City of Champaign Updates

 

WCIA had some additional coverage and updates on the City of Champaign's Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint (more on that in last month's Champaign updates Cheat Sheet post here and gun violence updates here). Excerpt:

We’ve reported about the new $6.2 million plan, called the “Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint.”

However, investing in early intervention and restoration of under-served communities as a way to reduce crime is not new. In fact, the plan was tailored after two out-of-state programs with a successful track record.

We took some time to learn about those to get an idea of what’s to come in Champaign and the lessons other cities learned along the way.

That full article here with video segments. Smile Politely's editorial board had an overview of the blueprint and their take on its various parts. WAND had coverage of the city's end of the year data on gun violence in 2021:

Champaign police data includes the following; 

259 shooting incidents in 2021, a 37% increase from 2020.
142 shooting incidents with property damage, a 19% increase from 2020. 
77 individuals struck by gunfire, a 35% increase from 2020. 
16 homicide victims by gunfire, a 60% increase from 2020. 

That full article here.

A Champaign firefighter was now recovering at home after injuries in a recent fire had sent him to the ICU. From a brief update according to WCIA:

A firefighter who was hurt during a house fire on Wednesday has been released from the hospital.

A spokesperson for the Champaign Fire Department says they will continue recovering at home.

The fire happened on Flora Drive, off of Springfield Avenue. Officials say the firefighter’s self-contained breathing apparatus mask became dislodged and the firefighter breathed in smoke-filled air.

Full blurb here. More on the fire and injury from the News-Gazette here.

Two Champaign Police officers were recognized by the Fraternal Order of Police for their actions and efforts surrounding the death of Officer Oberheim in the line of duty. From WCIA:

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge recognized two Champaign-area police officers for their roles during and following the shooting that claimed the life of Officer Christopher Oberheim.

Creel was recognized for his actions on May 19, 2021 after he and Oberheim were shot while responding to a domestic abuse call. Despite being seriously wounded, Creel returned fire toward the suspect who shot him, killing the suspect. The FOP Valor Award was presented to Creel for “his heroic actions and high degree of courage under fire.”

Wright was recognized for supporting his fellow officers in the aftermath of Oberheim’s death. Upon learning of the shooting, Wright took the day off without pay and, at his own expense, delivered coffee and breakfast to every agency investigating the shooting. The FOP Fraternalism Award is presented to an FOP member whose leadership inspires others and brings positive change.

Full article here. Monticello's plans for an Oberheim park in honor of the fallen officer and Monticello resident had a recent preview on their facebook page. Coverage from WCCU here. Background on the Monticello park plans and the Oberheim foundation involvement from the News-Gazette here and WAND here.

More Champaign city news:

• Illinois Newsroom had a brief overview of the City of Champaign's LIFT program in cooperation with Unit 4.
• The deadline for Chief of Police applications was extended according to WCIA.
• Illinois Newsroom highlighted a CU Citizen Access article on the drop in underage drinking enforcement.
• The Champaign Public Library plans to expand its teen area. From WCIA.
• A brief update on repairing the suspected DUI damage to water control structure in Champaign from Tom's Mailbag last week. WCIA had coverage of the incident where the car ended up in the retention pond near Green and Locust streets here.
• The City Council appears to be in support of a new five-year agreement with Visit Champaign County and its efforts to bring tourism and other economic development to Champaign according to the News-Gazette.
• The Champaign Park District is offering scholarships for recreation programs according to Smile Politely.
• The Champaign Park District's Executive Director was profiled recently in the News-Gazette.
• A local developer and community booster, Craig Rost, passed away. WCIA had coverage here.