Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Katie Moore
‘Courage on the Block’ giving out tickets, spreading awareness on domestic violence
‘Courage on the Block’ giving out tickets, spreading awareness on domestic violence Tue, October 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM EDT URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, there are just days until "Courage on the Block." It's an annual event hosted by Courage Connection, a domestic violence nonprofit organization in Champaign County. The nonprofit operates a 24/7 domestic violence hotline, has an emergency shelter and offers counseling and legal advocacy services.
Mother calls on volunteers for Champaign’s Smoke Alarm Blitz after losing son in house fire
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A mother is calling on volunteers and raising awareness about smoke alarms after losing her son in a house fire 10 years ago. The annual Smoke Alarm Blitz, in honor of Christian Sheehan, will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday at New Hope Church. The Champaign Fire Department, the American Red Cross, and other Champaign city officials will be going door-to-door, offering to check smoke alarms and installing free ones.
Mother calls on volunteers for Champaign’s Smoke Alarm Blitz after losing son in house fire
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- A mother is calling on volunteers and raising awareness about smoke alarms after losing her son in a house fire 10 years ago. The annual Smoke Alarm Blitz, in honor of Christian Sheehan, will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday at New Hope Church. The Champaign Fire Department, the American Red Cross, and other Champaign city officials will be going door-to-door, offering to check smoke alarms and installing free ones.
Mother calls on volunteers for Champaign’s Smoke Alarm Blitz after losing son in house fire
Mother calls on volunteers for Champaign’s Smoke Alarm Blitz after losing son in house fire Thu, September 24, 2026 at 12:52 PM EDT CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- A mother is calling on volunteers and raising awareness about smoke alarms after losing her son in a house fire 10 years ago. The annual Smoke Alarm Blitz, in honor of Christian Sheehan, will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday at New Hope Church.
Bement schools see heating issues amidst the village’s boil order
Search query Bement schools see heating issues amidst the village’s boil order Tue, December 9, 2025 at 1:16 AM UTC Bement schools see heating issues amidst the village’s boil order BEMENT, Ill. (WCIA) — Running water is flowing again in Bement, but the village is still under a boil order like it has been since Saturday when there was a water main break. However, that’s not the community’s only concern.
Bement schools see heating issues amidst the village’s boil order
BEMENT, Ill. (WCIA) — Running water is flowing again in Bement, but the village is still under a boil order like it has been since Saturday when there was a water main break. However, that’s not the community’s only concern. Students had a remote learning day on Monday, but it was not because of the water — school officials said it was due to ongoing heating issues. School staff started noticing issues with the boiler on Friday, which prompted an early dismissal.
Decatur mother speaks out after a charge is dropped against the man accused of hitting her son Original
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The mother of a 12-year-old killed while riding his bike in Decatur is reacting to a charge being dropped against the man who police say hit her son. 45-year-old, Hassan Woods, is no longer facing charges of aggravated DUI causing death and he was released from jail. The Macon County State’s Attorney said that evidence did not support that Woods’ intoxication was the cause of Kavari Drisdell’s death in June. However, Drisdell’s mother, Denise Boyd, doesn’t agree.
Restaurant fire in Sullivan was met with many challenges, no injuries
SULLIVAN, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters had a narrow path to work with as they fought to extinguish a blaze at a restaurant in Sullivan overnight. “There’s a small path to walk around that building. On the other side, you have the building. On one side, you have the lake to fall into,” Sullivan’s Fire Chief, Chris Wright, said. Wright said the narrow path to the fire was just one of the reasons that battling the flames was so complicated. The fire happened at NorthEnd Pub and Grill at Lake Shelbyville.
Restaurant fire in Sullivan was met with many challenges, no injuries
SULLIVAN, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters had a narrow path to work with as they fought to extinguish a blaze at a restaurant in Sullivan overnight. “There’s a small path to walk around that building. On the other side, you have the building. On one side, you have the lake to fall into,” Sullivan’s Fire Chief, Chris Wright, said. Wright said the narrow path to the fire was just one of the reasons that battling the flames was so complicated. The fire happened at NorthEnd Pub and Grill at Lake Shelbyville.
‘We would like to see some significant change;’ Urbana residents wanting new signs at crash-prone intersection
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — One intersection in Urbana has seen two car accidents since August of last year. The latest, in October, caused extensive damage to a neighbor’s property. These accidents happened at the intersection of High and Anderson Streets. On Tuesday, neighbors brought their concerns to Urbana’s Traffic Commission meeting. They’re wanting the yield signs at the intersection to be replaced by stop signs.
‘We would like to see some significant change;’ Urbana residents wanting new signs at crash-prone intersection
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — One intersection in Urbana has seen two car accidents since August of last year. The latest, in October, caused extensive damage to a neighbor’s property. These accidents happened at the intersection of High and Anderson Streets. On Tuesday, neighbors brought their concerns to Urbana’s Traffic Commission meeting. They’re wanting the yield signs at the intersection to be replaced by stop signs.
‘There’s a lot of compassionate people in Ford County’: Community steps up to help fire victims Original
FORD COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Communities are coming together to support victims of two separate house fires in Ford County. On Thanksgiving, a turkey fryer set a garage on fire in Paxton. On Saturday night, a house fire in Elliott destroyed a home. “There’s a lot of compassionate people in Ford County,” Ford County’s Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, Terry Whitebird, said. His point has been proven right.
One holiday tradition has returned in Paxton Original
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A Christmas tradition in one Central Illinois town is back for the fifth year. Santa mailboxes are in Paxton once again. Children can drop off their letter to the mailbox with their name and address, and they’ll get a letter back from Santa. Kids can also pick up a new winter hat at the mailboxes. The creator of this holiday tradition, Amy Swan, is a teacher at the elementary school. Swan added that she looks forward to seeing the joy on her students’ faces every year.
Winter Nights at Prairie Farms working to keep the community warm Original
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The cold wasn’t stopping some people from getting their holiday fix Sunday night in Champaign. Winter Nights at Prairie Farms will be held Thursday-Sunday from 5-9 p.m. until Dec. 28. The event is free to attend, and you can see light displays and farm animals while enjoying hot chocolate. Sunday night, the park district teamed up with United Way of Champaign County and Chambana Moms in hosting a mitten and hat drive for kids in the community.
Champaign Fire Dept. offers tips on keeping fire out of the kitchen during holidays
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Kitchens will soon be full as people prepare their Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s also going to be a busy day for firefighters. The National Fire Protection Association said that in 2023, the number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving was 388% higher than the daily average for the rest of the year. The holiday season is busy for many, and Jeremy Mitchell, Champaign’s Deputy Fire Marshall, said that it’s the busiest time for the department, too.
Champaign Fire Dept. offers tips on keeping fire out of the kitchen during holidays
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Kitchens will soon be full as people prepare their Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s also going to be a busy day for firefighters. The National Fire Protection Association said that in 2023, the number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving was 388% higher than the daily average for the rest of the year. The holiday season is busy for many, and Jeremy Mitchell, Champaign’s Deputy Fire Marshall, said that it’s the busiest time for the department, too.
DeWitt Co. Sheriff offers tips to stay safe during Black Friday shopping
DEWITT COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A crime trend is making news just as more people are out shopping for the holidays. So, now is the time to start preparing to keep yourself and your purchases safe. The DeWitt County Sheriff, Mike Walker, said that he’s been reading about something called “jugging.” It’s when people follow you to an ATM or out of a store and try to steal your money and what you bought. He’s encouraging people to shop with a credit card and to carry less cash.
DeWitt Co. Sheriff offers tips to stay safe during Black Friday shopping
Search query DeWitt Co. Sheriff offers tips to stay safe during Black Friday shopping Tue, November 25, 2025 at 3:03 AM UTC DeWitt Co. Sheriff offers tips to stay safe during Black Friday shopping DEWITT COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A crime trend is making news just as more people are out shopping for the holidays. So, now is the time to start preparing to keep yourself and your purchases safe.
Illinois has new digital IDs: What are the experts saying and do restaurants accept them?
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Wednesday was the first day people in Illinois could add their driver’s license and state ID cards to their Apple Wallet. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced digital IDs are now a valid form of identification. Now, cyber defense professionals are weighing in on the pros and cons of this, and if it’s a safe option.
Illinois has new digital IDs: What are the experts saying and do restaurants accept them?
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Wednesday was the first day people in Illinois could add their driver’s license and state ID cards to their Apple Wallet. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced digital IDs are now a valid form of identification. Now, cyber defense professionals are weighing in on the pros and cons of this, and if it’s a safe option.
‘It’s in her DNA’: Danville church appoints first female pastor
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — One church in Danville is celebrating its 160th anniversary. However, it’s not the only milestone they are recognizing and celebrating. Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church appointed its first female pastor, Ellen Warren-Rice. “I wasn’t able to articulate what that feeling was, what that call was. It was something,” Ellen said. It’s a call she answered.
‘It’s in her DNA’: Danville church appoints first female pastor
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — One church in Danville is celebrating its 160th anniversary. However, it’s not the only milestone they are recognizing and celebrating. Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church appointed its first female pastor, Ellen Warren-Rice. “I wasn’t able to articulate what that feeling was, what that call was. It was something,” Ellen said. It’s a call she answered.
‘It all started with us just needing support, wanting to get together’: Spouses, partners of first responders finding community in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters and other first responders are fighting to keep communities safe every day. While at home, they often leave partners who are hoping they stay safe, which can cause stress. On Sunday, Champaign firefighter’s loved ones bonded over their experiences and met for their annual Firefighter Spouse Appreciation Brunch. They also welcomed new spouses into the family, giving them a glimpse of what their future can hold and the support their group has to offer.
Beloved Springfield attraction reopens after government shutdown
Search query Beloved Springfield attraction reopens after government shutdown Fri, November 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM UTC SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The government shutdown had a significant impact on tourism in the state capitol. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield reopened Thursday morning after being closed for more than 40 days. Visit Springfield’s Tourism Manager, Darrin Thurman, said that the site sees more than 10,000 visitors a month.
Beloved Springfield attraction reopens after government shutdown
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The government shutdown had a significant impact on tourism in the state capitol. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield reopened Thursday morning after being closed for more than 40 days. Visit Springfield’s Tourism Manager, Darrin Thurman, said that the site sees more than 10,000 visitors a month. Individual travelers weren’t the only ones who had to make other plans during the shutdown.
‘It’s an empty hole right now’: Douglas Co. community mourns one of their own
GARRETT, Ill. (WCIA) — A hole is left in many hearts after a woman died in a house fire in Garrett last week. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Now, the victim’s family is remembering the kind of woman she was and witnessing the impact she had on her community. Where to access Thanksgiving meals around Central Illinois Jennifer Stutzman-Chandler was just forty-two years old. Her family said that in one of the most challenging seasons, they’ve been overwhelmed, in a good way.
‘It’s an empty hole right now’: Douglas Co. community mourns one of their own
GARRETT, Ill. (WCIA) — A hole is left in many hearts after a woman died in a house fire in Garrett last week. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Now, the victim’s family is remembering the kind of woman she was and witnessing the impact she had on her community. Jennifer Stutzman-Chandler was just forty-two years old. Her family said that in one of the most challenging seasons, they’ve been overwhelmed, in a good way.
United Way of Champaign Co. raises $46K to keep families fed Original
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The United Way of Champaign County has raised more than $46,000 for local food banks and pantries. $7,000 is going to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. Ruthann Evans, a volunteer at Daily Bread, said that there’s been an increase in the number of people they serve for months, but especially in the past two weeks. She added that their customers have great concerns with so much uncertainty around SNAP benefits.
Champaign restaurant raises almost $12K and counting to feed families
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — One Central Illinois business is helping feed its neighbors. The Literary in Champaign is fundraising and giving out free meals. The owner, Jenny Shima, said that she decided to act while concerns were growing over SNAP benefits. They created an “OH SNAP” menu, and people just have to show their SNAP card and can get a free meal. The Literary is funding this with a community gift card.
Decatur restaurant, community paying it forward: free meals for those in need
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — What started as an idea for free lunches, has turned into more than 200 meals in just a few days. Bobbie Lane’s BBQ in Decatur is calling it the “pay it forward” wall. Customers can buy a meal, put the ticket on the wall, and then someone else can eat for free. The General Manager, Brandon Dulik, said that they chose to do this because of concerns about SNAP benefits running out and food insecurity rising.
Macon Co. one step closer to having one mile horse race track, casino
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A new horse racing track could be coming to Macon County. After a bill passed the state senate on Thursday, people are weighing the pros and cons of bringing a casino and a harness racing-track to Decatur. Decatur eyes potential new casino, horse race track; Springfield officials to decide next steps They’re calling it a “racino.” It would go near Rt. 36 and Wyckles Road, diagonal to the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel.
City of Champaign looking at raising prices at parking meters
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — One city in Central Illinois is considering a raise on the price to park your car, specifically the cost to park at a meter. Kris Koester at Champaign Public Works said the city’s parking fund has been operating at a loss. The last time the city raised parking prices was 2009, when it set meter prices at $0.25 to $1 per hour. Koester said that a balanced budget would help maintain a sustainable parking system.
Champaign factory that sat vacant for 2 decades to be replaced by apartment complex
Champaign factory that sat vacant for 2 decades to be replaced by apartment complex CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — New apartments are filling a space where a factory sat empty for more than two decades. The old C.S. Johnson factory in Champaign has been torn down and is being replaced. What is now under construction, will soon be eight apartment buildings, a clubhouse, two pickleball courts, a hot tub, and a heated pool. ISBE releases state report card: How did Central Illinois schools do?
Champaign Co. nonprofit connecting the dots between food and those who need it
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — One Central Illinois nonprofit is spreading the word on where people can turn for help if SNAP benefits run out Saturday. The United Way of Champaign County is helping connect the dots between what people need and how they can get it. They’re sharing several ways, such as calling 211. It’s a number that connects people directly to food pantries, meal programs and other essential services.
‘We’re prepared to do whatever it takes’: Champaign Starbucks employees rally for union contract Original
Champaign Police Chief honored for more than 3 decades of service in US military
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign’s Police Chief is being recognized for his outstanding work. On Saturday, the Champaign County NAACP honored Chief Timothy T. Tyler at the freedom fund banquet. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as Colonel earlier this year. Tyler has been a member of Champaign County’s NAACP for a decade. He said that what he loves most about the organization is that it’s for everyone, and they’re about equality for all.
‘We carry the most precious cargo in the world’: Central Illinois group stressing the importance of bus safety
‘We carry the most precious cargo in the world’: Central Illinois group stressing the importance of bus safety TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Millions of students across the country ride a yellow school bus to class every day. During National School Bus Safety Week, one group in Central Illinois is reminding everyone of ways to make the trip safer. Gould and Wilson Transportation serves Tuscola, Arcola, and Oakland. They have driven kids to and from school for over 50 years.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Katie
Contact Katie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack