(WICS) — Tracy Carter has been elected the Mayor of Hoopeston Carter had 445 votes or 61% of votes while Wise had 282 votes or 39% (WICS) — A 41-year-old Hoopeston man was arrested after allegedly attempting to meet a minor for sexual acts The Hoopeston Police Department was alerted by EDPWatch on Friday regarding Moises Torres who reportedly contacted a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl Torres allegedly asked the decoy to meet him in Hoopeston for sexual activities following an interview and review of evidence provided by EDPWatch He was subsequently transported to the Vermilion County Jail on initial charges (WICS) — Illinois State Police (ISP) arrested a Hoopeston man for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material ISP agents began an investigation into the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material by Connor S 7,ISP agents located and arrested Gilonske in Danville A subsequent residential search warrant was then executed at Gilonske’s residence in Hoopeston He is being held at the Vermilion County Public Safety Building pending his first court appearance This ongoing investigation is a collaborative effort between the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office The Hoopeston Area wrestling team after winning the 39th annual Prairie Central Hawk Classic last Saturday grapples with Manteno senior Carter Watkins in a 175-pound semifinal match on Friday night at the Class 1A state wrestling finals at State Farm Center in Champaign Zamora came up just short in a 13-10 decision but will still have a chance to wrestle for a third-place finish on Saturday Faces of Winter photo shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Sunday during the Class 1A wrestling preliminaries at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Thursday And a look back at area programs that made the IHSA's Top 50 list HOOPESTON — Hoopeston Area senior wrestlers Angel Zamora and Ayden Larkin walked into The News-Gazette’s office in November with bleach-blond buzz cuts They had recruited a few of their teammates to join them in the ruining of their hair and they said it was all about setting expectations high it feels like everyone there has bleached hair,” Larkin said The Cornjerkers duo made the IHSA individual state wrestling tournament last year and did well Zamora placing fourth in the Class 1A 175-pound weight class and Larkin taking sixth at 157 they’re looking to bring more firepower with them Last season’s run to state was all the motivation they needed to set their sights on getting back especially with how their performances panned out Zamora went into state as the second-seeded wrestler in his weight class he was the only area wrestler to win 50 matches on the season His expectations were as high as they could be I used that to harness all my aggression to put in work in the offseason It’s definitely going to play a big factor with me because I’m going to tell myself that I didn’t achieve what I wanted to last year he wasn’t ranked ahead of his state appearance and he went on to bust some brackets by making it to the placement rounds He’s bulked up to the 165 weight class this year and is hungry to keep proving himself “I don’t think anyone expected me to be there There were no expectations for me to do anything,” Larkin said I finally realized I can compete with the top-ranked kids and I don’t know why I couldn’t this year or maybe even get a state title.” Larkin and the rest of the Cornjerkers are riding high after winning the 39th annual Prairie Central Hawk Classic for the first time in program history Larkin and Zamora each won their respective brackets and they celebrated Flores earning his 100th career win and Zamora claiming yet another Most Outstanding Wrestler award “I’d say this is the most confident I’ve been in a while,” Zamora said the IHSA listed its top 50 football and volleyball programs of the last 50 years throughout this past fall season to commemorate the 50th year of the IHSA state finals in both sports “Releasing the Top 50 programs is a celebration of the rich history and tradition of high school girls volleyball and football in the state of Illinois,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in an August press release “It will be a fun way to remember many of the great teams and coaches who have helped make high school sports in Illinois so special.” Three football teams and two volleyball teams from The News-Gazette coverage area made the cut It’s only fitting that coach Scott Hamilton’s final year on the Rockets’ sideline included an honor like this Unity earned six state runner-up trophies (the first in Class 2A and the last five in 3A) and compiled a record of 291-74 A pair of Class 1A state championships and four runner-up finishes since 1974 landed the Warriors on the list They racked up 377 wins in that time but did most of their damage in the late 2000s where they made five state final appearances in six years the Purple Riders have won four Class 1A state titles and finished second three times in the last 50 years Coach Steve Thomas led the team for 30 years guiding it to three of those championships and winning 210 games While the program hasn’t been around as long as others the Sabers’ recent success can’t be ignored They won a Class 2A state title in 2017 and followed it with a runner-up finish in 2018 STM then won a 1A title in 2021 and has now won eight straight regional plaques The team has looked different over the years especially after going down the co-op route but the Titans’ two state runner-up trophies two third-place trophies and one fourth-place trophy all look great Tri-County is certainly one of the state’s better teams without a championship This week’s boys’ finalists are Philip Christhilf of St Lucas Fuson of Cerro Gordo/Bement basketball Ryan Hopkins of Fisher basketball and Joshua Lee of Champaign Central swimming and diving Our girls’ candidates include Reese Davis of Tuscola basketball Kacie Sisk of Arcola basketball and Bailey Walter of Cerro Gordo/Bement basketball There’s still a little time to cast your vote under the “Prep Sports” tab on news-gazette.com Be sure to do so before the polls close at noon on Thursday Zach Piatt covers high school sports at The News-Gazette. His email is zpiatt@news-gazette.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Hoopeston police: Scene involved a gun and 'degrading remarks.' HOOPESTON — Three male juveniles were arrested after a video surfaced on social media showing a disturbing scene involving a gun and “degrading remarks.” Hoopeston police said Wednesday they were made aware of a video posted to Snapchat showing “a male juvenile being held at gunpoint being told to take articles of clothing off while being told to repeat degrading remarks “There was another male juvenile sitting next to the victim along with a second male that records a portion of the incident,” police added An 11-year-old suspect was released by police and two 14-year-olds were taken to the Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center Hoopeston's Charlie Flores won the 1A Wrestling State Championship for 106-pound weight class He outdueled Oakwood's Steven Uden in the third period and pulled away for a decisive 4-0 victory I've always wanted to do this since I was young and they've wrestled each other twice -- with a 1-1 record and Flores brought his A-game in the third period I'm just a humble guy," Flores said when asked if he has "Bragging Rights" over Uden slamming down the head gear and jumping into his coach's arms the goal is to win the State Title next season Click the video above and watch his reaction to winning the title president of the Save the Lorraine Foundation shows off the restored Lorraine Theatre’s new Dolby Atmos movie projector inside the Hoopeston landmark Alex Houmes standing in the lobby by one of the Lorraine Theatre’s former projectors The Lorraine Theatre in Hoopeston is ready for its reopening A clock inside the theater near the new speakers When the lights in the theater go down for the first public showing of the first-run movie 'Captain America: Brave New World' in the Lorraine Theatre Thursday night Save the Lorraine Foundation President Alex Houmes will be thinking about all the volunteers all the hours of work and all the donors and community members who made this a reality Drop in a question of your very own BY CLICKING HERE or by emailing 25-year Vermilion County reporter Jennifer Bailey at jbailey@news-gazette.com HOOPESTON — When the lights go down today for the first showing of the new film “Captain America: Brave New World” at the Lorraine Theatre the president of the Save the Lorraine Foundation will be thinking about all the volunteers hours of work and donors and community members who made it a reality Alex Houmes said reaching this historic night has involved more than 12 years of fundraising renovations and equipment upgrades at the more-than-100-year-old theater at 324 E “Parts of the auditorium ceiling had collapsed They had this place painted terribly; everything was green with gold accents It was terrible and did not pay tribute to what it used to be.” The group’s fundraising goal got a big boost when T-Mobile provided a $40,000 Hometown Grant to go toward the reopening The Lorriane is now decked out with Dolby Atmos technology a new projector and a surround-sound speaker system It has also been repainted in the same style as when it opened in 1922 thanks to a news article with photographs from the time Volunteer Randy Shields has done “an incredible amount of work here and has done all of our painting,” Houmes said adding that he based the colors on some of the olives tans and burgundies from the flooring in an effort to pay tribute to its history with a buzz around opening night and the entire weekend About 300-400 tickets have already been sold for the first weekend The theater’s reopening also marks the return of a first-run movie theater in Vermilion County something absent since the AMC Classic Village Mall 6 in Danville closed three years ago Hoopeston Mayor Jeff Wise says it’s a sight to behold “The reintroduction of first-run movies at the Lorraine Theater is a momentous occasion for Hoopeston,” he said “The Lorraine has been a cornerstone of our community for generations a place where families gathered and memories were made the Lorraine’s revival will have a positive economic impact on Hoopeston,” he added “It will attract visitors from near and far This project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of countless individuals who believe in Hoopeston’s potential.” Wise recalled that his earliest memory of the Lorraine was going with his dad to see “Star Wars” in the late 1970s “The film broke twice during the movie,” he said The renovations are evident from the moment visitors arrive The Lorraine’s unique front ticket booth has been cleaned up and likely will be used only for special events In the lobby sits another unique piece of the theater’s history: one of its two original projectors Its films will now be shown using the latest digital technology Posters on the walls show other films that will soon be screening “Lilo and Stitch” in May and “Superman” in July Houmes said the theater’s booking agent will always try to get the latest films Visitors are encouraged to see new releases on the first weekend because repeat showings on second and third weekends aren’t always guaranteed special popcorn buckets featuring Red Hulk and Captain America are ready to go The popcorn machine had already been replaced and is a lot easier to operate Drinks are self-serve and feature unlimited refills The concession stand also doubles as the theater’s box office, Houmes said, but tickets can also be purchased at its new website at lorrainetheatre.com This first weekend’s shows are limited to online ticket sales only but future events will have online and in-person sales $7 for seniors 60 and older and $8 for adults Children under 3 are not allowed in the theater for movies but not when we’re trying to watch a movie,” Houmes said “This is where all the recent work and money has gone.” including painting to remove any moisture intrusion or remaining mold; replacing the decorative Art Deco-style sound panels with more modern versions covered with curtains; and installing new sound equipment Houmes and his father put in the sound system themselves “The speakers are precisely pointed to certain locations,” he said “We had lasers on top of the speakers to point them exactly as the blueprints had shown He said the historic building kind of fights back on the new equipment The main auditorium’s original nine speakers were increased to 22 for surround sound in addition to others hanging from the ceiling and behind the screen But the intent of the new system is for creating a 3D immersion effect This Dolby Atmos system also allows for individual sounds to be played in individual parts of the theater and is suspended from the stage rigging system The frame of the original screen was reused The theater still plans to hold occasional live events in addition to bingo the theater must sign agreements and pay fees to studios and distributors which enables it to download films to its server for screenings “It’s a lot harder than people imagine just to be able to show a movie,” Houmes said The single-screen theater can hold a total of about 320 people but capacity for movies is 222; the balcony is not being used during movies because there wasn’t enough funding to install speakers there First-run movies will be shown Thursdays through Sundays The theater will be operated with an all-volunteer force for as long as possible The new system has already had two test screenings for volunteers and longtime supporters and “that went over really well,” Houmes said The theater also will be available for private movie parties and events for the public The ultimate goal was to have movies again and Houmes said seeing the project through has come with big rewards Houmes lived down the block growing up and said he remembers seeing “The Hobbit” and “Godzilla” movies He said the landmark building contains a lot of history for Hoopeston families Houmes said the group tried to think of everything it could but they won’t know what’s missing until they open the doors and start He had hoped to have the theater reopened as early as November for the premiere of “Wicked,” but he said he’s looking forward to showing the second film later this year Volunteers donate time, compassion to be with patients in their last hours Small, impactful actions celebrated during Patient Experience Week Carle Health helpers share their talents, strengths daily in support of patients Carle works to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any accessibility concerns may be addressed by contacting (217) 326-8560 or toll-free at (855) 665-8252 or patient.relations@carle.com Animal lover Sara Rhodes of Hoopeston was doing what was her passion when she tragically died in an accident on Wednesday in rural Milford HOOPESTON — Animal lover Sara Rhodes was doing the thing she loved most when she died in an accident Wednesday in rural Milford who served as manager of the Hoopeston McDonald’s for about 24 years She was one in a million,” said Kathleen Orcutt adoptions manager at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter Rhodes for about 10 years and volunteered with her at the Hoopeston animal shelter “She fostered lots of dogs and did transports,” Orcutt said She was coming home from a transport Wednesday when the accident occurred Rhodes was off work Wednesday and her previous foster dog had been adopted so she picked up two dogs at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter and took them to Naperville she was involved in a two-vehicle accident that killed her and her new foster dog Volunteer shelter drivers take animals that picked for rescue to corresponding rescue shelters She was like the Energizer Bunny,” Orcutt added Shelters all over the area will feel the loss “We’re all heartbroken and in shock,” Orcutt said She was an unstoppable force and she had a great sense of humor Rhodes was all about animal welfare and helping anybody any way she could She said the last time she talked to her was on Wednesday Rhodes told her that Tootsie had eaten her breakfast sandwich and she was going to stop and get another one Rhodes was a big part of their McDonald’s family She had worked for McDonald’s prior to when the Witzels moved to the area and bought the restaurant 25 years ago Witzel said they brought her back as a manager when they were looking for someone with customer-service skills She said a customer told them they needed to get Ms Witzel too said animals and animal rescues were Rhodes’ passion It was a part of who she was,” Witzel said The Witzels were in Hoopeston on Thursday morning meeting with their employees Deanna Witzel said she was in shock when she learned the news Wednesday Rhodes made a difference in a lot of lives “She was just an amazing person,” Witzel said A look at Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac before the Cornjerkers kick off their season Friday night against Iroquois West What to know about Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac before the Cornjerkers kick off their season Friday night at home against Iroquois West: who was the Cornjerkers’ junior varsity quarterback and a varsity wide receiver last year His experience catching the football has given him a new perspective with his new role which will help him connect on a different level with his receivers as he enters the 2024 season with more pressure on his shoulders “I know how difficult it is when a wide receiver needs to make a play on a bad ball,” Huchel said “I know I need to deliver them a good ball in order for them to make a good play.” Huchel said the transition back to quarterback has been difficult but rewarding He’s “excited and ecstatic” to get back under center just a field general out there,” second-year Cornjerkers coach Carrick MacDonald said does a great job taking control of the offense and is everything you want in a high school quarterback.” Their quarterbacks of the defense are ...RaSiah Jones and Ayden Larkin The Cornjerkers have a brain and brawn of their defense Jones is the one who will make sure everyone knows what they’re doing a junior who will succeed no matter where he’s lined up but the way he plays is just awesome to watch,” MacDonald said “Watching him play inspires our guys to play hard He was a swiss army knife last year on defense and I’m excited to see him be the guy from day one.” and it was evident in a pair of bad losses during the last two weeks of the 2023 season after he broke his leg is a senior who’s always ready to take someone’s head off from his linebacker position they kind of let up a little bit,” MacDonald said changing the way people view Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac football Other than their Class 3A playoff campaign in 2021 the Cornjerkers haven’t had more than three wins in a season since 2001 “Hoopeston has had one winning season in the last 30 years,” MacDonald said this is the team that can change the culture of Hoopeston football.” but MacDonald has a lot of trust in his young players because they’re buying in to the process.They’re fighting for a new culture and they understand it takes time to build that “It would be amazing to change this culture,” Huchel said “I’ve heard so many people say Hoopeston football is not good anymore and hasn’t been good for a while Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac’s 2024 schedule ➜ Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach: Chip Glass ➜ Quarterbacks/outside linebackers coach: Zach Lingard ➜ Defensive backs/running backs coach: Felipe Martinez ➜ Defensive line/tight ends coach: Dylan Mollet Zach Piatt covers high school sports at The News-Gazette. His email is zpiatt@news-gazette.com. Brenda Marie Pancake, 68, of Hoopeston, passed away at 12:54 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center. She was born on April 23, 1956, in Watseka, the daughter of Bertha Thomas.  She married William Pancake on August 31, 1974, at the First Christian Church, in Milford.  He preceded her in death on October 28, 2024. She is survived by her two children- Jennifer (Melissa) Moyer and James (Christie) Pancake both of Hoopeston; grandson- Michael Gummere of Zionsville, Indiana; and one sister- Lori Hummel of Sheldon. She was preceded in death by her mother, husband and two sisters- Pat McKay and Connie Smith. Brenda graduated from Milford High School.  She enjoyed her dogs, taking care of her plants and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She also loved going to a good thrift store, especially Mary’s Emporium, in Watseka and Habitat for Humanity, in Danville. According to her wishes cremation rites will be arranged.  A Celebration of Brenda’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the First Christian Church, in Hoopeston.  Memorials may be made to the family.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist them in honoring Brenda’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com. Tribute Archive