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Get your Culture here: July 2024
Hello, July; hello, summer. This is my absolute favorite time in Champaign-Urbana, save for the humidity and corn sweat — I find both deeply offensive. Nevertheless, there is plenty to do and enjoy in C-U this time of year, and our editors in other sections have provided great round ups for you (art, food, and music). To find culture this month, I’m encouraging you to venture outside of C-U, into our neighboring communities for all sorts of goings-on. July is, after all, fair season, and there are fairs to visit, demolition derbies to watch, and lemon shake ups and funnel cakes to eat.
Here’s how Champaign Co. community leaders aim to tackle homelessness
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Community leaders from across Champaign County met Wednesday for a monthly coalition meeting, focusing on tackling homelessness. The conference aimed to help the 279 people in the county who are dealing with homelessness. Prominent figures like Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, and other city employees from […]
Central Illinois Sees Record Rainfall Totals from Hurricane Beryl’s Remnants
Central Illinois – The remnants of Hurricane Beryl brought significant rainfall to Central Illinois over the past 48 hours. According to the US National Weather Service Central Illinois, widespread rainfall of 1-2 inches fell, with most areas east of I-55 receiving 2-4 inches. Some locations in Champaign and Vermilion counties saw over 5 inches of rain.
Pro-Palestine student demonstrator charged with Mob Action after U of I protest
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A student involved in the pro-Palestine protests on University of Illinois campus earlier this year has been charged with Mob Action after U of I Police used social media to identify her. According to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, Yafa K Issa, 18 of Savoy, was charged with one count […]
University YMCA’s 24th Dump & Run starts in August
The University YMCA’s annual Dump & Run has been at it for 24 years now, and they’ve recently announced the dates and times for collection at the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion. The project has been successful in reducing littering and collecting waste from folks all over Champaign County. Check out Tom Ackerman’s article about Dump & Run from a few years back for something fun to read.
Homeless service providers share efforts with Community Coalition
CHAMPAIGN — Organizations that provide support to homeless individuals in Champaign County are teaming up to make their resources more efficient and easier to access. Representatives from the city of Champaign, Strides low-barrier shelter, Cunningham Township, the Regional Planning Commission, United Way and Hope Village briefed attendees at Wednesday’s Community Coalition meeting about their plans.
For the 55-and-over crowd, July 13-20, 2024
For information about services available to older adults, contact Robbie Edwards, information coordinator, at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and Helen Mary Stevick Senior Citizens Center, 2102 Windsor Place, Suite 3, C, at 217-359-6500. RSVP and the Stevick Center are administered by Family Service of Champaign County. ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ethel...
Local police spent over $170,000 on overtime for one day of University of Illinois’ Gaza protests
Police departments throughout Champaign County paid out $171,457 in overtime costs to officers who responded to one day of protests at the University of Illinois over the war in Gaza, according to data obtained by CU-CitizenAccess from Freedom of Information Act requests. The long day of protests on April 26...
Perfect weather and stellar lineup highlight Cobrafest 2024
Whether you’re a Champaign County local, or a Hum fan making your yearly pilgrimage to the humble town of Tolono, Illinois, CobraFest 2024 offers the crowd a sense of community. On Saturday, July 6th, camp chairs scattered the pavement of the Loose Cobra parking lot, and sweaty bodies packed inside to experience an evening of killer alternative rock music.
Community Spotlight: Charity Golf Outing for Community Service Center of Northern Champaign Co.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County is a nonprofit that helps provide services and programs to those in need. On July 26, they will be holding their annual Charity Golf Outing in Rantoul. Cindy Crawford discussed it with WCIA’s Matthew White for Tuesday’s Community Spotlight. The center has two […]
Officials react to grain bin rescue in Champaign County
ROYAL, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders in Central Illinois helped a man to safety after dealing with a grain bin accident in Royal Tuesday morning. The Ogden Royal Fire Protection District, Urbana and Homer Fire Departments received a call about a man injured inside a grain bin. Ogden Royal Fire Chief Randy Thompson said when […]
Top of the Morning, July 10, 2024
Jul. 10—Queens Katie Landers and Makenzie Huls dressed appropriately for Monday's sticky fair improvement project in Urbana. "No crown or sash today," Landers said, opting for a "hot and sweaty outfit." To kick off their final week as Champaign County royalty, Landers and Huls worked their tails off for two-plus hours, spray-painting dozens of hooves (cattle, pig, sheep) on cement paths ...
iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant
Champaign-Urbana has been hard at work establishing itself as a center of innovation for decades, and recently, agricultural technology been at the forefront. Champaign County Economic Development Corporation announced that iFAB, Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing hub, has been awarded $51 million(!) by the United States government. That’s a lot of dough. Read the press release below for more information about this grant award that will impact our community.
Written applications open for Habitat homes in Champaign County
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County is now accepting applications for those who need safe and affordable housing. However, due to a technical problem on their website, online applications are not yet available. The application period for 2025-2026 builds opened Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. It will close in two weeks […]
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