“Cottage food operations are a great way to trial your new business on a small scale,” says Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf. “This way, entrepreneurs can refine their products, put strong food safety protocols in place, and create a manageable business plan.”
“The University of Illinois has spent decades building one of the most robust biotechnology innovation ecosystems in the country, right here in the heartland — where breakthrough research, commercialization, and workforce training are deeply connected,” said Susan Martinis, the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at U. of I. “iFAB is the natural outcome of that investment, linking discovery to deployment and answering one of the nation’s most urgent priorities: scaling U.S. biomanufacturing capacity.”
Hotel Royer is finally opening its doors to the public. Developers announced a soft opening date for April 16, with the official welcoming of guests set for April 28.
The grand opening will feature company leadership and a welcome from university, city representatives. The event takes place on Wednesday, April 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at 2021 S. First Street, Champaign, on the Second Floor. Remarks and ribbon cutting will take place at 4:00 p.m.
The Champaign Fire Department quickly extinguished a fire in a commercial and multi-family apartment building on the 100 block of E. University Ave. Tuesday evening, April 8. Fire crews responded to an automatic alarm at approximately 8:40 p.m. and found that the sprinkler system had already been activated.
The City of Champaign has launched a new recycling collection method in partnership with a newly selected vendor to improve efficiency and streamline the recycling process for residents. The City appreciates the community’s feedback and patience as it transitions to this modernized system.
Food pantries in Champaign County are stepping up efforts to better serve individuals and families in need with a comprehensive training series aimed at improving pantry operations and client interactions. Organized by University of Illinois Extension, the training offers essential skills for pantry staff and volunteers to handle the growing demand for food assistance while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment.
Governor JB Pritzker reassured Illinois residents and international partners on Tuesday that despite the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Illinois will remain a stable and reliable trading partner in the global market. Speaking from his Statehouse office, Pritzker acknowledged the ongoing uncertainties but emphasized that Illinois thrives on certainty and offers a solid foundation for businesses to flourish.
The ramp will close for approximately three weeks beginning at 9:00 p.m. on April 8. The closure is necessary to make a temporary connection to the new pavement on I-74 ahead of the next stage of construction, which will begin shortly after the three-week closure. A detour will be posted utilizing southbound I-57, westbound I-72 and northbound Illinois 47.
After Cunningham’s successful 21st Annual Festival of Quilts, they had a record number of more than 300 donated quilts and sold a record number as well. However, a number of quilts still remain. Cunningham’s invites the public to shop the online quilt store at cunningham-childrens-home.square.site to reach their fundraising goal. Quilts can be used as table coverings, wall hangings, bed runners and window valances and make wonderful gifts.