Day: December 5, 2025

Criminal Justice | Education

Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies
ByEmily Hays December 5, 2025December 4, 2025

RIPPLE Effect brings together about two dozen strangers every holiday to write cards to incarcerated people from Champaign County.

Read More Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies
217 Today

217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
ByStephanie Orellana December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

In today’s deep dive, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened 30 years ago in Rantoul and today, 20 reindeer live at Hardy’s, which recently represented Illinois on Good Morning America’s “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks.”

Read More 217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
Arts & Culture | Community

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
ByKimberly Schofield December 5, 2025December 4, 2025

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, recently featured on Good Morning America, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Read More Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America