The News-Gazette's Paul Klee, Bob Asmussen and Jim Rossow each placed in the top three in writing categories in the national Associated Press Sports Editors contest.
The News-Gazette had more top five finishes (four) than any sports section in the country competing in the 30,000-75,000 circulation category.
New jobs
First State Bank adds Gensler. Justin Gensler has joined First State Bank as branch manager of the facility at Neil Street and Windsor Road in Champaign.
In addition to operational oversight of the branch office, he will focus on mortgage lending and community engagement.
Wednesday, April 17
'Job Seeking Skills' class. 6 p.m., Habitat for Humanity, 119 E. University Ave., C. Topics include: creating a resume; applying for the right position; and a winning interview. Free. Call Michelle Stallmeyer at Habitat for Humanity, 819-5113, to register.
Listed are recent permits for all commercial and industrial work, all new single-family and multifamily residences and all residential remodeling over $50,000.
CHAMPAIGN
Sunbuilt Commercial, repair/replacement work to storefront at 55-57 E. Main St., $60,000.
RANTOUL — Further development of the South Murray Road area near Walmart Supercenter in west Rantoul is expected to begin this spring.
Rural Rantoul farmer/businessman Joe Warner said work will begin on the 45-acre Stonebridge commercial property west of Murray Road plus a project east of that area.
RANTOUL — Easton-Bell Sports reported dismal fourth-quarter and full-year results last week, a little over a month after both its chief executive officer and chief operations officer resigned.
Net sales for the quarter were $183.5 million, down 11.4 percent from a year earlier. Consequently, net sales for the year amounted to $827.2 million, down 1 percent from the previous year.
URBANA — The University of Illinois flash index registered a slight drop in March, indicating a slowing of economic growth in Illinois.
The index slid from 104.8 in February to 104.7 in March, according to the UI's Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
Listed are recent permits for all commercial and industrial work, all new single-family and multifamily residences and all residential remodeling over $50,000. Permits are listed by applicant, location, description of the work and estimated cost.
CHAMPAIGN
Ironwood Builders, new single-family home at 5017 Chestnut Grove Drive, $390,000.
New jobs
Vogel named supervisor. Nick Vogel has been hired as a supervisor in the tax department of Martin, Hood, Friese & Associates, Savoy.
He worked several years in the Chicago area before moving to Champaign.
Sparrow joins Stan's Sportsworld. Rick Sparrow has joined Stan's Sportsworld, Champaign.