Community

Local community news, events, and neighborhood updates.

Iroquois Co. man arrested after sheriff's police conduct 'controlled buy' of cocaine

IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 35-year-old man was arrested after the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police conducted a "controlled buy" of cocaine, authorities said. In a news release sent to WCIA Tuesday evening, Sheriff Clinton Perzee said Imanuel Wilson of Sheldon has been charged with delivery...

Greg Ramirez

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Illinois State Capitol building under a clear sky, symbolizing state governance and legislative action.

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Recently filed bill carves path to grant funding for Illinois communities denied FEMA relief

In the wake of devastating storms that swept through Illinois, communities are rallying together, fueled by hope and determination. As the shadows of disaster loom, a new bill emerges, promising a lifeline to those who have been denied the aid they desperately need. This lifeline comes in the form...

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Exterior shot of The Curve Inn, a popular bar and music venue in Springfield, Illinois, after its rebuilding.

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Springfield's Curve Inn set to reopen after rebuilding in months after fire

After eight long months of uncertainty and dedicated rebuilding, the Curve Inn is ready to welcome back its loyal patrons. This beloved bar and music venue, a cornerstone of Springfield's vibrant nightlife, faced a devastating fire that threatened to extinguish its very spirit. Yet, through...

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Man accused of sending letters with 'unknown substance' to Illinois congressional offices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A man from Quincy is facing federal charges after prosecutors said he mailed letters containing an unknown substance to congressional offices in the Chicago area. Matthew Unglesbee, 36, was arrested on Sunday by federal authorities following the execution of a search...

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Sangamon Co. Animal Shelter cleared of highly contagious cat virus

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Cat adoptions and intakes can resume at one animal center in Springfield after a highly contagious virus discovered earlier this month has been cleared. In a Facebook post Tuesday morning, the Sangamon County Animal Control Adoption Center announced it has been cleared...

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Rantoul organization calls on community to say 'no' to proposed voting changes

RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) -- In Rantoul, one community group is speaking out against a referendum on the November ballot that could change how elected officials get voted in. Villagers currently vote for trustees by district. The referendum would allow the community to vote at large for the board of...

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From the Farm: Current ag policies

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- It's been a challenging year for farmers, with fertilizer shortages, rising diesel prices and growing reliance on government assistance. Large farm cooperatives like Growmark are facing upstream issues. Connor Kaeb, Government Relations Manager for Growmark, has been...

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$1M U of I project on water quality, farm economy takes a local approach to a bigger issue

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- A research project at the U of I aiming to prevent algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico while boosting farm economies has received nearly $1 million from the EPA. The Illinois Water Recycling for Gulf Nutrient Reduction Project is taking a local approach to the issue, before...

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Barn destroyed by early morning fire in Champaign County

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Champaign County barn was destroyed early Tuesday morning after a fire started. The fire happened southwest of Dewey near U.S. Route 136 and County Road 800 East. Officials from the Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District posted on Facebook that they were...

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Community Spotlight: Purses, Pastries and Preservation Fundraising Auction in Gibson City

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) -- A group with the goal to restore a historic building in Gibson City is hosting a unique event to raise money. Dawn Klintworth with the Gibson City Restoration Association joined WCIA 3's Katie Moore in the studio to share more information about the Purses, Pastries, and...

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Decatur man sentenced to a decade in prison for drug trafficking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Decatur man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after federal prosecutors said he was found and arrested with two kilograms of cocaine. According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois, 45-year-old Coryell Henz pleaded guilty in...

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No injuries reported after firefighters battle Paxton house fire

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- About 30 firefighters from three different departments responded to a house fire in Paxton Sunday evening. Paxton Fire Chief Denny Kingren told WCIA that firefighters were called out to 15 Allison Drive for reports of a garage fire with "flames showing" around 10:30 p.m. When...

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Springfield man accused of arson in explosion that hurt 4 people

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Four people, including three first responders, were hurt Sunday night by an explosion that happened during a fire response. A man is now facing arson charges, alleging that he started the fire. The fire happened in the area of Spring Street and Cornell Avenue. Officials...

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