Illinois state parks hosting New Year’s Day hikes
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 1 – Jan. 4
Winter runs, ice skating, a one-act play and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 25 – Dec. 28
Live music, dancing, celebrating local community and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
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From ‘Grinchmas’ to chestnut roasts, these rural towns make the holidays central to their economy
Winter holiday festivals have become a regular way to grow revenue for America’s smallest towns. And with more people shopping online, those events are key to pulling people away from their screens and into stores.
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Building issues force Urbana cafe to close temporarily
In a statement posted to Facebook, Courier Cafe said there is an issue with the brick facade on the south side of the building.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 18 – Dec. 21
Winter lights, solstice celebrations, plays and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
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Declining attendance and rising maintenance costs bring an end to a historic church building in Champaign
With churches no longer playing as central a role in many people’s lives, more congregations are faced with hard decisions regarding their historic buildings.
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Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage
Champaign County has one of the worst skilled nursing care shortages in the state. It means people often have to drive hours to see their loved ones. A local advocacy group is working to address the shortage.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 11 – Dec. 14
Plays, book signings with authors, winter lights and more are all happening in Central Illinois this week.
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Champaign’s only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried
Strides first opened in 2022, with funding from the American Rescue Plan, a federal COVID-19 relief fund. But funding is set to run out as early as February.
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Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, recently featured on Good Morning America, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
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Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
Amid increasingly hostile laws and rhetoric targeting transgender people in the United States, many of them seek to move to places they feel safer. Aaron Slayton is one of many who have made a new home in central Illinois.
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Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban
The measure would’ve prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 4 – Dec. 7
The Nutcracker ballet, a holiday parade, community dances, and more are all happening in Central Illinois this week.
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Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
The Holiday Shop is open this weekend to all children who want to find gifts for family, friends, and loved ones.
