them most,” said Congresswoman Kelly.

“Untreated maternal mental health disorders impact 1 in 5 mothers and cost the United States $14.2 billion each year. The emotional toll of mental health challenges on women cannot be overstated, yet far too few women seek the help that they need during pregnancy,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to recognize Maternal Mental Health Awareness week and highlight the importance of maternal health care. I will keep working as co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus to deliver results and support women, whether they are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or facing infertility.”

“MemorialCare focuses on enterprise-wide strategic maternal health priorities, successfully improving outcomes for both mothers and babies while expanding access to care to address health equity within its clinical programs,” said Shela Kaneshiro, chief clinical transformation officer, MemorialCare. “By providing maternal mental health support groups, participating in pilot programs like the one with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and other programs has allowed us to better understand how to help our families connect to the right maternal care at the right time.”

“Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, and if left untreated can have long-term negative impact on the mother, baby, family, and society. We thank Congress for recognizing these challenges and elevating the importance of maternal mental health.  Our nation’s parents deserve support, encouragement, and resources during and following pregnancy so they, and their infants, can get off to the best start possible,” said Adrienne Griffen, Executive Director, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Maternal Health Awareness Week, including:

• Raising awareness of the risk factors, signs, symptoms, and treatment options for maternal mental health conditions for pregnant and postpartum women and their families, the providers who care for them, and the public;
• Recognizing that maternal mental health disorders and maternal suicide are serious public health problems;
• Honoring the mothers who have died by suicide and the children and families left behind;
• Encouraging research on safe and effective treatments for pregnant and postpartum women, dissemination of updated data on evidence-based treatments to the medical community and public, and provider training on the treatment of maternal mental health disorders; and
• Promoting initiatives that address provider shortages and increase affordable access to treatment for maternal mental health disorders so that suffering mothers and their families can recover and thrive.

Reps. Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Bonnie Watson-Coleman (NJ-12), Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Susan Wild (PA-07) joined the resolution as original co-sponsors.

News supplied by VA

On May 8, 2024, at 9 a.m., VA Illiana Health Care System will hold a ceremony to dedicate a 25-year time capsule in honor of 125 years of service to Veterans of the region.

The ceremony will be held adjacent to the historic VA Illiana bandstand and it will honor public servants past and present, while looking ahead to the public servants of the future who will open the capsule in 2049. The time capsule contains anecdotes from VA Illiana staff, photographs, paper ephemera, and other objects representative of Veteran care in 2024. The ceremony will feature remarks by VA leaders and a musical selection featuring VA staff and Veteran talent.

Who: VA Illiana staff and leadership, including Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 Chief Nursing Officer Shavetta R. Williams

What: A ceremony honoring public service by dedicating a 25-year time capsule.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 9.a.m.

Where:         Adjacent to Danville VA Medical Center’s         

                     historic bandstand.

*In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the VA Illiana Chapel.

Article supplied by Rep Schweizer

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) is debuting his first annual Summer Reading Program for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade that live in or attend school in the 104th District. The Representative is encouraging students to “Get in the Game” and read this summer by joining his program. 

“I am excited to officially launch this program and encourage students to get in the game and keep their minds active by reading,” said Rep. Schweizer. “Reading is extremely important to me, and I hope by announcing this program students will continue to foster a love of reading, even outside of school.” 

The “Get in the Game” Summer Reading Program begins on May 1, 2024, and ends on July 1, 2024. Students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to join by reading eight (8) books over their summer break and submitting their forms, with parent or guardian verification, online or mailing them to Rep. Schweizer’s Danville office. If a student reads a book for another summer reading program, they may also record them for Rep. Schweizer’s program. Any books read over 150 pages may count as two books. 

Once students return completed forms to Rep. Schweizer on or before July 1, 2024, they will receive an invitation to attend a summer reading celebration with Rep. Schweizer in the late summer. Printed summer reading brochures will be delivered to local schools in the 104th District before the school year ends for summer break. Those in homeschooling programs or co-ops should contact the Danville office for flyers or visit repschweizer.com and click on the “Summer Reading” tab, nested under “Resources” to submit a digital copy.

Mailed forms may be sent to Representative Brandun Schweizer at 3821 Vermilion Ste. 5, Danville, IL 61832. With questions, please contact Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 477-0104 or visit his website at repschweizer.com. 

The renovation of Friendly Town in Danville’s Lincoln Park brought out  a crowd of workers over the weekend. Police Chief Chris Yates says the effort is to revitalize an area that has helped kids for many years.

Every building in the area has been refurbished or had a new one made. A new fence is being installed and a new blacktop has been laid. Yates says the project was funded by a grant, and a tremendous effort from the community.

Local businesses and individuals sponsored and adopted buildings and provided much of the work. Friendly Town will be back in operation helping local kids this summer.

The pedestrian hit and killed by multiple cars on Tuesday has been identified. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden identified the victim as 38-year-old Duane A. Beachy, saying he used to live in Humboldt. The Vermilion County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s Offices are still investigating the incident. The preliminary investigation shows Beachy was walking on County Road 2030 East north of Voorhees Street in the early morning hours of Tuesday wearing dark colored clothing. The roadway is in a rural area without streetlights and there was fog present at the time. 

Danville Police Officers responded to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center early Friday morning due to a subject with a gunshot injury. 33-year-old Keith Goldsmith was dropped off at the Emergency Department door by an acquaintance. Police learned that Goldsmith received a gunshot wound while at a residence in the 900 block of Hazel St.

Goldsmith was transferred to another hospital for treatment and has been listed in fair condition. The Danville Police Department is currently investigating this incident.