Tag: Illinois

Urbana residents can give feedback on future Lincoln Avenue road improvements

The city is holding a public information meeting to share information on future road improvements along North Lincoln Avenue and take feedback from residents.

Angela Bradley standing in front of land where grocery store will be built.

Urbana community grocery store location finalized on Lincoln Avenue

HeartStrong Grocery CEO Angela Bradley has signed a lease with Urbana to build the grocery store at the intersection of Bradley and Lincoln avenues.

A new heritage trail aims to honor Champaign-Urbana’s Asian community

In Champaign County, 12.5% of the population identifies as Asian.

Public speaker at Urbana City Council with housing advocacy shirt

Urbana City Council signs off on housing development on West Main Street

The council voted 4-1 to allow the 32-unit apartment building to be built along Boneyard Creek following significant debate among residents.

A man in a black T-shirt plays guitar in front of a crowd of people raising their arms up.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois July 9 – July 12

Win prizes at a night of drag comedy bingo, see a documentary screening about an Illinois-based rock band or try more local events this weekend in Central Illinois.

A woman with dark hair wearing a black blouse with a colorful pattern embroidered around the collar.

America @ 250: Hannah Velasco asks if America was actually ever great

Hannah Velasco is a 29-year-old resident of Urbana. She directs Urbana High School’s Ballet Folklórico de los Tigres, and is a recruitment and training coordinator for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Champaign County. Her identity has never fit neatly into one box, and she believes that accepting each other’s differences is part of being American.

America @ 250: Kay Weidner asks Americans to ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’

Kay Weidner grew up near Crystal Lake Park in north Urbana and still lives in the area. Members of her family have served in the military since at least World War II, and she loves a good Fourth of July Parade.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 25 – June 28

Learn how to support local pollinators, see a fireworks show at a summer festival and more this weekend in Central Illinois.

Rachel Lenz standing next to tree older than the U.S. Constitution

Urbana Park District seeks community input to create future goals

The Urbana Park District is asking residents to fill out a survey and participate in focus groups to help guide the creation of their 2027-2031 Strategic Plan.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 18 – June 21

Celebrate Juneteenth with free, all-ages events, get a taste of local theater, try your hand at beginner level fishing and more in Central Illinois this weekend.

Urbana to restore North Lincoln Avenue to its old design following a two-month demonstration meant to improve pedestrian safety

The city is taking feedback from residents on a new design for the main road that included a dedicated lane for left turns and bike lanes.

Champaign, Danville and Urbana to mark Juneteenth by celebrating Black freedom and families

Juneteenth marks the arrival of U.S. Army troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The troops told some of the last enslaved Americans that they were free. They were enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation, in which President Abraham Lincoln decreed some enslaved people to be free on January 1, 1863. (NPR) Many central Illinois communities