Blog Archives

Urbana's Black Heritage Festival Seeks Sponsors for 2024 Celebration

3/29/2024

Urbana's Black Heritage Festival is gearing up for another exciting year, and organizers are inviting local corporations, organizations, independent contractors, and community partners to join as sponsors for this special event.

With a range of tiered sponsorship levels available, sponsors have the opportunity to choose the level of commitment and involvement that aligns best with their values and objectives. By supporting the Black Heritage Festival, sponsors not only contribute to the celebration of Urbana's multicultural community but also gain visibility and integration into diverse communities in Champaign County and beyond.

How would you handle forced early retirement?

3/29/2024

Part of an ongoing financial series on Urbana Daily Digital.

When you plan to retire at a certain age, you can follow a strategy that incorporates your investment moves, your health insurance and other factors. But what happens if you’re forced to retire earlier than you anticipated?

Unfortunately, this situation is not that uncommon. About 40% of Americans say they have been forced into retirement, according to a recent survey from Edward Jones and Morning Consult, a research firm. If this were to happen to you because of a layoff, company downsizing or a health issue, would you be prepared to maintain your lifestyle today — and in the future?

Local Artist Debbie Loffing to Present at Art Study Club

3/28/2024

Art enthusiasts in Champaign County are in for a treat as the Art Study Club prepares to host a presentation by renowned local artist Debbie Loffing. The event is scheduled for April 9 at 5:00 PM and will take place at 119 Miami Street in Urbana, Ohio. The presentation is open to the public and admission is free of charge.

Hop into Spring with Mercy Health Urbana Hospital's Easter Bunny Gift Shop Celebration!

3/28/2024

Spring has sprung at Mercy Health University Hospital, and the Easter Bunny has arrived with a basket full of goodies for anyone of all ages! If you're looking to add some extra cheer to your Easter celebrations, be sure to visit our Easter Bunny Gift Shop located inside of our main entrance.

Don't miss out on this egg-citing opportunity! Cash and credit cards are accepted, so you can shop with ease. Prices range from just $5 to $15, making it easy to find the perfect Easter treat without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop on over to Mercy Health Urbana Hospital and let the Easter Bunny spread joy and happiness to you and your loved ones. Our gift shop is open while supplies last, so don't delay – come discover your Easter favorites today!

UHS SENIOR OF THE MONTH - Talan Simsa

3/28/2024

Congratulations to the March Senior of the Month, Talan Simsa, sponsored by Weidmann Electrical Technology.

Talan is a senior at Urbana High School. Learn a little more about him and his accomplishments below!

Bowling for Bill: Fundraising Event to Support Neurological Treatment

3/22/2024

Urbana, Ohio - Southwest Bowling is gearing up to host a special fundraising event, "Bowling for Bill," aimed at supporting Bill Dixon's neurological treatment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, starting at 5:00 PM.

Bill Dixon, a beloved member of the community, is undergoing neurological treatment, and the community is rallying together to offer support in his journey to recovery.

Mike Major to Speak on Sculptor J.Q.A. Ward at History Museum April 7th

3/20/2024

The Indian Hunter sculpture by John Quincy Adams Ward

Photo caption:
This photo, of the Indian Hunter sculpture at John Quincy Adams Ward’s Oak Dale Cemetery gravesite, is from the William “Bill” Whitman photography collection in the Champaign County Historical Society’s archives.

Champaign County sculptor Mike Major will speak on the work and life of 19th century sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Champaign County Historical Society Museum, 809 East Market St., Urbana. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Ward, born in Urbana in 1830, became known as the “Dean of American Sculpture” for his naturalistic works, including the Indian Hunter, placed in New York City’s Central Park. A replica of the sculpture, commissioned by his wife on his passing in 1910, marks his grave at Oak Dale Cemetery in Urbana.

Major restored the Indian Hunter at Oak Dale Cemetery in 2018. He says that Ward got his start in sculpting as a youth in Urbana. He enjoyed sculpting small animals, figures on horseback, sawmills, and populated villages.

Champaign County Arts Council Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Gratitude and Festivity

3/15/2024

The Champaign County Arts Council is proud to announce its 50th anniversary celebration, marking half a century of promoting art, culture, and creativity in our community. This significant milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers, past Board members, and all those who have contributed to our journey over the years. We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their continuous support and belief in our mission. Their generosity has enabled us to enrich the lives of countless individuals through various artistic endeavors and initiatives.

12 UHS DECA Students Advance to International Competition

3/13/2024

March 13, 2024 - Thomas Russell, UHS DECA Advisor

Above - 34 UHS members attended Ohio DECA Career Development Conference. L-R Row 1 - Michael Holland, Kayden Jacobs, Breyden Webb, Will Donahoe, Henry Harrigan, Isaac Johnson, Preston Wisma, Tate Armstrong, Jaden Hopins L-R Row 2 - Bryce Stambaugh, Xavier Snyder, Aiden Bradshaw, Layne Settle, Lauren Shelpman, Stella Johnson, Paige Arnett, Kenadi McKee, Lyza Forson, Arianna Souders, Lauren Hoskins, Catie Timm Row 3 L-R Salomon Severiano, Carmine Lantz, Krish Patel, Joe Lightle, George Bender, Hayden Kelley, Peyton Mounce, Reyse Wilson, Bella Talebi, Amyah Green, Charlotte Timm, Riley DeMoss, Bre Eggleston

On March 8 & 9 the Urbana High School DECA Chapter took 34 students to Columbus to compete against over 4,000 of Ohio DECA’s best students. 21 of the 34 students were crowned state finalists (top 12 placing), and 12 students qualified for DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. Those students will compete amongst 25,000 DECA students from across all 50 states and Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Germany. The following are the results and events for all competitors:

Continuing The Graham Legacy, Superintendent Chad Lensman

3/11/2024

Tell us some about your history and how you came to hold this position?

Education has always been a passion, deeply ingrained through both family influence and the profound impact of exceptional teachers I've encountered throughout my time in school. My stepmom is a high school teacher at Graham where she spent most of her career teaching special education. She had been a major influence. I witnessed firsthand the power of education and the impact a teacher can make on a student.

Mom has a big heart and she goes the extra mile to help her students get to the finish line. My high school English teacher at Graham also was a major influence. She was the type of teacher who built relationships with her students, made learning fun, and helped bring out the best.

Still, I did not begin teaching. As a 2000 graduate of Graham High School, I was either going to be a teacher or go into marketing and sales. I earned a degree in marketing, but I quickly found that was not what I wanted to do. I began to substitute teach and then began to teach in Urbana City Schools, where I dedicated myself to teaching 1st and 3rd grade students. I wanted to teach 3rd grade because that was a testing grade and I wanted to prove that they could succeed at high levels. I found there that if you cared, students would walk through a brick wall for you. It is the most important lesson that I carried on with me as I transitioned into administration. I was fortunate to join Graham Elementary as the Assistant Principal, a role I held for three years. Later, I assumed the position of Principal at Graham Middle School for an additional two years before moving into central administration. Currently, I am honored to serve as the Superintendent of Graham Local Schools, a role I have held with pride for the past two years.

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