Champaign appoints fire chief
Tyler Funk has been serving as the city’s interim fire chief since July. Prior to that, Funk served the Champaign Fire Department for 26 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief before retiring in 2023.
Tag: Champaign
The Virginia Theatre celebrates 50 years of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ with new shadow cast
CHAMPAIGN — The Virginia Theatre in Champaign will host its annual showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 25. This year’s showing will embrace a tradition of the film and include a performance by a shadow cast. The movie celebrates its 50th year since its release in 1975, and its long legacy has
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign unlikely to join federal higher education compact
U of I Provost John Coleman said the university would not agree to demands in the compact, like freezing tuition and shutting down departments that belittle conservative ideas.
Central Illinois cyclists connect with the prairie, grab ice cream on moonlight bike ride
IPM’s Arjun Thakkar hopped on his bike to ride 22 miles with cyclists under the fool moon — and see how the experience helps them get in touch with the countryside.
Local lawmakers address rising energy costs and social service cuts at a joint town hall in Champaign
A joint town hall meeting hosted by state legislators in Champaign focused on rising energy costs and recent cuts to social services. The meeting was hosted by Sen. Paul Faraci and Rep. Carol Ammons at the Illinois terminal in Champaign Thursday.
Champaign’s El Grito festival kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with high energy — despite ICE fears
El Grito de Dolores was the call to arms marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Now El Grito is held every year in Mexico City and all over the world, bringing Mexicans together to commemorate their history.
Young men share how crime has impacted them at community discussion
CHAMPAIGN— Champaign County officials, program leaders and youth met Wednesday afternoon to discuss the issues troubling young people. Panelists, including three young men who were invited to share their experience, discussed youth crime, gun violence and programs aimed at supporting young people. About 80 people attended the Champaign County Community Coalition event, which takes place
Champaign’s 9/11 memorial ceremony remembers first responders, encourages unity
At West Side Park, an American flag was raised to half-staff and “Amazing Grace” was played by two Champaign Fire Honor Guard members at a ceremony to commemorate the lives of first responders who were lost during the 9/11 attacks 24 years ago today.
Champaign County welcomes Bike Month
A bike to work day and bike light giveaway are part of an initiative to make biking a more safe and welcoming transportation option.
Kids program at Krannert Art Museum sparks creativity through interactive activities
Families made their way to the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign Saturday for “Artventures for Kids.” The free program combines storytelling with gallery exploration and hands-on activities for children.
Local family hosts fundraiser to support research for rare type of muscular dystrophy
The rare genetic disease weakens the muscles a person needs to walk, eat and breathe. A mother and daughter want to raise money for further research.
What is going wrong – and what can improve for students with disabilities in Champaign public schools?
Public schools in Champaign are using a new report to change their approach to teaching students with disabilities.
‘A story that’s not told’: couple hopes to raise awareness about autism through musical
The plot focuses on Sam, a nonverbal autistic child, who learns to communicate and connect with the world through an augmentative adaptive communication device.
Herff Jones closing its cap-and-gown facility in Champaign, consolidating in Arcola
Herff Jones employs 170-200 workers in Champaign, depending on the time of year, and a similar number in Arcola.
Champaign-based Health Alliance plans to end all coverage, eliminating more than 600 jobs
The news comes after Carle Health recently announced that Health Alliance will stop providing all types of coverage at the end of the year.