Celebrate Savannah Day’s legacy with a 2.96-mile walk/run Friday in Sidney. All proceeds go to a girls’ athletics scholarship.
SIDNEY - The memory of Savannah Day will be honored this Friday evening as runners and walkers gather for the annual Savannah Day 2.96 Memorial Run/Walk. The race, which steps off at 7 p.m. on July 25, 2025, serves as both a tribute and a fundraiser, celebrating the life and passion of a young woman whose dedication to athletics and community continues to inspire.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Savannah Day heads to the finish line at the 2016 IHSA Girls Cross Country State Finals, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish. Friday's race in Sidney will celebrate her legacy and help raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship.
Savannah Day, an 18-year-old college freshman studying kinesiology, tragically lost her life in a car-train collision on October 3, 2018. The accident occurred just south of St. Joseph as she returned home from cross-country practice at Danville Area Community College. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and the broader running world, particularly among those who knew her from her standout high school career.
Day was a key contributor to Unity High School’s cross-country and track programs, helping lead the Rockets to IHSA Class 1A cross-country state titles in both 2015 and 2017. Known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and boundless energy, Savannah’s impact extended well beyond the course. "It's a sad day for our school, our community and everyone who was fortunate to know Savannah and her smile," said former Unity Athletic Director Scott Hamilton told The News-Gazette following her passing.
The memorial event was created to honor her legacy and raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship. All proceeds from the race directly support the scholarship, which benefits local female athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals — just as Savannah did.
Same-day registration will be available at the event site beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no additional fee for registering late. While pre-registration officially closed on July 16, participants may still sign up by emailing their form to savannahday2.96@gmail.com and submitting the $25 fee via Venmo. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed to the race address with payment.
Support for the memorial run continues to grow, with this year’s event made possible by generous sponsorships from the Town of Sidney, InsureChampaign, Sidney Fire Department, Spring Green of St. Joseph, The Sidney Saloon, Center For Your Health in Philo, Don’s Auto Center in Homer, Castle Home Comfort Heating & Air of Champaign, The Artega Insurance Group - Country Financial, IGA in St. Joseph, Winstons Old Bank in Sidney, and Sidney Dairy Barn.
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The Masonic Lodge in Tolono will host its July community breakfast on July 27. All are welcome.
Photo: Vickie McCarty/Pixabay
A warm plate of delicious biscuits and gravy like these, and eggs cooked to order will be served at Sunday's breakfast.
TOLONO - The Tolono Masonic Lodge #391 will open its doors to the community on Sunday, July 27, for its popular breakfast event. Running from 8 a.m. to noon at 202 E. Main Street, the breakfast is part of the lodge’s ongoing effort to bring neighbors together over good food and fellowship.
The menu features a wide variety of classic breakfast favorites, including French toast, pancakes, and eggs cooked to order. Diners can also enjoy fresh omelets, biscuits and gravy, crispy hashbrowns, and both sausage patties and links. Beverages include milk, orange juice and water, making it a filling meal for all ages.
Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. The breakfast is open to the public and proceeds help support local Masonic lodge activities. Organizers encourage early attendance, as the event often draws a steady crowd throughout the morning.
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CUPHD and local agencies offer shelter and cooling resources as heat grips central Illinois this week as heatwave threatens East Central Illinois this week.
CHAMPAIGN - An intense summer heatwave has settled over East Central Illinois this week, with dangerously high temperatures and stifling humidity expected to persist through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, warning that heat index values could soar between 105 and 112 degrees during the afternoon hours.
Daytime highs are forecast to climb into the 90s each day from Wednesday through Friday. Combined with oppressive humidity, outdoor conditions will feel considerably hotter, pushing the region into a level of extreme heat that poses significant health risks. Overnight, little relief is expected as temperatures will linger in the mid-70s, increasing the threat of cumulative heat exposure.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is urging residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves, their families, neighbors, and pets. Children, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and animals are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature and access hydration.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty–drink regularly throughout the day.
Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
Common heat-related illnesses range from heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke. The body's internal temperature can spike rapidly—up to 106 degrees or more in under 15 minutes—without proper cooling measures, resulting in permanent damage or death. Warning signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and rapid pulse. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediate medical attention is critical.
Several community partners have mobilized resources in response to the prolonged heat emergency. A temporary 24-hour emergency shelter is available through Saturday, July 26, for adults experiencing homelessness.
Operated through a collaboration involving Cunningham Township, CUPHD, The Salvation Army of Champaign, Friend in Me, and the City of Champaign Township, the shelter accepts individuals referred through Strides Shelter. Intakes are conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with transportation to the shelter provided after evening check-in between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The following is a list of additional cooling centers available throughout the local area, courtesy of Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that some are only available during business hours.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations: https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign
CUPHD also operates a kid-friendly cooling center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, offering free Wi-Fi, books, and entertainment for children. Beginning July 25 and running through August 11, CUPHD will serve free breakfast and lunch to children under 18 as part of its summer meals program.
With hot and dry conditions expected to continue beyond midweek and limited relief at night, area residents are encouraged to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, limit sun exposure, and stay informed through local weather and public health updates.
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Rybak wins state track title, next stop Notre Dame
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Father McGivney's Elena Rybak and St. Anthony's Isabella Keller embrace after running in the Class 1A 1600m Run on Saturday at the Illinois High School Association's Girls Track & Field State Finals.
