Community
12 months ago
Annual procession honors Ross Booker and raises awareness for Scott’s Law

Thursday evening, the procession took a route past the site of the accident that claimed Ross’s life and ended at his final resting place. Ross Booker, just 20 years old, was hit and killed on March 5, 2022, while clearing debris from a previous crash at Windsor Avenue and Neil Street in Champaign. He was working as a tow truck driver for Tatman’s Towing at the time.

Education
12 months ago
Cell phones in the classroom: Governor Pritzker says no to the distraction

Cellphones in classrooms have long been a topic of debate, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is making his stance clear: they’re a distraction. In his State of the State speech in February, Pritzker proposed legislation that would ban cellphones during classroom instruction, while allowing their use during breaks and between classes. The proposal would not apply to private schools.

Lifestyle
12 months ago
Chicago man wins $1 million from Illinois lottery scratch-off ticket

Ashur Al Rahib of Chicago scratched off a $10 lottery ticket to reveal a $1 million prize. The lucky ticket, purchased at a Mobil gas station in the city’s West Ridge neighborhood, turned the regular customer into an instant millionaire.

News
12 months ago
Illinois women’s basketball falls to Nebraska, 74-70 in tournament play

Nebraska’s women’s basketball started slowly in their 74-70 victory over Illinois but got hot when they needed to rally. The Huskers now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face 2-seed UCLA on Friday. 

Community
12 months ago
Gas station in Clinton sells $150,000 winning Powerball ticket

Over 14,000 winning tickets were purchased by Illinois Lottery players for the Wednesday, March 5 Powerball drawing, netting players over $246,000 in prizes. The Casey’s in Clinton will also receive $1,500 as a one percent bonus for selling the winning ticket. This isn’t the Casey’s first winning ticket. In March 2023, someone purchased a $450,000 winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket at the Casey’s in Clinton.

Community
12 months ago
Jefferson Middle School revalidated as National AVID Demonstration School

This honor is held by less than 300 schools in the country. The revalidation takes place on Wednesday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m. at Jefferson Middle School. National AVID Demonstration Schools demonstrate an ongoing pursuit of excellence, both in the AVID Elective and AVID Schoolwide. This includes using WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) as the instructional framework. Jefferson students believe that “Words have power so use them wisely.”

Community
12 months ago
Illinois State Police investigates 18-year-old shooting in McLean County

This investigation is open and ongoing. ​ ISP is currently processing evidence and conducting interviews. ​ ISP will continue to submit evidence and facts for review to the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office. ​ No additional information is available at this time.

Community
12 months ago
No Parking signs to be installed on Holts Drive cul-de-sac to improve MTD Paratransit vehicle access

The Public Works Department will soon be installing three “No Parking in Cul-De-Sac” signs at the end of Holts Drive, off Phillips Drive, to address ongoing issues with MTD Paratransit Vehicle access. The MTD vehicle, which typically turns around in the cul-de-sac, has faced difficulties doing so due to parked vehicles.

Community
12 months ago
UCSD hosting event to kick off wastewater treatment facility upgrades

It will be located at UCSD’s Southwest Plant near the Station A Preliminary Treatment Building. UCSD, along with its partners, will serve improvements that will allow the plant to source more than 70% of its power from renewable sources reducing energy costs and protecting the environment. For any questions, please contact Brad Bennett at bbennett@u-csd.com or 217-367-3409.

Crime
12 months ago
Governor J.B. Prizker announces 8.3% drop in 2023 drug overdose deaths

Callers are connected to ongoing treatment with a community provider that best meets their needs.  To connect with a MAR NOW care manager, visit the Illinois Helpline online at https://helplineil.org, call 833-234-6343, or text “HELP” to 833234.