A traffic signal at the intersection of Moreland Boulevard and Town Center Boulevard. An eastbound left turn lane from Town Center onto northbound Moreland. A westbound left turn lane from Town Center onto southbound Ryder Lane. Intersection lighting at both the Moreland and Ryder intersections with Town Center. Pavement Patching at several locations within the project limits. Replacing the pavement markings along Town Center from Prospect Avenue to Neil Street. Reconfiguration of the sidewalk ramps at Moreland Boulevard to improve accessibility.

Lane closures will be necessary to complete the work. Delays may occur, but one lane of traffic in each direction on Town Center Boulevard will remain open throughout the project. Access to businesses will also be maintained at all times. The project is expected to be completed by the end of August, 2012.

The City asks that drivers pay attention to traffic control changes and drive with care through the construction zone. City staff apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this work will cause area businesses, employees and visitors and appreciates the cooperation of everyone in order to maintain a safe environment.

The Champaign City Council will hold a Study Session on the topic at the Tuesday, June 26, 2012 meeting. Prior to this meeting the City of Champaign will also work closely with the Champaign Center Partnership to solicit input from interested mobile food truck vendors as well existing Downtown and Campustown businesses. This input will be presented at the City Council Study Session. Questions on this process can be directed to Assistant Planning Director, Rob Kowalski at rob.kowalski@ci.champaign.il.us or 217-403-8800.

Paula Drive from Melanie Lane to Honeysuckle Lane

In an effort to improve pedestrian safety in the neighborhood, this project will construct new sidewalk along the north side of Paula Drive from Melanie Lane to Honeysuckle Lane.

Please do not park on the street near the construction site or in areas that are posted “No Parking.” Please proceed cautiously through construction zones and use alternate routes whenever possible.

The contractor will attempt to complete construction activities as soon as possible to minimize any inconvenience to the residents in the areas of construction.

Driveway closures will be required within the locations above. The contractor will provide additional information to property owners regarding access at least 48 hours in advance of the closure.

The City of Champaign would like to thank you for your cooperation and patience during the remainder of this construction season.

McShane would like to thank the City of Champaign and the public for their cooperation and patience for any inconvenience this work may cause.

For further information contact:
Alberto Landa
McShane Construction
(847) 692-8847

Marketview Drive from Neil Street to Market Street

This work involves preparation and laying of sod for lawn restoration.

Please pay close attention to construction signs and traffic control devices. Please do not park on the street near the construction site or in areas that are posted “No Parking.” Please proceed cautiously through construction zones and use alternate routes whenever possible. The contractor will attempt to complete construction activities as soon as possible to minimize any inconvenience to the residents in the areas of construction.

The City of Champaign would like to thank you for your cooperation and patience during the remainder of this construction season.

On Friday, May 18, 2012, the Neighborhood Services Department and the Neighborhood Services Advisory Board will host the Third Annual Service Together Achieves Results, or STAR Awards Ceremony, to recognize outstanding civic activities of local citizens working to make the City of
Champaign a great place to live, work and play. The eight categories and 2012 nominees are: 

1. Business-Neighborhood Partnership Award, with 3 nominees Brain Holding, John Peisker/O’Neil Brothers, William Jones);

2. Community Partner Award, with 7 nominees (Austin’s Place, Campu Community Connections, CommUnity Matters, Adele Suslick, Provena Center for Healthy Aging, Stacy Tutt, Val McWilliams/Land of Lincoln Legal Services);

3. Difference Maker Award, with 6 nominees (Asia Fuller-Hamilton, John Harmon, Nancy Taylor, Nicole Bridges, Sally Carter, Tracy Parish/ARRI Project);

4. Good Neighbor Award with 4 nominees (Arnold Hewitt, Justin Swim, Linda Thiele, Paul and Mary Ann Keith);

5. Neighborhood Leadership Award with 6 nominees (Amy Revilla/Garden Hills Neighborhood Group, Meghan Firchau, Reverend Dr Eugene Barnes, Seon Williams, Sherri Rush, Steve Cochran);

6. Neighborhood of the Year Award with 2 nominees (Draper-Healey Neighborhood Watch and Westfield Eagle Eyes);

7. Neighborhood-Community Building Award with 3 nominees (Mary Howell/Beardsley Park Neighborhood Association, Habitat for Humanity, Green Meadows/Southwood Neighborhood Group); and

8. Rising Star Award with 3 nominees (Taylor Hug, Ranija Turner and University High School Student Group).

This year’s event includes an information resource fair; entertainment provided by the Krannert Center for Performing Arts; and the STAR Awards Ceremony presented by Dave Benton, News Anchor, WCIA News Channel 3.

A student at Central High School reported to school staff that a gun had been spotted in another student’s backpack. The staff located the student, but not the backpack. He was questioned by police and subsequently released. During the investigation, it was reported to police that another student, a 16 year-old male, had taken the backpack away from the original student and left the area with it. He was also questioned by police and released.

After conducting a thorough search of the school, an Airsoft gun was found in a second floor classroom. Additional information led police to Westside Park, where the pellets for the Airsoft gun were located in the park’s Gazebo.

“The students’ willingness to provide information to police and the school district’s timely response to this incident resulted in recovery of the Airsoft gun.

The staff at Central took appropriate action and kept the students safe during the incident. Thankfully, no students were harmed,” says Deputy Chief Gallo.

Nick Thurman, 37, was arrested at a residence in Fisher after police received multiple Crime Stoppers tips.

On May 6th, officers were dispatched to Illini Arcade at approximately 8:49 p.m. after the suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the business. The suspect was armed with a knife when he entered the business and demanded money from a female employee. He then ordered the employee to follow him out of the store to a nearby parking lot and fled from the scene. There were two customers in the store during the robbery. None reported being physically harmed.

“Tips submitted through the Crime Stoppers program assisted us with making this arrest. This crime may not have been solved without the assistance of the public and the department is grateful for this program,” says Chief Anthony Cobb.

Feutz Contractors would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience for any inconvenience this work may cause.

For further information contact:
Ryan Huets
Feutz Contractors
(217) 202-5038