People

Sunday, November 8, 2009

UI theater major looking to make name as pop singer

Jaclyn Holtzman seems like any college student.

She's not sure what her life holds or what will happen when she graduates from the University of Illinois in May 2011. She's juggling schoolwork, a sorority, a boyfriend. Oh, and she's working on a professional singing career under her stage name, J Rose.

C-U native experiencing early success in Hollywood

CHAMPAIGN – Picture the ultimate Champaign-Urbana homecoming visit:

– Native son buys his grandmother new flat-screen television. While he's installing it, he appears on screen.

– Same returnee takes his grandfather, who used to work the gates, to the Illinois-Michigan football game. Illini win.

Studio Visit: Patrick Earl Hammie, 27, of Champaign

Q: When did you arrive here to join the UI's School of Art and Design?

A: Four months ago. My girlfriend and I found a house to rent in Champaign across from Hessel Park. I came here from the East Coast; I lived in Connecticut and South Carolina equally.

Getting Personal: WHMS-FM's Mike in the Morning

Explain in one sentence what it is you do.

It's my job to create a creative working environment that puts each member of our team in the best position to succeed in reaching company goals and achieving personal job satisfaction.

Legendary composer to be in-residence at UI

CHAMPAIGN – A legendary American composer who developed the Deep Listening philosophy and practice will be in-residence from Friday through Nov. 17 at the University of Illinois.

Pauline Oliveros will be on campus as a George A. Miller Visiting Artist, leading workshops and giving lectures that are free and open to the public.

New UI trustees chairman didn't exactly have write stuff

One thing is pretty clear. There's no way Christopher Kennedy could have been appointed to the University of Illinois board of trustees based solely on the application he submitted to Gov. Pat Quinn.

Politics – and the cachet of the Kennedy name and the fundraising connections it presents – had to have been a much bigger factor because Kennedy's application is so painfully weak.

Reporter's father recalls role in WWII operation

WESTVILLE – As children, my brother, sisters and I had only a vague idea of what my father did in the Army Air Forces in World War II.

He seldom told war stories – only when we begged – and never in much detail.

Local author promoting finale of four-part book series

URBANA – Around the area, you may see Elizabeth Hoyt writing her latest historical romance novel in a bookstore or coffee shop.

Hoyt, who has nine published books, is promoting the final book in her four-book soldier series, "To Desire a Devil." The third book of the series, "To Beguile a Beast," reached The New York Times' best-seller list in May.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Montgomerys' 'Extreme Makeover' home is 'so like us'

PHILO – Nathan Montgomery admits his ultra-modern, colorful master bedroom was "a point of controversy."

The rest of the main floor of the new house in Philo is much more traditional in style and color.

Friday, November 6, 2009

United Way lending shelter a hand

CHAMPAIGN – The United Way of Champaign County is providing an emergency payment of $18,000 to the parent organization of A Woman's Place to allow the organization to remain in operation.

Mahomet murder victim's mother pleads for answers

MAHOMET – Holly Cassano was a single mother devoted to her daughter and her friends. She worked two jobs for a while and was struggling in a relationship with the father of her child.

Open house to address southeast Urbana outages

URBANA – AmerenIP officials will have an open house next week to address outage concerns for residents of southeast Urbana.

Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said the event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Stone Creek Church, 2502 S. Race St., U. Utility officials will be available to talk to residents one-on-one about reliability issues or other questions, he said.

Novelist Tim O'Brien to present James Jones lecture at Eastern

CHARLESTON – National Book Award winner Tim O'Brien will present the third annual James Jones Lecture at 7 p.m. Friday at the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University.

The lecture is part of the James Jones Symposium on Friday and Saturday at EIU.

'Pumpkin Fun' event set

HOOPESTON – The Hoopeston Public Library and the University of Illinois Extension, Vermilion County office, will present "Pumpkin Fall Fun" from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the library, 110 N. Fourth St.

The event is for children ages 5 through 13 and their families. Activities will include pumpkin and gourd decorating and making pine cone birdhouses and easy pumpkin treats.

Police, firefighters to compete

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign police officers and firefighters will compete on the football field Saturday afternoon to help raise money for a planned memorial for officers who died in the line of duty.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Woman's Place shelter in dire financial straits

UPDATE at 3:51 p.m.:

CHAMPAIGN — The United Way of Champaign County is providing an emergency payment of $18,000 to A Woman’s Fund to allow the organization to remain in operation.

Art exhibition to benefit artist's son

CHAMPAIGN – A Champaign father whose 5-year-old son has cerebral palsy is selling his artwork to raise funds for special equipment for his son.

In an exhibition called "Downtown Champaign in Vivid Color," Michael Downs is showing at the Old Vic Art Gallery, 11 E. University Ave., C, paintings and drawings of downtown Champaign scenes. The opening reception will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. There is no charge for admission. Michael Downs will be at the gallery from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; his son, Jack, will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., "as his patience allows," his father said.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Children's agency celebrates 115th anniversary

DANVILLE – Over its 115 years of caring for children in need in the Danville community, a Danville agency has gone from a home where children stayed full time to a home for programs serving babies through teens.

The Center for Children's Services will honor its long history with a showcase of local talent at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Danville High School auditorium. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.

Local veterans to speak about Iraq, Afghanistan

CHAMPAIGN – "Memories of War – Iraq & Afghanistan" is the topic of a panel discussion involving local veterans.

Panelists include Sgt. Bryan Abbott, Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Johnston, Staff Sgt. Katie Maglia, 2nd Lt. Shannon Potts and Staff Sgt. John Robinson.

Guest bartenders serving up help for Toys for Tots

DANVILLE – Friends of the Toys for Tots campaign will host its fourth annual Sarge's Tap Guest Bartending Fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the local Sarge's, 409 E. Main St.

Volunteers from various local businesses will take turns being harassed by friends and associates while tending bar.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

CRIS Senior Services begins implementing changes

DANVILLE – Change is coming to CRIS Senior Services and its senior center. Some of it is already here.

The center, at 309 N. Franklin St., has had a face-lift – fresh paint, new carpet and artwork.

Fallen major's body to return home Tuesday

Here is the route for the return of the body of Army Maj. David Audo.

Powerblitz set for Thursday, Friday in Danville

DANVILLE – The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency will provide energy-bill payment assistance to qualified customers through its annual Powerblitz.

The Powerblitz is set for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the David S. Palmer Arena, 100 W. Main St. After Friday, applications are taken by appointment, at the agency's office, 56 N. Vermilion St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkins flung far in fundraiser for schools foundation

CHAMPAIGN – Wide-eyed 8-year-old Elijah Wasson of Champaign was awestruck as he saw a pumpkin soar overhead some 900 feet before splattering in a grassy field.

"Whoa!" he said as he gazed at the sky. "That was awesome!"

Sunday, November 1, 2009

For 52 years, trans-Atlantic pen-pal friendship has thrived

Wistful "write soon" phrases have kept two women connected across the Atlantic Ocean for 52 years.

One from the Midwest and one from Finland, they met on paper in 1957.

UI prof has unique perspective on genome

URBANA – University of Illinois Professor Richard Powers was doing research for his 10th novel when GQ magazine made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Its editors asked him to have his own genome sequenced and analyzed and to write an article about it.

He really didn't want to know his medical future but accepted the assignment; the novel he was working on was about genomics, among other themes.

Getting Personal with: 2007 valuable citizen Phyllis Robeson

Explain, in one sentence, what it is you do.

I volunteer, mainly at Provena Covenant; play tennis three days a week; take care of my grandchildren on occasion; and go to a lot of meetings, it seems like.

For businesswoman, creativity at heart of consulting

URBANA – The dean leaned back in his chair and looked at the student who had come to his office seeking advice on transferring into the University of Illinois' engineering school.

"Have you considered home economics?" he asked.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Life Remembered: Former detective was beloved character

CHAMPAIGN – Brilliant, dedicated, entertaining and eccentric: Friends say Gary Wright, regarded as one of the Champaign Police Department's most talented detectives, was all those and more.

Gary Wright of Champaign died early Friday at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, after a struggle of several months with pancreatic cancer. He was 63.

1871 home reflects world of art, tastes of owner

You wouldn't call J.R. Morrison a masked man. Rather, he's a man with many masks.

He began collecting masks in 1971 on his first trip to Santa Fe and Mexico and didn't stop until 15 or so years later, when he married Kim Shedaker, who, he said, knew that his collection was "part of the package."

Friday, October 30, 2009

A traffic nightmare? UI game collides with trick or treat

Here's a scary Halloween story: Tens of thousands of (possibly frustrated) football fans will be driving through Champaign-Urbana just as costumed children hit the streets.

'Heart of the team' dies in morning crash

HOOPESTON – Hoopeston Area High School students and staff said a Rankin teen, who was killed in a pickup truck-semi tractor trailer collision early Thursday morning, was the heart of the boys' basketball team and the school.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

St. Joseph-Ogden, UI graduate dies in Baghdad

ST. JOSEPH – A coach and teacher remembered Army Maj. David L. Audo, a University of Illinois graduate from St. Joseph who died Tuesday in Baghdad, as a great athlete and a better student.

Jim Acklin said that in his 31 years in education, he met more than 5,000 students, and Maj. Audo stood out, both on the St. Joseph-Ogden High School track team and in honors biology.

Danville museum volunteer honored for service

DANVILLE – The 15 nominees for an annual award are examples of what brings visitors back to Danville, according to the city's mayor.

"As mayor, I hear a lot about what makes people happy and what makes them unhappy," said Scott Eisenhower, emcee for the Recognition of Service Excellence – "ROSE" – awards event on Wednesday. "But what are always good comments come from people from outside our community that were here for special events. I hear what a great experience they had at a hotel or restaurant or events like Arts in the Park, the NJCAA championship tournament or a reunion.

New home helps Danville's alternative education program

DANVILLE – Last year, Danville High School student Brittany Crosby got behind in English and science and ended up failing the classes. She worried that she might not graduate on time until she enrolled in the High School Options alternative-education program at Laura Lee Fellowship House.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Award-winner stopped at nothing to earn college degree

It takes a lot to impress Marlo Britton.

A case manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Workforce Development, Britton said she has never seen anyone as determined as Cecil Rhodes. And that's saying something, because Britton's mother raised 13 children.

Volunteers sought to help people complete tax forms

DANVILLE – AARP is seeking volunteers in the Danville area to help middle- and low-income taxpayers complete their federal and state income tax forms for 2009.

Volunteers will assist with preparing and electronic filing of tax returns. Training is free, and volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of three hours per week from Feb. 1 through April 15.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Title-service owner wins Danville Rotary honor

DANVILLE – People of Vermilion County are used to seeing Pat O'Shaughnessy heading a United Way campaign, chairing the Festival of Trees or, a few years ago, recruiting volunteers for the Balloon Classic, but he really does have an 8-to-5 job.

O'Shaughnessy was honored on Monday as the Danville Rotary Club's 2009 Vocational Service Person of the Year, and was asked to talk about himself and his career.

Monday, October 26, 2009

'Extreme Makeover' episode evokes cheers, tears

CHAMPAIGN – Nathan and Jenny Montgomery laughed and cried, smiled and cheered with several hundred of their new best friends Sunday evening for the airing of their story on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

"It's more than we could have imagined," Nathan Montgomery said. "I could not be more happy with how ABC did it."

The couple held hands as they watched as their children were introduced to their new robot-, army- and candy-themed bedrooms on three giant screens at a viewing party at the I Hotel and Convention Center in Champaign.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Getting Personal: Lawn Rangers founder Pat Monahan

Explain, in one sentence, what it is you do.

I am central Illinois czar of the assembly of cleaning tools, a division of The Thomas Monahan Co., a family business since 1922.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

A year later, mom still seeking justice for daughter

URBANA – Yvonne Jayne and her family will be lighting a candle Sunday night in memory of her late daughter. They're hoping it will shed light on the plight of victims of domestic violence.

April Ruthann "Rudy" Rahming, 23, died Oct. 25, 2008, under circumstances that are less than clear to authorities.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Teens march, call for change after boy's death

CHAMPAIGN – Terriona Richardson said she cried when she learned her boyfriend, Kiwane Carrington, had been shot and killed.

Exonerated man, Joe Burrows, finally at peace

HOMER – Released from death row, Joe Burrows returned to the family he loved. But the Homer man, who died Oct. 15 at 56, had trouble getting the bitter taste of wrongful conviction out of his mouth.

His life began to spiral down more than 20 years ago, in 1988, when the body of William Dulin, a retired farmer, was discovered at his Iroquois County home.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Donations sought for care packages to Iraq

DANVILLE – The Danville Knights of Columbus is collecting donations to prepare a Christmas mailing to Capt. Anne Sheahan, who serves as an Army nurse in the recovery unit at the combat support hospital at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.

"I've been in regular contact with Annie," said Bob Gill, a Knights member. "I asked her what they could use over there, and she sent me a list."

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Speakers chide police at Champaign council meeting

CHAMPAIGN – Dozens of voices cried for changes by the Champaign City Council on Tuesday night in the wake of the Oct. 9 fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy.

Safe Haven's new home in works

CHAMPAIGN – Volunteers will begin cleanup this weekend at some vacant apartments at Restoration Urban Ministries in advance of renovations to make room for members of a local "tent community."

Safe Haven, a self-governing group of homeless people who lived in tents and then at local churches, will move from St. Mary Catholic Church in Champaign to Restoration Urban Ministries, 1213 Parkland Court, C.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Homeless group may land at Restoration Urban Ministries

CHAMPAIGN – A tentative agreement for Restoration Urban Ministries to take in the Safe Haven "tent community" is being worked out, so the homeless group no longer has to take shelter in a local church.

The Rev. Ervin Williams, executive director of Restoration Urban Ministries, a faith-based shelter and social service organization in northwest Champaign, said he met Monday with representatives of the Safe Haven group, a self-governed group currently hosted by St. Mary Catholic Church in Champaign.

READY school classmates trying to cope with loss

CHAMPAIGN – Trenika Washington created her T-shirt last week, with a photo of her friend Kiwane Carrington on the front and a drawing of a cross on the back, the name "Kiwane" in the center and "Loving Memory" on the sides.

Artist who oversaw work not in favor of restoration

CHAMPAIGN – Angela Rivers couldn't imagine a huge mural being created today in north Champaign-Urbana like the one she helped create there in 1978. And she discourages folks who would like to see its restoration.

"It's dying very gracefully, like Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper,'" Rivers said.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Nominations sought for local 2010 King awards

CHAMPAIGN – Nominations are now being accepted for the local 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarian awards.

Citizens are urged to nominate people or organizations in Champaign County who have demonstrated a deep commitment to eradicating discrimination, bigotry and prejudice and deserve recognition for outstanding achievements in improving human relations.

Getting Personal: MTD Managing Director Bill Volk

Explain, in one sentence, what it is you do.

I primarily work on financial, legislative and planning issues relating to the MTD.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Mourners stand shoulder to shoulder for Carrington

CHAMPAIGN – A smiling, helpful boy who liked basketball and computers was remembered at the funeral for 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington on Friday. At the same time that friends and family expressed outrage, they also expressed hope for peace.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Friends remember 15-year-old slain in scuffle

CHAMPAIGN — Friends at the funeral for 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington remembered him Friday as a computer and basketball fan who was always ready to help.

Mr. Carrington, who was fatally shot in a scuffle with Champaign police a week ago, was also remembered for his favorite phrase, “Straight up!”

READY school reeling from Champaign teen's shooting death

CHAMPAIGN – The READY program is a small school, so the death of one of its students hits hard.

The school's social workers and counselors have been meeting this week with students grieving the death of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington, who attended the alternative school run by the Regional Office of Education. Mr. Carrington died a week ago, after being shot during a scuffle with Champaign police who were responding to a burglary call.

Rachel's Challenge teaches students lessons in kindness

CHAMPAIGN – What does it take to change the culture of a school, or a community, to reduce violence and bullying?

It's the little things – a kind word or helping hand from just one person – that can start a chain reaction that encourages others to do the same, according to a program called Rachel's Challenge.

Coats 4 Kids collection drive in Danville has warm intentions

DANVILLE – Beginning early next week, barrels bearing the Coats 4 Kids logo will start appearing at churches, banks, schools and businesses.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

This Halloween, plenty of ways to suit yourself

With the economy still shaky and many people more focused than ever on spending time with family, this is the year to make your own Halloween costume.

These are two reasons Champaign's Hancock Fabrics has seen more business than usual from people looking to create their own costume creations, said store manager Jodee Schrlau.

Three people to be honored with humanitarian awards

CHAMPAIGN – Three individuals and two groups will be honored Thursday as recipients of the 2009 Champaign-Urbana International Humanitarian Awards.

Robert Nelson, Jeanette Weider and Jonathan Woods have been named winners of individual awards, while the University of Illinois chapter of Engineers Without Borders and Caring for Kenya will receive organization awards.

Life Remembered: Pritchard fought for disabled's rights

CHICAGO – When hundreds of disability rights activists converged on Chicago a couple of years ago, Lester Pritchard was in the thick of it.

He and other advocates wedged their wheelchairs in the revolving doors of the Thompson Center's three entrances, demanding then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich drop his plan to reopen Lincoln Developmental Center. They gained a meeting with the governor's chief of staff and, eventually, a promise to shut down the state institution for good.

Pritchard speech from 2008

Speech given by Lester Pritchard when he won the Paul G. Hearne Award for Disability Rights from the American Bar Association in 2008:

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Getting Personal: UI professor Bruce Hannon

Explain in one sentence what it is you do.

As a University of Illinois professor, I teach about and do research on the modeling of ecological and economic systems.

500 tickets remain for Sedaris' lecture at Virginia

CHAMPAIGN – About 500 tickets remain for "An Evening with David Sedaris," his comedy lecture/book signing Friday at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign.

Tickets are $55, $47.50 and $42.50. Sales have been good, with the Virginia having sold 1,000 so far, Jameel Jones, manager of the theater, said earlier this week.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Marshal feels honored, even though it rained on her parade

URBANA – A painter, a firefighter and a pilot in training, this year's homecoming parade marshal has seen a lot in 23 years, including two tours in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Katherine Maglia of the Illinois Air National Guard was to oversee the soggy proceedings Friday, but had only a reception to shine at, after the non-stop drizzle canceled the parade itself.

Local response to Obama Peace Prize mirrors global one

President Obama's new status as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate generated pride, criticism and some questions from local academics and community leaders Friday.

Like other Americans, they expressed surprise that Obama was honored so early in his administration.