Good Day
Champaign
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
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Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Champaign County officials identified 18-year-old Samuel A. Shonkwiler from St. Joseph as the victim in a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday near County Road 1380 North and County Road 2400 East at 10:30 p.m.—the vehicle hit a utility pole at high speed and he was pronounced dead at the scene. WICS
- ➤ A teenager, Samuel A. Shonkwiler, 18, of St. Joseph, was killed in a single-vehicle crash near County Road 1380 North and County Road 2400 East on Thursday at 10:30 p.m.—the Champaign County Sheriff's Office and coroner's office are investigating the incident and have scheduled an autopsy. WAND
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Champaign County Circuit Court associate judge ruled Thursday that James White must be detained until trial after he allegedly fired his gun twice, sped at 70 mph through three stop lights on the campus—crashing his car where police found alcohol and a handgun, and he now faces charges including possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, armed violence, aggravated discharge, aggravated fleeing and DUI. WCIA
- ➤ More than three dozen community members met last Thursday in Champaign County for a session organized by the Champaign Department of Equity and Engagement to address gun violence after three fatal shootings in recent weeks — victim advocate Andre Davis and local officials including police chiefs and Mayor Deshawn Williams discussed building trust with youth to help prevent further tragedies. WCIA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A retired University of Illinois professor, Stephen Long, was named a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation for his 50 years of work on photosynthesis and crop productivity through the RIPE project—his research from the Energy Farm in Urbana has trained scientists worldwide—boosting efforts to increase seed and food production. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Senators Durbin and Duckworth announced that Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield received $940,000 and University of Illinois Willard Airport in Savoy received $400,000 from federal funds to rehabilitate their runways—Willard Airport will use the money for surveys and environmental reviews as it plans to replace its runway by 2028. WCIA
- ➤ Illinois announced that five major infrastructure projects in the Champaign-Urbana area will receive nearly $298.2 million to boost safety, mobility, and jobs. One project will finish this winter while four are set to complete in 2026—motorists can expect occasional lane closures during construction. WICS
- ➤ Champaign County offices moved completely into the Bennett Administrative Center in downtown Urbana this week—Aaron Ammons said his office was the last to relocate. Most services are now available and a formal dedication is being planned with details to be posted soon. WCIA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Champaign Park District announced the Dodds Tennis Center will remain open through the summer—extending operations until early September so residents can book indoor tennis courts, join clinics, leagues, and a Lunch Club Workout. Court times are available Monday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 10 p.m., and Monday afternoons from 12 to 1:30 p.m. with bookings accepted a week ahead for $30 per hour. The Daily Illini
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
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Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers - July Edition
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Dance the night away with swing music at this community-focused event.
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Ag Tech Innovation Showcase 2025
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Free entry — Connect with farmers and innovators at this exciting showcase of ag tech solutions.
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Bollywood Party - Bonalu Celebration
9 PM-2 AM — The Axe Bar — $20 cover at the door — Dance and celebrate the vibrant Bonalu festival with the biggest Bollywood party in Central IL.
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CUDO Plays Game Night
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Unwind with fellow gamers and enjoy a night of friendly competition and socializing.
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Free Pool Party at Crystal Lake Park
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening at a community pool party with activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
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Summer Splash
Join us for an exciting and family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods, brought to you by the Forest Preserves in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!
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Summer Splash
Join us for an exciting and family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods, brought to you by the Forest Preserves in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!
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Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the life and music of Carole King in a vibrant musical celebration.
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Flower Arranging Workshop
6:30-9 p.m. — Graceful Acres Flower Farm — Cost information not provided — Create stunning floral displays while connecting with other women in the community.
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Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Virginia Theatre — Cost varies — Celebrate the life and music of Carole King through her unforgettable songs and inspiring story.
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Senior Luncheon and Bingo
12 – 2 PM — Douglass Community Center — Free meal — Seniors can enjoy a delicious lunch and participate in exciting rounds of BINGO with prizes.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Champaign
Welcome to the Good Day Champaign, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Champaign, Illinois community. If you like the Good Day Champaign, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Champaign.
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