Latest news with #UrbanaPD
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Macon Co. election judge prep honing in on double voters
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Election judge training in Macon County is cracking down on double voters. It comes after 70-year-old Brenda Wilcott got a second ballot in the November primary. County Clerk Josh Tanner said annual training targets issues from previous elections. This time around, he's hoping people know they will be caught if they try to test the system. Urbana PD warns of scammers impersonating police officers 'There are systems in place after the election that go through and check every application that was signed to make sure that person hasn't double voted, so if the judges don't catch it on the front end, it will be caught after the election. As you know, we've prosecuted a couple people in Macon County who were caught after the election,' Tanner said. He said that while he doesn't expect the General Election to bring out as many people as the Primary, election integrity is always important. All judges will have a list of people who have already voted to reference who should or should not get a ballot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrating Central Illinois: Black History Month
CENTRAL ILLINOIS, (WCIA) — Throughout February, WCIA highlighted many people making a difference throughout Central Illinois. You can watch the full 30-minute Black History Special in the video box above, or click on each individual story below. From committing crimes, to preventing them: 1-on-1 sit down with Urbana PD's Chief Boone Meet the twin sisters breaking barriers and baking brownies with their Champaign small business 'We want to change lives': Henry family blending two careers, supporting Illini athletes From a Decatur jail cell, to creating a life changing education program: Courtney Carson's story Sitting down with UI Chancellor Robert Jones, looking back on his career in higher education Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘It's definitely surreal'; DeShawn Williams wins Democratic primary
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana is about a month away from new leadership. Democratic primary winner DeShawn Williams will likely be the new mayor with no Republican candidate running against him. Williams won the democratic primary against opponent Annie Adams. Williams received just over 2,500 votes, while Adams trailed behind with about 1,300. PREVIOUSLY: Urbana one step closer to meeting new mayor as primary election ends Multiple endorsements flooded in for both candidates. Current Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin and the City's police union voiced their support for Adams, while U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Champaign Mayor Deborah Feinen endorsed Williams. Although Williams won the vote on Tuesday, he is not officially the mayor until the consolidated election in April. If he wins then, he would be the first African American in the role. The victory was a culmination of more than two years of campaigning. 'It's definitely surreal, but at the same time I'm excited,' Williams said. 'Having the support from the community — from community leaders, from locally through statewide — it was absolutely the motivation and the fuel that I needed to keep going,' he said. Williams ran his campaign focused on collaboration, community and youth outreach. Urbana mayoral candidates face off The Indiana native started his career in banking as a teller before being promoted to one of the vice presidents. He was elected to the Champaign County Board and then accepted the role as Chief Deputy Treasurer. Williams' win comes in the last few days of Black History Month. It's a moment not lost on him as he faces the possibility of becoming the City's first African American mayor. 'It's very important that we give young folks who look like me something to strive for, and to understand that anything is possible,' Williams said. A growing list of Black leaders in Urbana includes the police chief, fire chief and superintendent of schools. Williams said the representation gives hope to a community that wants change. From committing crimes, to preventing them: 1-on-1 sit down with Urbana PD's Chief Boone 'There was a point in time when I was that at-risk youth,' he said. 'I had someone from outside of my home breathe life into me again, and that's essentially what we're planning to do.' About a month away from when he could step into his new role, Williams said he hopes to do good by a city that's given him so much. 'Urbana has a huge place in my heart, obviously this is where we're raising our family, this is home,' Williams said. 'I want to continue to do as much as I can to, in my mind, say thank you to the City, to the community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘You just don't have to suffer alone'; Domestic violence resources support Mattoon
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — People in Mattoon are grappling with two deadly domestic violence situations in less than three months. On Friday, police found 60-year-old Lori Ames dead near Oak Ave. and 30th St. Her son, 31-year-old Douglas Reed admitted to fatally hitting Ames with a hammer. He has since been charged with first-degree murder. Urbana PD to hold forum, share updates on shooting investigations Back in November, the Coles County Coroner said 37-year-old Davontye Browder shot 34-year-old Keisha Seely before turning the gun on himself. It happened near Grant Ave. and North 34th St. For some victims of domestic violence, it can be hard for them to realize how serious it is before it's too late. 'I don't think that people always understand how lethal the situation is,' said HOPE Executive Director Kelly Hardy. HOPE of East Central Illinois offers housing, counseling and legal advocacy for victims. Although the resources are available, Hardy said it takes immense bravery to reach out for help. Charleston Police warns of Facebook Marketplace scams 'You may not know what resources exist, but by calling the hotline you'll be able to empower yourself with education,' she said. A 2023 report from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence showed a 110% increase in domestic violence-related homicides in Illinois from the previous year. In 2022, 45 incidents led to 57 domestic violence deaths. In 2023, 94 incidents led to 120 people dead. Before it reaches that point, Hardy said support is just a call away. 'You just don't have to suffer alone,' Hardy said. 'The impact of having a trained advocate in domestic violence situations can really be the contributing factor of a victim seeing themselves on a path free from violence.' HOPE's crisis hotline can be reached at 888-345-3990. The state's hotline is 877-863-6338. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign woman arrested again for first-degree murder
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A Champaign woman has been arrested for the second time in the same incident. This time, on a first-degree murder charge after an investigation into a November 2024 stabbing death. On Nov. 16, 2024, the Champaign Police Department was dispatched at 5:19 p.m. to the 2000 block of Cynthia Drive for a domestic disturbance. Police located W. B. Curry, 71 of Champaign, on-scene in his home and non-responsive with a 'potentially life-threatening stab wound.' Urbana PD to hold forum, share updates on shooting investigations In a statement from the Champaign Police Department, they said officers and personnel with the Champaign Fire Department immediately started administering lifesaving measures but were unable to revive Curry. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation showed that Curry had been involved in a domestic altercation with 67-year-old Dewandee Carter of Champaign when she stabbed him in the chest. For her role in the incident, Carter was initially arrested on Nov. 16, 2024, but was released without charges at the time. As the investigation continued, an arrest warrant was issued for Carter on Feb. 10, 2025. Champaign Police then arrested her on Feb. 11, 2025, on a charge of fire-degree murder. 'Change is long overdue': Urbana Police Chief calls for end to gun violence in the community WCIA previously reported on an incident on Aug. 7, 2023, where Carter had been arrested for stabbing her 69-year-old boyfriend in a separate incident. Champaign Police are unable to confirm Carter's relationship to Curry at this time. Even though an arrest has been made, the investigation in still ongoing and Champaign Police is asking anyone who has additional information to call them at 217-351-4545. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, or on the P3 Tips app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
