News provided by DACC

Danville Area Community College (DACC) Foundation will open its scholarship
application for the 2025-2026 academic year on Monday, January 6, 2025. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 1, 2025.
For the 2024-2025 award year, the Foundation awarded 857 scholarships valued at more than $1 million. Impressively, this marked the second year in a row that the Foundation surpassed $1 million in scholarship awards. A total of 673 applications were received, and for the fourth consecutive year, every student who applied and attended DACC received a scholarship.
The DACC Foundation Scholarship application streamlines the process for students by allowing them to complete just one form to be considered for all available Foundation scholarships. This opportunity is open to traditional and non-traditional students, including part-time and full-time students who plan to attend DACC. First-time DACC students, recent high school graduates, adults, and current DACC students are all encouraged to apply.
The application can be completed online at https://dacc.edu/scholarships. For assistance or additional information about DACC Scholarships, contact Gina Davis, Scholarship Manager, at 217-443-8893 or via email at foundation@dacc.edu or g.davis@dacc.edu.
The DACC Foundation is located in the Bremer Conference and Workforce Development Center on the DACC campus. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the success of Danville Area Community College through fundraising and responsible management of its resources. The Foundation believes in the College’s positive educational, cultural,
and economic impact on the communities it serves.
In addition to Gina Davis, the Foundation staff includes Executive Director Tonya Hill and Controller/Office Manager Sandra Dreher. The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors.
You must apply to secure your chance at one of DACC’s impactful scholarships and take the next step toward your educational goals!

The funding is now in place to complete the improvements of Garfield Park. The state has approved a 600 thousand dollar grant to the City of Danville. Public works Director Dave Ruwe said the funds will be used for playground equipment and other improvements.

The City Council Tuesday approved $1.379 million in other park improvements at Garfield Park. This will finance a football field, drainage work, sidewalks and an additional parking lot near the pool.

Most of the park improvements are being funded through COVID relief money received by the city.  When costs for the new Aquatic Center ballooned, some of the other park plans had to be delayed until money was found. Ruwe now hopes all the work will be done by the end of the summer.

The state also is funding Champaign County projects. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District will get 1.1 million dollars, the Champaign Park District - $600,000 and the River Trails Park District - $380 thousand dollars.

Danville City Council Tuesday night also approved the city applying for a $48,000 grant through the state's Tourism Attraction Grant program. It will be to enhance the 50th anniversary of the Vermilion River Fall Festival next year at Ellsworth Park.

Item provided by Rep. Kelly

Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced legislation that would improve cybersecurity standards for hospitals. The Healthcare Cybersecurity Improvement Act (H.R. 10455) was introduced in the wake of increased ransomware attacks on hospitals.

“When patients put their health in the hands of doctors and healthcare providers, they’re also entrusting their most private data to hospitals’ cybersecurity systems – and the truth is that these systems are not up to par,” said Rep. Kelly. “It has become woefully obvious that hospitals need better standards and investments to help ward off cyberattacks, especially smaller hospitals that need larger capacity and expertise. Americans going into surgery or rushing to the hospital for an emergency should not have to worry whether their doctor’s medical equipment has been hacked or care has to be delayed because of a ransomware attack.”

A total of 258 hospitals experienced ransomware attacks in 2023, a 128% increase compared to the year prior. This caused delayed medical procedures, disrupted patient care, rescheduled medical appointments, and strained acute care provisioning and capacity.

The Healthcare Cybersecurity Improvement Act is supported by the cybersecurity organization, I Am the Cavalry.

“While the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act has focused the industry on the confidentiality of data, we have seen worse harms manifest in the form of cyber-disruption, and the attackers show no signs that they will let up,” said Joshua Corman, co-founder of I Am The Cavalry. “These attacks cause degraded patient care with quantifiable increases in worsened outcomes and even losses of life. Congresswoman Robin Kelly has consistently engaged with ethical hackers through I Am The Cavalry on filling these gaps toward more resilience in small, medium, and rural healthcare facilities, so any American can count on timely access to emergency care.”

The Healthcare Cybersecurity Improvement Act proposes four changes to help protect patients’ healthcare data:

• Places in statute the Healthcare Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) so the office can continue its important work.
• Creates an initial grant program with $100 million to boost the cybersecurity efforts of small- and medium-sized hospitals.
• Requires the HHS to create basic cybersecurity standards to then be included as a Condition of Participation for hospitals receiving Medicare funding.
• Creates liability protection so larger healthcare systems can provide smaller health centers access to cyber resources without fear of liability.

News provided by Danville Lbrary

KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces the achievement of Danville Public Library for its commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the nation and around the world. This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with Danville Public Library to make the library and all of the programs and events that the venue/organization hosts to be sensory-inclusive. This sensory corner was made possible by the generous gifts of the Halloran Family Foundation and Sawlgud, Inc. The certification process entailed the staff at the Danville Public Library being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the Danville Public Library who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at Danville Public Library. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity® has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity® has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. With its new certification, the Danville Public Library is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the Danville Public Library. Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at Danville Public Library. "Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Danville Public Library is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity KultureCity®, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlight of KultureCity’s impact includes making over 1,800 venues sensory-inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need, making over 150 live events sensory-inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCity® First Responder Training. KultureCity’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses, and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity® partners with event industry leaders like NFL, NBA, MLB and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory inclusive. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity® is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity. 

News provided by Chief Judge

Chief Judge Thomas M. O’Shaughnessy today announced the appointment of Danville attorney Lindsay J. Starwalt as an associate judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, filling the vacancy which resulted from the election of Hon. Mark S. Goodwin as a resident circuit judge during the November General Election. Starwalt was elected by vote of the Circuit’s twelve circuit judges from eight applicants. Judge O’Shaughnessy described the selection process as “extremely
competitive amongst a highly qualified field.”
Responding to the appointment, Starwalt commented “I am extremely honored and humbled by the appointment to serve as the next Associate Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Being a judge means serving the public and profession, and I will do my best to strive for excellence in performing that service.”
Starwalt (44), a native of Mahomet, earned her Associate Degree (Criminal Justice) from Parkland College, her Bachelor of Arts degree (Criminal Justice), cum laude, from Western Illinois University, and her Juris Doctor from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. In 2008, she was admitted to the practice of law in Illinois and was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Vermilion County for four years. She then began working as a Guardian ad Litem for children in child protection (abuse and neglect) cases and during 2022 became an associate attorney in the
Danville firm of Hussmann Rogers Law, LLC. Starwalt and her husband reside in Georgetown with their three children.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit encompasses five counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion. The new associate judge will primarily be assigned to Danville and is expected to take office on February 1, 2025.
Four associate judges are assigned to Vermilion County and they primarily handle high-volume court calls, routinely presiding over civil small claims, eviction, traffic, misdemeanor, divorce, and order of protection cases, and are occasionally appointed to hear law division cases. During 2021, because an increase in the felony division caseload and a backlog resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, two judges were assigned to handle the felony division, one of whom is an associate judge.
Remarking upon the appointment, Judge O’Shaughnessy said, “The diverse nature of the associate divisions requires the judges to be knowledgeable, resourceful, and versatile. Ms. Starwalt’s practice of law has demonstrated the legal knowledge, abilities, experiences, and a willingness to learn to signal a successful judicial career. While her private practice generally focused on civil matters, particularly family law cases, she also has a history of working in criminal law cases. She consistently adheres to high ethical standards, and has a reputation for
honesty, diligence, collegiality, and fairness. She is thorough, prepared, hard-working, reasonable, and pragmatic. Her practice of law has evidenced a devotion to upholding the historic obligations to our profession and responsibilities to the public, and she has earned this opportunity to serve as an associate judge. We congratulate her and welcome her to the Bench.”

Item provided by City of Danville

Get ready to kick off the new year with a spectacular evening of winter fun at the Annual First Fridays: Fire & Ice event on Friday, January 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the David S. Palmer Arena in Danville. This free, family-friendly event promises a perfect mix of ice-cold thrills and fiery excitement!

Families will have the opportunity to enjoy ice skating. Sledding will also be available for children ages 7 and under. After working up a chill, guests can warm up with a variety of exciting activities, including fire safety demonstrations hosted by the Danville Fire Department and cozy campfire stories from the Danville Public Library.

The night will heat up with an amazing fire spinner performance outside the main entrance. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of fun activities, including door prizes for completing a scavenger hunt, a photo booth, and face painting for all ages!

Indulge in delicious winter-themed concessions, including hot cocoa, cupcakes, candy, and more! These treats are the perfect way to fuel up for all the excitement throughout the night.

Get ready for a night of winter wonder at the David S. Palmer Arena, located at 100 W. Main St. in Danville, IL! Mark your calendars for Friday, January 3rd, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To join in on the fun, head to the arena’s box office entrance off Main Street at the corner of Main and Walnut. And just a heads-up, the arena has a clear bag-only policy for all events, so be sure to pack accordingly!

Item provided by DACC

The Danville Area Community College (DACC) Library partnered for the
second year with The Angel Card Project, an internet-based charity sending cards to those in
need across the U.S. and Canada. Led by part-time reference librarian Jenn Seda, the
initiative engaged DACC students, faculty, and organizations in writing heartfelt holiday
messages.
With overwhelming campus support, including card donations, classroom participation,
and student organizations like Phi Theta Kappa and the Jaguar All Stars, the Library sent
600 cards—more than doubling last year’s 230.
“The Holiday Card Project is a passion project for me, and I am so excited to have the
support of my colleagues in the DACC Library and around campus. It’s definitely a team
effort and would not be possible without all of them!” said Seda.
The project not only brought holiday cheer but also taught students practical skills like
writing cards and addressing envelopes. Jenn Seda credited the success to the collaborative
efforts of the DACC Library team and campus-wide participation.
To learn more or donate holiday cards, contact Jenn Seda at j.seda@dacc.edu. Visit The
Angel Card Project at theangelcardproject.com.

The Danville City Council has increased the local gas tax by 4 cents a gallon. The local tax for gasoline will now be 14.6 cents a gallon. Mayor Rickey Williams was the tie breaking vote on the tax increase when the council vote was tied 6-6. Two aldermen were absent. The city recently discovered it was not getting all the revenue it could from the gas tax procedure set up by the state. Several aldermen felt the proposed increase was too much.  The Mayor says the additional money is needed for road projects throughout the city. He said a tax on gas is better than a property tax increase on local homeowners.

The diesel fuel tax would go up to 16 cents per gallon. In addition, the tax would automatically go up 2 percent of the rate established by the Illinois Department of Revenue each year. Aldermen did pass a provision that the  gas tax will be reviewed each year.

Aldermen approved paying 1.3 million dollars to Azavar…the company that discovered the city could get more from the state gas tax formula. The company has been working with the city to find revenue enhancements. The vote to approve it was 8-4 with some aldermen feeling the bill was too high. However, the mayor said that rate could have been 5 times as high, and city officials negotiated the bill to a lower level that the original.

The council actions were a part of the budget and tax levy that was passed for the upcoming fiscal year. The total budget is some 76 million dollars. The tax levy for Danville Is actually lower than last year because the city’s assessed value has gone up.

The council okayed spending an additional 1.3 million dollars for work on the Garfield Park project. The money will come from COVID relief funds. Public Works Director Dave Ruwe says the money would go to parking lots, walkways, a football field and fences.

 Ruwe says the city also heard its grant for 600 thousand dollars for park playground equipment has been approved by the state. He said the city has not gotten an official word yet.

The City Council Tuesdays rejected a zoning change that would allow a solar farm on the east edge of the city. BTB Energy Solutions  requested some 13 acres of land be changed to an industrial zoning. It is now agricultural. The Zoning Commission recently passed the request. Several nearby homeowners objected to the plan, and it was defeated by a 7-5 vote of the council. This is the second time the plan has been rejected. The second petition had a change in site requested.

The Danville Fire Department recently battled a large blaze in a vacant residential duplex. Monday night firefighters responded to 1226 Clarence. They found  fire coming out of the roof of the structure. Additional crews arrived and found a large amount of fire in the attic. A second alarm was requested and approximately 18 firefighters responded to the fire scene to assist with operations.

No injuries were reported. The Estimated Dollar Loss is $40,000 

Danville Fire Investigators continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this fire should contact the Danville Fire Department at (217) 431-2350. 

Santa visits children of all ages.  He recently stopped at OSF Sacred Heart  Medical Center in Danville for a visit. 

The baby is not sure what is happening, but the Scaife family has a photo that will be passed on for generations.

The City of Danville is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at bringing vibrant public art to an alleyway of Downtown Danville. In alignment with the Downtown Revitalization Plan, this project seeks to increase foot traffic, elevate the cultural landscape, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Art is integral to a meaningful life, and through this collaborative effort, we hope to foster a deeper connection within the community, improve the well-being of all who live, work, and play in Danville, and contribute to the continued growth of our vibrant downtown. The City of Danville is now accepting artist portfolios for "Angel Alley”, which invites artists and graphic designers to submit their ideas for this transformative public art project. Applications are available on the City of Danville website: https://www.cityofdanville.org/FormCenter/Angel-
Alley-Applicants-10/Angel-Alley-Portfolio-Submission-61

Angel Alley Portfolio Submission Guidelines:
• Design Theme: Artists may submit up to 3 unique designs that incorporate wings (angel wings, butterfly wings, bird wings, etc.) as the central theme of the artwork.
• Outdoor Experience: If the artist has previous experience working on outdoor murals or public art installations, please include images of past projects along with a rough estimate of the project's size and scope.
• Design Size: Specify the size of the proposed artwork to ensure it is suitable for the chosen installation space.
• Project Involvement: Indicate whether you are interested in submitting a design only or if you are also willing to complete the entire project, including the installation.
• Submission Deadline: All portfolios must be submitted by February 14, 2024.
• Diversity: We encourage submissions that reflect a diversity of perspectives in both the art itself and the selection of artists.
• Eligibility Criteria: Open to all professional and emerging artists, with preference given to Danville-based or regional artists.
• Integrity and Longevity: Please ensure that the design and materials are suitable for long-term outdoor display and will withstand weather elements. The City of Danville  may request modifications to ensure durability.
For more information, please contact Rheanna Ollis, Community Relations Administrator, at
Rollis@cityofdanville.org or 217-431-2879.

News from DACC

Danville Area Community College (DACC) continues to dominate the world of
competitive gaming, with multiple players achieving individual top honors in the national
eSports championships. William “Moses” Landis claimed first place in an intense final
match against Seward County Community College of Liberal, Kansas, while Tyler Mahoney
secured third place, triumphing over rival Marshalltown Community College—a larger
program boasting a team of 50 competitors and six coaches.
Adding to the excitement, Michael “D.C.” Canady placed third in the Mario Kart Singles PS
Division. Canady, who was the national champion in his division in 2023, showcased his
exceptional skill and consistency by earning a podium finish once again this year.
These championship singles athletes made up three-fourths of DACC’s MarioKart 4v4 team,
who took that National Championship on December 2 nd . They are a very competitive team.
eSports Coach Michael “Guido” Esteves reflected on the team's historic achievements. “We
had DACC vs. DACC in the national semifinals,” he said. “They each felt that playing each
other was the hardest match of the tournament.”
Landis, Mahoney, and Canady’s successes are a testament to DACC’s commitment to its
eSports program, which has become a powerhouse in collegiate gaming. “I can see a lot of
schools balking at the idea of competitive gaming,” Esteves noted. “But DACC not only said
yes, they embraced and supported the eSports program from day one. That support has paid
off with three national championships in four national finals appearances.”
For Esteves, the team’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. “Most coaches are
lucky to get one national championship in their career, much less three,” he said. “I am still
soaking this all in.”
With its dedication to excellence, DACC’s eSports program continues to put the college on
the map, proving that competitive gaming is here to stay.

News from DACC

Danville Area Community College (DACC) celebrated the graduation of the
4th cohort of the Illinois WORKS Pre-Apprenticeship Program on Thursday, December 12,
in the Technology Center. A total of 19 students graduated from the program, which began
at the start of the fall semester and ran for 16 weeks, with classes held Monday through
Thursday for 3 hours each day. These students earned $14.50 an hour while attending
school.
The Illinois WORKS Pre-Apprenticeship Program, offered in partnership with DACC,
prepares participants for registered apprenticeships in high-demand trades such as
carpentry, plumbing, and construction. Students earn valuable trade experience and
certifications while completing 18 college credit hours toward a traditional degree.
Graduates have the opportunity to continue their education at DACC or enter the workforce
immediately.
The program is funded by an Illinois WORKS Pre-Apprenticeship grant from the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO). Over the past two years,
DACC has received more than $850,000 to support the program and has applied for funding
for a third grant year.
The program is currently accepting applications for limited seats in the 5th cohort, which
will begin on January 22, 2025.
“The Nation and the State of Illinois recognize the skilled labor shortage,” said Professor
Doug Hunter, Illinois WORKS Program Coordinator at DACC. “The Illinois Works grant is a
program designed to help alleviate that problem. Good jobs are going unfilled, and the
prognosis is that the problem will continue unless additional steps are taken to promote
skilled trades. DACC has partnered with Illinois Works to recruit and prepare students to
enter DOL-registered apprenticeship programs throughout the State.”
For more information about the program, contact Doug Hunter at d.hunter@dacc.edu or
Natasha Pounds at n.merangoli@dacc.edu, or call 217-443-8882.

News provided by 5th Judicial Circuit

Coles County Circuit Judge Mark E. Bovard has been elected as the 5 th Judicial Circuit’s Chief
Circuit Judge. The election occurred during the Circuit Judge Annual Meeting held December
10, 2024. He succeeds current Chief Judge Thomas M. O’Shaughnessy of Vermilion County,
whose four-term term ends January 30, 2025.
The 5 th Circuit encompasses five counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion.
Each of Illinois' 24 judicial circuits has a chief judge who, in addition to judicial responsibilities,
has general supervisory authority over the administrative functions of the trial courts within the
circuit.
Reacting to the news of his election, Bovard said “I am very grateful and humbled to have been
chosen to serve as Chief Judge of the 5 th Judicial Circuit. I have been fortunate to have worked
under the exemplary leadership of our recent Chief Judges Millard Everhart, Craig DeArmond,
Mitchell Shick, and Thomas O’Shaughnessy. I look forward to working with and representing
the judges and court staff of our judicial circuit as well as the other chief judges throughout the
state of Illinois.”
Bovard, originally form Effingham, earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University
in 1994 and his law degree from Indiana University School of Law (Bloomington) in 1997. He
practiced law with the Mattoon firm of Heller, Holmes & Associates for fifteen years. He was
appointed as an associate judge in 2012 and then elected as a circuit judge during 2018 and
retained for another six-year term in this November’s general election. Bovard resides in
Mattoon with his spouse, Catherine.
Judge O’Shaughnessy commented upon his term: “Serving as Chief Judge of the Circuit has
been the highpoint of my judicial career. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of the
judges and attorneys of the Circuit, the court staff and personnel, and all of our County Boards
and elected and appointed officials and their staffs, all of whom manage, operate, and maintain
our justice system, programs, and facilities. Each of them are integral members of a remarkable,
accomplished, talented, and collegial team; a team which provides an extraordinary system of
justice for the citizens of our five counties; a team which allows the judges of the Circuit to
handle the legal issues before them in a fair, capable, organized, and effective manner, concerned

with the equal dignity of every person, and giving everyone the right to be heard and a process
they understand to be fair. It has been a privilege and honor to have worked with all of them.”

Outgoing Danville Area Community College President Stephen Nacco is not being allowed to stay on the April 2025 ballot for DACC Board of Trustees candidates. The DACC Electoral Board voted 2-1 to accept Lynn McLinden’s claims to remove Nacco from the election ballot. The board is made up of DACC board members Greg Wolfe, Sandra Finch and Tracy Cherry. McLinden filed the objection to Nacco’s election paperwork  saying it as not fully being filled out correctly and did not have enough valid registered voter signatures. The DACC Electoral Board’s ruling was based on Nacco not having the needed 50 registered voter signatures on his candidate paperwork. The board disqualified 33 signatures and multiple sheets of the candidate’s paperwork due to not being filled out correctly.

Nacco has five days to appeal the decision. He said he will have to think about it. DACC will elect three trustees in April. Two are for six-year appointments, another for a four-year term.

The community is invited to a reception to welcome the new interim President of Danville Area Community College. The reception for Dr. Randy Fletcher will be on Thursday, December 19 from 3-5 p.m.in Vermilion Hall Room 306.

 Dr. Fletcher is a native of Oakwood and a graduate of Oakwood High School. He holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois. He replaces Dr. Stephen Nacco, who is retiring.

A Danville firefighter has been fired after being charged with indecent solicitation of a child.

28-year-old Dean Lambert of Georgetown was arrested on Monday after talking online with a police officer who posed as an underage girl in a sting operation. Police say Lambert communicated with an officer who posed as a 15-year old girl for a month. Search warrants were conducted at his house as well as in Danville

Lambert was a probationary firefighter, having been sworn in February. Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott said Lambert was fired on Tuesday.

The arrest is a part of an ongoing sting targeting child predators online.

Two people have been arrested after a vehicle chase with police that started in Danville and ended in Urbana. Deputy Chief Joshua Webb said in a news release that Danville police officers tried to pull a car over for a traffic stop. The car did not stop, and police began pursuing it.

The car briefly stopped at Williams and Jackson Street and a male teenager exited the passenger-side door and ran away on foot. Officers chased the passenger and took him into custody a block away on Cherry Street. He was identified as 19 year old Keyshun Williams of Champaign. When officers searched the area through which Williams ran, they found a loaded handgun.

The driver of the car fled again and got onto westbound I-74, eventually exiting onto University Avenue in Urbana. The chase continued on the streets of Urbana, then entered Champaign and crossed back into Urbana before the car finally came to a stop at Cunningham Avenue and Perkins Road.

The car’s driver got out and tried to flee, but he was chased down and arrested. He’s been identified as Taqwaun Pye of Urbana. Police said he had a backpack that contained several rounds of live ammunition and suspected methamphetamine and marijuana.

No injuries were reported to civilians or law enforcement during the course of the chase. Both Williams and Pye have been arrested on multiple charges.

Item provided by City of Danville

The City of Danville is pleased to announce the Solid Waste Holiday Collections schedule.
There will be no waste collections on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th and New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1st. For customers with regularly scheduled collections on Wednesdays and Thursdays, your waste will be collected the day after your regularly scheduled day.
Christmas trees and other holiday greenery will be collected from December 30th through January 3rd and January 6th through January 9th. Any remaining yard waste may be placed out during those two weeks. No yard waste will be collected after December 5th, 2024.
The following requirements must be followed for Christmas trees and greenery:
Live trees with no debris (tinsel, flocking, etc.) should be placed out in the same location as yard waste on your regular collection day. These will be collected and processed through our yard waste recycling program. No plastic bags or tarps may be on the trees.
Live trees that have been flocked or have debris on them should be placed out with your regular household waste. Trees in bags or tarps must also be placed out with household waste. These materials cannot be included or processed in our yard waste recycling program.
In addition to Christmas tree collections, Solid Waste Division would also like to remind customers that a Special Holiday Collection will take place from December 30th through January 3rd. During this week, residents may place additional Holiday waste beside the City-issued Toter. All additional waste must be inside plastic bags. Any boxes should be compacted and bundled.
Questions may be directed to Danville Public Works Office at 217-431-2288.

It is going to cost Danville more money to get a grant to redevelop an area. The city is seeking to have an environmental assessment of land in the 800 block of North Vermilion and the 800 block of Hazel so it can be redeveloped. 

Community Development Director Logan Cronk told the Public Works committee that to be considered for the million dollar grant, the city must met the guidelines of both the federal and state EPA. 

The work will cost the city some 31 thousand dollars.

An additional 1.3 million dollars is planned for work on the Garfield Park project.  The money to pay the engineering firm will come from COVID relief funds. Public Works Director Dave Ruwe says the money would go to park improvements

This is the second time the project has been put out for bids.  The first time the bids were rejected as being too expensive.

The city also is awaiting news about the grant it applied for to finance new playground equipment in Garfield Park.

The committee's action will come to the full city council next week.

Item provided by City of Danville

Danville's Got Talent is returning to the Fischer Theatre on
February 7th, 2025 from 6:30-8 PM. If you have a talent that you want to share with the community, auditions are now open!
Do you have a hidden, unique talent? Maybe you're a dog trainer, a painter, a comedian, or even a musician. Whatever your unique talent is, we want to see it!
Auditions will be held on December 18-19, 2024, from 5:30-8:00 PM at Danville City Hall located at 17 W Main Street, Danville, IL. Each contestant will be given 10 minutes to perform.
Feel free to sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44ACAF2DA3FEC43-
53088567-danvilles#/.

The link can also be found on our Facebook page and at
www.FirstFridaysDanville.com.

Item provided by City of Danville

The City of Danville is pleased to announce the launch of a new mobile application designed to enhance access to local government services. With five primary entities providing government services—federal, state, county, city, and township—the Government Offices app offers a centralized platform where residents can easily find office locations and detailed information about the services available.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to explore GIS Central, a robust resource offering tools and insights to optimize life in Danville. Whether you’re navigating daily tasks, planning activities, or accessing essential services, GIS Central serves as an invaluable guide.
Key features include:
• Ward Identification: Determine your City Ward with ease.
• Comprehensive Contact Information: Access details for City Council members, code enforcement inspectors, and other local officials.
• Collection Schedules: Stay informed about garbage and yard waste pickup days specific to your area.
Empower your connection with the City of Danville—explore GIS Central today!

Danville Area Community College eSports hit a new high when the MarioKart 4v4 team won its first NJCAA National Championship. The DACC team, comprised of Michael “D.C.” Canady, William “Moses” Landis, Braden Bulla, and Tyler Mahoney won the final tournament round against 8 teams, including Marshalltown Community College in Iowa; Southeast Community College in Nebraska; UNJC in New Jersey; and Heartland Community College in Normal.

   "The beauty of eSports is that a small college like DACC can not only have a
nationally ranked eSports program and hang with the bigger schools but have a
chance to win a championship,” says Guido Esteves, Director of
Audio/eSports/Community Outreach at DACC. “Most people don't get a chance to
be the best in the country at something, so I told my players to really soak that in.”
While three fourths of the team are first-year college competitors, team Captain
D.C. Canady already has a national championship ring. Canady was the 2023
National Champion in MarioKart Singles.
“It’s so awesome to have another national championship at the college. We have an
awesome 4V4 team this year and I’m glad we were able to pull it off,” states
Canady. “I really enjoy being in our esports program at DACC. We have a ton of fun
here and it’s a great environment to be in.”  
Canady’s mom Jenni agrees, “Collegiate level eSports at DACC has given D.C. the
opportunity to earn scholarships, enhance his leadership skills, build friendships,
and compete against some ot he best teams in the nation. It has been a great
experience.”
NJCAA eSports playoffs continue with three DACC players ranked in the
top five going into the MarioKart Singles Tournament, the title Canady took last
year.

A plan to increase local gasoline taxes by 4 cents per gallon is on its way to the full Danville City Council. The gas tax was the subject of much debate at the Public Works Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Danville found out recently that it had not been charging the full amount it could for gas tax. The formula Danville used was only involving a portion of the allowable state process. Danville currently charges about 10 cents per gallon gas tax, but it could go up to 19.9 cents under the full formula. Aldermen felt that was too high a rate and wanted a process that could spread the amount over a period of years.

Public Works Chairman Mike Puhr developed a plan where the city would increase the tax 4 cents a gallon in the upcoming year, and then have an annual increase equal to 2 percent of the state’s tax rate.

Mayor Rickey Williams says increasing any tax is unpopular. However, the city has been able to reduce its property taxes and Williams feels the public prefers a gas tax.

The plan also would have new wording on the city’s ordinance in an effort to make it understood how the gas tax is determined. The state is in two sections, but Danville would only use one part of it. The full city council will act on the tax levy and the proposed budget next week.