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Highlights/scores: High school sports (10/19/26)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- The playoffs have begun for boys' high school soccer, with regional champions crowned by the end of the week. BOYS' SOCCER REGIONAL SEMIFINALS Fisher 5, IVC 0 Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 1, Watseka 0 Monticello 7, St. Teresa 0 St. Thomas More 8, Unity 0 Urbana 2, Centennial 1…

Woman accused of trying to run person over in Mattoon pleads guilty

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- A woman was sentenced to probation in Coles County after she pleaded guilty to trying to run another woman over with her car. Court records show Ashley Ryan was in court last week for a plea hearing in the case against her. Facing six counts that ranged from felony attempted murder

St. Joseph overpass named in honor of fallen Illinois State Trooper

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two years after the death of Illinois State Trooper Corey S. Thompsen, a permanent addition to his hometown was officially dedicated over the weekend. An overpass in St. Joseph was officially named the Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Overpass. It carries County Road 1900E over Interstate…

Sheriff's Office investigating weekend crash involving Mattoon Police officer

COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Coles County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash involving a Mattoon squad car. The accident happened on Saturday, shortly before 1:30 p.m. According to Ryan Hurst, deputy chief with the Mattoon Police Department, an officer was responding to a report of a structure fire with his…

Springfield house destroyed by fire; cause under investigation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A house was deemed a total loss after it caught fire in Springfield early Monday morning. The fire happened in the area of 17th Street and Griffith Avenue. Julie Plunk, the Springfield Fire Department's assistant fire chief, said firefighters were dispatched at 4:10 a.m. and arrived to find…

Decatur Police respond to shots fired report Monday afternoon

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- Officers are currently on the scene of a shots fired incident in Decatur. Officials with the Decatur Police Department said officers responded to the area of East Division and North Folk Streets around 12:30 p.m. for a report of gunshots being heard. Officers are still on the scene, and the…

One person hurt in weekend Decatur shooting

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Decatur Police Department is investigating after a person was shot Sunday night. The shooting happened in the area of North Union Street and West Grand Avenue. Lieutenant Gavin Marquis said officers responded to a report of shots being fired at 6:23 p.m. and they found a victim at the scene

'Goat'-ally fantastic: Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery hosts Fall Farm Celebration

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery isn't kidding around when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Over the weekend, the farm held its Fall Farm Celebration, complete with a goat parade, a goat photo booth and live music. The parades were held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. People

Illini men's basketball starts season at No. 3 in AP poll

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Illinois men's basketball will open its 2026-27 campaign ranked in the top five of the AP Poll. The preseason poll was released Monday morning, and Illinois checked in at No. 3. The rest of the top five includes Florida (No. 1), Duke (No. 2), UConn (No. 4) and Arizona (No. 5).

Decatur man pleads guilty in 2011 Caleb Witty murder case

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- 15 years after a Decatur teenager was murdered during a robbery, one of two people facing charges for the crime has pleaded guilty. Michael I. Wallace, 36, was in Macon County court Monday morning for what was expected to be the start of his jury trial. He was charged with four

Douglas County Animal Shelter unveils renovated space for pets

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) – The Douglas County Animal Shelter is back open at its original location. Over the weekend, the animal shelter showed off its renovated space, which is meant to be better for the furry friends they take care of. They were working out of the county highway department building for five months…

Urbana Police, Crime Stoppers looking for tips on armed Dollar General robbery

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Urbana Police Department is seeking help from Crime Stoppers in solving an armed robbery that happened earlier this month. The robbery was at the Dollar General on East Colorado Avenue. Officials said that on Oct. 2 at 9:10 p.m., a man brandished a firearm, grabbed the store clerk and forced

UPDATE: Coroner identifies motorcyclist killed in Decatur hit-and-run crash

Update at 1:20 p.m. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Macon County Coroner's Office released Monday afternoon the name of the motorcyclist who died in Sunday's hit-and-run crash. In a news release, Coroner Michael Burkham said the motorcyclist is Brylan Lee Williams, 22 of Decatur. He was pronounced dead at Decatur Memorial…

Danville's Second Chance Animal Adoption Center needs donations

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Second Chance Animal Adoption Center is asking community members for help as its food supply dwindles. After its kennels were temporarily emptied, the former Danville Humane Society reopened its doors last month with a new name. The center is a no-kill shelter, which houses animals in…

Charleston Police Department announces death of active K9

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Charleston Police Department announced on Sunday the death of Bolt, an active K9. Bolt died due to complications from kidney disease, according to the department. He had served Charleston since March of 2023 and worked alongside Officer Glidewell. "He was a dedicated partner and valued…

'No Kings' demonstrators rally in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Nearly 100 demonstrations statewide brought thousands out to protest the Trump administration, just weeks before the election. At the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, hundreds gathered. The "No Kings" movement has been speaking out against the Trump administration for more than a year…

Sangamon Co. man charged with possessing, sharing child sexual abuse material

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Sangamon County man has been charged with possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. 24-year-old Cole C. Crowder of Pawnee is facing five counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material -- Class X felonies -- and five counts of possession of child sexual abuse material…

Trailer in Champaign Co. a 'total loss' after fire

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Firefighters responded to a trailer that caught fire between Tolono and Sadorus on Saturday. It happened along County Road 800 N, just west of Tolono, around 5:30 p.m. Sadorus Fire Chief Robert Russian said no one was hurt, and the trailer was not being lived in. But, he said it was

UPDATE: Coles Co. Coroner's Office IDs 20-year-old killed in motorcycle crash

Update: 4:30 p.m. 10/18/2026 COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 20-year-old from Trilla was killed in a motorcycle crash near the Coles and Cumberland County line on Saturday. The Coles County Coroners Office identified the victim as 20-year-old Ezra Weber. Weber was pronounced dead on the scene. When WCIA reached out to…

IHSA football playoff pairings announced

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- The high school football playoff pairings have been announced, with the expanded field of teams now including 48 qualifiers per class and 16 teams with opening-round byes per class. Here are the matchups for teams in the WCIA 3 viewing area: CLASS 1A: Opening round byes: #4 Sullivan, #2…

HIGHLIGHTS: Illinois basketball wins exhibition at Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCIA) - Illinois men's basketball scored plenty in its first time back on the floor since the 2026 Final Four. The Illini beat Cincinnati 105-96 on Saturday at Fifth Third Arena. Andrej Stojakovic led the Illini with 24 points. Freshman guards Quentin Coleman and Ethan Brown were both featured in the…

Highlights/scores: High school/college sports (10/17/26)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- A bye week for the Illini does not mean Saturday was any less stacked with local football coverage. Check out the scores from the last few games of the high school regular season, plus highlights from EIU's second home game of the year. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond…

Illinois opens season with exhibition win at Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, OH (WCIA) -- Illinois men's basketball picked up a win in its first on-court appearance of the 2026-27 season with a 105-96 exhibition win at Cincinnati. Andrej Stojakovic led the Illini in scoring with 24 points, and Stefan Vaaks scored 19 off the bench. Five Illini total scored in double figures…

Annual Urbana food drive aims to help local pantries

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- Part of being healthy is having access to nutritious food, which is why Evergreen Roadworks in Urbana hosted their third annual food drive to benefit local food pantries. The event has a new partner this year: the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. Canned goods, nonperishable food items and toiletries…

Christie Clinic hosts annual race honoring lost loved ones

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- In Champaign County, community members honored the memories of loved ones who've passed away, step by step. Christie Clinic's annual "Run to Remember" took over Crystal Lake Park Saturday morning. People had the choice between a 5-mile or 5K run. The goal of the event is to reflect on the legacy

Part of Tuscola under boil order after water main break

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) -- A portion of Tuscola is currently under a boil order following a water main break. In a release Saturday morning, the city said the advisory has been issued for only the residential addresses along the west side of North Prairie Street, all of Jones Boulevard and Iron Horse Drive until further

Crews respond to apartment fire in Savoy, residents displaced

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Crews were able to extinguish a small fire in an apartment building in Savoy Friday evening. The Savoy Fire Department responded to an apartment in the 200 block of Green Street after a contractor working on the site called 911. Emergency crews arrived on scene at 5:11 p.m. to find a

Friday Football Fever (10/16/26)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- The last week of the high school football regular season did not disappoint. Williamsville outlasted Maroa-Forsyth in the Spotlight Game of the Week, several teams won in shutouts and rivalries clashed across the state. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Williamsville 14, Maroa-Forsyth 7 Heyworth 53…

The Warehouse in Paxton announces reopening date after fire

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- After a fire earlier this week, The Warehouse in Paxton has set a date to reopen. It happened near the intersection of East State and North Vermillion Streets Monday afternoon. In a social media post Friday, the business announced it is reopening on Oct. 20. Staff thanked its wholesale vendors…

Paxton City Council votes against backyard chickens

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Paxton City Council has voted against backyard chickens for the time being. In a ballot question during March's primary election, residents voted slightly in favor of allowing people to raise chickens in their backyards; the non-binding question passed by just nine votes. But at Tuesday…

Community Spotlight: Urbana Park District S'mores Socials

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- For years, the Urbana Park District has hosted a series of events called S'mores Socials in the fall and winter. It's an outdoor s'mores party that takes place at a different park each month. Janet Soesbe, the park district's Community Program Manager, came on WCIA 3 News at Noon to talk

Springfield PD reports 4% reduction in overall crime during first 10 months of 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- New data from the Springfield Police Department shows crime in the city is down compared to last year. The SPD released an update on crime statistics Friday afternoon. The statistics included: Department officials said this data is helping them evaluate their approach to policing and ensure…

Rossville home destroyed by fire Friday morning

ROSSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- No one was hurt, but a Rossville home was left a total loss after a fire overnight. The fire happened in the area of Attica and Church Streets just after midnight on Friday. A total of 25 firefighters responded to the scene: three engine companies and mutual aid from the Hoopeston

Sangamon Co. Sheriff's Lieutenant pleads not guilty to hitting pedestrian in squad car

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Sangamon County Sheriff's Lieutenant pleaded not guilty in a traffic case where he allegedly hit a pedestrian with his squad car. Court records show Andrew Henton was in court on Thursday to make his first appearance before a judge; his ticket is for failing to yield to a pedestrian…

Virden man sentenced 6+ years for child porn possession

CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 29-year-old Virden man will spend the next six and a half years behind bars for possession of child pornography. In a release, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said that in July, Jacob Monty pleaded guilty in Macoupin County Circuit Court to two Class 2 felony counts

DACC shares goals, vision for the future in five-year strategic plan

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- Danville Area Community College staff are planning for the future. This is after survey results from students, staff and the community last year. The college's president said the school's focus is centered around four pillars: students, teaching and learning, the community and the institution…

Appellate court dismisses latest appeal from Sean Grayson's lawyers; conviction upheld

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- The late Sean Grayson's murder conviction will stand after a state appellate court ruled on the latest motions made by both his lawyers and prosecutors in his legal case. Grayson's attorneys filed a motion on Sept. 10 that asked an appellate court to vacate his conviction on a charge of…

CU Pride Fest brings parade, vendors to Urbana; road closures planned

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – CU Pride Fest is this weekend, and the community is invited to have fun and celebrate the LGBTQIA community. Pride events have already started around Champaign and Urbana, but this Saturday is the parade and the fair where local businesses, artists and community resources will be. People can…

Central Illinois families remember babies gone too soon at annual memorial

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Central Illinois families are bonding over their shared losses and making sure their youngest family members are never forgotten. Oct. 15 is known as the International Wave of Light. This is when families remember infants and pregnancies that tragically weren't able to make it. On Thursday, Carle…

Williamsville football playing for share of conference title in regular season finale

WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- First-year starting quarterback Keagan Peters has Williamsville one win away from winning a share of the Sangamo Conference title. "It's a huge goal," Peters said. "It's something we talk about all year, I mean, who wouldn't?" After starting on JV as a freshman and sophomore, he's made…

Illini volleyball picks up another ranked win

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois volleyball's start to Big Ten play has been a tall task, to say the least. Thursday marked the seventh-straight ranked opponent for the Illini to start conference play. It also marked the fourth win in that stretch for Chris Tamas' group. The Illini began conference play with three…

Fisher's Andrew Todd named WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week

FISHER, Ill. (WCIA) - Fisher quarterback/linebacker Andrew Todd was named the WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week on Thursday. Todd has helped the Bunnies put together their strongest season in recent program history, entering week nine with a record of 7-1. Todd had five total touchdowns in the Bunnies' week seven win…

Former Maroa-Forsyth teacher sentenced 30 months probation, jail time for sexual abuse

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- A teacher formerly employed by the Maroa-Forsyth School District has been sentenced to 30 months of probation and jail time for engaging in sexual conduct with a teenager in 2023. On Aug. 20, 31-year-old Zoe Duncan-Savage offered to enter a guilty plea through a partial plea agreement to one…

Coles County stewardship gets state money to combat invasive species

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Coles County stewardship program is getting almost $86,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, one of 14 across the state. The IDNR said that as part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program, Grand Prairie Friends will receive $85,803. The money will be used…

Effingham man sentenced to 5 years for 5 separate cases including 2026 stabbing

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 21-year-old Effingham man is set to spend the next five years behind bars after he took a plea deal in five separate cases, including a stabbing earlier this year. Samuel J. Sarver pleaded guilty to the following charges in five separate incidents that took place between 2024 and 2026, and

Courage Connection hosts free clinic for domestic violence survivors

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and an Urbana nonprofit is offering resources to survivors. Courage Connection is providing ML4A: a free mobile law clinic providing legal services to victims to help them navigate the justice system. The Illinois Coalition of Domestic Violence has…

U of I GEO members rally for better wages for international students, graduate workers

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- One labor union wants more protections for international and immigrant graduate student workers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) is asking the administration for a new contract with protections they say would improve the lives of…

Louisiana man accused of drunk driving, causing crash in Urbana

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- A man from Louisiana was arrested in Urbana this week after police said he drunkenly crashed his car. The crash happened on Monday, Oct. 12, at Lincoln Avenue and Sunset Drive. Lieutenant David Roesch said officers arrived at the scene to find a car had rear-ended another. "Officers spoke to…

Champaign County community members discuss ways to break cycle of violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Champaign County Coalition and more than 100 community members gathered together in Champaign on Wednesday to discuss solutions to violence. The coalition’s motto is to 'Walk as One' and be a community that moves forward together. On Wednesday, dozens of community members met in Champaign…

Decatur man pleads guilty to drunk driving in death of 12-year-old boy

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Decatur man who was charged with drunk driving in connection with the death of a 12-year-old boy last year pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in the case against him. Macon County court records show that Hassan Woods, 46, pleaded guilty on Thursday to aggravated DUI with no valid insurance,

Community Spotlight: 'We Interrupt This Program' at The Virginia Theatre

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Bill Odenkirk and Sarah Edwards joined WCIA 3's Katie Moore to talk about an upcoming show at The Virginia Theatre. Friday Oct. 16 and Saturday Oct. 17 the "We Interrupt This Program" play is being presented by Show & Tell Productions in Urbana. The production is starring Bob Odenkirk, Jill…

Community Spotlight: 'We Interrupt This Program' at The Virginia Theatre

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Bill Odenkirk and Sarah Edwards joined WCIA 3's Katie Moore to talk about an upcoming show at The Virginia Theatre. Friday Oct. 16 and Saturday Oct. 17 the "We Interrupt This Program" play is being presented by Show & Tell Productions in Urbana. The production is starring Bill's brother Bob…

Massey Community Action Network holds first meeting in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Massey Community Action Network held its first community meeting Wednesday night in Springfield. The organization said this is an important milestone as they work to address concerns following the death of Sonya Massey. The commission's goals and next steps were shared including the…

Suspects arrested in Champaign for FBI investigation connected to Georgia murder

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The suspects taken into custody after an FBI investigation in Champaign are connected to a murder that happened in the State of Georgia. WCIA spoke with Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz on Thursday, and she shed more light on the arrests that followed a police chase in Champaign…

From the Farm: U of I scientist leads new farming research

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- As soon as harvest concludes, farmers will be back in the field with fertilizer application for the 2027 crop. But they're faced with questions about how much is needed in the wake of high prices. University of Illinois fertility specialist John Jones won't have his research done by this fall…

UPDATE: New York man killed in Sangamon County car vs. semi-truck crash on I-55

Update at 10:25 a.m. DIVERNON, Ill. (WCIA) -- A man from New York City was identified as the victim of Thursday morning's crash in Sangamon County. Jim Allmon, Sangamon County Coroner, told WCIA that the victim is 55 years old and from Brooklyn. He was pronounced dead at 6:45 a.m. at the scene of the

Williamsville soccer preparing for postseason after successful regular season

WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- Williamsville boys soccer heads into the IHSA postseason with a 16-4-2 record, one season after making a run to Super Sectionals last season. The program is in search of its first-ever trip to state after winning a sectional title each of the last three seasons. The Bullets had to replace…

Maroa-Forsyth football looks to complete undefeated regular season

MAROA, Ill. (WCIA) -- Maroa-Forsyth has not gotten a win over Williamsville since the 2023 season, the last time the Trojans had an undefeated regular season. "Haven't for years and we just want to come out, punch them in the mouth and take control of the game," senior Declan Shannon said. The freshmen on that

Bielema talks Houser, Clayton, Platt, defensive plans during bye week

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema spoke with reporters on Wednesday while the Illini hope to put to good use their week off. Illinois has a bye for week seven, after a 3-3 start to the year. Following the bye, Illinois returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 24 at home against

Community Spotlight: U of I October Dance concert

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- The University of Illinois' Department of Dance is hosting its October Dance concert this week. Concert directors Sam Hanson and Sara Hook came on The Morning Show to preview the concert and talk about the time and effort that went into preparing for it. It will be a showcase of four

Springfield Fire Department holds live fire training in former UIS apartment buildings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Three former apartment buildings on the UIS campus will serve one last purpose before they are gone for good: training firefighters for emergencies. The Springfield Fire Department will perform three controlled burns at the apartment buildings at the Sunflower Court family housing complex…

Community Spotlight: Art Auction & Community Celebration

TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WCIA) -- Riley Baxter and Macci Johnson joined WCIA 3's Amanda Brennan to talk about an upcoming art event in Teutopolis. The Effingham County Community Support Systems is organizing an event that helps adults with special needs through paintings. An auction will be held with this art, and the money…

Shelby County man gets 5 years for sexual abuse of a minor

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Shelby County man is set to spend the next five years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse of a juvenile earlier this year. At what was originally scheduled to be a pre-trial hearing in Effingham County court, Sullivan J. Chern, 23 of Siegel, pleaded guilty to

Where to get scared at haunted attractions across Central Illinois:

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- With spooky season just around the corner, there is still time to get your Halloween fix at these haunted attractions across the area. Necrosis Haunted House Farmer City Haunted Forest Clinton's Terror on Washington Street Haunted House The Haunted Hideaway Haunted Decatur Tours Did we miss…

Sangamon Co. Crime Stoppers seeking tips on criminal damage to boat

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties is asking for help in solving a case of criminal damage to a boat. The crime happened the morning of Oct. 2 at East Side Marine, which is located at 2525 East North Grand Avenue. Officials said that at 4:50 a.m., a man cut

Mahjong madness takes over Central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- They say what's old is new again, and that's especially true for one activity with roots dating back to the 1800s. Mahjong -- a tile-based strategy game -- is resurging all across the country. In Central Illinois, area businesses and passionate teachers are introducing it to a new generation…

One person airlifted after semi-truck rolls over, catches fire near Chrisman

CHRISMAN, Ill. (WCIA) -- A semi-truck driver was airlifted to a hospital after their truck rolled over and caught fire near Chrisman on Tuesday. Officials from the Chrisman Fire Protection District posted on Facebook that at 5:16 p.m., firefighters were initially dispatched to Effingham Equity Inc, for a reported hot…

Danville woman sentenced 8 years for beating grandchildren, locking them in basement

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Danville woman will spend the next eight years behind bars after pleading guilty to locking her grandchildren in a basement and beating them. According to the Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office, on Sept. 17, 53-year-old Amadius Watson pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated…

UPDATE: Two people arrested after FBI investigation in Champaign

UPDATE on 10/15 at 9 a.m. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The FBI is the lead agency on the investigation that resulted in a police chase through Champaign on Wednesday. Though they can only release minimal details to the public at this time, an FBI spokesperson confirmed that two people were arrested as a part of

Sangamon Co. man charged with gun crimes after 18 firearms found on property

ROCHESTER, Ill. (WCIA) -- A man is facing charges after a domestic violence incident in Rochester led to the discovery of 18 guns and almost two pounds of suspected marijuana. The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded on Sunday to a reported domestic disturbance on Lake Services Road, just outside…

Village of Buckley breaks ground on new sewer system to improve water quality

BUCKLEY, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Village of Buckley is breaking ground on a new sewer system that officials say will clean up their water quality. Back in April, the village came up short of the $21 million to get the sewer system built. But now after getting the money, they are starting the process. The

Tilton man gets 15 years in prison for distributing child pornography

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Tilton man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography. The Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office said Ryan Emory, 25, pleaded guilty to a Class X count of reproducing child pornography. Court records indicate he faced a dozen counts in…

Groundbreaking marks new chapter for Homer Lake

HOMER, Ill. (WCIA)-- It's been more than 10 years in the making -- Homer Lake is set to see some new upgrades. The Champaign County Forest Preserve just broke ground on a new nature center on the lake. This building will be in addition to what's already in place. Organizers say they plan to renovate

Champaign County working to ban NDAs, tax incentives for data centers

URBANA, Ill.(WCIA) –- Champaign County board members say that they may not be able to stop data centers from coming to the area, but they can create regulations. The Champaign County Board met on Tuesday to vote on ordinances they want to pass. Any data center developer wanting to add a center in the county

Champaign shooting leaves one hospitalized with 'potentially life-threatening' wound

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- One person was hospitalized after Champaign Police said they were shot Tuesday night. The shooting happened in the Garden Hills neighborhood around 6:36 p.m. Officials with the Champaign Police Department said officers were dispatched to the intersection of Paula and Garden Hills Drives for a…

Central flag football falls in sectional finals

MOMENCE, Ill. (WCIA) -- Champaign Central's girls' flag football season came to an end in the sectional finals. The Maroons fell 26-22 to Bradley-Bourbonnais, ending the year with a 13-3 record in their second season. Flag football was sanctioned by the IHSA for the 2024-25 season. Central cruised through the…

Illini women's basketball focused on practice development with high expectations

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- After making the NCAA Tournament three out of the last four years and a ton of production returning from last season, expectations continue to rise for Illinois women's basketball. Illinois is also getting national attention, including ranking 20th in ESPN's 2026-27 preseason Top 25 rankings…

Small field fire breaks out near Ivesdale Tuesday morning

IVESDALE, Ill. (WCIA) -- A small field fire broke out between Ivesdale and Seymour early Tuesday morning, according to the Ivesdale Fire Chief. Chief Jim Brewer said a bearing went out in a harvesting combine, sparking a flame which spread to standing corn. He said with the dry crop, and strong winds, it was a

Pizzeria Antica getting makeover thanks to improvement grant

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Pizzeria Antica, a wood-fired pizza restaurant in downtown Champaign, is getting a makeover. Owner Ramin Karimpour said the city recently gave the shop a competitive storefront improvement grant. It’s part of the city's "Downtown Refresh" program. As a result, the city will pay for $25,000 in…

From the Farm: Illinois clarifies dyed diesel rules

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- There is a bit more clarity for farmers when it comes to record-keeping of diesel fuel used on and off the farm. After Governor Pritzker gave permission for farmers to use untaxed diesel fuel in grain trucks, the Illinois Department of Transportation issued some rules for that. Kevin Semlow…

EIU alerts community of 'concerning social media posts;' investigation underway

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- Eastern Illinois University is continuing to investigate a situation involving "concerning social media posts." In a Facebook story post Tuesday morning, the college said it is aware of these posts, which they said have been circulating over the past 24 hours. They said at this time, the…

Decatur woman accused of stabbing friend during weekend argument

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Decatur woman is facing aggravated battery charges after police said she stabbed a friend during an argument that escalated into a physical fight. Cynthia Dear, 44, is facing three felony counts of aggravated battery -- for using a deadly weapon, for causing great bodily harm and for doing so…

David S. Palmer Arena getting $500K for improvements

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Danville sports arena is getting half a million dollars from the state. The money will be used to give the David S. Palmer Arena a bit of face lift. City and state leaders said it will pay for new seating inside the venue and help with funding a new flooring

One killed in Sunday morning Springfield crash; driver under investigation for DUI

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- One person is dead after a crash in Springfield early Sunday morning. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said that around 3 a.m., two vehicles collided near the intersection of North 11th and East Madison Streets. The passenger in one vehicle, identified as 21-year-old Sean Clark of Athens…

Threatening note found at Cumberland High School; students, staff relocated

GREENUP, Ill. (WCIA) -- Students and staff at Cumberland High School were relocated after a threat was discovered on a note Tuesday morning. District administrators said on Facebook that the note was found in a bathroom at the high school. They described the threat as "serious" and said they are taking it "very…

Paxton Fire Chief details response to three buildings catching fire on Monday

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- Nine agencies respond to a large fire at a business in Paxton after three buildings caught fire on Monday. Officials were called to the intersection of East State Street and North Vermillion Streets just before 3 p.m. at a business called The Warehouse at Paxton. Fire Chief Denny Kingren said the

Paxton Fire Chief details response to three buildings catching fire on Monday

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- Nine agencies respond to a large fire at a business in Paxton after three buildings caught fire on Monday. Officials were called to the intersection of East State Street and North Vermillion Streets just before 3 p.m. at a business called The Warehouse at Paxton. Fire Chief Denny Kingren said the

Decatur Mayor calling on churches, organizations to help fill gap left by Oasis

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Mayor of Decatur is calling on churches and organizations across the community to help fill the gaps left following Heritage Behavioral Health Center's decision to stop offering services in Decatur after 26 years. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said she wants people to step up to fill the gap left…

Paris field fire burns 55 acres of crop stubble, unharvested corn

PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) -- More than 50 acres of land near Paris were burned on Monday after a combine caught fire and the flames spread to crop stubble. The fire happened northeast of Paris near Edgar County 1900th Street and Clinton Road. Fire Chief Zack Janis said both the Paris Fire Department and Paris Community

25-30 acres burned in field fire near Hammond

HAMMOND, Ill. (WCIA) -- Firefighters near Hammond responded to a field fire on Monday that was possibly caused by a combine. The fire started around 2 p.m. about 1.5 miles south of Hammond. Officials from the Hammond Fire Protection District posted pictures of the fire and the burn scar left behind on Facebook…

Where and when you can vote early in Central Illinois ahead of 2026 Election Day

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Election Day is still six weeks away, but locations across Central Illinois open early voting this week. WCIA has compiled a guide of when and where you can cast your ballot. Below is a list of every early voting location in the region. With only a handful of exceptions, most counties