Latest news with #MillikinUniversity
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘We must create a level of unity': Decatur officials react after 3 shot in 3 days
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Three people have been shot in three days in Decatur. Now, activists, business owners and police officers aren't only reacting, but brainstorming ways to put a stop to violence like this. Last weekend, a 34-year-old man was killed near Church and Leafland. A few days later, on April 18, a teenager was shot in broad daylight. On Sunday, a 21-year-old was hurt just steps away from Millikin University after police reported he was shot in the legs and neck. A few hours later, a 32-year-old man was shot in the leg. At this point in the investigation, police don't believe the incidents are related. They are being investigated as separate incidents and no arrests have been made. That doesn't change the fact that people are hurting, especially one community leader who's connected to the 21-year-old victim. 'It's a sad tragedy when you see a young person trying to do better, change his life, and success is at the end of that road,' Courtney Carson, a vice president at Richland Community College and community activist, said. PHOTOS: Decatur Fire Dept. investigating after 'heavy' fire destroys home The victim is enrolled in Carson's EnRich program at Richland Community, classes intended to transform lives and help people find careers they're passionate about. Now, his hard work is put on pause after Sunday's shooting. 'His life is hanging in the balance,' Carson said. He's not the only shooting victim recovering in the hospital. A 32-year-old is as well, after police said he was shot in the leg on Sunday afternoon. Decatur Police are investigating both crimes, as well as Friday's shooting when a 16-year-old was hurt. 'Any act of gun violence is concerning. The time of day goes to show you that there's a possibility people are going to do these things at any time,' Brad Allen, Decatur's Deputy Chief, said. Three shootings in three days isn't a trend police want the community getting used to. Decatur Police chief reflects on new mental health law, welcomes 5 new officers 'This isn't acceptable, and this isn't how we're going to be in Decatur,' Allen added. The department's goal is to keep everyone safe, and he encourages anyone to speak up if they know something that could help solve a case. Carson understands the importance of speaking up and wants to teach adults the right way to connect with kids who may be heading down the wrong path. 'Talk to the young people whom you know are carrying the guns. That you know is practicing criminal activity. Because essentially, that blood is on your hands,' Carson said. He believes connecting with the right generation can make a long-term change, a change that both he and the police are ready to see in the city they call home. 'Hopefully, the community understands that it's our goal to combat this, and we'll work on it together,' Allen added. On Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Community of Neighborhood Organizations (CONO) will host a public safety panel at the Decatur Public Library. The sheriff, the state's attorney and two police officers will be there to answer questions about neighborhood safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Decatur Public Transit System driver receives Katherine McClary award
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — An employee at the Decatur Public Transit System is making history. For the time ever, the system has earned the Katherine McClary award for having one of the safest drivers in North America. Even after more than 20 years in the industry as a motor vehicle operator, this award was never something Rosemary Miller was seeking out. Everything she's done came naturally and from the heart. Millikin University, Illinois Central College streamline transfer process 'I love Decatur, I love my job,' Miller said. 'And I want to give back to my community.' Being named the Katherine McClary award winner for the northeast region, Miller has been able to do just that over her span of 23 years working as a motor vehicle operator for the Decatur Public Transit System. 'It's a big day for her; it's a big day for Decatur and the history of MV (motor vehicle) being a presence indicator,' said Decatur Motor Vehicle General Manager Nick Standefer. 'This is the first time that anybody, one of our drivers, has ever won this award.' It's an award given to the safest drivers in different regions of the country. Standefer said there were thousands of people nominated, but in the end, they selected Miller from Decatur. 'I cannot express how happy that that makes me to be chosen for this award,' Miller said. Standefer said she was most deserving for this recognition. 'She'll just brighten up your day, we all look forward to seeing her,' he said. 'We love walking around and talking to her. You'll be walking outside, and she'll be like 'hi boss!' and you go over and sit there and talk to her.' Decatur man pleads not guilty to hiding camera in gym tanning room But it wasn't just at work, Miller also played a huge part in the community as well. One day she bought a pair of shoes so a passenger could make it to where she needed to go. 'She needed to get across town,' Miller said. 'And our policy is no shoes, no shirt, no service.'The administration team said situations like that, on top of being a safe driver, is what made Miller stand out. 'She's a very giving, warm person who without a doubt deserves this,' Standefer said. Miller said taking this job over 20 years ago was the best thing she did. 'It made me know that I was where I needed to be,' Miller said. 'I belonged here at Transit, and I enjoyed my work.' Miller still has the chance to win the national motor vehicle operator award. She said Thursday evening is when she'll find out if she won. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millikin University, Illinois Central College streamline transfer process
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Millikin University and Illinois Central College (ICC) are teaming up to provide a seamless transfer experience, making it easier for students to complete their four-year degree. The two institutions have a new partnership in which ICC graduates will automatically be accepted into Millikin, allowing them to complete their bachelor's degree in two years. The agreement will begin in the 2025-2026 school year. Three displaced by apartment fire in Decatur Millikin said that to qualify for the automatic transfer, ICC students must have completed an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), Associate in Engineering Science (AES) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. 'This partnership with Illinois Central College creates a straightforward and accessible route for students to continue their education at Millikin University,' Millikin University Provost Mary Black said. 'By streamlining the often-complicated transfer process, ICC students can transition smoothly while also taking advantage of Millikin's distinctive opportunities, such as Performance Learning and exceptional graduate programs.' ICC transfer students can complete the following programs in two years at Millikin: Millikin University welcomes 17th President Accounting Agribusiness Applied Statistics Chemistry Computer Science Digital Marketing History Nursing (requires three semesters at ICC and five semesters at Millikin) Political Science A full list of programs can be found on Millikin's website. 'Illinois Central College is committed to providing students with clear and seamless pathways to further their education and achieve their goals. This partnership with Millikin University creates valuable opportunities for our students to continue their academic journey with confidence,' ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey said. 'We appreciate Millikin's commitment to supporting transfer students and look forward to seeing our graduates thrive as they take their next steps.' Students who have met the requirements of the ICC Honors Program will also receive automatic acceptance into the James Millikin Honors Scholars Program. ICC transfer students will also qualify for scholarships like Millikin Tuition Promise and Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program. For more information on the programs available for ICC transfer students, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
