In the last two decades, the landscape of American education has transformed dramatically. Innovations have come and gone, methodologies have shifted, and some changes have caused lasting impacts that educators are still navigating. Still, as education continues to adapt to better serve today’s students, some essentials remain unchanged. This is […]
Author: Dani Tietz
Decades of Dedication: Kay Coulson Reflects on a Storied Teaching Career as She Embraces Retirement
For Kay Coulson’s students, school felt like magic—a place to belong, to create, and to explore. From whimsical writing prompts to Eric Carle-inspired art projects, mastering the basics of reading, writing, math, and science was both playful and formative during the nine months under her guidance. As children under the […]
Experience a Night of Soulful Rhythm and Blues with Candy Foster at Lake of the Woods
Join the community at Lake of the Woods Peninsula, within the serene expanse of Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, on Sunday, June 2, for an enchanting evening with rhythm and blues legend Candy Foster and his band, Shades of Blue. Part of the Summer Concert Series, this free event […]
Champaign County Home Sales Rise Amidst Nationwide Economic Optimism
The Champaign County area has recorded a 12 percent increase in home sales in April 2024, with a total of 218 units sold, compared to 195 units in the same month last year. This trend has nudged the year-to-date sales slightly by 0.1 percent over last year, according to the […]
Summer Lunch Programs and SUN Bucks: Nutritional Support for Champaign County’s Youth
As summer approaches, ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious meals is a paramount concern for many families, particularly when school is out. Recognizing this need, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is once again hosting the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), an initiative sponsored by the Illinois State Board […]
Mahomet-Seymour Facility Committee indicates support for new elementary school with junior high renovation or rebuild
After three meetings this year, the Mahomet-Seymour Facilities Committee indicated support for constructing a new elementary school for second and third graders near Middletown Prairie Elementary and renovating or rebuilding Mahomet-Seymour Junior High School at its current location to alleviate district overcrowding. At the committee’s April 16 meeting, members voiced […]
Discover the Sweet Tradition of Maple Tapping at Homer Lake Forest Preserve
The Homer Lake Forest Preserve invites the community to step into the enchanting world of maple sugaring, a tradition as old as the towering sugar maples themselves. On Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and again at 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, attendees will have the […]
Commentary: The Magic in Bellflower Elementary
*The following was written in 2019. It has not been modified, but is reposted prior to Bellflower’s 100th annual Christmas Eve program. BY DANI TIETZdani@mahometnews.com Maybe the gymnasium at Bellflower Elementary School should have been torn down years ago. The bleachers are shallow, the gym floor isn’t sticky, the small […]
Mahomet-Seymour hires Buildings and Grounds Director and District Residency Specialist
By Dani Tietz After nearly two decades of service as Champaign County Coroner, Duane Northrup is set to take on a new role as the Buildings and Grounds Director for Mahomet-Seymour School District. The Mahomet-Seymour School Board approved the hire on Sept. 18. Northrup replaces Stephen Curtis, who held the […]
Mahomet-Seymour choir enters contest to sing with Foreigner
The stage is set for high schools in Champaign County as they battle it out for a unique musical opportunity. Thirteen local schools are in the running for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform with the iconic rock band, Foreigner, at the State Farm Center on October 22. The winning choir […]