Latest news with #ChampaignCo.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign Fire, Police Departments pushing for fireworks safety this summer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, the City of Champaign's first responders are encouraging residents to prioritize fireworks safety. More than 31,000 fires start each year due to fireworks, and city officials are urging residents to leave the fireworks to trained professionals to prevent injuries and property damage. Children younger than 15 years old account for 28% of the estimated fireworks injuries. Illinois EPA sponsoring Champaign Co. household waste collection event However, those who choose to celebrate with fireworks are asked to follow these safety tips: Use legal fireworks only, such as sparklers, and even though sparklers seem like a safer alternative, they can heat up to 1,200˚F. Do not allow children to use them without adult supervision. Any firework that is lit by a wick, explodes and/or shoots into the air is generally illegal in Champaign. Use all fireworks outdoors, away from houses, people, trees, dry grass or any other flammable substances. When handling fireworks, always have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby. If injured by fireworks, go to a doctor immediately. If it is an eye injury specifically, do not rub the injury, as that may cause more damage. The best way to prevent injuries from fireworks is to not use them at all. Attend public firework displays and leave the igniting to the experts. Champaign woman to host event for gun violence, drug abuse awareness For a more detailed definition of fireworks, residents can visit the City of Champaign Municipal Code of Ordinances, specifically Chapter 13, Article II. This includes what is allowed and prohibited within Champaign city limits. Locals are also reminded to maintain a working smoke alarm and to regularly practice a home escape plan in case of a fire or any other emergency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Champaign Refugee Center reacts to sweeping travel bans and restrictions
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — President Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday that bans visitors and immigrants from 12 countries and restricts the entry of people from another seven. This has some in Central Illinois, including those at the Refugee Center in Champaign scared, but Trump said it's necessary for the security of the country. Champaign Co. energy program receiving $1M through grant 'It can't come fast enough, we don't want other bad people coming into our country,' Trump said. The countries facing full bans include: Afghanistan Myanmar Chad Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen The countries facing restrictions include: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Long called the melting pot, Refugee Center Director Lisa Wilson said Trump's proclamation goes directly against what the country represents. She and her team work daily helping immigrants immerse themselves into their new homes. 'It flies in the face of what America stands for,' Wilson said. 'Unless you were a Native American, at some point in our history, somebody in your family decided they were in a situation where they could not stay in their home country, and they had no choice but to leave.' Wednesday's proclamation doesn't take effect until Monday, but Trump said this continuation of his first term actions will protect Americans from countries that lack vetting and screening. OSF's Urbana, Danville medical centers merging to meet 'critical needs' 'It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws,' Trump said in the proclamation. Wilson said if Trump is so concerned about security, he should have never suspended the country's Refugee Admissions Program in January. 'The refugee resettlement system has multiple checks and balances, multiple security steps that the Department of State is in control of,' Wilson said. 'This isn't dependent on a country of origin.' She said Champaign County has large populations of people from Afghanistan, the Republic of Congo and Venezuela. She said this ban, although it has exceptions, could keep families apart indefinitely. 'I do think there is a tendency of this administration to demonize immigrants, especially non-Christian immigrants,' Wilson said. There are several exceptions, however. Those include: U.S. permanent residents and the spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have 'clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship' Afghans who assisted American forces and have special visas Diplomats Athletes coming to the U.S. for the World Cup, the Olympics and other major sporting events Dual nationals with a passport from a country not listed in the President's decree Adoptions Ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran with immigrant visas Exceptions made by the attorney general or secretary of state for travel deemed as advancing 'United States national interest' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U of I's Research Park resumes housing plans after COVID hiatus
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — It's not uncommon to see new apartment buildings going up around the University of Illinois, but the latest plan has some going up in an unconventional spot on campus. Research Park is looking to add housing near First Street and Windsor Road. The idea is several years old; it predates the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans were put on hold for that reason. Champaign Co. program helping at-risk homes stay cool during extreme heat Planners said the housing project is being designed for U of I staff within Research Park, staff at Carle and for graduate students. 'We know that people are working here, we know that they're playing here a little bit, but we want to make sure that we're adding that living component,' Laura Bleill, Director of External Engagement for Research Park, said. 'And we have enough land to accomplish that goal, and it's laid out and was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2018.' Research Park is in conversations with a potential developer, but nothing has been signed. There's no estimate on how soon construction could start. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. Sheriff shares Memorial Day seatbelt enforcement results
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman is releasing statistics from the traffic detail conducted over the holiday weekend. The grant-funded traffic detail focused specifically on seat belt enforcement over Memorial Day weekend. During the enforcement efforts, deputies conducted 12 traffic stops which resulted in 13 traffic citations being issued and one arrest for aggravated DUI and possession of a controlled substance. As Champaign Co. prepares to discuss a solar proposal, residents voice concerns Additionally, Heuerman is reminding drivers that the privilege of operating a vehicle requires full and unimpaired attention to ensure safe operation of that vehicle. 'Get a designated driver if your plans include possible intoxication, don't violate speed limits or otherwise drive recklessly, don't text and drive, and always buckle up!' Heuerman said in a press release. The traffic detail was able to be carried out through federal highway safety funds distributed by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the Illinois-wide 'Click It or Ticket' campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. workers rallying for better contracts
URBANA (WCIA) — Dozens of Champaign County employees are asking for fair wages and affordable health care. 'We want to be able to buy groceries, keep a roof over our head. We don't want to have to work two and three jobs at a time to make ends meet,' Cecelia Phillips, the AFSCME local 900 president, said. Champaign Co. looking to stop backyard barns Phillips works in the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office and organized a rally Tuesday afternoon in hopes it'll change the minds of local government officials. 'Right now, our health care has the potential to go up 150% next year. And we are asking for a guarantee that it won't change anywhere from what we are doing this year,' Phillips said. Right now, their insurance costs about $5,000 annually The county pays for $3,000 of that and employees pay the left over. But, she said the problem is the county doesn't want to guarantee any coverage over their deductible on the next contract. 'Our main issue is, once we see the affects of our health care costs go up, our essentially, our living wage will just be gone,' Champaign County Maintenance worker Jarod Tinsley said. Champaign Police invites community to attend Police Week events Tinsley said he's supporting his co-workers who are hoping to find middle ground in the agreement. 'I mean, it would be nice to see a couple of higher percentage points on the raise, the raises that we're asking for. I can't get into any specifics about exactly what we're asking for. We're not asking for the moon,' Tinsley said. Tinsley said they've been going on five months without a contract. Now, he and other employees are confused as to why the county isn't able to give them what they're asking for. 'The county doesn't have any money. They have a brand new building. They have an empty building. Find it,' Phillips said. 'They find it for things that they need. Make the employees a priority.' Champaign Co. officials move into Urbana's new Bennett Administration Center Phillips said they're prepared to continue contract negotiations until they find an agreement. WCIA reached out to Champaign County Executive Steve Summers. Summers said Champaign County 'values their staff and are working through the collective bargaining process to come to an agreement on a contract.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
