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Have a blast at your choice of area pyrotechnic shows
Happy Fourth of July! From local neighborhoods to area towns, the fireworks have been going up for days now in our traditional celebration of the nation's birthday. Haven't seen any organized shows yet? No worries. Several shows will occur today (Wednesday, July 3) through Friday in Springfield, Chatham, Dawson, Franklin, Jacksonville, Petersburg, Lincoln, Sherman and other locales. Notable celebrations happening on Thursday – Independence Day - the Fireworks Extravaganza and Concert at Knight's Action Park/Trade Winds Pub and Chatham Jaycees Freedom Fest in Chatham Community Park. Other shows are set in Franklin, Jacksonville and Sherman, just to name a few. Friday's big show is the popular annual Rock the Dock celebration at Lake Springfield Marina. All area events include live music, food, children's activities and more. Play your cards right and you could see four straight nights of fireworks culminating with those at the Loami Celebration on Saturday at Colburn Park. And lest we forget, fireworks shows are scheduled tonight and Thursday at Robin Roberts Stadium after the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes games.
Illinois Closings: This Fast Food Giant May Be Shuttering Stores
For over a year now, it seems as though each new week brings some news about another company with locations throughout the country deciding (or being forced to decide) to permanently close multiple locations. We've seen several major retailers in Illinois close their doors forever, and we've seen even more...
A HUGE WIN: Illinois Grandma Wins $1M On Scratch Off Ticket
An Illinois woman didn't expect to win $1 million after buying a lottery ticket at her local Walmart. I guess when you save money you do, in fact, live better. Lots of tears have been shed since Pamela Arscott from Franklin Park, Illinois won a million dollars on a $10 scratch off ticket. She got to celebrate with her five children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. What a beautiful moment!
John Deere Continues with Layoffs Across Midwest in Illinois & Iowa
So far this year over 1,000 workers in Iowa have lost their jobs at John Deere; that includes the recent announcement of layoffs coming to Davenport on August 30th of 211 workers and the 99 being released from the Dubuque plant on the same date. John Deere, a leading manufacturer...
Opening soon: Crumbl Cookies, Atomic Wings, Epic Burger, Papa John's
Jul. 3—The latest restaurant news from business writer Jana Wiersema (more in this weekend's 'It's Your Business' column): The new Atomic Wings restaurant at 627 S. Wright St. in Champaign is expected to open in mid-July, said local franchisee Kavita Venkatesh. — Crumbl Cookies is expected to open at 2005 S. Neil St. in Champaign the first week of August, managing partner Deb Platon shared on ...
What's at stake: Former Illini to compete in NBA Summer League
Illinois is gradually growing its NBA presence. The proud program went nine years between NBA Draft picks (Meyers Leonard in 2012 to Ayo Dosunmu in 2021) and 12 years between first-round NBA Draft picks (Leonard in 2012 to Terrence Shannon Jr. in 2024). But Illinois has had two top-40 draft picks during the last two seasons, and ESPN recently projected two Illini newcomers, Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, to go in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Plus, more Illini are recently receiving chances to compete for NBA roster spots.
Georgetown-Ridge Farm Band to March in Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade
GEORGETOWN — When Paige Smith became the Georgetown-Ridge Farm school district’s band director a few years ago, her goals included increasing the marching band numbers and once again traveling to area parades and events. “We haven’t because we’ve been so small,” Smith said of the travel aspect....
Bret Bielema leads seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field
Let’s just say Bret Bielema won’t be on The Voice anytime soon. The Illini’s head coach led a rousing rendition of Take Me Out To The Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. It was part of the Cubs’ Illini Night. Illinois...
Taylorville Mayor Discusses Details on Dissolved BDD Committee
Taylorville’s Business Development District Committee has been dissolved as the result of a Taylorville City Council vote. The advisory committee was made up of business people and accountants who would give insight into the decisions and directions of the BDD, no final votes could be made by this committee.
Breakdown of Tonight's Events at the Pana Firework Show
The Pana Firework Show is tonight with family-friendly activities beginning and 4:30 and the fireworks beginning at dusk at Pana’s Tri-County Fairgrounds. The Pana Firework Committee has been hard at work coordinating games, activities, and food vendors. Since 2022 the Pana Firework Committee has handled firework show operations and the group is happy to be providing another memorable night for the community. Committee Members say this fireworks show will be the best one yet.
What You Need to Know So You Don’t Get Fined For Fireworks in Illinois
Fourth of July is around the corner, and while fireworks light up the night sky, lighting them yourself is never a good idea, especially in Illinois. Let's put the bad news out there first; as most people know, Illinois has a strict law that bans most consumer fireworks. Here's a refresher, just in case you need it.
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