RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — He’s a member of the greatest generation, but that’s not all. “I went to work for the United States Air Force Civil Service,” explained Leonard Wirges, from his couch in Rantoul. “My wife was a secretary and I was an industrial instructor from a lot of my Army experience.” Wirges grew …

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RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — Pieces in museums all over the world were created at Taylor Studios in Rantoul. Taylor Studios started about 30 years ago in Mahomet. The company moved to Rantoul in the late 1990s. “We were renting over there and we kept growing we wanted our own space and really Rantoul … the […]

Rantoul, Ill. (WCIA) “When I was a teacher and the children came in, you know, the first thing you want to do is grab them and hold them. And to help them feel like this is a good place, like it’s a safe place.” Multicultural Community Center Assistant Director, Jill Walden has seen first hand […]

RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — If you grew up in Rantoul, there’s a very good chance Margurette Carter was your teacher. “You have to be able to share a part of you in order to connect to students,” said Carter. She connected to thousands of them over 34 years at Eater Junior High. She was also […]

Meteorologist Jacob Dickey heads On The Road to Our Town Gibson City to check out the Horsch Radish, a new restaurant with German roots that uses a farm-to-table model to provide the area with fresh, high quality food. See more of Jacob’s stories on wcia.com/ontheroadwithjacob/

GIBSON CITY, Ill., (WCIA) — When your pet at home or large animal on the farm isn’t feeling well, you have to call in the pros. For more than 50 decades in Our Town Gibson City, Jim Meyer was the man for the job. He’s better known as Doc, and that’s because he was the […]

GIBSON CITY, Ill., (WCIA) — One organization in Ford County is spreading the love and showing what it really means to be a small town with a big heart. People at the First Presbyterian Church of Gibson City are committed to helping as many people as they can. The idea started in October 2021 when […]

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — When you drive through Our Town Gibson City, you probably go right through the busiest intersection downtown. That’s 8th Street and Sangamon Avenue. If you look to the side, you’ll see the town’s newest mural. Morgan Welborn, the muralist, said she wanted to showcase the community …

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — It’s a summertime staple, spending your afternoon with friends at the neighborhood park. In Our Town Gibson City, one playground, in particular, is making that even easier for everyone. “I like the hanging thingy,” said first grader Titus Kern. “I’ll just swing on it until we have …

GIBSON CITY, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s hard enough starting your own small business, but imagine it burning down just a year after opening. That’s exactly what happened to one mother-daughter duo in Our Town Gibson City after a fire in May. They’ve been working and rebuilding what they started in order to re-open …

GIBSON CITY, Ill., (WCIA) — First responders and community members are looking back at the last two years of emergencies in one Ford County town. On Saturday, they all came together to honor one another and reflect on their quick, lifesaving efforts. Rain flooded Gibson City two years ago and damaged homes and …

ASSUMPTION, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s been almost a year and a half since Russia first attacked Ukraine. The war is tearing apart families. Thousands have died while fighting and thousands more have fled the country for safety. Liana Creamer grew up and called Western Ukraine home for over 40 years. That’s until she …

ASSUMPTION, Ill., (WCIA) — Six years ago, three families in Our Town Assumption went to an economic development meeting not sure where it would lead. Little did they know they’d soon open up a unique business right in the middle of town. 1905 Brewery is creating over a dozen different kinds of beer. It’s drawing …

ASSUMPTION, Ill., (WCIA) — In Our Town Assumption, you can’t go downtown without passing a big colorful garden at Second and Chestnut streets. It’s the town’s pollinator garden and the whole town teamed up to make it happen. Vinnie Zuber is one of the driving forces behind the blooming beauty. He wears a lot …

ASSUMPTION, Ill., (WCIA) — This week, we are taking you to Our Town Assumption. It’s a small town in Christian County with a big heart. Just over 1,000 people call it home, but it’s certainly not short of unique people, places and things. The Illinois Central Railroad goes right through town, and years ago when …

Meteorologist Jacob Dickey is On The Road for Our Town Arthur stopping at Pauly’s BBQ to learn more about their award winning recipes! See more of Jacob’s stories on wcia.com/ontheroadwithjacob/

ARTHUR, Ill., (WCIA) — When you hear the words “drive-thru,” your brain probably goes right to picking up your favorite fast food… not a drive-thru safari. In Douglas County, that’s exactly what Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure is. It’s the first and only drive-thru park in Illinois. James Aikman, the zoo’s founder, …

ARTHUR, Ill., (WCIA) — Imagine living life with Betty White as your friend and Clint Eastwood as your neighbor. For Jerry Winters in Our Town Arthur, that was his reality for many years. Winters has performed all around the world but now calls Central Illinois home. Joan, his late wife, grew up nearby and she …

ARTHUR, Ill., (WCIA) — When you go to firework shows, you probably set up blankets and lawn chairs ready to look up and see the show in the sky right before your eyes. In Our Town Arthur, the event is a little different than your traditional show. It features the “Rural Patriot” riding in on […]

ARTHUR, Ill., (WCIA) — This week, we are taking you to Our Town Arthur. It’s a town of more than 2,000 people and many are a part of the Amish community. In Arthur, one group is aiming to teach others about the Amish way of life with the Illinois Amish Heritage Center. “When people arrive, […]

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – Meteorologist Jacob Dickey went back On The Road to Our Town Taylorville to find out the success behind 91 years of burgers at Bill’s Toasty. Watch all stories from On The Road with Jacob here.

TAYLORVILLE, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s no easy feat to create a live news production, and for dozens of teens in Our Town Taylorville; they’re learning how to do it for the first time in the classroom. They use big computers with Adobe programs, a green screen, various cameras and lots of lighting for shows. Some …

TAYLORVILLE, Ill., (WCIA) — Before couples say their “I dos” and start the next chapter of their lives, they typically spend a good chunk of time searching for the perfect spot to tie the knot. In Our Town Taylorville, one husband and wife are hoping to make it even easier. They created Pillars Event Center, …

TAYLORVILLE, Ill., (WCIA) — Bill Kennedy is well-known in Our Town Taylorville, and has a special job. He’s the clock keeper at the Christian County Courthouse, right in the center of town. For Kennedy, regularly climbing 160 stairs to the top of the courthouse has become routine. It’s a place with a lot of …

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — From growing up in a small town with a couple of thousand people to performing on national TV for millions across the country. That’s how the last few months looked for Gina Miles. She’s still celebrating her big win from this past season of “The Voice.” Now, she’s looking back at […]

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — When you think about harvesting in the fields, your mind might not go directly to how those two things connect to making alcohol. For Dallas, Will and Clay Glazik, three brothers in Our Town Paxton, their time in college at U of I made them realize they could connect their family […]

Meteorologist Jacob Dickey went back On The Road to Our Town Paxton to try Pizza Palace and get a slice of the “Super Stuffed” Pizza with pepperoni and ground beef.

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — Hot temps and sunny days can only mean one thing…it’s time to jump in a pool! For many people in Our Town Paxton, they had to work hard for theirs to reopen. It was closed for three years because of maintenance issues and money constraints. Now that it’s open again, it […]

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — Growing up, many kids dream of playing in the pros. They want to be in the big NFL stadiums and have their names in the lights. But, they can’t get there without the help of outstanding coaches. Some people know Rocky Marron as a probation officer. Some know him as “coach.” […]

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — Throughout the week, WCIA is introducing you to Our Town Paxton, and showing you what makes the town unique. We start off the coverage by looking back at some of its history and learning how the past is meeting the present. Before Paxton was the town we all know today, it […]

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s hard to imagine life without music. You probably have it playing through your headphones or car speakers often. Without band directors, all of that would sound very different. In Paxton, notes and rhythm run through Timothy Hess’ blood. He’s shaped the lives of hundreds at Paxton-Bucky-Loda …

PAXTON, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s not always an easy feat to start your own business and chase your dreams. But, for dozens of women in Ford County, they’re showing off what it means to conquer the odds and do just that. “I grew up here in Paxton. As a small-town child, I think, you want […]

Jacob is On The Road for Our Town St. Joseph visiting Geschenk Coffee Haus. See more of Jacob’s stories on wcia.com/ontheroadwithjacob/

ST. JOSEPH, Ill., (WCIA) — When there’s an emergency, first responders are normally the first ones at your doorstep. In Our Town St. Joseph, some of their firefighters are celebrating a big milestone this year. Can you picture 1948 75 years ago? The London Summer Olympics were going on and Scrabble was being …

ST. JOSEPH, Ill., (WCIA) — You may be spending your summer exploring different downtown areas across Central Illinois. A group in St. Joseph knows many people stop through their town and wanted to make sure it was prepped and pretty for everyone. The Village Gardeners are doing just that with flowers. They’re …

ST. JOSEPH, Ill., (WCIA) — Your high school memories might include cheering on the football team or watching your classmates in the school musical. Students at St. Joseph-Odgen High School are taking advantage of both these experiences in a renovated space. “Before, it was called our old gym/auditorium. We would …

ST. JOSEPH, Ill., (WCIA) — This week, we’re bringing you to Our Town St. Joseph to introduce you to the people, places and things that make the town so unique. One of those people is Greg Knott and his family’s long history in the town. He said they first came to St. Joe in 1837 […]

RANTOUL, Ill., (WCIA) — It’s not fair when anyone has to fight for their life, especially when they’re battling a deadly disease like cancer. But, it pulls at your heartstrings a little more when it’s a kid. Jera Sotero was a happy and busy 12-year-old living life to the fullest. One day she said she […]

RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) – Meteorologist Jacob Dickey is back on the road for Summer 2023 and makes his first stop with Our Town Rantoul for On The Road with Jacob. Watch all stories from On The Road with Jacob here.

RANTOUL, Ill., (WCIA) — You know Dasher and Dancer, and Comet and Blitzen. But did you know you can meet some of Santa’s reindeer right here in Central Illinois? If you drive about 25 minutes north of Champaign you’ll find Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. That’s where 22 reindeer now call home, with the newest …

RANTOUL, Ill., (WCIA) — When you learned how to ride a bike, you probably started on a sidewalk with training wheels, not on a giant dirt hill. But, you can find giant hills for motor cross sports in Our Town Rantoul at the old Chanute Air Force Base. “We live in Illinois, so when it […]

RANTOUL, Ill., (WCIA) — If you’re a parent, your summer schedule is probably overflowing with baseball games, soccer camps and other activities. Your weekends may include traveling to tournaments out of state. But for many, because of one complex in Champaign County, they now find themselves right at home with …

RANTOUL, Ill., (WCIA) — Each summer, WCIA takes a few of our Friday broadcasts on the road to explore different parts of Central Illinois. This summer, we’re kicking it off in Our Town Rantoul. “It’s a close family. I know a lot of people. It’s just a warm, welcoming community,” Charles Smith, Rantoul’s mayor, …

CHRISMAN, Ill. (WCIA) – Meteorologist Jacob Dickey went on the road to a restaurant with some deeply rooted family ties and delicious food that’s been serving customers for generations.

CHRISMAN, Ill. (WCIA) – When you dial 911 in need of an ambulance, typically you don’t want to wait very long for help. Some rural towns are forced to wait because a first responder is coming from the town over, but not in Chrisman. “The board, in looking for funding, put a question on the […]

CHRISMAN, Ill. (WCIA) – Linda Barrett knows a lot about the town of Chrisman. “In 1840, he registered 800 acres, which is where Chrisman stands now. And he built a home on what is now the Nazarene Church on Route 1,” she said. That’s because the town history, is her family history. “Back in 1830, […]

MT. ZION, Ill. (WCIA) – Meteorologist Jacob Dickey stops by a delicious place in Mt. Zion that looks to take standard bar food to the next level.

Clinton, Ill. (WCIA) When people hear Christmas in July they panic or are a bit turned off because they don’t want to be hearing about Christmas during the hottest time of the year. But now is the best time to start getting orders together for custom gifts that way you can beat the holiday hubbub! […]

Clinton, Ill. (WCIA) Baum Chevrolet Buick is a fourth-gen full service dealership with Sales, Service, Body Shop, Detail, Quick Lube, Farmer City Used Store, Trailer Sales and Rental and Towing departments, which is unusual for a new car franchise. Most people are concerned with what the hot topics are at the …

CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) – It’s a safe space for teens to come to. Not only is it a fun place for them to hang out. They also teach valuable life lessons and help these kids get through any tough time in Our Town Clinton. “I love the vault and I love the message. I love […]

CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) – Just outside of downtown Clinton, surrounded by woods, sits a big white mansion. “The house is about 110 years old and we bought it from a wonderful family that lived here as a family home and so we evolved it into this,” Melinda Decker, a co-owner, said. Inside that old home, […]

CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) – It’s a window that makes Clinton what it is today and it’s a window that you can still look through right now. All through the pages of historic books in Our Town Clinton. They were donated by one of the first settlers in Clinton. And it wasn’t just a few. C.H. […]