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Saturday, July 4, 2009

C-U, Rantoul, Mahomet, Homer fireworks POSTPONED

The Freedom Celebration officials have postponed the fireworks and evening entertainment till Sunday.

The decision came after canceling the Fourth of July parade for the first time ever.

Fireworks displays in Rantoul, Lake of the Woods events have been postponed till Sunday. And the Leader reports Homer's events move to Sunday, with the exception of the fireworks, which will be July 11.

Fireworks traffic plan in place for Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Fireworks for the Champaign County Freedom Celebration will be tonight at Dodds Park in northwest Champaign, next to Parkland College.

The event has been marred with traffic snarls in the past since moving to Parkland two years ago.

Rain alone won't cancel C-U parade

CHAMPAIGN – Only if there's the threat of dangerous weather will today's Champaign County Freedom Celebration parade through Urbana and Champaign be canceled, parade coordinator Eileen Morris said Friday.

Rain alone will not shut down the event, she said.

Area celebrations mark holiday

Other area celebrations

TODAY

Arthur: Parade from Jurgens Park through downtown, 10 a.m.

Charleston: Morton Park, Illinois 16 and Lincoln Avenue; parade, 1 p.m.; fireworks, Coles County Airport, dusk, free.

Tips from the pros for photographing fireworks

If you want to capture a photograph of this weekend’s fireworks displays, here are some tips News-Gazette photographers have used.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service.

Diprivan is an anesthetic widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it's given intravenously and is very unusual to have in a private home.

Take in a fireworks display this weekend - or two

Independence Day parades, fireworks:

TODAY

Stop by for fun, pageantry at Vermilion Fair and Expo

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Fair & Expo will have many of everyone's favorites, with some new twists.

Here's a reminder on Champaign fireworks traffic plan

CHAMPAIGN – Fireworks for the Champaign County Freedom Celebration will be on Saturday night at Dodds Park in northwest Champaign, next to Parkland College.

The event has been marred with traffic snarls in the past since moving to Parkland two years ago.

LA braces for horde of Michael Jackson mourners

LOS ANGELES (AP) – City officials are scrambling over the holiday weekend to try to figure out how to accommodate a public memorial service for Michael Jackson at a venue that can hold no more than 20,000 people.

The event has been set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the downtown Staples Center, according to a statement from the Jackson family's publicist. The service is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators wanting to pay their respects to the King of Pop, who died June 25. How city officials will handle the massive crowd remains to be settled.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

DEA joins Michael Jackson death investigation

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The circumstances surrounding Michael Jackson's death have become a federal issue, with the Drug Enforcement Administration asked to help police take a look at the pop star's doctors and possible drug use.

Following Jackson's death, allegations emerged that the 50-year-old King of Pop had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.

Michael Jackson's albums flying off area shelves

CHAMPAIGN – Local record stores are reporting brisk sales of Michael Jackson and Jackson Five CDs, albums and DVDs since the pop-star's untimely death on June 25.

Most shops are out of Jackson-related products or have managed to get their stock replenished, if their distributor has any.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

C-U, area communities all preparing their holiday cheers

It is a Lincoln theme for many events this Fourth of July.

And what could be more apropos with this year's celebration of the 200th birthday of our 16th president?

Michael Jackson's will to be filed in court Wednesday

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Heavy construction equipment and workers passed through the wrought-iron gates of Neverland Ranch, fueling speculation that it could soon be hosting a funeral or a permanent memorial to Michael Jackson.

The activity occurred Tuesday, the day before Jackson's will was expected to be filed in court. Santa Barbara County officials said there were no final decisions by the Jackson family for any funeral or memorial service in the county or at Neverland.

Parking, traffic restrictions for Freedom Celebration

Police are taking steps to prevent repeats of the traffic snarls in and around Parkland College and Dodds Park, where the Freedom Celebration fireworks will be on Saturday night.

Owner says Urbana dueling-piano bar staying silent

URBANA – Monday marked the swan song for 88 Broadway.

The dueling-piano bar at Urbana's Lincoln Square Village closed following dinner and performances that night.

Stop Vermilion's Ice Cream Man when he's passing by

DANVILLE – Donny Jenkins still remembers it vividly.

He and his siblings would be playing outside when they would hear the oh-so-distinct chimes of the Good Humor ice cream truck. After hitting up their mom for money, they – along with other neighborhood kids – would follow the sound through the streets until it led them to the truck and its treasure trove of icy treats.

Entrants sought for Rossville Sesquicentennial parade

ROSSVILLE – The Rossville Sesquicentennial committee is seeking entries for its parade, which is set for 4 p.m. Aug. 8 on Illinois 1.

Organizers hope area residents and businesses will join in with floats, cars, bicycles, horses, buggies or golf carts for the event.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dueling pianos go silent in Urbana

URBANA — Monday marked the swan song for 88 Broadway.

Michael Jackson's parents seek control of children, estate

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Jackson family is determined to move on in order to protect Michael Jackson's legacy and make sure his three children are well, family friend Al Sharpton said Tuesday.

"They've had challenges before," Sharpton said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "They always rallied."

Monday, June 29, 2009

Lawyer says Jackson's doctor didn't give excessive drugs

LOS ANGELES (AP) – A lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor said his client never gave or prescribed Jackson the painkillers Demerol or OxyContin, and denied reports suggesting that the doctor gave the pop star drugs that contributed to his death.

Edward Chernoff said in an interview Sunday with The Associated Press that any drugs that Dr. Conrad Murray gave Jackson were prescribed in response to a specific complaint from Jackson.

Stars, sister honor Michael Jackson at BET Awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Some of the biggest stars on the planet turned back into gushing Michael Jackson fans at the BET Awards, donning single gloves, swapping stories about their idol and singing The King of Pop's standards. One person who perhaps knew him best, though, brought the night into perspective: his sister.

"To you, Michael is an icon," a somber Janet Jackson told the crowd at the end of Sunday's show. "To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts."

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Gifford's revitalized Community Celebration to launch holiday weekend

GIFFORD – The Gifford community will get a head start on Fourth of July festivities with its Community Celebration Saturday.

The celebration, while a community mainstay for the better part of a quarter century, had been scaled back in recent years, according to Kelly Carter, Gifford State Bank marketing director. (Bank employees are organizing this year's event.) Last year's celebration featured only a parade and fireworks.

Artist questions value placed on stolen signs

URBANA – Cheyenne-Arapaho artist Edgar Heap of Birds says Crimestoppers has never been part of his career.

"I guess it is now," he said.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Fans mourn Michael Jackson's death; autopsy today

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Michael Jackson, defined in equal parts as the world's greatest entertainer and perhaps its most enigmatic figure, was about to attempt one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Then his life was cut shockingly – and so far, mysteriously – short.

The 50-year-old musical superstar died Thursday, just as he was preparing for what would be a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London's famed 02 arena. Jackson had been spending hours and hours toiling with a team of dancers for a performance he and his fans hoped would restore his tarnished legacy to its proper place in pop.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Gifford Community Celebration set for this Saturday

GIFFORD – The Gifford community will get a head start on Fourth of July festivities with its Community Celebration on Saturday.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Coroner: Medicine overdose killed musician Bennett

URBANA – Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup reported Tuesday that the late rock musician Jay Bennett died from an overdose of pain medication.

Mr. Bennett, 45, of Urbana, was found in his bed on May 24 and was pronounced dead later at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Champaign native realizes dream with character designs

More than meets the eye? The motto of "Transformers," whose sequel, "Revenge of the Fallen," is opening at midnight tonight at both Champaign's Carmike Beverly Cinema and the Goodrich Savoy 16, could also describe Champaign native Josh Nizzi, a 32-year-old freelance artist whose designs of transforming alien robots such as Megatron will grace big screens around the world.

Nizzi, who now lives in Cary, N.C., tapped into a more typical machine to tell The News-Gazette how he broke into film, and how a Transformer goes from sketch to screen.

Charleston PBS station back in Comcast lineup

CHAMPAIGN – WEIU-TV's program listings will return to The News-Gazette's "TV This Week" supplement following a few weeks' absence.

The listings were dropped after changes in April that forced Comcast's analog customers to get a set-top box if they wanted to continue seeing the Charleston-based public broadcasting station on cable.

Some Urbana streets downtown to close for weekend

URBANA – Some downtown Urbana streets will be closed for the Urbana Blues, Brews and BBQ festival this weekend.

At 8 a.m. Friday, Main Street between Broadway Avenue and Vine Street will close. Then at 2 p.m., Broadway Avenue between Elm and Main streets will be closed, and Walnut Street between Main and Water streets will be closed.

Parade of Lights set to sail Friday on Lake Vermilion

DANVILLE – The GAO Grotto and the Danville Boat Club will sponsor their joint Parade of Lights on Lake Vermilion at 9 p.m. Friday.

Prior to the parade, food will be served at both locations, which will be open to the public for the event.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Orpheum renovating auditorium, seeking expansion funds

CHAMPAIGN – The Orpheum Children's Science Museum doesn't have specific plans at this point of precisely how it would use the $500,000 proposed in the state capital bill for expansion.

But the museum would like to expand to the north with a multistory building perhaps two or three years down the road, said Sonya Darter, the museum's executive director.

Resident extras show up ready for their wide shots

CHAMPAIGN – "Who wouldn't want to be in a movie?"

That's the reason Madison Rice, an 11-year-old from Champaign, cited for showing up early Saturday morning at Franklin Middle School, ready to shoot a scene as part of the crowd in an amateur dance competition that's part of "Leading Ladies," a movie currently filming around the area.

"Strangely enough, we're shooting the first scene in the movie and the last scene today," said Jenna Weglarz-Ward of Champaign, casting director for the extras. Both scenes are dances taking place in the Champaign school, one set in the fall and one set in spring.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Rock camp teaches hot licks, stage presence

CHAMPAIGN – The new rock band finishes playing "Wonderwall" by Oasis when an uncomfortable lull sets in. John Jordan, one of the adults in the room, tells lead singer Keller Warfel to talk to the audience. He suggests that Keller introduce the band.

"We're called the Stereotypes," the 9-year-old boy begins. "When we first got to rock camp we got together to decide on a name. We thought of a bunch of things, like Drunk Monkey and Infection."

Champaign bookmobile gets a summer reprieve

CHAMPAIGN – For Marian McPhee, a woman with a disability, and Emma Jackson, an 8-year-old girl who likes to get books from the Champaign bookmobile, a decision made by the library board Thursday is a happy epilogue.

Vendor total up from a year ago for Taste of Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – The recession isn't hurting participation by local restaurants in this year's Taste of Champaign-Urbana, opening at 5 p.m. today in West Side Park in Champaign.

There's actually one more food vendor this year – 27 – than last year, according to Katie Flint, special events manager for the Champaign Park District.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Area towns plan busy weekend for Drivin' the Dixie festival

Several cities and villages along the Dixie Highway (Illinois 1) are planning to keep participants in this year's Drivin' the Dixie event, visitors and area residents busy all weekend.

Both Rossville with a concert and Danville by celebrating the Custard Cup's 60 years on the Dixie Highway will kick off the weekend of events surrounding a trek of cars from Danville to Momence. People from the northern part of the state participate by driving south from Blue Island and meeting drivers coming north.

The Wine Rack: Cultivating a taste for affordable wines

Hey there. Long time, no see.

Well, at least from this vantage point. It's been more than three years since this wine column last appeared, put on hiatus because I just didn't have enough time to devote to it. Instead of attending weekend wine tastings, my wife and I were peddling our books and photographs at art fairs and other events.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Taste of Champaign-Urbana this weekend

The 2009 Taste of Champaign-Urbana is this weekend at West Side Park.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fischer Theatre back in spotlight this weekend

DANVILLE – The Vermilion Heritage Foundation is lighting up, just as it hopes its work will light up the Fischer Theatre marquee once and for all.

Send us your event information for Independence Day

The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, which means a fun-filled, three-day holiday for most folks.

But before the fun starts, we need a list of all the things to do, whether it's fireworks, carnivals, parades or cookouts open to the public.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Free shows, food offered by Urbana Park District

URBANA – Like your music outside and free? The Urbana Park District has two months of free music planned as part of its Neighborhood Nights concert series.

The music will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a different style played at a different Urbana park each week. The series begins Wednesday at Carle Park with Lugnutz playing and continues through July 29, when The Surreal Deal will play at Meadowbrook Park's PrairiePlay. There will also be free popcorn and lemonade, kids activities and other opportunities. In case of rain, the concerts are postponed until the next day. For more information, go to www.urbanaparks.org.

Kids to receive prizes for reading at Westville library

WESTVILLE – The Westville Public Library will conduct a summer reading incentive program for children that runs through Aug. 15.

Kids will earn library "loot" for reading books. The loot can be redeemed at the Westville Public Library for a variety of items. Loot is awarded according to the child's age group, as well as the number of books read. Call 267-3170 for more information.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd, ex-'Idols' to play state fair grandstand this year

SPRINGFIELD – Ticket sales for Illinois State Fair grandstand concerts start this weekend.

The grandstand box office opens Saturday, with special hours from 9 a.m. to noon. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The box office will reopen on Saturdays starting July 18.