Mark Maxwell
WCIA News
Springfield, IL, United States
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Past articles by Mark:
Illinois could soon allow bars to give free beer to vaccinated people
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Many Americans started drinking more alcohol during the pandemic. Soon, they could drink their way out of the pandemic. A new bill filed in the Illinois House on Tuesday would allow bars and restaurants to provide a free alcoholic beverage to people who show proof of their vaccination status. The proposal […] → Read More
Black Dog in Urbana still planning to reopen
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The original Black Dog location has been closed for over a year. Some may be wondering if it will ever reopen again. Well, here’s some good news for BBQ fans. Owner Mike Cochran says they do plan to reopen the restaurant. There is no set opening date. The smoke house closed […] → Read More
Driver arrested after pickup truck hits pedestrian
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders were called out Monday afternoon after a pedestrian was hit by a pickup truck. It happened at Elm and Vine streets. The driver of the truck was arrested. An ambulance left the scene and was headed towards the hospital. This is a developing story. → Read More
Crews respond to tractor fire
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders are being called out after a tractor caught fire Monday. It happened at 2500 North Road and 200 East Road, north of Mahomet. Several fire departments have issued warnings Monday saying that high winds could be a fire hazard. → Read More
Potomac Neighborhood Watch looks for volunteers
POTOMAC, Ill. (WCIA) — A group in Potomac is looking for volunteers to help keep the community safe. In a Facebook post, officials said the Potomac Neighborhood Watch is looking for people to join them. They work with the Potomac Police Department to solve issues like loitering, theft and drug offenses. If you are interested […] → Read More
Man sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting two children
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A former Danville man will serve a life sentence in prison after pleading guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, prosecutors say. A press release says 61-year-old Travis Vannote was facing life in prison because he committed that crime against two victims. Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy says […] → Read More
Man killed in stabbing incident
ROCHESTER, Ill. (WCIA) — Deputies in Sangamon County responded to a fatal stabbing early Thursday morning. A press release from the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office says it happened after 4 a.m. at a home on White Deer Trail Road near Johnson Road. Officers say they got on scene and found a 37-year-old man lying down […] → Read More
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expanded
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — More workers have been added to the state’s vaccine eligibility list. This includes higher education staff, government workers and media. Those groups are eligible starting Monday. On the following Monday, restaurant workers, construction workers and religious leaders will be eligible. → Read More
Pritzker signs police reform bill into law over law enforcement objections
CHICAGO, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a 764-page police reform bill into law at a press conference in Chicago on Monday, claiming the proposal would “dismantle systemic racism.” The new proposal would end cash bail, require all police to eventually wear and use body cameras, restrict police from the use of force, and […] → Read More
Delivery Restaurants talk life during a Super Bowl
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)– If there ever was a day to be this cold, it’s the day of the super bowl. A lot of people are bundled up inside. But not everyone. Super Bowl Sunday is arguably the busiest day of the year for delivery drivers. This year was no exception. Delivery drivers said they were […] → Read More
Suspect arrested after shooting leaves two dead, one hurt
VIRGINIA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says two people are dead and one is hurt after a shooting Sunday afternoon in Virginia, Ill. A press release from Sheriff Devron Ohrn says deputies responded just after 1 p.m. Sunday to a reported shooting at a home in the Cass County city. Ohrn says […] → Read More
One shot overnight in city
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Police responded to a shooting around 12:40 a.m. near West Chestnut St. and Western Ave. in Bloomington Sunday. According to Bloomington Police Sergeant Nowers, one person was hurt. Additionally, the victim is expected to survive. No one is currently in custody, and the incident remains under investigation by Bloomington police. Bloomington […] → Read More
Coroner identifies man killed after car crash
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Macon County Coroner Michael Day identified a Mount Zion man who was killed in a car crash early Tuesday morning. In a news release, Coroner Day said 45-year-old Jason Stout was pronounced dead shortly before 9 a.m. in the emergency room. He died from massive internal trauma he received in […] → Read More
MCHD reports deaths of 4 additional residents with COVID-19
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Macon County Health Department reported the deaths of four additional residents with COVID-19. In a news release, health officials said the patients were two women in their 70s and two men in their 90s. Additionally, the health department announced 49 new COVID-19 cases. There is a total of 7,990 […] → Read More
Decatur gang member arrested
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)–Police in Decatur arrested a gang member on Christmas. 25-year-old Shawneen Comage Jr. is in custody for violation of parole, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Police said he was in a car that sped off when it encountered a patrol vehicle. They later found the car with Comage inside. Police Chief […] → Read More
Crews put out fire in apartment
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign firefighters knocked down an apartment fire Sunday night. A press release from the Champaign Fire Department (CFD) says crews responded at 9:51 p.m. to a reported fire in an apartment building near Sangamon Drive and Mattis Avenue. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire that was contained to a single unit, […] → Read More
County reports 89th COVID-19 death
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Macon County Health Department announced Sunday that another person who was COVID-positive has died. A press release says their 89th fatal case was a man in his 80s. “Our team extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this person, and we ask that they are given […] → Read More
Lane closure planned for sewer work
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield Office of Public works is announcing that the eastbound curb lane on North Grand Avenue East at First Street will be closed on Thursday. The office says sewer manhole work will be performed. The lane closure is expect to last one day. Public works say Washington Street, between Second […] → Read More
CUPHD: 538 active COVID-19 cases in county
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill.(WCIA) — The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is tracking 6,588 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Data published online by CUPHD says 6,022 of those cases have recovered — leaving 538 cases as active. Seven people from Champaign County are hospitalized with the virus, and 28 have died. As of Saturday, the University of […] → Read More
Wright Street closed for sewer repairs
CHAMPAIGN Ill. (WCIA) — Wright Street is closed from Springfield Avenue to White Street in Champaign. A press release from the City of Champaign says the closure is needed for sewer repairs for the Kenney Gymnasium building at the U. of I. Road closed barricades, construction warning signs, and other detour signs will be post […] → Read More