News and events from the central portion of Illinois, generally Springfield, Peoria, Decatur and Bloomington.
GERMANTOWN HILLS — A principal in this Central Illinois school district sent a letter to parents “alerting” them that students discussing their orientation was “disruptive.” WMBD/WYZZ-TV in Peoria reported on the letter on Friday. From the stations’ website at CentralIllinoisProud.com: A letter signed by Principal Kate Williams, grades 5-8, reads ” This year, we have several…
PEORIA — Peoria Pridefest is starting the planning for next year’s event with a meeting this Saturday, Dec. 8. From Peoria Pridefest’s Facebook post: One Voice, your Central Illinois LGBT Alliance is trying to plan Peoria Pridefest 2019, and we need engaged and energetic PEOPLE to make that happen! I won’t sugar-coat our needs…and we…
SPRINGFIELD — A display from the Satanic Temple in Chicago has been added a Nativity scene and Menorah in the Illinois State Capitol rotunda. The State Journal-Register in Springfield reported Tuesday that the temple had applied to the secretary of state’s office to allow the display. From the State Journal-Register: [T]he sculpture is called “Knowledge…
PEORIA — The Peoria City Council this week issued a proclamation setting Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in Peoria. Sid Ruckriegel, at-large councilmember, made the presentation to Jonathan Harwood, board member of Central Illinois Friends of PWA, and Deric Tucker Kimler, the executive director. “The proclamation schedule was set before I chaired the meeting,” Ruckriegel…
DECATUR — Decatur police said a man who was trying to stop two guys from having sex in a parked car was punched in the face on Saturday. The Decatur Herald & Review reported that the incident happened in Hyde Park Court on the south edge of Decatur off of U.S. 51 just before 3:30…
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s Phoenix Center will be hosting an “ugly holiday sweater” party fundraiser at the Magic Kitchen on Monday, Dec. 10. From the Facebook event: Each year we assemble a group of the most hideous holiday sweaters imaginable! The person with the most votes wins the “Ugliest Holiday Sweater” title. Also, bring a “LGBT…
PEORIA — The River City Bears club in Peoria and Justin Reeves, the current Central Illinois Bear, are holding a holiday fundraiser for Midwest Food Bank. From the GoFundMe page: My name is Justin Reeves and I’m the reining Mr. Central Illinois Cub. This Christmas season myself and the River City Bears would like to reach…
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.—Ward 4 resident Julie Emig announced today that she will be running to replace Alderman Amelia Buragas on the Bloomington City Council.
DECATUR — Decatur residents came together this past Sunday for a Transgender Day or Remembrance (TDOR) service. The Decatur Herald & Review said that the event was held at the First Congregational Church. The service was one of many being held across Illinois this week. TDOR is on Nov. 20, but Mark Schleeter, president of…
DECATUR — Author Andrea Gibson will do a reading at the Decatur Public Library on Monday, Dec. 3. From the Facebook event: Join us at the Decatur Public Library’s Madden Auditorium to celebrate Andrea Gibson’s new collection LORD OF THE BUTTERFLIES. The evening will feature a reading by Andrea following by a Q&A led by…
