People

Saturday, November 21, 2009

2 women will trek up Kilimanjaro for Relay for Life

CHAMPAIGN – Cancer robbed Lori Melchi of a lot of friends and struck Lynn Wachtel in her 40s.

Friday, November 20, 2009

C-U native among 250 artists to meet pope

More than 250 artists including Champaign native John David Mooney will meet on Saturday with Pope Benedict XVI in the famed Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome.

The gathering under Michelangelo's frescoes will bring together artists from all genres to renew friendship and dialogue between the church and artists, and to encourage new opportunities for collaboration, according to the Vatican.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Rental assistance available in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Rental assistance is available for a limited number of homeless or low-income Champaign residents.

Using the City of Champaign's HOME funds, a federal grant of $90,000, the Champaign County Regional Plan Commission will give grants to people who enroll in a program to significantly improve household self-sufficiency within two years.

Poverty rate up in Champaign County, down in Vermilion

CHAMPAIGN – Poverty rates for many counties in East Central Illinois were up in 2008, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Champaign County's overall poverty rate, which is inflated by the presence of University of Illinois students, was 18.7 percent in 2008. A year earlier, the overall poverty rate was 18.2 percent. In 2000, the county's rate was 11.7 percent.

H1N1 flu clinic sites collecting food pantry items

CHAMPAIGN – Planning to come to one of the H1N1 vaccination clinics this weekend? If you're able to spare a nonperishable food item, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is asking that you bring it along.

The vaccinations are free, and a food donation isn't required, public health administrator Julie Pryde said. But, with the number of people expected to turn up at these clinics, her department thought it would be a great opportunity to collect some food for local food pantries.

Safe Haven members may move later today

CHAMPAIGN – Safe Haven, the self-governing homeless "tent community" that temporarily camped at a church parish center, is expected to move into new quarters starting today at Restoration Urban Ministries in Champaign.

Group accepting donations for area children

URBANA – Needy parents may have a rough time getting toys for their children under the Christmas tree this year.

So the sponsors of an annual toy drive are asking the public to be generous.

Popular Santa letter program ends in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Starry-eyed children writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season likely won't get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers.

The U.S. Postal Service is dropping a popular national program begun in 1954 in the small Alaska town of North Pole, where volunteers open and respond to thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year. Replies come with North Pole postmarks.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Benefit to assist family of young girl who died

HOOPESTON – Friends and family will hold a benefit for the family of 2-year-old daughter Kyla Kinney who died of bacterial meningitis in September.

The event featuring food, an auction, raffle as well as a DJ and dancing is help defray medical and funeral expenses the family had to incur.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sarah Palin coy about 2012 run, but door is open

NEW YORK (AP) – Sarah Palin said in an interview broadcast Tuesday that a 2012 presidential bid is "not on my radar," but wouldn't rule out playing some role in the next presidential election.

"My ambition, if you will, my desire is to help our country in whatever role that may be, and I cannot predict what that will be, what doors will be open in the year 2012," she told Barbara Walters.

Fall used book sale set Saturday

DANVILLE – The Friends of the Danville Public Library will hold its fall used book sale from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the first floor meeting room of the library, 319 N. Vermilion St.

The sale will include books for all ages, magazines, collectible books and audiovisual materials.

Parade, activities set for Thursday

DANVILLE – The Downtown Danville and Downtown Danville Rotary Club Night of Lights Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday from Vermilion and Williams streets, but before that a number of activities are planned in the downtown area.

From 3 to 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church at the corner of North and Franklin streets will hold a chili supper. Cost is $4 for adults in advance or $4.50 at the door and $2 for children ages 4 through 12. Children younger than 3 eat free.

Spaghetti dinner planned to raise funds for troops

DANVILLE – The Scottish Rite Valley of Danville will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help pay for care packages and plane tickets home for local military personnel.

The dinner will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Danville Masonic Center, 109 W. North St. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance. Advance tickets are available at the center.

Choirs selling Beef House rolls

DANVILLE – The North Ridge Middle School choirs are sponsoring a sale of frozen Beef House rolls.

Members of the show choirs will take orders for the frozen yeast rolls as well as strawberry jam and apple butter.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Danville man can help you talk the talk in many lands

DANVILLE – Mark Frobose isn't afraid to describe himself as a "rags to riches" story.

"To show you what is possible, I started with an idea more than 25 years ago, then I failed my way to success over the years," he said. "It wasn't until I moved back to Danville that I became successful."

The story actually began even longer ago, when Frobose, now 55, was attending North Ridge Middle School. He wanted to take a French class but was denied access because his math scores weren't high enough. He brought his math grades up, only to come away from his French class with a D.

Getting Personal: Illinois Suprme Court Justice Rita Garman

What time do you typically get up? What do you do the first hour of the morning?

I get up at 4:45 a.m. I work out – run, walk, lift weights and/or go to Curves.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Awards honor area outstanding philanthropy

CHAMPAIGN – Several central Illinois residents and entities have been honored with National Philanthropy Day Awards, handed out Friday by the East Central Illinois chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The winners are:

Pecan sale fundraiser set in Danville

DANVILLE – The Altrusa Club of Danville will hold its annual pecan sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at County Market at the Village Mall and the same hours Nov. 21 at Big R South, 1625 Georgetown Road, Tilton.

The club will offer plain pecans, milk chocolate-covered pecans, cinnamon-glazed pecans, caramel pecan clusters and dark chocolate-covered pecans.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Homecoming is today for about 70 Peoria soldiers

PEORIA - About 70 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served in Afghanistan over the last year are expected to return home today.

A ceremony for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion will be held at Peoria's Army Aviation Support Facility 3, at 2323 S. Airport Road in Peoria at 7:30 p.m. Among the returning soldiers is Sgt. Tim Uphoff of Champaign.

Bar association president: Fight for your home

CHAMPAIGN – For heaven's sake, do something.

That's the advice the president of the Illinois State Bar Association gives to those who have gotten word – or just suspect – that their home faces foreclosure.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

'A simple heartfelt message: Thank you'

URBANA — Ron Hubert vividly recalls setting the first stone for the veterans monument in downtown Urbana in 1992. It was under the Army panel.

On Wednesday, the former soldier from Urbana and now president of the Champaign County Veterans Association welcomed about 100 people to the annual Veterans Day service at the stately monument, dedicated in 1994.

Kiwanis event to honor member's perfect attendance

DANVILLE – The Danville Noon Kiwanis will hold a special luncheon to celebrate member Jack Millikin's 60 years of perfect attendance at Kiwanis meetings.

The luncheon is at 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the Days Hotel, 77 N. Gilbert St.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Students plan community baby shower

DANVILLE – Three Lakeview College of Nursing students this weekend will host a unique baby shower, where the guests of honor will receive more than just baby gifts.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Benefit scheduled for Tolono man battling leukemia

TOLONO – Bart Easton has always faced life's challenges in his own way, says cousin Jill Davis. But after a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia this fall, friends and family are stepping up to help Easton with his battle to beat the disease.

The longtime Tolono resident was able to return home last week after a lengthy stay and treatment at Rush Medical Center in Chicago. The single father had been unemployed as a union glass specialist since January. Daughter Savannah, 19, has been looking after her two younger sisters, Shanna, 13, and Shelby, 9, with the help of family and friends.

Danville library's November activities include 2 for teens

DANVILLE – The Danville Public Library is hosting teen activity evenings in November.

Old School Retro Board Games Night, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, will feature Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and Clue. Movie Night, from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 17, will feature a showing of "The Goonies."

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: 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."