Local history

In 1911, the Salvation Army hall was taxed to its capacity last night for the annual Christmas tree and entertainment for the poor children of the Twin Cities. A sack of candy and an orange, together with three toys apiece, were given to each child, the candy and toys having been donated by merchants.

U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, issued the following statement today after the House voted by unanimous consent to approve a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut. 

Johnson's statement goes easy on House Speaker John Boehner, who is being blamed by many for the legislative fisco on payroll tax issue.

Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, was one of seven House Republicans to vote yesterday with Democrats on the GOP proposal to force a payroll tax extension and unemployment benefits bill back to a House conference committee.

Historically, Champaign-Urbana -- according to this Illinois State Water Survey chart -- has about a 30 percent chance of a white Christmas.

Ben Carlson, one of three Democratic candidates for Champaign County auditor, today issued a statement disputing a contention by Republican circuit clerk candidate Stephanie Holderfield that she had asked him to remove her signature from his candidacy petitions.

Carlson's statement:

The long-range forecasts suggest virtually no chance of a white Christmas in Champaign-Urbana this year. 

The Weather Channel's 10-day forecast shows high temperatures in the 30s and 40s and only a couple possibilities of rain. Christmas Day is forecast to be partly cloudy with a high of 35.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Urbana+IL+61801

Local history

Local history

This is always worth rereading, and musing about how too many politicians can talk a good line but act entirely different.

Local history