A fire in downtown Westville Wednesday destroyed a vacant building and shut down traffic on Illinois Route 1. The fire was reported after 7 a.m. in a building just off of North State Street. Due to the size of the fire, more resources were sought from other departments. The ladder truck was Danville was used to battle the  blaze and nine other local fire departments helped control the fire. Local police, ambulance, and utility companies also provided assistance. Westville fire officials said on their Facebook page that they utilized both city hydrants, as well as rural water supply operations to have enough water to extinguish the fire.

The building was unoccupied, but at one point there were fears that a squatter could have been staying inside the building. No one was found inside, and no injuries were reported.  The fire caused Illinois Route 1 to be closed in both directions at Main St. and Williams Street for several hours.

It's not a large part of the proposed Danville budget, but it is drawing attention. City officials are proposing that Danville add a one percent sales tax to groceries. The measure would replace a one percent grocery tax that the state earlier dropped.

But not all city council members agree with the plan. They say not implementing the tax would provide a unique opportunity for the city to do something that would save people money. The city could lose about ¾ of a million dollars without the tax, Comptroller Alyssa  Sweeten says the grocery tax is needed.

Aldermen will have to find what budget cuts could be made. The grocery tax plan comes up for a vote at the Public Services Committee meeting next week.

The council Tuesday okayed spending more than 3 million dollars for a pair of storm sewer projects. The Dawn street sewer project is a plan to improve Montclaire street and Monterey Court at a cost of 429 thousand dollars. The Meadowlawn Area Storm sewer project Phase 1 and Phase 2 will cost some 2.6 million dollars. The plans would be funded by COVID Relief money received earlier by the city.

Aldermen also gave the green light to paying some 89 thousand dollars for work on Lynch Road. That would be the city's share of a project to improve Lynch road near I-74.

A person died in a single car crash Wednesday morning near Westville. The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office says a single occupant was driving a pickup truck on 1200 North Road. Witnesses say the truck was driving at a high rate of speed and passing multiple vehicles. Near 1800 East Road, the truck failed to negotiate a curve, and then ended up in a ditch. The driver was later pronounced dead. The identification of the victim is pending from the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office.

Danville police have been investigating a threat made to some middle school students. The school district informed parents that witnesses say two adults threatened three North Ridge students at a bus stop, flashed a weapon and fled before police arrived. All the students are safe, and no one was harmed. Supportive services will be offered to the students who were threatened. The school district and police are working collaboratively in the investigation.

In another incident, a neighbor near Northeast Elementary School told a class that was outside of the building that they needed to go back into the building because there had been a shooting in the area. The students went back into the building. Police said there was no shooting in the area.

News provided by Sen Faraci

State Senator Paul Faraci is continuing his efforts to improve access to mental health care for veterans and first responders through legislation aimed at strengthening recent reforms.

“First responders and veterans deserve unrestricted access to the care they need to protect their mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure ensures there’s no uncertainty about who is covered under this law and reinforces our commitment to improving mental health access in Illinois.”

Earlier this year, Faraci sponsored Senate Bill 2737 to ensure first responders and veterans can seek mental health care from providers of their choice by limiting the impact of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, was prompted by concerns from a mental health provider who was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause.

Faraci’s new measure clarifies his original legislation by explicitly defining “first responder” in the Illinois Freedom to Work Act to include both current and former first responders. This clarification ensures retired personnel are not excluded from the new law’s protections and affirms their ability to work with trusted providers, regardless of non-compete clauses.

“We’ve made significant strides in removing barriers to care, but this step is essential to ensure no veteran or first responder is left behind,” said Faraci. “This change is about making sure those who have served our communities, whether in the past or present, can get the support they need without unnecessary barriers.”

Senate Bill 507 passed the Senate Wednesday and moves to the House for further consideration.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) is calling on the Senate to continue working on Senate Bill 3968, a bill that bans carbon sequestration activity in and around the Mahomet Aquifer. Schweizer says the time to act is now, as the House and Senate are both back in Session this week for the final week of Veto Session.

"This legislation was filed after Gov. Pritzker signed SB 1289 into law this summer, despite bipartisan, bicameral opposition that noted the risks associated with the now law, including the lack of protections for the Mahomet Aquifer," Schweizer said. “I am disappointed by the Senate’s actions to pause work on SB 3968. The purpose of this bill and others that I and other colleagues have filed, is to avoid any possible contamination of the Mahomet Aquifer. Unlike other parts of the state, 14 counties solely rely on this aquifer for all water needs, including drinking water and agricultural uses. If the Mahomet Aquifer becomes contaminated due to a carbon dioxide leak, there is not another easily accessible water option for one million central Illinoisans.”

Senate Democrat Leaders say the reason for the delay in legislative action to protect the aquifer is because of the two-year moratorium written in to the current law. With the two-year break, opponents to SB 3968 have argued that there will be plenty of time to put together stronger legislation than what is currently being presented.

“After meeting with advocates and constituents explaining their fears, I don’t know how much clearer it can be that additional protections are needed. This is not a game, this is real life and not something that should be stuck in a drawer somewhere. Folks all over the state deserve clean water, not just in the Great Lakes Region. With lawmakers in town for Veto Session, this is the perfect time to protect the Mahomet Aquifer. Senate Leadership needs to get moving on this right away. In the event of an accident, my constituents would have to deal with the consequences of their government not taking the appropriate steps to protect drinking water.  I refuse to give up on the one million people who rely on the Mahomet Aquifer. Let's get this done.” 

For more information, please contact Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com. 

There will be at least one new Alderman on the Danville City Council after the April election. Alderman Darren York is moving out of Ward 7 and is not seeking re-election. Monday was the last day of filing for office in the Spring election.

Filing for council seats were incumbent Robert Williams and Jaleel M. Jones in Ward 1; incumbent Carolyn Wands in Ward 2; incumbent Heidi Wilson and Thomas Hightower in Ward 3; incumbent Tricia Teague in Ward 4; incumbent Mike Puhr in Ward 5; incumbent Jim Poshard in Ward 6; and newcomers Doug Ahrens and Barry Johnson in Ward  7.

There are three seats in the upcoming Danville Area Community College board of trustees election. Two are for six-year appointments — currently held by Greg Wolfe, who is running, and Tracy Cherry, who is not. The other is a four year term available after Dave Harby resigned. Candidates for the six year terms are Wolfe, Stephen Nacco, Lisa Martin, Aaron Biggs, Laura Williams and Amanda Krabbe. Caroline Harby, Dave’s daughter-in-law, is the only candidate who filed to fill the 4 year term.

 The Danville School Board of Education will meet today to discuss Superintendent Alicia Geddis’ safety concerns and her work status. Geddis claims she has been threatened and on the advice of an attorney, is working at a location outside of her office.

Geddis believes trucks have been following her from her workplace and home since the summer. She also received a racial letter from the KKK. The situation has been investigated by Danville police and the FBI.

Two school board members called for the special meeting. They say for two months now they’ve been told Geddis has been working at home. And there is little  accountability for that.

Item provided by City of Danville

Do you have a talent for decking out your home like Martha May Whovier? If your outdoor décor shines
with holiday cheer, we want to see it! Enter our 4th Annual "Light Up Danville" Outdoor Decorating
Contest for a chance to win up to a $200 Lowe's gift card and spread some festive spirit in our
community. Whether your decorations are simple yet elegant, playful and fun, or bold and extravagant,
we want to see how your home lights up the season. From classic to quirky, your creativity could help
brighten someone’s holiday and make Danville the most festive town around!
How to Enter:
Decorate the exterior of your home. Submit your entry by December 3rd. Once entries are in, we’ll
create a map of the best-decorated homes for everyone to enjoy. The tour will be available on the City
website and our social media accounts, so everyone can drive by and take in the sights! Voting will begin
on December 5th.
How to Vote:
Voting opens on December 5th on the City of Danville Website. You can cast one vote per household.
Categories & Prizes:
City Selection (chosen by Mayor Williams and City Team Members)
People’s Choice (voted by YOU!)
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in each category. 1st Place: $200 Lowe's gift card + an
engraved traveling holiday trophy to proudly display until next season + the honor of being the Grand
Marshal of the 2024 Night of Lights parade! 2nd Place: $100 Lowe's gift card. 3rd Place: $50 Lowe's gift
card.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative, spread some holiday cheer, and let’s Light Up Danville

The bids for the Bresee Tower and courthouse annex demolition project were so good, it will help improve other parts of downtown Danville. Mayor Rickey Williams told the Public Works Committee that the city received 12 bids which are now being reviewed by a consultant. The bids came in from 2 to 2.6 million dollars. The city will pay for the Bresee Tower work, the County Board will fund demolition of the former Annex. Danville had set aside 4 million dollars for the project, so Williams says the extra money can fund other projects

The demolition  contract should be awarded in December, with the demolition of the building done next year. The building has been vacant for years, and is considered unsafe.

A facility is expected to open soon as a shelter for homeless men. Shelters for man and women operated by Vermilion Community Restoration have been closed due to structural and financial problems.

Danville Mayor Rickey Williams announced at the Public Work meeting that the organization has been working on getting ready for people to use what has been the women's shelter on Bowman Street. But the facility will temporarily be a shelter for men. There are other local locations where women and children can go, but there is no facilities now for men.

Getting what had been the men's shelter on Fairchild Street will take more work. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says the city will offer help in fixing the building

The funds could come from the Community Development Block Grant program.

Stephen Nacco is ending his time as President of  Danville Area Community College. But he still wants to help the college. Nacco has filed to run for DACC board in the April 2025 election.

DACC will be electing three trustees. Two of the positions are for six-year appointments. The other, a four-year seat, was vacated by the resignation of board chairman Dave Harby.

Under terms of an agreement with the Board of Trustees, he is retiring as president on Dec. 13 after being placed on administrative leave due to an immigration-related dispute with Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr.

Filing for the DACC board, and many other local boards and  trustee positions ends on Friday.

News submitted by IDNR

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host mentored archery deer hunting for adults and youth at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3.

Participating hunters will be provided access to sections of the recreation area otherwise closed to archery deer hunting. Adult and youth hunters with less than three years of deer hunting experience and who have not been successfully drawn into the mentored deer hunt program previously may apply. Hunters may apply for concurrent mentored hunts but may only participate in one if selected for both.

Hunters drawn in the lottery will be assigned a hunting location and allowed to hunt Tuesday through Sunday within an assigned week. IDNR will determine hunt locations, which will be filled equally with adult and youth hunters.

Hunters will be limited to taking one deer and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult mentor who can assist and advise them during the hunt. All accompanying mentors must be 21 years of age or older and must have a current Illinois hunting license. Hunters must provide their own mentors and hunting equipment. Ground blinds will be provided.

The state of Illinois is granting more money to the City of Danville for a popular home improvement project. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk told the Public Works Committee Tuesday that Illinois said Danville is a model community in operating the program, so they are granting more money

The program provides money to fix up houses to keep them from become blighted. Each home chosen can spend up to 60 thousand dollars in repairs.

The city got some 500 applications for the program and home repairs are underway for several homes in the city. Cronk says the existing waiting list will be used to add homes to the project,

Mayor Rickey Williams said the additional money could mean a dozen more homes get repairs.

Danville's Public Works Committee Tuesday approved purchasing two downtown buildings with the goal of demolition for both. Danville would pay 35 thousand dollars to buy 605 and 615 Vermilion Street. It is the former Millikin Dry Cleaners building. City officials say the structure is unsafe and needs to come down. The city would pay 83 thousand dollars for the Chart Records building at 131 Vermilion. It is next to a building  where the city had to make an emergency tear down of a front wall. City officials say the Chart Records store has a damaged wall and needs other fixes.

The committee okayed spending more than 3 million dollars for a pair of storm sewer projects. The Dawn street sewer project is a plan to improve Montclaire street and Monterey Court at a cost of 429 thousand dollars. The Meadowlawn Area Storm sewer project Phase 1 and Phase 2 will cost some 2.6 million dollars. The plans would be funded by COVID Relief money received earlier by the city.

Committee members also gave the green light to paying some 89 thousand dollars for work on Lynch Road. That would be the city’s share of a project to improve Lynch road near I-74.

All of the committee’s actions now move to the full city council.

Item provided by City of Danville

In May 2024, the City of Danville, in collaboration with the Danville Area Visitor’s Bureau,
Downtown Danville Inc., Vermilion Advantage, and the Danville Public Library Foundation,
announced a new program for Downtown Danville property owners, titled “Arts in Alleys.”
This initiative aimed to bring vibrant public art to the alleyways of downtown, with funding to be
supported through a combination of grants and private donations.
Unfortunately, the City of Danville was not selected for funding from either of the grant sources
applied for. As a result, we regret to inform you that we will need to temporarily scale back the
“Arts in Alleys” program.
However, in keeping with our commitment to enhancing the artistic landscape of Downtown
Danville, we are moving forward with a revitalized initiative: “Angel Alley.” This exciting new
project will showcase public art installations in one of the city’s key alleyways, with plans for
completion by Summer 2025.
We deeply appreciate the community’s continued support and passion for public art, and we are
excited to enhance the heart of Danville with even more beauty and creativity in the months ahead.

The Golden Nugget casino has been an economic benefit to Danville, but it also wants to be a partner for a better future. That's what Golden Nugget officials recently told the City Council about its first year of business.

General Manager Jahnae Erpenbach said the  casino has been an economic factor well beyond the tax money it generates.

During construction more than 300 local tradesmen were employed as the casino spent 15 million dollars. Erpenbach says the Golden Nugget has a commitment to use local suppliers.

There are some 250 workers at the casino.

Erpenbach said the  casino operators want to be involved in local boards and events beyond the casino walls.

She said the owners are committed to expanding services and entertainment options in the future.

Danville  officials are excited with the bids received for the demolition of Breese Tower and the former courthouse annex. The bids came in from 2 to 2.6 million dollars. The city received 12 bids which are now being reviewed by a consultant. The city will pay for the cost of the Bresee Tower work, Vermilion County will finance the teardown of the former Annex.

Danville had put aside some 4 million dollars for the project. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams says that means other demolition projects in the downtown area can be financed. That include the old Model Star Laundry and the building where the city had to take emergency action to remove a failing front wall.

The Breese Tower contract should be awarded in December, with the demolition of the building done next year. The building has been vacant for years, and is considered unsafe.

The Vermilion County Joint Veterans Council will present the annual Veterans Day Memorial Celebration, Monday, at 11 am. It will take place at the World War II Memorial on Hazel Street, located south of Kruger Funeral Home in Danville. This program will start promptly at 11AM.

This is a free event. Everyone is WELCOME.

The intersection of Nevada Ave. and S. Virginia Ave. will be closed for nearly a month. The closing of the intersection is for Storm Sewer Improvements. Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, November 12, through Friday December 6, there will be a complete roadway closure of the intersection for the installation of sewer pipe.

This closure will affect motorists and pedestrians. Please choose an alternate route. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution while traveling in the area.

The Danville Area Community College Board of Trustees has named new officers. Greg Wolfe is now Chairman. He has been serving as Vice Chairman. He replaces Dave Harby, who resigned after 25 years due to health reasons. Terry Hill has been selected vice chairman.

The board is seeking to fill a vacancy following Harby’s resignation. The individual appointed to this position will serve until the April 2025 election. Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and a letter of interest to the Secretary to the Board of Trustees at 2000 E. Main Street, Danville. All application materials must be received by 4 PM on Monday, November 18.

The board took no action on naming an interim president when Stephen Nacco retires next month.

The annual Festival of Trees is this weekend along with the downtown lighting ceremony. The City of Danville will be hosting the Downtown Danville Lighting Ceremony on Saturday from 5 to 6 PM with the lighting of the downtown holiday lights at 5:30 PM.

The Festival of Trees will be Saturday through Wednesday at the Palmer Arena in Danville. It will feature hundreds of specially decorated trees, and some 45 holiday wreathes. There will also be musical entertainment. raffles and visits from Santa and other Christmas heroes. There will be special events like breakfast with Santa, Princess Tea Party, Dino breakfast, family Bingo, Ladies luncheon, and more.

Admission is $5 for adults. Children 3-12 get in for only 2 dollars. The hours will be Saturday 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday Noon until 7 p.m.,  Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

News provided by State's Attorney

The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office hosted its 7th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Supply Drive throughout the month of October. Items were collected to benefit Crosspoint Domestic Violence Shelter and The Dwelling Place.
Donations boxes were hosted by community partners, 112 Wine & Coffee Shoppe in Hoopeston and Mad Goat Coffee in Danville. New to the Supply Drive this year were partnerships with Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin Cooperative High School, Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School and Salt Fork High School. The State’s Attorney’s Office had the opportunity to collect donations at football games of the participating schools. Notable donations were also collected by the Hoopeston Area Women Making a Difference Organization, Maple Grade School in Hoopeston, and employees of Hyster-Yale Group in Danville. Items collected this year included
personal care items, cleaning supplies and non-perishable food items. Donations were delivered to Crosspoint Domestic Violence Shelter and The Dwelling Place on November 6, 2024.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said, “The generosity of our community this year has been inspiring. We are grateful to everyone who donated and helped raise awareness about the criticalissue of domestic violence. Each year domestic violence affects many families, often leaving victims homeless. Crosspoint Domestic Violence Shelter and The Dwelling Place play a vital role in offering safe spaces in order for victims to break away from abuse.” Plans are underway to continue the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Supply Drive in October 2025.

Aldermen on Tuesday got a first look at the proposed Danville budget for next fiscal year. Comptroller Alyssa Sweeten says the budget calls for a 3 percent decrease in spending

Mayor Rickey Williams says he is particularly happy that improvements to three city parks are in the budget   

The proposed tax levy for Danville is decreased from last year, mostly because the city will have a higher equalized assessed Value,

The budget and tax levy will be discussed in committees the next few weeks.

The tax levy must be approved in December.