Photographer: John Dixon

Sonja Gardner, a Cray, inc. employee, pulls some of the 9000 cables through the first bank of racks that will make up the Blue Waters computer at the University of Illinois in Champaign on Monday Jan. 30, 2012.

Photographer: John Dixon

Wurth story - The University of Illinois Senate prepares to convene its meeting at Levis Faculty Center in Urbana on Monday Jan. 30, 2012.

Photographer: John Dixon

Sonja Gardner, a Cray, inc. employee, pulls some of the 9000 cables through the first bank of racks that will make up the Blue Waters computer at the University of Illinois in Champaign on Monday Jan. 30, 2012.

Photographer: John Dixon

Wurth story - University of Illinois Assoc. Prof. Joyce Tolliver speaks critically of UI president Michael Hogan's involvement and handling of the anonymous email scandal at the University of Illinois Senate meeting at Levis Faculty Center in Urbana on Monday Jan. 30, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

STAND ALONE---Phil Newell of A & P Services, Danville, removes debris from at building on Main Street in Danville Monday January 30, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Firefighters battle a house fire on Olive Street in Hillery Monday January 30, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Firefighters battle a house fire on Olive Street in Hillery Monday January 30, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Firefighters battle a house fire on Olive Street in Hillery Monday January 30, 2012.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

for don story-Orion Samuelson talks with Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana) 103rd District at the Champaign County Farm Bureau's 100th annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Urbana on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012

Photographer: Heather Coit

FOR MERLI STORY- Keely Kostell, 6, of Urbana, waits for "Love Letters", created by her father, Steve Kostell, to grace the digital billboard as Judy Dethmers's piece, "Today is Not Your Day" stares back at her. Winning artists, including Kostell and Dethmers, of Champaign, whose artwork is now featured on Adams Outdoor Advertising billboards in six locations around Champaign, were recognized at a press conference by Adams and 40 North/88 West at one of the six sites on South Neil Street in Champaign, Ill on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. The event helped mark the grand opening of Sky Gallery. The other winning artists are Lisa Kesler, Stephen Sears, Allison Newmeyer and Stewart Hicks and Lisa Janes.

Photographer: Heather Coit

FOR MERLI STORY- Keely Kostell, 6, of Urbana, visits with her father, Steve Kostell as Kostell joins fellow winning artists, Stephen Sears, far right, Judy Dethmers, far left, of Champaign, and Lisa Janes, of Champaign. Winning artists, whose artwork is now featured on Adams Outdoor Advertising billboards in six locations around Champaign, were recognized at a press conference by Adams and 40 North/88 West at one of the six sites on South Neil Street in Champaign, Ill on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. The event helped mark the grand opening of Sky Gallery. Artists not pictured are Allison Newmeyer and Stewart Hicks and Lisa Kesler.

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-A reflection in Crystal lake. Brad Johnson, Johnson Tree Co., prepares to remove an ash tree in Crystal Lake Park. part of the Emerald Ash Borer program. photo taken monday Jan 30, 2012

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Oakley, a four-month-old French bulldog eagerly waits for another treat from Emily Bane, a third-year student at University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Six students from the UI College of Veterinary Medicine showed off their own pets while teaching mostly middle-school-age kids about pet care during the All About Pets program at Champaign Public Library in Champaign, Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. Rabbits, cats, a Guinea pig and a ball python were among the pets children were treated to meeting.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Baxter, owned by third-year University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine student, Linnea (cq)Olson, checks out Pepe, a bearded dragon, from a safe distance during the All About Pets program at Champaign Public Library in Champaign, Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012.
Six students, including Olson and Jill Kirschenbaum, wh o owns Pepe, showed off their own pets while teaching mostly middle-school-age kids about pet care. Rabbits, cats, a French bulldog and a ball python were among the pets children were treated to meeting.

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- At the court at Scott Park, UI sophomores Jennie Dijohn and Jake Gibbs play basketball in the warm sunshine. photo taken tuesday Jan 31, 2012

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Jason Moulton, of Danville, a worker with Commercial Flooring Service in Champaign, prepares the fourth floor student lounge for carpet installation as Gregory Drive is seen below at left from Nugent Hall Addition in Champaign, Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. The residence hall, which is slated to open in time for students returning in the fall this year, helps make up Ikenberry Commons on University of Illinois campus. The Addition features a lantern, or wall of glass, for student lounges and is LEED Silver certified, giving it environmental sustainability. Turner is the construction manager overseeing all the craftspeople included in the construction.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Jamie Peters, of Maroa, a worker with Superior Fire Protection Systems in Forsyth, performs a hydrostatic test on the second floor sprinkler system of Nugent Hall Addition, which is slated to open in time for University of Illinois students returning in the fall this year. The student residence hall helps make up Ikenberry Commons. Construction work continues at the Addition in Champaign, Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Deke Poppe (cq), of LeRoy, a worker with Associated Constructors Co, Inc. in Bloomington, uses wedges to hold a solid surface backsplash in place before gluing it inside a fourth floor bathroom of Nugent Hall Addition in Champaign, Ill on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. The Addition is slated to open in time for students returning in the fall this year. The Addition helps make up Ikenberry Commons, which also includes The Student Dining and Residential Programs Building and Nugent Hall. SDRP opened in March 2010 and Nugent Hall opened in Jan. 2010. Residence Hall #2 is slated to open in fall 2013.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

STAND ALONE - - Spring bulb plants start to poke through the ground in the unseasonbly warm weather on Columbia Ave. in Champaign, IL. Friday, February 3, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

STAND ALONE - - Tooth Fairy, portrayed by Mansi Jailwala, UI senior in Community Health, visits with kids at the Give Kids a Smile event at Lincoln Square in Urbana, IL. Saturday, February 4, 2012. The ADA designates the first weekend in February as Give kids a Smile Day. The event was sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society. Over a dozen local providers participated.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

STAND ALONE - - Samantha Ward, 4 years Rantoul, gets examined by Shurouq Barakat at the Give Kids a Smile event at Lincoln Square in Urbana, IL. Saturday, February 4, 2012. Barakat is a hygenist at the Le (CQ) Family Dentistry in St Joseph. The ADA designates the first weekend in February as Give kids a Smile Day. The event was sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society. Over a dozen local providers participated.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

stand alone- A woman walks across the golf course at the Champaign Country CLub in in Champaign on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Susanne Junge and her 13 month old Doodle "Lily" walk through the sculpture garden at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. Hoarfrost covers the park. photo taken monday Feb 6, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Jim Michels, American Dowell Signcrafters, cleans the bugs and dirt out of some lights by the Federal Courthouse in Urbana. photo taken monday Feb 6, 2012

Photographer: Robin Scholz

stand alone- Angus Lanker, an employee of University of Illinois Bio Science Institute, tags plants for work on bio-fuels in the fog on Curtis Road in Urbana on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- SHoarfrost coated the vegetation in the sculpture garden at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. Hoarfrost covers the park. photo taken monday Feb 6, 2012

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Chelsea Norton relaxes in her pjs as she gets a hand massage from Danille Schukar of The Studio Salon in Urbana during an adult pajama party fundraiser at the Boltini Lounge in downtown Champaign on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. The event, organized by Nikki Hillier and Marla Deval, asked folks to donate children's pajamas or make a donation. The proceeds go to Crisis Nursery and some pajamas will go to local schools for distribution to need children.
Guests could socialize and get pampering from donated salon and other services donated by area companies.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Left to right, organizers of an adult pajama party fundraiser at the Boltini Lounge in downtown Champaign on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, Jodi Thomas, Nikki Hiller, Marla Deval, Madalyn Deval, Jayden Garth, Carrie Conlisk.
The event, organized by Hillier and Deval, asked folks to donate children's pajamas or make a donation. The proceeds go to Crisis Nursery and some pajamas will go to local schools for distribution to need children.
Guests could socialize and get pampering from donated salon and other services donated by area companies.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

A horse, donkey and a llama run through a foggy, frost covered field along Staley Road in Champaign on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

Members of Spirit of Uganda, from left, Solace Atho, Jimmy Ayo, Joseph Chan and George Willard clap along with and encourage Wiley school 2nd graders as they performed a song before the afternoon performance of Spirit of Uganda at the School in Urbana on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

An afternoon performance by Spirit of Uganda at Wiley School in Urbana on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Photographer: Robin Scholz

Wiley students watch an afternoon performance by Spirit of Uganda at Wiley School in Urbana on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Tricia Ward, of Champaign, a comfort consultant for Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. (Champaign) washes the interior windows of her company car at Rainstorm Car Wash in Champaign, IL on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Schlarman Academy students Elizabeth Tindera, second grade, left, and Rachel Berner make valentines at the school on Walnut Street in Danville Wednesday February 1, 2012. Students at the school are making valentines as part of Catholic School's Week that will be distributed to VA patients.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

A Harris Hawk from the World Bird Sanctuary, St. Louis, flies over area fourth-graders at Danville Area Community College Wednesday Feb 8, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

A Hooded Vulture from the World Bird Sanctuary, St. Louis, flies over area fourth-graders at Danville Area Community College Wednesday Feb 8, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

A Hooded Vulture from the World Bird Sanctuary, St. Louis, flies over area fourth-graders at Danville Area Community College Wednesday Feb 8, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

A bald eagle displayed during a presentation of birds of prey for area fourth-graders at Danville Area Community College Wednesday Feb 8, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Michael Zeloski, The Office of Wildlife Learning World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, displays a bald eagle during a presentation of birds of prey for area fourth-graders at Danville Area Community College Wednesday Feb 8, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Landen Blundy looks to drop a lollipop in one of the Valentine bags of his classmates during the Oakwood Grade School afternoon CARE class Valentines Day party at the school Thursday Feb 9, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Members of the Danville High School girls track team Tierra Johnson, left, and Michelean Foreman run up the hill on west Fairchild Street in Danville Tuesday Feb 14, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Members of the Danville High School football team William Morris, left-right, Michael Vascura, Aaron Hardimon and Jonathan Lomax, right, vistit with a patient in the Palliative care unit at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville Tuesday Feb 14, 2012 during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans program. The annually event is designed to pay tribute to hospitalized Veterans, and to thank them for their service and sacrifices. Twenty six DHS students and local celebrities, community leaders, area school groups and others visited with Veteran patients to deliver Valentines Day cards.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- Sherrika Ellison (cq) brings candlelight vigil-goers together by singing the Whitney Houston song, 'I Love the Lord' during a celebration of life outside Williams Memorial Funeral Home in Champaign, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. Seon Williams, seen far right, who owns the funeral home, spearheaded the vigil with the hopes of bringing the community together and to "heal the other Whitneys" out there." Williams said he hoped to make an impact through song and prayer.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- U.S. Army veterans, James Wasson, left, of St. Joseph, and Nick Hoffman, of Urbana, hold their own vigil to transfer the spotlight from a candlelight vigil for
Whitney Houston to the deaths of American soldiers in Champaign, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. The two men, who joined others sharing their sentiment, later crossed Bradley Avenue to join the vigil outside Williams Memorial Funeral Home where they were welcomed. Seon Williams, who owns the funeral home and an Army veteran himself, spearheaded the vigil with the hopes of bringing the community together and to "heal the other Whitneys" out there." Williams said he hoped to make an impact through song and prayer.

Photographer: Heather Coit

STAND ALONES- "Mowhawk Man", center, peacefully joins a candlelight vigil, honoring Whitney Houston, as he and Nick Hoffman, a U.S. Army veteran behind him, talk with Champaign Mayor Don Gerard, far left, and the Rev. E.V. Davis, Jr, right, assistant pastor at New Life Church of Faith, outside Williams Memorial Funeral Home in Champaign, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. A small group, which included military veterans, earlier gathered across the street to call attention to fallen American soldiers instead of a fallen celebrity like Whitney Houston. Seon Williams, who owns the funeral home and an Army veteran himself, spearheaded the vigil with the hopes of bringing the community together and to "heal the other Whitneys" out there." Williams said he hoped to make an impact through song and prayer.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Catlin High School principal Kevin Thomas looks to put up a shot during a donkey basketball game at the school Thursday Feb. 16, 2012. The school's freshaman class hosted the donkey basketball tournament which pitted two teams of students againts a team of staff and a team of community members. All proceeds will go in a freshman class fund and be used on its junior prom.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Jared Church falls off his donkey during a donkey basketball game at Catlin High School Thursday Feb. 16, 2012. The school's freshaman class hosted the donkey basketball tournament which pitted two teams of students againts a team of staff and a team of community members. All proceeds will go in a freshman class fund and be used on its junior prom.--he was a member of the community team

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Vanessa Coe reaches up to grab the swing she was pushing with her grand daughter Kimora Coe, 5, both from Danville, while playing at Lincoln Park in Danville Monday Feb 20, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Snow White, left (Kelli Meents), is offered an apple by the Evil Queen, (Michelle Roberts) during rehearsal at Centennial High School in Champaign, IL. Monday, February 6, 2012. The Champaign-Urbana Junior Woman's Club is putting on "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". Performances will be Feb 10-12 at Centennial High School. The performances raise money to support community organizations.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

A customer, with groceries tucked into several plastic bags, leaves the County Market at Springfield and Fourth in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

David Kollins, Joliet, runs a horizontal drilling machine at Kerr and Cunningham in Urbana, IL. Monday, February 13, 2012. Work on the UC2B will have periodic lane closures on southbound Cunningham from Perkins to University until about February 26.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Kealan O'Neil, UI Horticulture club, wraps up some roses for sale at the Illini Union in Urbana, IL. Monday, February 13, 2012. The club will be at the ACES Library on the south end of campus on Valentines Day from 10am to 5pm. The flower sale will help support Horticulture Club activities.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Marlena Wise, Champaign puts together a valentine arrangement at the Blossom Basket in Champaign, IL. Monday, February 13, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

A sale pending sign in front of a house on Hamilton in Champaign, IL. Monday, February 13, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Irene Wen, Urbana, samples a baguette outside the Common Ground Food Co-operative in Urbana, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012. It was part of owner appreciation day. Among the sampling was Pekara Bakery, Blue moon Farm, Senior Honey, Grok's Treats and Sasse's Apiary. Common Ground is relaunching their capital drive to raise additional money for its expansion.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Roger Fritsch, Champaign, made some snowmen and launched heart-shaped Chinese wishing lanterns at Scott Park in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The miniature hot-air balloons are powered by paraffin blocks.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Roger Fritsch, Champaign, made some snowmen and launched heart-shaped Chinese wishing lanterns at Scott Park in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The miniature hot-air balloons are powered by paraffin blocks.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Roger Fritsch, Champaign, made some snowmen and launched heart-shaped Chinese wishing lanterns at Scott Park in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The miniature hot-air balloons are powered by paraffin blocks.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Michele Miller hold a self portrait in her stdio in her home in Urbana, IL. Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

L-R Lisa Krause, Mackey Johnson and April Blacker on the couch with their running shoes in the library of Franklin Middle School in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Colleen Fogerson,12 years Bement. looks at the photos on display at Lincoln Square in Urbana, IL. Monday, February 20, 2012. Fogerson has three photos in the "Youth" category and received a Third place and an Honorable Mention. The 11th Annual Best in Show Photographic Print Competition is on display through Friday February 24th. The competition sponsored by the Champaign County Camera Club features the work of over 500 amateur photographers.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Maksymilian Boniecki, two years, holds his dad's hand (Michal Boniecki, Savoy) as he kicks a soccer ball toward a goal at the Savoy Recreation Center in Savoy, IL. Monday, February 20, 2012. Tien Douglass, Left, teaches the Lil All Stars class and each week is a different sport.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Garrett Jones, parkland student Rantoul, gets a massage from massage therapy student Erin Elliott at the Annual wellness fair at Parkland college in Champaign, IL. Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Heather Rose gives a massage to Shari Davis in the background. About 30 health organizations and Agencies were at the free event. The event was part of Black History Month.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Snowdrops bloom after pushing up past the autumn leaves in Champaign, IL. Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Lucio Barragan, left Savoy, and Tom Albers, Pesotum, scoop out the top layer of dirt from some planters in downtown Champaign, IL. Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Later a fresh layer of topsoil will be applied. This is the first step as the Champaign park district prepares them for spring plantings.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Darnell Leatherwood, left, and Jerry Wiliams talk. Adult mentoring of young men at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Darnell Leatherwood, front right, talks with Jerry Wiliams left. talk Adult mentoring of young men at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Also at table Darrius Campbell, left center, and Brandon Chaney, right center.

Photographer: Robert K. O'Daniell

Darnell Leatherwood, left, and Jerry Wiliams talk about football. Adult mentoring of young men at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in Champaign, IL. Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Kirsten White, 11, of Champaign, listens to the soothing sound of harps with her mother, Tabby White, and brother, Gavin White, 4, during a performance by student harpists as part of the Healing Harp project from Next Generation School on the pediatric floor at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. Leila Ramagopal, who teaches the harp, led the ensemble through their numbers.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Thea Grace Kammerling, a freshman at University Laboratory High School, joins fellow, young harpists in performing for children on the pediatric floor at Carle Foundation Hospital as part of Next Generation School's Healing Harps project in Urbana, Ill on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. Leila Ramagopal, who teaches the harp, led the ensemble through their numbers.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Hayden Smith, 22 months, of Camargo, sits in lap of her mother, Jaime Smith, as she enjoys the soothing sounds of harps, played by students from Next Generation School, Uni High School and some home schooled as part of the Healing Harps project on the pediatric floor at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. Leila Ramagopal (cq), who teaches the harp, led the ensemble through their numbers.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Leila Ramagopal leads her young, harp students in one of many performances for children on the pediatric floor at Carle Foundation Hospital as part of Next Generation School's Healing Harps project in Urbana, Ill on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Carissa Hwu, 12, a seventh grader at Next Generation School in Champaign, plays the harp along with other young harpists for children on the pediatric floor at Carle Foundation Hospital as part of Next Generation's Healing Harps project in Urbana, Ill on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. Leila Ramagopal, who teaches the harp, led the ensemble through their numbers.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Students, from left, Mei Lien Crandell, Katie Wennerdahl, Olivia DeCoste and Dahlia Hensley rehearse a scene with their puppets at the Campus Middle School for Girls in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012. Students continued making their puppets and rehearsing for a Friday showing under the guidance of Ginger Lozar.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Students, from left, Lucy Baright, Maya Greer, Abby Hartmann and Emily Roth rehearse a scene with their puppets under the guidance of Ginger Lozar, far right, at the Campus Middle School for Girls in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Andrea Cunningham enjoys a close encounter with her puppet at Campus Middle School for Girls in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Symone Howell, left, and Mars Kim, both students at the Campus Middle School for Girls, rehearse a scene with their puppets in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Seventh grader Olivia DeCoste works on her puppet at the Campus Middle School for Girls in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 223, 2012. The students continued making their puppets and rehearsing with them for a Friday showing under the guidance of Ginger Lozar.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Lucia Lombardi checks out the bird puppet she made at at the Campus Middle School for Girls under the guidance of Ginger Lozar in Urbana, Ill on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012.

Photographer: Rick Danzl

Rescue personal work at the scene of a crash of a semi truck and sedan on I-74 west of Danville Thursday January 7, 2010.

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
Standalone-Operator Randy Rademacher moves fence sections for,l-r,Danny White and Brett Johnson.O'Neil Bros. unloads barricades preparing to close John St. west of Prospect. photo taken monday Feb 13, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- A black rat snake. Carol Jo Morgan shows the two snakes, a corn snake and a Black Rat Snake, who are preparing to shed their skin in the next week.at Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. photo taken wednesday Feb 15, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Michael Chester,3 1/2,Champaign, mimics the way a box turtle moves. Outdoor Little School-Terrific Turtles- He was there with his mother Bridget Mullin and sister Lucy Mullin. at Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. photo taken wednesday Feb 15, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Lucy Mullin, 21 months,Champaign,sits in the 'ocean"by a sea turtle. Outdoor Little School-Terrific Turtles- at Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. photo taken wednesday Feb 15, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- l-r- Bridget Mullin(mom) with Lucy Mullin,21 months, Otto Watson-Brown,3,James Watson-Brown 1 and their grandmother Carol Schmidt cheer on the turtles as they race. Outdoor Little School-Terrific Turtles- at Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. photo taken wednesday Feb 15, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Tuckpointing at the peak of the roof on the UI Main Library. photo taken wednesday Feb 15, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Monserrat Arriago-Piedra prepares to feel a flower, guess what it is, and place it in the still life students are creating just above her head, to match a painting they studied. Docent Nancy Tepper takes Bottenfield kindergartners from Mrs. Ross' class on a tour of Krannert Art Museum. photo taken thursday Feb 16, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Jacob Dupre holds a platter he is feeling to guess what it is, then place it in a still life the students were studying. Docent Nancy Tepper takes Bottenfield kindergartners from Mrs. Ross' class on a tour of Krannert Art Museum. photo taken thursday Feb 16, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Kayla Good,4,,colors on her pizza placemat. The Champaign Early Childhood Center hosts a pizza lunch for Pre-K students and their families at the school friday. The event is sponsored by the Young Children Priority One Committee of the Kiwanis Club of CU. photo taken friday Feb 17, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-l-r- Jayden Paschal,4,enjoys coloring with his dad Vincent Davidson.The Champaign Early Childhood Center hosts a pizza lunch for Pre-K students and their families at the school friday. The event is sponsored by the Young Children Priority One Committee of the Kiwanis Club of CU. photo taken friday Feb 17, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Lauren Gramley and her daughter Amelia McCarver,3,check out the books for sale. Eleventh Annual Book SaleThe Center for Children's Books (CCB) at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is hosting its Eleventh Annual Book Sale Feb. 20 through Feb. 22. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each of these days. photo taken monday Feb 20, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Ratana Darawankul,mom,discusses books with Alisa Tangmunarunkit,5 as alisa folds a blanket for her sister Anyssa,6 months. Eleventh Annual Book SaleThe Center for Children's Books (CCB) at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is hosting its Eleventh Annual Book Sale Feb. 20 through Feb. 22. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each of these days. photo taken monday Feb 20, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Malynn Daly,8,hangs upside down on the rings. Ian Dennehy, head boys coach at the YMCA, conducts a gymnastics clinic at the Country Fair location of the YMCA monday morning.School was out for Presidents Day. Friday Feb. 24 will be the last day this facility is open, as they move to the new YMCA. photo taken monday Feb 20, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Amelia Gimbel,7,( foreground) and ,l-r-Tanley Harshbarger,5 1/2, Karyson Harshbarger,2, Ian Dennehy, head boys coach at the YMCA,Megan Fallow,9,Malynn Daly,8,Daniella Coleman,8, and Greg Daly,7,practice gymnastics. Ian conducts a gymnastics clinic at the Country Fair location of the YMCA monday morning.School was out for Presidents Day. Friday Feb. 24 will be the last day this facility is open, as they move to the new YMCA. photo taken monday Feb 20, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Kenwood School in Champaign- Champaign police officers Mathew Iverson with K-9 Tango, and Tina Trock with K-9 Solo demonstrate their dogs abilities to Diana Boyd's 5th grade class and a 1st grade class. photo taken tuesday Feb 21, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-The Alma Mater celebrates E WEEK. Engineers Week has been celebrated since 1951 when it was started by the National Society of Professional Engineers. This academic year, thousands of engineers including students, teachers, and professionals will celebrate Engineers Week 2012 from February 19th to 25th on the University of Illinois Campus. photo taken tuesday Feb 21, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- SJO senior Megan Schumacher holds a piglet for students from Prairieview Ogden to pet. In the Ag Room at St. Joseph Ogden High School in St. Joseph- The Ag Club puts on a petting zoo with 6 or 7 different animals for classes from the St. Joe and Ogden schools to experience. photo taken thursday Feb 23, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Zoe Halley,5,PVO, pets a sheep held by Katie Mullvain, SJOHS. In the Ag Room at St. Joseph Ogden High School in St. Joseph- The Ag Club puts on a petting zoo with 6 or 7 different animals for classes from the St. Joe and Ogden schools to experience. photo taken thursday Feb 23, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- l-r- Donna Slomczynski and son Lucas,22 months, decorate people. The Cooperative Nursery School in Urbana holds an open house for parents of preschool age children. The coop was established in 1946. photo taken friday Feb 24, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-clockwise from nanny Grace Larson, Ravi Neblett,Lucas Slomczynski, and twins Lahori and Aranya Mitra play with plat doh. The Cooperative Nursery School in Urbana holds an open house for parents of preschool age children. The coop was established in 1946. photo taken friday Feb 24, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-The friday morning parent/child playgroup,called "Good Beginnings", meets from 9:30 to 11:30 every friday. The Cooperative Nursery School in Urbana holds an open house for parents of preschool age children. The coop was established in 1946. photo taken friday Feb 24, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Ruben Gelben, Wells & Wells Construction puts a new roof on their building on Walnut St. in Champaign. photo taken monday Feb 27, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Matt Redshaw, UI Facilities and Services, changes the athletic banners on Kirby Ave.photo taken tuesday Feb 28, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Marian Wyatt, (lower right)Centennial Music educator and choir director, Direct's Centennial High Schools Expressions Choir at the IHOP Restaurant on campus. This is a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network to assist Springfield's St. John's Children's Hospital. Student groups will also be sponsoring a Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon at Centennial on April 20. photo taken tuesday Feb 28, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
with Wade story-Randy Rademacher, O'Neil Bros. digs up the next section of John St. .Work on the stormwater sewer project on John St. at Prospect. photo taken tuesday Feb 28, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
with Wade story-l-r- Randy Rademacher and Brett Rademacher, O'Neil Bros. work on the stormwater sewer project on John St. at Prospect. photo taken tuesday Feb 28, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-Matt Redshaw, UI Facilities and Services, changes the athletic banners on Kirby Ave.photo taken tuesday Feb 28, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- A welder works on a metal tank behind Abbott Power Plant. photo taken wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Jim Pruett and Rick Carr, Urbana Park District, shovel wood chips around the wagon at the UPD Organic Garden at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. The wood chips help keep the weeds down. photo taken wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Chad Dunn, Recycled Rhythms, teaches Abby Crull's 4th grade music class at Booker T Washington STEM Academy on instruments made from recycled material. He'll introduce them to the drum fabrication process using recycled pieces and parts and lead them in drumming. This experience is funded by a generous grant from the Tepper Family. photo taken wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone-l-r- Navina Mylarassu and Ellie McKean listen to the sound of a hand on a drum.Chad Dunn, Recycled Rhythms, teaches Abby Crull's 4th grade music class at Booker T Washington STEM Academy on instruments made from recycled material. He'll introduce them to the drum fabrication process using recycled pieces and parts and lead them in drumming. This experience is funded by a generous grant from the Tepper Family. photo taken wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Photographer: Vanda Bidwell

Vanda Bidwell/ The News Gazette
standalone- Bruce Willis smiles as he plays. Chad Dunn, Recycled Rhythms, teaches Abby Crull's 4th grade music class at Booker T Washington STEM Academy on instruments made from recycled material. He'll introduce them to the drum fabrication process using recycled pieces and parts and lead them in drumming. This experience is funded by a generous grant from the Tepper Family. photo taken wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Photographer: John Dixon

Stand Alone - Jordan Reynolds of Champaign loads scrap into his truck as he does some Spring cleaning at his home on John Street in Champaign on Wednesday Feb. 29, 2011.