Latest news with #Champaign
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign School Board president responds after tense meeting outing superintendent
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A contentious Champaign School Board meeting is still making waves almost 24 hours later. The meeting saw an approval to move on from Superintendent Dr. Sheila Boozer — a fiery public comment period — and even a near fight. 'We conducted some tough business last night,' said Champaign School Board President Tony Bruno. Champaign board to continue proposed solar farm discussion later this summer Bruno was steadfast — saying they did what the voters wanted. He realizes this wasn't a decision agreed upon by 100% of people — but still thinks it's the right thing to do. 'The election was 60 days ago,' Bruno said. And it's been busy ever since for Bruno and the newly elected board members. The Champaign School Board had their third special board meeting on Thursday to decide the future of Superintendent Boozer. The board voted 5-2, approving a separation agreement with Boozer. Bruno said this decision was made by people at the polls. 'They decided who would serve in these roles,' Bruno said. 'And there were candidates who wanted to do exactly what we did last night. And there were candidates who took the opposite position, and the voters spoke, and we delivered.' It brought immediate blowback. People questioned the board's decision during the public comment portion of the meeting. Bruno said that part of the meeting was designed to let everyone speak. But he also people in the crowd continued interrupting. Champaign restaurant asks for help after cameras catch teens damaging property 'It's bad for our community to have a circus play out at a meeting of a governmental body,' Bruno said. 'Every person who wanted to speak was given an opportunity during the public comment period. But then there becomes a time when it's the board's turn to speak.' And he said that's unacceptable. Bruno also had a man walk aggressively towards him who had to be stopped by security. He said the security staff will be assessing how to balance keeping the meetings open and accessible while still being safe for board members. 'We have to leave the bad examples of the last board in the past and we have to move on, and we have to act like adults,' Bruno said. 'And you may not agree with the business that's being conducted or the votes that are being taken, but this is a democracy and we're operating as a functioning unit of government.' Bruno said he hopes the board can move forward and work together on other issues coming in the future. WCIA reached out to Justin Michael Hendrix and Grace Kang — the two board members who voted against the separation agreement. WCIA didn't hear back from Hendrix — and Kang declined to comment on Friday. WCIA also reached out to the board's former president, Gianina Baker, who was in attendance Thursday night, but didn't hear back from her. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Champaign police respond to crash, find car in a creek
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign police officers responded to a car that crashed in the Copper Slough Creek over Memorial Day weekend. The crash happened near the intersection of West William Street and Fairoaks Drive just after 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. Four-year-old hospitalized after gunfire in Champaign home When police arrived, they found that a vehicle had exited the roadway and crashed in the Copper Slough Creek. No injuries were reported, according to police. The car was removed by a tow company on Sunday. The Champaign Police Department said there are no other details available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Elliot Gulley Commits To UMass Lowell
Green Bay Gamblers forward Elliot Gulley has committed to UMass Lowell, it was announced on Sunday. A native of Champaign, Ill., Gulley appeared in 37 regular season games for the Gamblers in the USHL this past season, where he tallied eight goals and 10 assists. Gulley also played in 27 regular season games for the Wisconsin Windigo in the NAHL in 2024-25, where he scored nine goals and recorded 32 assists. A 2005-born skater, Gulley will make the jump to the NCAA and join the River Hawks for the 2025-26 season. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' NCAA Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Salt & Light asking public for help to retrieve shopping carts
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — One local nonprofit is asking residents to help them locate their lost shopping carts. In a Facebook post Saturday morning, Salt & Light asked anyone that sees one of their carts in the community if they could help bring it to their Urbana store. They said by having carts available, it helps them serve their customers while shopping. Part of Garden Hills Drive closing for construction in Champaign They also said if you find a large number of carts you are unable to transport, call them at 217-355-5654 with the location of them or let someone know at the customer service desk. Salt & Light's Urbana grocery store location is at 1819 Philo Road and its Champaign donation center location is at 1512 W Anthony Drive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Part of Garden Hills Drive closing for construction in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Starting next week, a portion of Garden Hills Drive will be fully closed to traffic due to construction. On May 27, the street will be shut down between the south leg of the Paula Drive/Garden Hills Drive intersection through where Garden Hills Drive dead ends just north of the train tracks. During construction through this area, residents will not be able to enter or leave their driveways. Champaign County approves new Sheriff's deputy, allows for full-time DCFS deputy However, residents will be able to park on the street where street parking is available, but not within the construction zone. Pedestrian access to all homes will be maintained throughout the construction. This work is expected to last six-to-eight weeks but is weather dependent, meaning it could be delayed in the event of inclement weather. Additionally, more lane and/or road closures will be announced throughout the phases of the project. Drivers are asked to use alternate routes to avoid the road closure. All 2025 City Engineering Division projects can be found on the city's Construction Projects website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
