Champaign Community Coming Together to Mentor Youth and Stop Violence

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Illini 4000 America Bike Team

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Sunrise on the Farm: Pest Management and Crop Development Bulletin

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Road Trippin' to Arcola and Arthur: Rockome Gardens

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Road Trippin' to Arcola & Arthur: Yoder's Kitchen

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Road Trippin' to Arcola & Arthur: Deja Vu Boutique

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Road Trippin' to Arcola & Arthur: The Prairie Peddler

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Free Fishing Days

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Mid-Illinois Chapter of Red Cross Asking for Heartland Hero Nominees
Click for more information on how you can nominate a Heartland Hero for recognition at the 2013 Red Cross banquet.

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FEMA-- Federal Disaster Assistance
Head to the website, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Apply on your smartphone: m.fema.gov

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Champaign County Freedom Celebration

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Mental Health Support

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Roadtrippin' to Litchfield: Route 66 Museum

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Roadtrippin' to Litchfield: Hampton Inn

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Roadtrippin' to Litchfield: Lake Yager

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Carillon Festival at Washington Park in Springfield
There are free recitals at the Carillon in Springfield's Washington Park everyday between June 2 and 8, 2013--except for Wednesday, June 5.

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"Why I Love Urbana" Campaign

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National Cancer Survivors Day

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Danville Electric Aggregation Program

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Champaign Schools Summer Food Service Program
Information on the summer meals program for Champaign Unit 4 Students

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Pens to Lens Screenwriting Competition

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Ways to Decrease Stroke Risk

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Roadtrippin' to Grafton: Grafton Harbor

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Roadtrippin' to Grafton: Riverfront Ampitheater

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Road Trippin to Grafton: Towboat Festival

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Road Trippin' to Grafton: Pere Marquette State Park

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Road Trippin' to Grafton: The Nature Institute

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Regional Veteran's Memorial Project

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Benefits for Illinois Veterans 2013 Edition

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Amateur Dirtbike Races In Springfield
Link to race information.

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IL Forgotten Military Medals
There are more than a hundred lost or forgotten medals being stored at the Illinois State Capitol. Veterans from conflicts over the span of a hundred years earned these medals. Is one of these heroes a person you know? Check for names at Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford's website by clicking here.

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Monsanto Webpage
Link to Monsanto's official website.

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Memorial Way Project

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Concealed Carry Fact Sheet

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AMA TT Races and Springfield Mile

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New Concealed Carry Legislation
Text of Rep Brandon Phelps' new concealed carry bill

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Track Ryan Chalmer's Progress, Push Across America

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Champaign PTA Council Oklahoma Relief Drive

Cleaning Supplies:

. 5 gallon bucket with resealable lid

. Liquid laundry detergent - 25 oz. 50 oz. bottles only

. Liquid household cleaner - 12-16 oz. liquid cleaner

that can be mixed with water no spray cleaners

. Dish soap - 16-28 oz bottle any brand

. Cans air freshener - aerosol or pump

. Insect repellant - spray 6-14 oz. aerosol or spray

pump with protective cover

. Scrub brush - plastic or wooden handle

. Cleaning wipes - handi wipes or reusable wipes

. Sponges

. Scouring pads - Brillo pads or SOS pads (nothing

with soap built in) no stainless steel

. Clothespins

. Clothes line - two 50 ft. or one 100 ft. cotton or plastic.

. Rolls of heavy duty trash bags - 33-45 gallon

. Dust masks

. Pairs of disposable kitchen gloves - rubber or latex

no thin surgical or food service type gloves

. Pairs of work gloves cotton with leather palm or all

leather

School Supplies:

. Blunt scissors - rounded tip only no plastic scissors

please

. Pads of paper - 8 1/2 x 11 spiral notebooks or topbound

pads

. Packages of loose leaf sheets can be substituted for

1 pad - combinations of spiral or top bound is acceptable.

No composition books

. Hand held pencil sharpeners - must be at least one

inch long

. 30 centimeter rulers - hard or flexible cartoon characters

are acceptable no advertisements please

. Unsharpened pencils

. 2 . inch erasers

. 24 count boxes of crayons - only 24 count boxes

please

. 14x16 - cloth bags heavy duty fabric only] denim,

corduroy, drapery fabric etc.

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Avoid Getting Scammed When Donating to OK Victims
Better Business Bureau

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To Donate to the American Red Cross

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Coles County Farmer of the Year Application

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Roadtrippin' to Lincoln: Hampton Inn

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Roadtrippin' to Lincoln: Daphne's Family Restaurant

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Roadtrippin' to Lincoln: Lincoln Speedway

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Locations for American Cancer Society Prevention Study-3 Sign UP

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Brandt Pleasant Plains Research Farm
Blog tracking corn progess at the research firm

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Credit & Debit Card Refunds
If you purchased a bus ticket for Illini Tours Inc. (as they've been shut down by the U.S. Department of Transportation)

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Busey Bank Scholarship Application

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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Click on the link above to connect to IC3, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The website also features useful information to keep you from getting caught in the World Wide Web.

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville:Our Lady of the Snows

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville: Eckerts

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville: Art on the Square

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville: The Edge

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville: Taps N Corks

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Roadtrippin' to Belleville: Cahokia Mounds

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Top 1000 Baby Names of 2012

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More Info on MTD ART program

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Alma Mater Camera App
Click for information on the University of Illinois's app that projects a real-time image of the Alma Mater.

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Roadtrippin' to Tuscola: Amish Country Heirlooms

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Roadtrippin to Tuscola: Patterson B&B

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Roadtrippin to Tuscola: Winterberry Store & Antiques

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Urbana Market at the Square Map

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Truckin' Amazing Cook-off Contest

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Champaign County Jail Needs Assessment

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Rotary Memorial Way
Sponsor a flag to line Vermilion Street in Danville for Memorial Day Weekend.

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Coaches vs. Cancer

The Coaches vs. Cancer program empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities. Guided by the Coaches vs. Cancer Council, participating coaches help people with cancer today and to find cures to end the disease tomorrow, and have raised more than $87 million to help the American Cancer Societys mission.

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Etoys Illinois Computer Programming

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C-U Bike to Work Day Information

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Information on Land of Lincoln Health

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Roadtrippin' to Macon County: Debbie's Diner

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Roadtrippin' to Macon County: Chevy Museum

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Roadtrippin' to Macon County: Sander's Harristown Depot and Aniques

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Roadtrippin' to Macon County: The Warf

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Roadtrippin' to Macon County: Decatur Visitors and Convention Center

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Disaster Recovery Program for Weather-Related Damage
Go there to find out more about low interest loans available through the office of the state treasurer. You can also call the hotline at 866-523-0641.

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Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Veterans in Pain: Pain Management Seminar

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Illinois Marathon Course Information
Click for course information, including road closures and alternate routes, regarding the Illinois Marathon.

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Money Smart Week Information

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Youth Run at Illinois Marathon

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Lake Land College Streaming Graduation Ceremony Live

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College Planning App

---

Volunteering with the Illinois Marathon
Information on how you can help out at the 2013 Illinois Marathon

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The Illinois Marathon

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MTD Bus Service Affected by Weekend Races

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Road Trippin' to Quincy: Spirit Knob Winery

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Road Trippin' to Quincy: Thyme Square Cafe

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Road Trippin' to Quincy: Bailey's Coffee & Fudge

 

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Road Trippin' to Quincy: Kinderhook Lodge

 

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Suttil's Gardens
For more information on the vegetable grower and plant nursery in Springfield.

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Severe Weather Safety Tips From Ameren

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College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program

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Intern Queen
Lauren Berger is CEO of InternQueen.com, an online internship destination that helps students find and apply for internships while also educating them on how to make the most of their experiences.

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Taste of Champaign-Urbana Food Vendor Application

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Ameren Illinois

For more information on electical rates or to report power outages.

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2012 I Sing the Body Complete Survey Report

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Triple Creek Farm Greenhouse

Family operated greenhouses in Petersburg and Cass County

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11th Annual Boneyard Arts Festival

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Spring Safety Tips from Ameren

Spring into safety with Ameren Illinois,

always call JULIE before you dig

Plant the right tree in the right place

Collinsville, Ill. (April 8, 2013) - Spring has sprung, which has many people thinking about planting trees and shrubs to beautify their homes, benefit the environment and help conserve energy.

Others are planning to build decks, install decorative lighting, put on home additions or do other work that requires excavation.

Before digging for any purpose, property owners and contractors must call JULIE at "811" at least two business days before they plan to dig. JULIE will make certain all utility lines are marked so property owners can dig safely. Digging without calling JULIE can result in disrupted utility service to an entire neighborhood, lead to injuries and result in repair costs and possible fines. There is no charge for JULIE utility locating services.

When it comes to trees and shrubs, Ameren Illinois urges property owners to do some planning to make certain they get the right tree in the right place.

"Too often, people plant trees without understanding the problems that may occur when they plant tall-growing trees near power lines or trees that are fast-growing but structurally weak and short-lived," said Steve Moody, Ameren Illinois managing supervisor of Construction Services.

When tall trees are too close to electrical power lines, strong winds, wet snow and ice storms can cause tree limbs and even entire trees to fall into those power lines. The result can be extensive and lengthy power outages, as well as safety hazards posed by downed electrical lines.

Furthermore, tall trees growing near electrical lines must be trimmed frequently to minimize the threat such trees pose to reliable electrical service. Ameren Illinois tree trimming crews follow the standards and methods endorsed by the International Society of Arboriculture.-

"We encourage our customers to plant trees and shrubs for a variety of reasons. The environmental and beautification benefits of trees and shrubs are well-known. In addition, trees actually can help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thus reducing a homeowner's energy costs," Moody said.

Moody offered these tree planning and planting tips:

Do not plant poplars, black locust, silver maples and other fast-growing trees.

Plant shrubs within 15 feet of electric distribution lines. Shrubs that do well in Illinois include forsythia, lilac, mock orange, burning bush and viburnum.

Small trees that have a mature height of up to 25 feet may be planted 15 to 25 feet from electric distribution lines. Examples include redbud, hawthorn, flowering dogwood and Amur maple.

Medium trees have a mature height of 25 to 45 feet and may be planted 35 to 45 feet from distribution lines. Examples include American hornbeam, juniper, red pine and sassafras.

Large trees that grow 45 feet and taller should be planted at least 45 feet away from distribution lines. A few examples include sugar maple, bur oak, red oak, Norway spruce and yellow poplar (tuliptree).

Moody advised property owners to consult with a nursery, an arborist or the University of Illinois Extension Service for more detailed information on selecting the right trees and shrubs. Additional information also is available at MySafeTrees.com.

Ameren is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree Line USA" utility. This designation is awarded to utilities that properly train their tree trimming workers and assist customers in selecting appropriate trees to plant near electrical wires.

Other Spring Safety Tips

Never use kites that have metal, wire or tinsel components. Do not fly kites in the vicinity of overhead electrical wires or when there is a threat of thunderstorms.

Fly kites in open places far away from power lines and trees.

If your kite gets caught in a power line, do not try to retrieve it.

Never fly kites in stormy weather and when there is a threat of storms. Wet kite strings can conduct electricity from power lines and lightning.

When climbing a tree, choose a tree that is well away from power lines. Always check to make sure there are no power lines hidden among the limbs.

Look up when you are outdoors. Know the location of all overhead utility lines and keep ladders and pole pruners away from these lines.

Improve safety is by using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for all outdoor outlets. While you are at it, GFCIs also belong in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, garage and other locations where electrical devices could come into contact with water. A GFCI is designed to turn the power off before a deadly electrical shock can occur. If you do not yet have GFCIs, contact an electrician to discuss GFCIs and arrange for installation. If all older homes had GFCIs, it is estimated that 70 percent of residential electrocutions would be prevented each year.

Before digging in your yard or planting trees, First call JULIE (Joint Utility Location Information for Excavators), also reached by dialing 811.

 

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Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Volunteers
Sign up to volunteer.

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Jefferies Orchard
For more information on the Sangamon County Produce Farm

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Boneyard Creek Clean-Up Day

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Witness Video of Police Tasering Incident
Video has been posted to YouTube of the police tasering incident in the parking lot of Best Buy Saturday.

WARNING: This video contains very strong language.

We remind you we are not responsible for the content of the YouTube page, and we have not verified the video's authenticity. We are only providing this link for your reference.

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Police Report from Tasering Incident

Click the link to see the police report from the tasering incident in the parking lot of Best Buy Saturday.

WARNING: The text of this report contains very strong language.

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V.A. Plan to Fix Backlog

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Volunteer for Austin's Day
Click for more information on how to get involved in Austin's Day, a day of service in memory of Austin Cloyd.

---

C-U Autism Network 5th Annual Autism Walk

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How to Become an Organ Donor

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Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month and three local agencies are collaborating to raise awareness for the cause: Crisis Nursery, CASA and the Champaign County Children's Advocacy Center.

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Vermilion County WIC
The Vermilion County Health Department's WIC program can be reached at 431-2662, ext. 101.  More information is available on the department's website.

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2013 Trout Fishing Season
The catch is on starting April 6th!  Here's a list of all state watering holes where you can participate, including everything you need to know to be legal on Illinois waters.

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Champaign County Early Voting Information

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Triptych Brewing Website

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Cracked Truck Website

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Regional Planning Commission Job Resources
Information for job seekers, via the Regional Planning Commission website.

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Virginia Theater Renovations
Donate for phase 2 of project.
Updating to digital projectors with new audio and visual equipment

---

2013 Voter Information
Click for links to various resources with information regarding Election Day. Included are polling places, registration information, and early voting information.

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Provena Health is now Presence Health

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Help Murelle Plotner's Family
Help Murelle Plotner's family with ongoing medical expenses.

---

SJO5K'S "Movin for Murelle"
Sign up for "Movin' for Murelle"
A 1K fundraiser for Murelle Plotner

---

Illinois Marathon Needs Volunteers!
Click to see all the information you need to register to volunteer with the 2013 Illinois Marathon.

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Unit 4 Kindergarten Registration
Deadline to register is March 28.

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City of Urbana Snow Removal Requirements

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IL Medical Marijuana Bill Gaining Support
Follow the link to read about the Medical Marijuana Bill introduced by Representative Lou Lang (D- Skokie). The link takes you to the Illinois General Assembly website. The bill is HB1. On the left side of the page beneath the header "Legislation & Laws", left click Bills and Resolutions. When the new page loads, scroll down to the House Bills section; it's the second set of bills listed. Then click on "0001-0100". The link you need is the first on the new page. Left click "HB0001 Medical Cannabis" to read about the bill.

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Share the Spirit Foundation

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Air Traffic Control Towers Slated for Closure
Full list of air traffic control towers slated for closure by the FAA.

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Women's National Invitation Tournament

---

Champaign County Business Partnership

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Autism Friendly Business

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Autism Aid

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Illinois Counties Ranked by Health
Rankings from University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Here's a look at how the counties rank, from healthiest to least healthy:
   1.Douglas
   2.Jo Daviess
   3.Woodford
   4.Mercer
   5.Henry
   6.DuPage
   7.Kendall
   8.Schuyler
   9.Brown
   10.McDonough
   11.Pike
   12.Kane
   13.Calhoun
   14.DeKalb
   15.Clinton
   16.Lake
   17.McHenry
   18.Whiteside
   19.Washington
   20.Piatt
   21.Monroe
   22.Ogle
   23.Champaign
   24.Effingham
   25.Will
   26.Menard
   27.Hancock
   28.Boone
   29.Tazewell
   30.Shelby
   31.Moultrie
   32.Warren
   33.McLean
   34.Ford
   35.Bureau
   36.Cumberland
   37.Jersey
   38.Henderson
   39.Morgan
   40.Lee
   41.Grundy
   42.Fayette
   43.Randolph
   44.Adams
   45.Macoupin
   46.Wayne
   47.Scott
   48.Stark
   49.Clay
   50.Stephenson
   51.Richland
   52.Perry
   53.Carroll
   54.Rock Island
   55.Coles
   56.Wabash
   57.Cass
   58.Putnam
   59.DeWitt
   60.Pope
   61.Greene
   62.Bond
   63.Jasper
   64.Marshall
   65.Johnson
   66.Peoria
   67.Union
   68.Iroquois
   69.Fulton
   70.White
   71.Clark
   72.Kankakee
   73.Jackson
   74.Knox
   75.Logan
   76.Edgar
   77.LaSalle
   78.Cook
   79.Montgomery
   80.Sangamon
   81.Christian
   82.Winnebago
   83.Madison
   84.Livingston
   85.Crawford
   86.Macon
   87.Williamson
   88.St. Clair
   89.Lawrence
   90.Jefferson
   91.Marion
   92.Mason
   93.Hamilton
   94.Hardin
   95.Massac
   96.Vermilion
   97.Saline
   98.Pulaski
   99.Franklin
   100.Edwards
   101.Gallatin
   102.Alexander

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Rantoul Vacation Watch

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MTD Reduces Services during Spring Break
MTD service will be reduced during the University of Illinois Spring Break.  Details of service reductions follow:
 
2 Red Express
Regular 2 Red Express service through 3/15/13
No regular 2 Red Express service 3/17/13-3/24/13
Regular 2 Red Express service resumes 3/25/13
 
5/50 GREENhopper
Regular GREENhopper service through 3/15/13
No GREENhopper service 3/16/13 - 3/24/13
Full GREENhopper service resumes 3/25/13
 
12/120 Teal
Regular Teal service through 3/15/13                                                                 
Teal Weekday 20-minute service operates 3/16/13-3/24/13
120 Teal no late night service 3/16/13-3/23/13
Regular Teal service resumes at 6:30p on 3/24/13
 
13/130 Silver
Regular Silver service through 3/15/13
13 Silver Weekday 20-minute service 3/16/13-3/24/13
130 Silver Limited operates 03/16/13 - 03/24/13
Regular Silver service resumes at 6:30p on 3/24/13
 
22/220 Illini
Regular Illini service through 3/15/13
No Regular Illini service from 3/16/13-3/24/13
22/220 Illini Limited operates 3/16/13-3/24/13      
Regular Illini service resumes at 6:30p on 3/24/13
 
27/270 Air Bus
Regular Air Bus service through 03/16/13
No Air Bus service from 3/17/13 - 3/24/13
Air Bus service resumes 3/24/13
 
50 Green Late Night
Regular Late Night service ends at 6:30a on 03/16/13
Late Night service does not operate 03/16/13 - 03/23/13
Late Night service resumes 3/24/13
 
100 Yellow Late Night
Regular Late Night service ends at 6:30a on 03/16/13
Late Night service does not operate 03/16/13 - 03/23/13
Late Night service resumes 3/24/13
 
335 SafeRides
Regular 335 SafeRides service through 3/15/13
From 3/16/13-3/24/13 335 SafeRides operates only until midnight; designated pickup locations not served
Regular 335 SafeRides service resumes at 7:00p on 3/25/13
 

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Resource for Clean Water P.S.A.

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University Union--SEIU--responds to campus-wide email
This statement is in response to the mass email statement distributed by the University of Illinois.

Earlier today, the University of Illinois distributed an informational email with falsities and incomplete facts.

First off, the University claims the Union and university management reached an agreement on a contract last week before voting. This is completely incorrect. The Union took university management's final proposal back to membership for a vote this weekend. A majority yes vote would have resulted in an agreement being reached, a majority no vote resulted in rejecting the proposal and beginning a strike at midnight, Monday, March 11.

The University is also portraying that they have put forth a fair proposal for both building service and food service members.However, this message fails to include information on how the university has not taken into consideration in several previous years they have failed to keep up wage increases that maintain the cost of living, including a wage freeze in 2011.

With increased costs to healthcare contributions and an expected increase to pension contribution during the duration of the contract,the final wage proposal would result in a decreased take home net pay than last year.

There is no doubt the university, who has given out several outlandish wage increases to high-ranking managers and has an increased operating budget year after year, has the money to come to the table with a fair contract proposal that keeps up with the cost of living for low-wage workers. We await their call to resume negotiations.

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University of Illinois' campus-wide email regarding SEIU Strike
FROM:   Elyne Cole, Associate Provost for Human Resources

 

DATE:     March 20, 2013

 

RE:        Update on SEIU Strike

 

As you likely have heard, the Service Employees International Union Local No. 73(SEIU) has begun a three-day strike. The University has been negotiating since May 2012 with SEIU on new labor agreements for approximately 550 building service workers (including linen maids, maids, and mail messengers) and 220food service workers. These negotiations have included a total of thirty-eight sessions between the Union and the University, including multiple mediation sessions.

 

Last week, the University and the Union reached a proposed agreement on a three-year contract that the Union agreed to submit to its membership for a ratification vote.  The proposed agreement, which reflected a compromise that was reached through mediation, guaranteed pay increases during each year of the agreement to the hourly wage rates for all bargaining unit employees.  Building Service Workers currently have an entry rate of $12.47 and progress to $17.09after completing two years, while Cooks have a current entry rate of $12.91,progress to $14.79 after two years, and to $17.49 after four years.  Under the proposed agreement, wage rates would be increased by 50 cents per hour (retroactive to August 2012) in the first year, 30 cents per hour in the second year, and 25 cents per hour in the third year.  In addition, bargaining unit employees were guaranteed adjustments in the second and third years matching the campus salary plans if the campus wage increases exceeded the negotiated raises.

 

Late Sunday afternoon, the Union notified the University that its membership had rejected this deal and that a strike would commence Monday. The University maintains that the proposed agreement was fair to the employees and addressed the concerns raised by the Union during negotiations. The University values the services provided by these employees, and the proposed agreement was more than consistent with the pay adjustments provided to other groups of employees. The University's offer sought to provide a sense of security to employees " through guaranteed wage increases " during these economically challenging times.

 

The Union has indicated that it rejected the proposed agreement because of wages,retaliatory discipline and contracting out. The wage offer from the University would provide employees with a wage increase in excess of two and one-half percent during the first year of the agreement.  The University's wage offer also granted these employees guaranteed wage increases through 2015. While the University cannot discuss individual disciplinary matters, the University can emphatically state that it has not imposed any retaliatory discipline. Finally,use of outside vendors is not being expanded and is consistent with the terms of the collective bargaining agreements.

 

While it is unfortunate that the Union chose to conduct a strike immediately after reaching a potential settlement last week, individual employees have the right to choose to work and receive pay. Workers who honor the strike and choose not to work will not be paid. The University remains willing to meet with and continue its dialogue with the Union to resolve the matter.  The University also will continue its services and operations throughout the duration of the strike, and will seek to minimize any disruption that the strike may cause to students and other members of the campus. Any bargaining unit employees who report to work during the strike will be permitted to work and be compensated for their services.

 

As the strike progresses, the University will keep you apprised of any developments that may occur. The University appreciates your understanding and support as we continue in our efforts to resolve this labor dispute. In the meantime, if you should have any questions relating to the strike, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Arvan (3-3105; arvan@illinois.edu), Director of Labor and Employee Relations, Craig Hoefer (3-3105; choefer@illinois.edu),Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations, or Heather Horn (3-3105; hwilson@illinois.edu), Labor Relations Coordinator.

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Champaign County Voter Registration Information
New voter registration ends on Tuesday, March 12. Click here for information regarding the April 9th elections, including where to vote and how to register.

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Illinois Department of Agriculture Grants
For more information on the $600,000 in specialty crop grants that the department is taking applications for.

---

Fund for Infant Who Died of Brain Cancer

Annabelle Phillips died at 5-weeks-old after a battle with brain cancer. The Mount Pulaski community is coming together to support her family as they try to handle medical bills from Annabelle's medical treatment.

"Annabelle Phillips Fund"

Farmers Bank Attn: Kelly or Leslie

PO box 170

Mt Pulaski IL 62548

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Sangamon County Farm Bureau
For more information on the Young Leaders and other Farm Bureau programs.

---

Danville Polling Places for 2013 Consolidated Election

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K&T Llamas
Llama farm and maker of Llama wool clothing

---

Urbana Snow Removal Map

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Ameren Illinois Power Outage Center

---

Illinois Marathon Registration
Information regarding registration for the 2013 Illinois Marathon

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Welfare Benefits
Assistance Totals: Single Mom of two making $19,000

Department of Welfare
- LIHEAP: $400
- Child Care: $14,976
- Medical Assistance: $6,045 (includes Health Department and SCHIP)
- Food $6,028 (SNAP, WIC: average $52.32 per person, school meal programs, Dept of Ag)

HUD
- Housing Voucher: $7,148

Pennsylvania Utility Commission
- Lifeline: landline ($30 for instillation and $200 interest free loan/yr) and cell phone with 200 min and 250 text and email ($480/yr)
- PA Weatherization Assistance Program: Ave. $6,500/per household

Department of Agriculture
- Farmers Market Nutritional Program $20

Department of Education lunch programs
- National School Lunch Program ($5/day)
- School Breakfast Program ($3/day)
- Child and Adult Care Food Program ($5/day)
- After School Snack Program ($2/day)
- Summer Food Services Program ($5/day)
- At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program ($5/day)

Department of Health
- Healthy Woman Program (free clinical breast examination, cervical cancer screenings, mammogram, pelvic examination, pap smear and follow up diagnostics to low income women): $1,245
- Bureau of Community Health Immunization Program

Department of Insurance
- SCHIP (included in Medical Assistance)

Legal Services Corporation
- 2010 federal budget $420,000,000, assisted 2.3 million people in 2011: $182.61/person @ LSC.GOV

Tax Breaks
- Earned income tax credit: $4,800
- Additional Child Tax Credit: $2000
- Withholdings return on $0 taxable income: $1900

Education
- Pell Grant: Maximum $5,500
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant: Grants up to $4,000 per year. - Students who have been awarded a Federal Pell Grant receive priority.
- National SMART Grant: Maximum $4,000 (National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant: students in third or fourth year of college.)
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Max: $4,000 to be a teacher.

Department of Education and Office of Childhood Development in DPW
- Head Start: $6,700 per child/2009 in PA per HHS numbers
- Early Head Start: $6,700 per child/2009 in PA per HHS numbers

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"Jump In" The Movie

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Bullet Proof Mind: Lt. Co. (Ret.) Dave Grossman
Local law enforcement attended a day long class on how to mentally prepare for mass shootings and terrorist attacks taught by Grossman.

---

Central Illinois Horse Rescue
For more information on adopting rescued horses or donating to the operation.

---

UC Smiles Currency
More information on local currency to spend locally.

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Attica Fatal Fire Fundraiser

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Champaign County Absentee Ballot Request

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Champaign County Absentee Voting
Absentee ballot requests for Champaign County voters.

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STAR Nominations

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Consolidated Primary Election Polling Places
Polling places for Urbana's Democratic Primary Election---February 26, 2013.

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Ameren Illinois Power Outage Map

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The Immigration Project

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Is there a link between childhood obesity and ADHD, learning disabilities?

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Champaign Snow Removal Ordinance Information
Snow removal ordinance for Champaign and maps of which streets are affected.

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Urbana Snow Removal Ordinance Information
Ordinance FAQs and maps of what streets the ordinance affects.

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Selection Criteria for MTD Managing Director
Help the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District finalize their search criteria for finding a new Managing Director.

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G.E.D. Testing Information
If you want to take the G.E.D., especially before the new rules kick in on January 1st, 2014, you must register at your Regional Office of Education site. For locations and phone numbers, click on the link.

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New Breast Cancer Tumor Removal Developed in Champaign-Urbana
More information of the partnership between Carle Hospital, the University of Illinois and Diagnostic Photonics, that help create the Optical Medical Imaging Technology.

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Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

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Champaign Community Coalition's "Walk As One"

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Contacting Snuggles Group
Volunteers welcome, and group will pick up knitted squares from your home.
Contact Jennifer Millay
Email: snuggles.sa@gmail.com
Phone: 217-367-2100

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Urbana Free Library Events Calendar

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Danville Mass Transit Paratransit Rate
Public Forum Dates on DMT Paratransit Rate Proposal:
-February 21st, 5-6 p.m. at Community Room in the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building
-February 22nd, 10-11 a.m. at Community Room in the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building
-March 1st, 8-9 a.m at the CRIS Senior Services building on 309 N. Franklin St.

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Illinois Kids Count 2013 Report
The Voices for Illinois annual report assessing the achievements and challenges in early childhood education.

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Too Old to Drive?
Tips for speaking with your parents about driving.

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Volunteering at Danville VA
Learn how you can assist the Danville VA by helping veterans year-round. The VA welcomes volunteers throughout the year to help veterans to medical appointments or just to visit and talk.

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Champaign Unit 4's Future Facilities

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National Water Quality Initiative Application

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Chinese American Association of Central Illinois

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Stop Sunrise Coal from Opening Bulldog Mine
Petition to stop Sunrise Coal from mining near Homer.

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Home Warranty Insurance Scam

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Citizens With Conviction
Organization to help released felons find work, and other resources.

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Ameren Refrigerator Recycle Pick Up

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THR & Associates Liquidation
Liquidation auction for THR & Associates.

Aumann Auctions out of Nokomis, IL.

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Community Foundation For The Land of Lincoln
Area non-profits can apply for small grants from this organization.

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CU AT HOME'S 2013 ONE WINTER NIGHT

Donate.

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Premise Alert Program

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Heart Disease Information

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Champaign Community Coalition
Learn more.

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Help Ashmore Estates
Donations for the Asmore Estates roof repairs.

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Illinois State Board of Education Survey

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Charleston School District Safety Survey

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Champaign County Forest Preserve

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RTHS School Resource Officer Tips Website

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Unit 4 School Registration
Complete list of dates for the upcoming community forums, school tours and registration dates. You can also contact the Family Information Center at 217-351-3701 for more information.

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3rd Annual Center City Restaurant Week 2013
Check out menus.

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Kohl's Gotta Dance Program

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Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight Applications
Here you can find information and applications for upcoming Land of Lincoln Honor Flights.  There are 3 upcoming flights booked. The first is March 26th, the second is April 23rd and the third is May 21st.

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Gas Price Listings

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Governor Appointees

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Absentee Voting

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One Winter Night 2013
Volunteer or participate.

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Illinois Campus Safety Ratings

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District 186 Springfield Budget Recommendations: Updated January 11, 2013

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Ice Skating in Springfield

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Central Illinois Red Cross

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Downtown Danville Inc Food Drive

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Track the Flu
Track the flu activity in your area and sign up to receive Flu Alert emails to keep you informed of flu activity throughout the season.

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How deadly is the flu?
The CDC explains how many people die from the flu nationwide each year, as well as how these statistics are calculated.

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MID-CENTRAL ILLINOIS REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS
Out of 10 Carpenter Local Unions, only 4 are remaining

     63 IN BLOOMINGTON..
    183 IN EAST PEORIA..
    2189.. IN PEORIA..
    ARE NOW LOCAL UNION 237 IN PEORIA.

    44 IN CHAMPAIGN..
    AND 347.. IN DANVILLE..
    ARE NOW LOCAL UNION 243.. IN CHAMPAIGN..

    AND 16.. IN SPRINGFIELD..
    189 IN QUINCY..
    904.. IN JACKSONVILLE..
    742.. IN DECATUR..
    AND 725.. IN LITCHFIELD..
    ARE NOW 270... IN SPRINGFIELD.
  

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UIS Online Emancipation Proclamation Class

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Kohls Job Fair

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Danville Kohl's Job Fair

Applicants should visit www.kohlscareers.com or call 877-639-5645 to schedule an interview and obtain additional information regarding times and location.

 

For new stores, Kohls needs register operators, department associates, customer service associates, early a.m. freight unloaders and evening ad set associates. Kohls associates receive competitive compensation, great benefits and immediate merchandise discounts.

 

WHEN:

Saturday, January 12                          10:45 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 13                            10:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.       

Monday, January 14                           11:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 15                          8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 16                     8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: Hampton Inn & Suites

                      370 Eastgate Drive

                      Danville, Ill.

 

JOB FAIR CONTACT: 877-639-5645 or www.kohlscareers.com  

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Champaign Unit 4 Informational Meetings and Registration

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Free Teacher Self Defense Training

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High Ground Documentary

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"We Are One Illinois" Coalition on Pension Reform

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Illinois Marathon Registration

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Champaign County Museum

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Don't Be Sorry 2013 Youth Art Contest

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DSC Tree of Hope Fundraiser

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IRS Year End Giving Tips

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Christmas Tree Collection

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NORAD Santa Tracker

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Urbana Police Vacation Watch

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Volunteering in Illinois

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USPS Work at Home Scam

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Champaign Snow Removal

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State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Auction

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Unit 4 Vacancies

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Bicycling Information

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C-U At Home: One Winter Night

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Reporting Fraud in State Agencies

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Unit 4 Resources for Talking about Tragedy

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Unit 4 Resources for Talking about Tragedy

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Unit 4 Resources for Talking about Tragedy

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U of I's Alpha Tau Omega's Sandy Hook Elementary School Fund

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Charleston School District
Report Card

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The Center for Women in Transition

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2012 America's Health Rankings

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Winter Weather Preparedness

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District 186 Budget Survey
Survey available until 10 am, Monday December 10th.

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Danville Fischer Theatre

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Project Success Christmas Wish List

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Information On Whooping Cough

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How to Avoid the Cramming Scam

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Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois
Click here to volunteer

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Illinois State Scholar List

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Busey's Red Kettle Drive

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Johnson Christmas Display in Paxton

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Champaign Unit 4 Schools' Future in Education

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Chambanamoms

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Salt & Light Gift Giveaway Donations
You can drop off Christmas toys for Salt & Light Ministry's Annual Gift Giveaway.

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2013 Shop with a Cop Donations (Urbana PD)
Send checks to FOP Lodge #70
P.O. Box 432
Urbana, IL 61803

This will help local families receive donations to Shop with a Cop in 2013.
--Urbana Police Department--

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2012 Tree of Hope Campaign
Donate to Champaign's Developmental Services Center.

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USPS Employment Site

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Small Business Saturday Deals

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U.S. Postal Service Application

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Lincoln's Champaign County
Check out Abraham Lincoln exhibits right here in Champaign County.

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Salvation Army Bell Ringer Volunteers

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Carle Hospital and Salvation Army Toy Drive

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MTD Service Reductions
MTD service will be reduced during the University of Illinois Fall Break.  Details of service reductions follow:

Saturday, November 17, 2012
270 Air Bus will operate regular service.
50 GREENhopper does not operate.

130 Silver Limited operates.
50 Green, 100 Yellow, and 120 Teal late night service does not operate.

335 SafeRides service operates one vehicle from 5:00 PM through 12:00 AM in the service area.

Sunday, November 18, 2012
50 GREENhopper does not operate.
130 Silver Limited operates.
220 Illini Limited operates.
270 Air Bus service does not operate.
50 Green, 100 Yellow, and 120 Teal late night service does not operate.

335 SafeRides service operates one vehicle from 5:00 PM through 12:00 AM in the service area.

Monday-Wednesday and Friday and Saturday

November 19, 20, 21, 23 and 24, 2012
2 Red Express does not operate.

5/50 GREENhopper does not operate.

12 Teal Limited Weekday operates at 20 minute service.

13 Silver Weekday operates at 20 minute service.
130 Silver Limited operates.
22/220 Illini Limited operates.
27 Air Bus service does not operate.
50 Green, 100 Yellow, and 120 Teal late night service does not operate.

335 SafeRides service operates one vehicle from 5:00 PM through 12:00 AM in the service area.

Thursday, November 22, 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday
No community or campus/late night service.

Sunday, November 25, 2012
220 Illini service resumes at 6:30 pm.

270 Air Bus service resumes.
50 Green, 100 Yellow, and 120 Teal late night service resumes.
335 SafeRides full service resumes at 5:00 pm.

Monday, November 26, 2012
Full service resumes.

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Diabetic Alert Dogs

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Hospice Dreams

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Urbana HS Honors Choir Heading to Washington D.C.
They still need up to $25,000 to make their way to Washington D.C.
Urbana HS Honors Choir has been selected to participate in the Nationals Presidents Day Choral Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

You can donate by sending checks payable to "UHS CHOIR".
Send donations to Urbana HS at 1002 S. Race St. Urbana, IL. 61801

Or click on the PayPal link above.

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Urbana Holiday Parking
Two hours free parking at street meters with holiday bag and in these select lots in Downtown Urbana.

-Lot 1 (Race and Water St.)
-Lot 2 (Water St.)
-Lot 11 (Main St.)
-Lot 16 (Green St.-Township Building)
-Lot 17 (Library)
-Lot 22 (Vine St.)

Two hour free parking in the Campus Business District at street meters. This includes...
-700 S. Goodwin
-1100 W. Oregon
-900 W. Nevada

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Local Governments Oppose Hazardous Waste at Clinton Landfill

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FACET Thanksgiving Bounty Drive

Two options to donate:

1- Donate any items on the list below:

Instant mashed potatoes (box)
Stuffing mix
Rice preparation mix
Canned green beans, corn, peas, yams, gravy, mushroom cream
Cranberry sauce
Chicken broth
Corn bread mix
Pumpkin bread mix
French's onion topping
Dinner rolls
Grocery store gift cards

2-Adopt-A-Family Donation:

Donate the whole list

Items can be dropped off at any event, the Indi Go Artist Co-Op holds.

Also, at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church (2200 Philo Rd. Urbana, Il.) Monday-Friday.

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National Pink Glove Dance

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RV Travel

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R.C. Racing's Expansion of Hotslots

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Champaign County Polling Places

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Who's Donating to the Candidates?
Here's a link to a website where you can search who's donated to candidates in the federal races.

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Autism Aid

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Autism Friendly Business

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Danville Election Commission
People who live in Danville can use this site to:
Find your polling place.
Check your voter registration status.

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Developmental Services Center's "Tree of Hope" Campaign

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Champaign Unit 4 Public Meeting

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Illinois Marathon

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Contacts for Congressman Tim Johnson

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Danville Dashers Hockey

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Get Your Licks on Route 66

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Carle Foundation Hospital Gets Top Ratings

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The Illinois Open Technology Challenge

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C-U at Home Homeless Survey

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Illinois Chapter

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Walk As One Volunteer Registration

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New Horizon Breast Cancer Support Group

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City of Champaign Curfew Information

For ages 13 and under, the curfew is 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

For ages 14-16 (inclusive), the curfew is 11:00 p.m. " 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday (inclusive) and 12:00 midnight " 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Election Analytics

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Champaign County Voting Information

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Medicaid Cost Overruns

Medicaid has been given the Golden Hammer Award calling attention to flaws within the program. It seems the US Department of Health and Human Services may have some explaining to do after an Inspector General found more than $1.5-billion in cost overruns.

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Unclaimed Property Auction

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Urbana Climate Action Plan

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State Fair Culinary Competitions
Four new culinary competitions will be featured at this year's Illinois State Fair.  Click here to find out how you can win cash and prizes for your winning dish.

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Disaster Preparedness For Businesses

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Project Safe Childhood
Learn about a national effort against child pornography and how you can report suspected cases.

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Hiring Our Heroes
Other helpful links for veterans:

Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs
http://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx

IDES: Jobs for Illinois Veterans
http://www.ides.illinois.gov/page.aspx?item=843

United States Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov/

Illinois WorkNet Center
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/?partner=

Illinois Employment Benefits
http://www.standingupforillinois.org/homefront/employment.php

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How to Help Battle Homelessness in Champaign County

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Macon County Conservation District
Learn more about the agency that organizes the Independence Day 1860 celebration each year in Decatur!

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4th of July Celebrations

The Springfield Jaycees presents the Capital CityCelebration for 2012 on July 4^th beginning at 3 p.m. in historicdowntown Springfield:

*ACTIVITIES AT 4TH & 5TH & CAPITOL:*

Beer/Pepsi products and Food open at 5:00 p.m. and Still Kickn band
plays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Admission is free!

*ACTIVITIES AT 2ND & CAPITOL:*

Food and Craft Vendors

Free family activities including: Giant inflatables (yes, no fee again
this year); face painting, beauty pageant and music.  Back this 4th of
July is FREE ICE CREAM courtesy of MJ Kellner.

Sunburst Beauty Pageant registration is from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with
the pageant starting at 4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. until gone is Free ice cream.

Springfield Municipal Band performance at 6:00 p.m.

FIREWORKS AT 9:30 p.m.

The event ends after the fireworks at both locations.

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High-speed Rail Feedback
Information below from the I-Dot website:

Public Involvement Program

An important component of the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the public involvement program. It has been designed to educate and engage stakeholders along the corridor. These stakeholders include residents, business owners, adjacent property owners, municipalities, townships and counties. Whether you live, work, travel or own a business in the corridor, your input is welcome at the public open house meetings held at key project milestones. You can also:

• Sign-up for study newsletters and emails or submit a comment
• Call the project hotline at 1-855-IDOT HSR (436-8477)
• Write to us at:

  Miriam Gutierrez
  Illinois Department of Transportation
  Division of Public & Intermodal Transportation
  James R. Thompson Center
  100 West Randolph Street, Suite 6-600
  Chicago, Illinois 60601-3229

• Join the project's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/illinoishighspeedrail

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Just for You Salon

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Lifeline Program
Click here to see a list of telecommunications companies offering assistance to low income individuals.

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Directory of Illinois Health Departments
Find your local health department.

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Substance Abuse Treatment
24-Hour Helpline 877-321-RECOVER (7326)

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Electronics Recycling Drop-Off Locations

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Champaign-Urbana Autism Walk

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Red Cross