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Prompted by Newt, Citizen Access checks out local food stamp usage
After Newt Gingrich scored some points during his South Carolina campaign by calling Barack Obama the "food stamp president," C-U Citizen Access' Dan Petrella took a look at local Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program enrollment.
Nationally, the number of people using SNAP benefits rose from 27 million in October 2007 to 44 million in February, according to the website PolitiFact.com. That's an increase of about 63 percent.
A sample of eight counties in East Central Illinois shows a similar trend. On average, the number of SNAP recipients in Champaign, Coles, Crawford, Douglas, Edgard, Iroquois, Moultrie and Vermillion counties increased by 18 percent from 2006 to 2011, according to data from U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In Champaign County, the number of SNAP recipients grew 24 percent during this time.
Read the full article for some context into the cause of this trend. It might not even be all Obama's fault, believe it or not.
| Head reportedly absconds from the Illini
A once vaunted recruiting class seems to be dwindling before our very eyes, and with it, my nostalgic feelings towards Bruce Weber.
Head, via ESPN:
"I want to go somewhere they play my style of game and get a fresh start," Head said. "I don't feel like their offense fits me. It's a shooting offense. I'm not a shooter. I've worked on my shooting. I like to drive and play up-tempo."
FBI absolves CPD of civil rights violation
Click here to read all about it.
The FBI reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding a video of an arrest on 6/5/2011 by the Champaign Police Department. From a federal civil rights perspective, this review did not reveal any federal criminal civil rights violations.
Parasol suspending record store/ mail order operations
Parasol Records will be suspending the operations of its mail order and record store services, effective December 17. I think I speak for all of C-U and thousands of others around the world when I say, "Goddamnit!" I imagine it's hard to maintain a mail order business in a digital world, so here's to Parasol for keeping up the good fight for so long. The good news is that in-house labels will carry-on. Here's the full text of the press release:
After 20-plus years of pulling, packing and shipping orders all over the world, and serving Champaign-Urbana's music fanatics' needs locally, we're sad to announce we're pressing pause on Parasol Mail Order and our record store. Longtime Parasolarians Roy and Angie will be moving on to other endeavors, while Geoff and Jim will focus on Parasol Label Group's in-house labels.
PMO's last day of regular operation will be Saturday, December 17th. Between now and the 17th we will be putting our existing mailorder/store stock on sale, so if ever there was a time to buy music for the holidays, this is it. Please call or email if you have any questions.
Since there's no way we'd go out with a whimper, help us go out with a bang - join us on Saturday, December 17th for a free, all-ages, all-afternoon rock show featuring some of the recently christened CU Collective's finest. Evil Tents, Anna Karina/Anna Karinia, Deathtram, Easter, and Shadows On A River will be performing, starting at noon.
It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway) that we owe all of you a huge THANK YOU for your support over the years. It's meant a lot, and will continue to as we re-boot the franchise.
Deputy Chief Murphy to step down, says anonymous source
From the you-didn't-hear-it-from-me file comes the text of an email from Champaign Deputy Police Chief John Murphy:
I came to the conclusion a few weeks ago that I would be expected to make some accommodations and/or concessions in the coming months. Recognizing that I am unable or unwilling to make those concessions; I initiated a conversation with the City Manager about possibly retiring. Our conversations resulted in a very satisfactory agreement which we completed last week. On March 12, 2012, I will have completed 28 years (26/2) towards my pension, and I will be retiring that day.
Murphy's judgment in promotion decisions had been questioned in an anonymous email sent to city officials in August.
Did your favorite C-U restaurant fail inspection? It’s more likely than you think.
CU-CitizenAccess continues to do great work exposing the underreported aspects of C-U life. This time, it is sharing information that Champaign County is unwilling to provide — the list of restaurants that have failed inspection in the last four years.
On the list: Bob Evans, Cheddars, Crane Alley, Esspresso Royale, Guido's, Home Town Buffet, Iron Post, Kennedy's, Le Peep, Mary Ann's, Miko, Original Pancake House, Seven Saints, Vinny's, Za's, Zelma's and many more.
Multiple offenders still in business:
- Century Restaurant
- Firehaus
- Garcia's
- Geovanti’s Bar & Grill
- Hot Wok Express
- Sunny China Buffet
Keep in mind that many of the violations may have been for minor infractions, but count me among those that consider this good info to have. To fail, a score of less than 36 out of 100 points is needed, so it's not exactly easy to do.
R.T. Finney to retire as Champaign Chief of Police
WILL reports that Champaign Police Chief R.T. Finney will retire, effective January 20th. Finney has been Chief of Police since 2003, and presided over the Kiwane Carrington shooting. Finney states on the city of Champaign website:
“It is with great joy and trepidation that I announce my intent to retire...I entered into law enforcement over 30 years ago as a civilian employee and since that time I have enjoyed working in every facet and position that law enforcement has to offer"
Barnstormer Tour in danger of cancellation
As Daytrotter wrote in their weekly email today:
We don't like to claim desperate times, but ticket sales have been hovering at 15% of our projections to break even on the tour and we can't afford to lose our butts on the tour. We know there are a lot of you out there very excited about Barnstormer and you've already bought tickets. We thank you for that. We have a feeling that there are a lot more of you out there excited for Barnstormer who haven't bought tickets yet. If we don't get to a much higher number by next Monday, we have to make a big decision about Barnstormer. Please do what you can to help us make this a success. Thanks all! You're the best. -- Mr. Daytrotter
Daytrotter are currently running a special on their website. The tour stops at Monticello's Kalyx Center — one of the cooler places to see a show ever — on September 2nd. We've heard rumblings of a bigger-name local addition if this goes off, so it would be a bummer if it got canceled.
The Leadership moving to Nashville
As it was, as it is, as it ever will be.
Another quality local band moves on. From The Leadership's Facebook page:
Deron Williams returns to Assembly Hall this weekend
According to ESPN, D-Will shall return to Assembly Hall this weekend for Saturday's Alumnni Game.
Sayeth the All-Star/Gold Medalist/Love of My Life/Fire of My Loins, Deron Williams:
It's going to be good to get back to Champaign [...] I think it's going to be a fun event. It's always good to catch up with the former players and coaches and hang out with the guys and beat them up on the court, too.
No word as to whether he'll be using his time in town to finish his degree, but he will be holding a charity event at the ARC. Visit PointOfHopeFoundation.org to learn more about that.
Now behold, the moment Deron stole my heart forever:
Most Recent SPlog Comments
Black dog and Siam terrace is where I always go after my divorces.
If you happen to be getting a divorce, or fighting a DUI prosecution, downtown Urbana is a great place to eat.
Confidential? In this state? Hahahahahahahhahahaha
So it is.
It’s on Saturday, B.
Anyone who reads the article with an open mind and who knows what has happened to C-U in the last few years would know the conclusion is not a stretch. It’s very true. Sensible people looking for a future outside attending dull Illini games, eating mediocre, over-priced…
Stuart, my reason for leaving C-U had nothing to do with my ability to maintain employment. (I actually still work for my C-U-based employer).
And you live and work where, Doug? But seriously, the yahoo (in both senses) headline of “destroyed” is ridiculous, but the data is not. Despite some disagreement with a previous comment of mine, it really is a one industry town, and when it dips the whole place…
Ummm, that seems like a ___________stretch___.
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Most Recent Comments
Pamela - Are the roasteries in Seattle as clean as CSR? It always disturbs me a little that it is so clean in there.
Now you will be able to munch on pizza and shrimp cocktails in downtown Urbana (whilst a DJ spins?) after your dissolution of marriage http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/features/its-your-business/2012-02-05/its-your-business-new-pizza-place-downtown-urban Is this a franchise of a Reno pizza joint, or just a coincidence of name? http://www.blackrockpizza.com
Signs someone is “fishing” for a factual anchor: 1. Starts call to radio with: “I’ve been an Illini fan for (XX) years” or “I’m a diehard fan,” as if somehow that unverifiable claim will justify the 5 minutes of B.S. that follows. 2. Makes reference to KenPom…
That’s what she said.
Black dog and Siam terrace is where I always go after my divorces.
Love CSR. Apart from making my way through the regular roasts in 1/2 pound increments, I also like to pick up some of the little sample packets of the flavored stuff for when the lady and I feel like getting crazy. Sticky Bun is pretty nice.
If you happen to be getting a divorce, or fighting a DUI prosecution, downtown Urbana is a great place to eat.
HUUUUUUGE fan of their Black Velvet roast…It makes up about 75% of my coffee intake. LOL CSR is definitely one of those Champaign institutions that I brag about to people not from here. :-)
We like CSR too! We french press at home and I leave the lid off while it steeps—letting the ground beans bloom. Then, like in your tasting, I scoop off the top layer before pressing. We really need to invest in a burr grinder though, as I…
Confidential? In this state? Hahahahahahahhahahaha
just confirmed: there will be white russians served. the art abides.
big lebowski at the art. mark it, dude.
There’s a great video promo out for “Company” too: http://vimeo.com/36077847
Wow, His Majesty took the time to answer your polite plea. It’s been a while since I spoke fluent arrogance, but allow this attempt at a translation: “I deeply regret the embarrassment…” = I wish we hadn’t got caught and it wasn’t a big deal really. “...and…
I love the Guitars
I had their tea at the Urbana Farmer’s Market when they first started out and it was great! Their tins recently caught my eye at Walnut Street Tea Company and my guests used it all up before I could even try it! Way to go Tiesta, stay…
Im fine with missing ingredients and of course they fixed things what restaurant fights with the customer over things like that anymore. ( the way social media could affect them) My problem is that I am visiting you place of business within the first week of opening.…
Thanks for that, Louis CK.
Your call to stay pissed is precisely why global warming fanatics will fail. Emotion has no place in hard science. The problem with the issue of global warming is that is has been pumped full of emotion and politics, and the science is becoming a by-product. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204301404577171531838421366.html?KEYWORDS=global+warming
Clearly the Postal Officials in favor of this cannot make an economic argument, as this saves the post office $0. What is their rationale?
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Now you will be able to munch on pizza and shrimp cocktails in downtown Urbana (whilst a DJ spins?) after your dissolution of marriage http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/features/its-your-business/2012-02-05/its-your-business-new-pizza-place-downtown-urban Is this a franchise of a Reno pizza joint, or just a coincidence of name? http://www.blackrockpizza.com