Tag: Decatur

New facility in Decatur makes animal feed ingredients from insects

A new facility that raises fly larvae for animal feed has opened in Decatur.

Governor J-B Pritzker helped cut the ribbon Thursday for the North American Insect Innovation Center, built by the French biotech company Innovafeed SAS.

The 10,000 square foot facility, with a staff of ten, is the company’s first facility in the Americas. And it is a precursor to a much larger growing and manufacturing plant, with 100 to 300 employees, that Innovafeed plans to build adjacent to the current facility over the next two years.

Here’s where to find tree-lighting ceremonies around central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN — As the holiday season approaches, many towns and cities are gearing up for their annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies. From Danville to Charleston, there are plenty of events to choose from. Here are some of the upcoming events: Danville’s Lighting of the Old Oak Tree: The Danville Girls Chorus, the San Ramon Valley High

EV innovation hub comes to Decatur

DECATUR — Governor JB Pritzker joined local leaders to announce plans to expand the state’s electric vehicle ecosystem: The TCCI Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub. A new electric compressor manufacturing facility from Decatur-based TCCI is just one aspect of the plans. Pritzker also announced the Climatic Center for Innovation and Research, where researchers will test the

Macon-Piatt hosts family night to dispel rumors about Social Emotional Alternative Program

DECATUR — Two Special Education programs housed at Decatur Public Schools are combining next year. Administrators worry that the change has prompted misinformation to spread. “We want our new students to feel welcome. It’s not a scary place. It’s not a jail. People have almost made those correlations,” says Social Emotional Alternative Program Principal Jessica

Where Can You Get Tested for COVID-19 In Central Illinois?

August 2023 Editor’s note: The information below was originally reported in June of 2021. Much of it is no longer relevant as the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared over by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on May 11, 2023. For health questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline

Funeral Service And Procession Confirmed For Champaign Officer

CHAMPAIGN – A police officer killed in the line of duty will be laid to rest on Wednesday according to the Champaign Police Department. Officer Chris Oberheim was shot on May 19 during an apartment complex shootout. A second officer, Jeffrey Creel, was wounded by the alleged suspect as the officers responded to a report

Photo Gallery: Procession For Champaign Officer Chris Oberheim

URBANA – Many people lined up to honor a fallen Champaign police officer during a procession from Urbana to Decatur. Authorities say a gunman killed 44-year-old Officer Chris Oberheim during a shootout at an apartment complex early Wednesday. Here are pictures and video images from the procession to honor Oberheim on Thursday.

Urbana Mayor Marlin Headed To 2nd Term After Winning Primary

URBANA – Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin easily defeated two challengers in Tuesday’s Democratic local election primary. Listen to this story here. Mayor Marlin won 1,845 votes, or 72.3% of the total, well ahead of Alderman Dennis Roberts, the 2nd-place finisher with 440 votes or 17.24%, and recent U of I graduate Andy Ma with 267

Macon County Health Officials Urge Schools To Transition To Remote Learning

DECATUR – The Macon County Health Department is urging all schools within the county to switch to remote instruction at least through January 15 as COVID-19 cases surge. Macon County Public Health Administrator Brandi Binkley made the announcement during a press conference Monday afternoon. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District urged that county’s schools to switch