Weather Related Closings, Cancellations, Delays, and Adjustments for Wednesday January 22, 2025 (UPDATED 01/21/25 AT 7:20 P.M. CST):

SCHOOLS:

Attica Consolidated School Corporation—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Benton Community School Corporation—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Covington Community School Corporation—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Danville District 118 Schools—Closed Wednesday-E-Learning Day

MSD of Warren County including Seeger High School—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

North Central Parke Community Schools including Parke Heritage—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

North Vermillion School Corporation—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Parke County Head Start—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday; Daycare open regular hours

South Newton Schools—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

South Vermillion School Corporation—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Southeast Fountain School Corporation including Fountain Central—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

Southwest Parke Community Schools including Riverton Parke—2 Hour Delay on Wednesday

If you are traveling throughout the area and in doubt as to whether your destination will be open, we encourage you to reach out to your destination via phone before setting out.

WARMING CENTERS:

Champaign County:

Rantoul Police Department—24 Hours

Call 217-892-2103 for information

Salt and Light in Urbana—Sunday 11a-5p, Monday-Saturday 8a-8p

Call 217-355-5654 for information

Strides Shelter—24 Hours

Call 217-403-6150 for information

Villa Grove Community Center—8a-4p Monday-Friday

Call 217-508-2503 for information

Villa Grove Senior Center—9a-5p Monday-Friday

Call 217-508-2503 for information

Douglas County:

Newman Public Library—Open During business hours

Call 217-508-2503 for information

Edgar County:

Brocton Community Center—As needed

Call Mayor Chad Dudley at 217-202-6250 for information

Chrisman Fire Station-As needed

Call Fire Chief Mike Marvin at 217-822-4505 for information

Chrisman Public Library—Tuesday & Friday 9a-2p, Wednesday & Thursday 12p-5p

Hume Community Center-As needed

Call Mayor Seth Eads at 217-251-8853 for information

Paris Public Library—Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10a-6p, Thursday 10a-7p, Saturday 10a-4p

Paris Senior Center—Tuesday-Friday 8a-4p

Danville police have arrested a 21 year old Danville man on weapons charges. Friday night police stopped a vehicle at Harmon and Townsend Streets because of an expired registration plate.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Anthony T. Gouard. When the vehicle stopped Gouard exited and walked away refusing to stop for officers when told to do so. He was eventually taken into custody. During the search of Gouard, officers found an illegal firearm. Gouard was transported to the Vermilion County Public Safety Building where he was booked on Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

The Danville City Council gets what amounts to a “do over” this week. The council will re-vote on two issues that seemed to have been approved already. The issue came up as to whether it takes 8 votes to approve a measure. The state law says 8 votes is needed, but as a home rule city, Danville may be able to change things. The city council has been operating under the idea that a majority of a quorum of the aldermen present is enough to pass an issue.

At a recent meeting, the city gas tax was increased to 14 cents per gallon…an increase of about 5 cents per gallon. Once the new gas tax was included, the budget for the next fiscal year was approved. However, both issues were approved by a vote of 7-5 with two aldermen being absent. Some aldermen felt there should be 8 positive votes. A review by the corporate council suggested the 8 votes should be followed until the city council develops a more definitive vote procedure.

So the vote will be taken again to see if there are more aldermen or more positive votes on the issues. The city council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Local Congresswoman Robin Kelly was sworn in Friday for her sixth full term representing the Second Congressional District of Illinois. The Honorable Justice Cynthia Cobbs administered the Oath of Office to the Congresswoman. Rep. Kelly delivered a State of the District, sharing challenges and opportunities in the new Congress. Kelly’s district stretches from south of Chicago to Danville.

A Danville woman has died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday in Rantoul. 40 year old Kristina M. Sherman was hit while walking in the southbound lanes of U.S. 45 around 10 p.m., according to Rantoul police. Sherman was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The Illinois State Police’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office are assisting in the investigation of the accident.

Item provided by Danville Police

On Tuesday afternoon 1/14/2025 around 4:00 p.m., a Danville Police Officer stopped a vehicle in the
200 block of West Williams Street because of numerous equipment violations. During the stop, a
Danville Police Department K9 officer arrived and ran a K9 around the vehicle. The K9 alerted which
gave officers probable cause to search it.
The driver was identified as 47-year-old Jhamala L Thomas of Danville. Thomas was ordered out of her
vehicle and instead of complying, chose to place the car in drive in order to flee and elude the police
officers. A pursuit took place eventually leading officers to an address on Shady Lane where Thomas
parked her vehicle and was arrested.
Further investigation led officers to find a controlled substance. Danville Police Officers, with the
assistance of the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, obtained a search warrant for a residence.
Inside the residence officers found an illegal loaded firearm. Evidence led officers to charge Jhamala
Thomas with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Aggravated
Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Danville Police Department reminds the public that all subjects arrested are considered innocent
until proven guilty in a court of law.
If anyone has information to provide for this incident please contact the Danville Police Department at
217-431-2250 or Vermilion County Crimestoppers at vccrimestoppers.org, use the P3TIPS mobile app.,
or call anonymously at 217-446-TIPS (8477)

Unanticipated roadblocks have kept one Danville street closed much longer than expected.  South Street near the Palmer Arena has major roadway holes that may not be fixed soon. Acting City Engineer Eric Childers told the Public Works Committee Tuesday there have been some unique surprises for the sewer repair project.      

He said the project also found a concrete box structure that was not listed anywhere and has to be worked around.  He said the bitter cold weather also is working against the plan, since it is too cold to pour concrete. He had anticipated having the project done by Christmas, now he has no estimate when it will be finished.

Danville’s Public Works Committee has approved a plan to repair one of the  city’s brick streets.  The proposal would spend 54 thousand dollars to repair portions of Garfield Place.  That street goes alongside Denman School. The proposal states that there’s significant brick base failure in several locations along the street.  

The committee also okayed spending some 67 thousand dollars for engineering work on the Lynch Creek and Blue Cross/Blue Shield pump stations. Authorities say the pumping stations have exceeded their life expectancy and need rehabilitation. Part of the engineering study will be to see if one of the pumping stations can be eliminated and become a gravity feed to the  other.

Aldermen also approved some 89 thousand dollars to the Dwelling Place. The money will go for the rehabilitation of a house at 123 Payne Avenue. Once renovated, it will serve homeless or displaced people as a transitional housing unit. The Dwelling Place is located in First Presbyterian Church and has already renovated two homes along Payne Street.

All of the committee’s action goes to the full city council next week.

A plan to spend another $8,800 for the Garfield Park project has passed thru committee. The change was made necessary because of project changes requested by the city. The city earlier approved a Garfield Pool and Park project using COVID relief money. But Public Works Director Dave Ruwe  said huge project cost increases changed the plan.

He said the new plan will still include a football field, playground equipment, sidewalks, and parking lots.

News supplied by Mimi's Kitchen

On October 19, 2024 Mimi's Kitchen and Catering held a fundraiser "Think Pink for a Cause" to raise money for local patients undergoing breast cancer treatment at OSF.  Proceeds will be used to purchase comfort bags and any other needs of patients during treatment.  Nichole Lesko, owner of Mimi's kitchen held this event in memory of her grandmother, Elizabeth Lesko, who passed away due to breast cancer. The event was held at the Masonic Temple and had a beautiful pink theme.  Keynote speakers were Dr. Labayog, OSF Oncologist and Tonya Hill, Breast Cancer survivor.   Thanks to all the sponsors and attendees, Mimi's Kitchen raised $2125 to donate to the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center in Danville, IL.

Pictured attached with check for $2125.  Left to right:

Judi Miles, Oncology Patient Care Manager; Nichole Lesko, owner of Mimi's Kitchen; Dr. Labayog, OSF Oncologist; Tonya Hill, Breast Cancer survivor

Meghan Simpson was crowned Miss Hoopeston 2025 at the annual Hoopeston Jaycees Award Ceremony on Saturday, January 11.  Meghan is currently an accounting student at the University of Kentucky but has arranged her schedule so that she would be available for all of Miss Hoopeston’s duties. These include being an ambassador for the city, promoting community events, and hosting the National Sweetheart Pageant contestants. 

First runner up was Charissa Johnson (also voted People’s Choice), and second runner up was Cloe Peterson. 

2024 Alexa Bailey crowning 2025 Meghan Simpson

Murder charges have been dropped against a Danville man because of new evidence. Joseph Jones was shot to death on December 21 in Danville. After an investigation by the Danville Police Department, in cooperation with the Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office, Derrell Boston was indicted by a Vermilion County Grand Jury and formally charged with First Degree Murder, on January 2. Subsequently, Boston was apprehended in Danville. 

The State’s Attorney said in a news release that during the continued investigation by the Danville Police Department, new evidence was uncovered, which has negated the evidence against Boston. Because of this the murder charges against Boston have been dismissed. The newly discovered evidence is being assessed and reviewed by the Police Department and the State's Attorney's Office. 

The Illinois Rules of Professional Responsibility and the Illinois Rules of Evidence require the prosecution and the police to continuously disclose to the defense any new evidence that is discovered. Once new evidence is discovered, in any criminal prosecution, that the prosecutor in cooperation with the police evaluate the new evidence and determine if the prosecution can move forward to a trial. State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said she is bound by her ethical obligations to act as justice requires.

The murder of Jones is still under investigation by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office. The public is reminded that in the State of Illinois the charge of First-Degree Murder has no statute of limitations. 

Funeral services have been set for long-time public official Gerald R. Block.  He was 86. Block was elected Vermilion County Circuit Clerk in 1964 and was re-elected seven straight times. He served a total of 28 years in that post. He was elected to serve for eight years on the Vermilion County Board from 1992-2000,  then was elected to the Board of Review from 1994-1998 and served as the Chairman from 1997-1998. Later he was appointed as a Danville Township Trustee from 2017 – 2021 and elected to a four year term in April 2021, he was also appointed to the Danville Sanitary District Board as a Trustee from 2001-2013 serving a total of twelve years with the sanitary district.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 16 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, at the funeral home

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) took the oath of office for the upcoming 104^th General Assembly Wednesday afternoon at ceremonies in Springfield. He said it was a great honor

Rep. Schweizer's district includes portions of Vermilion and Champaign counties. He has several goals for the upcoming legislative session.

Local State Senator Paul Faraci also took the oath of office.  He said "I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges our communities face and working to create meaningful opportunities for every resident."

How many votes does it take to pass an ordinance in Danville? For years, the issue has periodically comes to the city council. A state law says it takes 8 votes…a majority of the entire 14 elected alderman. And the Mayor can only vote to break a tie. But Danville has been operating under the city code which seems to indicate a vote can pass with a majority of a quorum. So it would not always take 8 votes. The issue came up again recently over a gas tax proposal. The city corporate counsel recommended that alderman clarify the voting ordinance. Several aldermen have tried to do that in the past but could not get enough interest from the full council.

It appears that the council will have to go back and take a new vote on the recent gas tax increase and on the budget. Both were approved  in a close vote. Those seem to be the only recent votes that would be affected by any change in procedure.

The Danville City Council Tuesday approved applying for a $175,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant for replacement of equipment. There would be a 16 thousand dollar city match required. The council also accepted a $10,000 community service grant from a Leadership Development Foundation for new-hire firefighting training.

OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center is pleased to welcome its first baby of 2025, Ka’Lani Michelle Moore.

Ka’Lani was born at 3:24 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces, to her mother, Hunter Pratt, and father, Shawn Moore, both Danville residents. 

Ka’Lani Elouise joins her brother, TeeGan. 

News provided by Longview

The Longview Capital Corporation (LCC) announced that it has entered into an
agreement whereby it will acquire the stock of Federated Bank from Admiral Family Banks in an all-cash
transaction.
The proposed transaction will expand Longview Capital Corporation’s branch footprint into Iroquois, Kankakee
and Will counties and result in an increase in Longview Capital Corporation’s asset base to approximately $1
billion based on financial data as of September 30, 2024.
David Albin, Chairman of the Board and President of Longview Capital Corporation, commented “We are proud
to add Federated Bank to the Longview Capital Corporation family, and it is our intention for Federated Bank to
continue to operate as an independent bank charter for the foreseeable future. LCC is committed to continuing
the tradition of excellent service and customer satisfaction that we are renowned for in our community. We look
forward to working together to navigate this expansion and collaboration.”
Matt Clark, President & CEO of Federated Bank, commented “We are excited to join forces with a banking group
that shares our values, commitment to community, and dedication to serving local customers. Together, we will
build on our shared mission of providing trusted financial services to the communities we serve.”
The proposed transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies
but remains subject to customary closing conditions including approval by applicable bank regulatory
authorities, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
About Longview Capital Corporation
Longview Capital Corporation is a bank holding company based in Newman, Illinois, with three banking
subsidiaries: Bank of Gibson City, Longview Bank and Longview Community Bank. Between the three
subsidiaries, there are 17 branches located in: Mt. Pulaski, Chestnut, Clinton, Gibson City, Tilton, Georgetown,
Chrisman, Marshall, Paris, Danville, Royal, Ogden, Saint Joseph, Newman, Sidney, Villa Grove and Tuscola,
Illinois. As of September 30, 2024, Longview Capital Corporation had total assets of $887 million. For additional
information about Longview Capital Corporation, please visit longviewcap.com.
About Federated Bank
Founded on January 16, 1918, as Onarga State Bank, Federated Bank was issued a charter by the State of Illinois.
As of September 30, 2024, Federated Bank had total assets of approximately $119 million, total deposits of
approximately $98 million and total loans of approximately $54 million, and operates four branches in Onarga,
Loda, Chebanse and Bradley with a loan production office in Braidwood, Illinois. More information about
Federated Bank can be found at federatedbank.com

On Monday evening around 8:30 p.m., a Danville Police Officer stopped a vehicle in the area of the
1500 block of Crestview Drive due to registration and equipment violations. During the traffic stop the
officer observed illegal drug violations inside the vehicle.
The vehicle's driver was identified as 31-year-old Michael A. Glover-Napper of Champaign. The
officer's investigation determined Glover-Napper to be in possession of over 500 grams of illegal
cannabis and also illegally in possession of a firearm.
Glover-Napper was taken to the Vermilion County Public Safety Building and booked on charges of
Possession of Cannabis over 500 grams and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Danville Police Department reminds the public that the charges are merely accusations and all
subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If anyone has information to provide to this case please contact the Danville Police Department at 217-
431-2250 or Vermilion County Crimestoppers at 217-446-TIPS (8477), using the mobile app P3TIPS, or
online at vccrimestoppers.org.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee (MLK Committee) will honor Mr. Brett Dupree for over 25 years of service as the MLK Music Director and over 40 years of service to the Danville community.
Mr. Dupree is a Danville native. His love for music started at an early age. According to his first cousin and
former Alderwoman Brenda Brown, “Brett started banging on her mother’s piano, Mrs. Flora “Sis” Collier, at
the age of three.” Mrs. Flora Collier, who was a pianist, realized that Brett’s banging was more than a three-
year old acting out. Eventually, Brett started banging out the tune of a well-known gospel song, ‘Oh Happy
Day’, on her piano.
Brett’s ear for music inspired him to become a talented musician. As he grew into his love for music, his
musical talent was noticed by other musicians, who described him as being gifted.
Brett’s professional gospel career started at the former Danville Union Baptist Church when he was a teenager.
From that point in his life, Brett’s career took off. He has served as the music director for numerous churches in
the Danville community. He is currently the music director for both Carter Metropolitan CME Church and
Second Baptist Church in Danville. In addition to that, Brett is known for providing his musical talent at
weddings, birthdays and other well-known events in the community. Brett is a humble and kind musician.
Brett’s years of musical service can only be defined as a testament to his love for the Danville community.
The MLK Committee will honor Mr. Dupree at the 2025 MLK Celebration Community-Wide Service, which
will be held at on Monday, January 20, 2025 at St. James United Methodist Church at 11:30 a.m.

Recovery from the snow and ice  in the area continues, with bitter cold still in place. Danville Public Works Director Dave Ruwe say the city streets had been plowed and were in good shape as of Monday afternoon.  He said garbage pick-up is on its normal schedule.

Police throughout the area dealt with hundreds of traffic crashes due to the weather. Illinois State Troopers in Champaign and Vermilion counties responded to 76 accidents on Sunday. 52 of the accidents were a motorist assist, 22 accidents were property damage crashes, and 2 were personal injury crashes.

The amount of snow varied by town. Georgetown was among the leaders  in snow total with 6.5 inches. Westville had 5 inches; Danville had 2.7 inches.  Urbana got 3.5 inches and Champaign got 3 inches. Hoopeston received almost no snow in the storm.

News submitted by Danville police

This is an update to the media release of an incident sent out on 12/22/24 regarding the shooting death of
35-year-old Joseph Jones who was found deceased at the intersection of Collett and Williams on
12/21/24 at 11:00 p.m.
The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted the Danville Police Department in obtaining an
arrest warrant for the charge of First Degree murder on 28-year-old Derrell L Boston of Danville. DPD
gathered evidence suggesting Boston was a suspect in the death of Joseph Jones.
On 1/4/2025 at about 1 a.m., DPD officers witnessed Boston sitting in a vehicle at a business in the 1200
block of N. Bowman Ave. Officers arrested Boston and he was transported to the Public Safety Building
where he was charged with a warrant arrest of First Degree Murder. Boston is being investigated as a
suspect involved in the shooting of Joseph Jones who was murdered at the intersection of Collett and
Williams on 12/21/24.
The Danville Police Department reminds the public that all arrestees are presumed innocent until proven
guilty in a court of law.
If anyone has further information about this incident don't hesitate to get in touch with the Danville
Police Department at 217-431-2250, contact Vermilion County Crimestoppers at vccrimstoppers.org,
use the P3 TIPS app. or call anonymously to 217-446-TIPS
Because this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released on this incident.

News submitted by Danville police

On Sunday evening 1/5/2025 around 4:30 p.m. Danville Police Officers responded to the 900 block of
Martin Street to investigate shots being fired. Subjects were witnessed in the area running after the shots
were fired.
DPD Officers investigated the scene and, with the help of the community and the weather, tracked a
suspect to a residence within a two-block radius of the shooting scene. With the assistance of the
Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence.
Officers arrested 19-year-old Alvin L Daniels of Danville at that residence and recovered a firearm.
Daniels was taken to the Vermilion County Public Safety Building and booked on charges of
Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and Obstructing/Resisting
a Peace Officer.
The Danville Police Department reminds the public that an arrest is an accusation and all subjects are
innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have any information to add to this incident please contact the Danville Police Department at 217-
431-2250 or anonymously through Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at vccrimestopers.org, using the
mobile app P3TIPS, or by calling 217-446-TIPS (8477)

First the winter weather blast froze out many church services on Sunday. Then the snow arrived ending some events and closing some businesses early. Today, there is both snow and frigid air, and more closing to deal with. Schools throughout the area are either closed or having an eLearning day.  Danville public schools are among those having an eLearning day. Students will stay at home and participate in the activities provided online by the  teachers. This was supposed to be the first day back in school after  two weeks of vacation. Parkland College and Danville Area Community College are both closed due to the weather although the on-line classes at DACC will go on as usual. Many governmental agencies are closed due to the weather. Check out a list of closings on the WITY website.

Police report numerous traffic accidents. Some involving multiple vehicles.  Police are urging people not to drive. Emergency crews are doing what they can, but the wind is blowing the snow, making it hard to keep the roads clear.

The unemployment rate has dropped in the past year in Champaign County, and increased in Vermilion County, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Champaign County had a rate of 3.7 percent in November 2024 decreased from 3.8 percent in November 2023.

In Vermilion County, the November rate stood at 5.9 percent, increased from 5.3 percent in November 2023. The jobless rate in the City of Danville was 7.3 percent, compared to 6.6 percent a year ago. While the rate was up for the year, it was actually down from last month both  in Danville and Vermilion County.

In Urbana, the November rate was 3.8 percent, a slight improvement from 2023 when it was 4 percent. In the City of Champaign, the rate was basically unchanged. It was 3.8 percent in 2024 and 3.9 percent in 2023