Coffee may not be a literal medicine, but for nurse Bailey Roth, the beverage often serves as a pick-me-up.
"I feel like whenever I’m tired, sad, happy, etc., I’m always down for a cup of coffee no matter the mood," she told The News-Gazette. "So it’s like coffee is the 'prescription' for whatever mood you’re in!"
And now that Roth is finally realizing her longtime dream of opening a coffee shop, she's decided to incorporate this theme into the name: The Caffeine Rx.
Roth, who jokingly refers to herself as "your local caffeine dealer," hopes to open the business in late August or early September.
It will be located at 107 N. Walnut St. in downtown Champaign, formerly the home of Café Kopi.
The business closed its Walnut Street location on Dec. 15, 2024. Owner Douglas McCarver said in a previous interview that business had not returned to normal post-pandemic.
Roth said she's excited to welcome customers in once The Caffeine Rx is up and running.
"The space is HUGE, so definitely expect events!" she said in an email. "As far as food/drinks, expect the usuals such as lattes, iced/hot coffee, cold brew, teas, etc. and maybe something fun like Alani mixers."
Indian’s Pizza on Georgetown Road in Danville.
Longtime Danville pizzeria changes hands
Indian's Pizza, located at 2517 Georgetown Road, is under new ownership once again.
Julie and Rick Rohrer have sold the shop to Tim and Giselle Lowe, who took over on July 3.
"I got made an offer I couldn't pass up," Julie said, adding that she is ready to lighten her workload a bit.
Still, she admitted that the move is bittersweet, and she'll miss customers and staff.
Julie and her husband purchased the business, which was their favorite pizza restaurant, about 14 years ago.
The pizzeria was originally founded in 1968 by Bert Gross; the Rohrers purchased it from his son, Jeff.
Julie said that she and Rick "didn't change a thing" about the business, and it's her understanding that the Lowes don't plan to either.
When asked what's next for her, Julie replied, "That's a good question. Right now, my pool."
Additionally, Julie and her husband have a side business buying and reselling houses, so she'll likely spend more time helping with this work.
"I just wish the new owners continued success," she added.
Local Starbucks unionizes
Workers at the Starbucks in Champaign's Carriage Center voted Tuesday to join Starbucks Workers United, with 12 votes in favor outweighing six against.
“We have all been fighting for a better workplace and look to the thousands of other union members across the states as proof that we can achieve that," said barista Leo Welsch. "Our store is ready to join the fight and look forward to the great leaps we are willing and ready to make."
Union officials said the shop marks the 38th store in Illinois to unionize and the second locally, after 102 N. Vine Street in Urbana. It is one of over 600 locations in the United States to do so.
New U-Haul option in Urbana
U-Haul Co. of Illinois, Inc. has announced that Illini CU Oil and Tire at 301 E. Main St. is now a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.
As such, the business will offer trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies.
Customers can reserve U-Haul products at the location by calling 217-305-7218 or at uhaul.com.
Applications open for homebuyers looking for affordable options
Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County's 2025 homebuyer application period is open now through July 22 at 5 p.m.
"Through our Homeownership Program, we work alongside families to not only construct homes—but also to build long-term stability, financial empowerment, and community strength," organization officials said.
Applications are available online at cuhabitat.org/home-ownership/home-application or at Champaign County ReStore, 1914 Glenn Park Drive, Champaign, during business hours.
From left, Midland State Bank’s Tom Ormseth, chief deposit officer; Janie Jenkin, credit analyst; Dan Stevenson, executive vice president of consumer banking and wealth management; and Cornell Lurry Sr., interim director of community and economic development.
Bank honored for community involvement
Midland States Bank has received the Illinois Community Service Award from the Illinois Bankers Association.
“We’re honored to be recognized for our continued efforts to empower individuals and strengthen communities, yet we know this kind of impact doesn’t happen without the dedication of our people," said President Jeff Mefford. "This award is only possible because of our employees who actively show up in our communities on behalf of Midland, building trust, relationships, and brighter futures every day."
One example of this work is the bank's financial empowerment initiatives; Midland reported that its employees logged over 600 volunteer hours with this program in 2023 alone.
While Midland States bank is headquartered in Effingham, it also has a branch in Champaign.
First Mid promotes two
Two executives at First Mid moved into new roles in late June. Matthew Smith, formerly CFO, is now president. Jordan Read has taken on the role of CFO in addition to his position as chief risk officer.
Smith
Former president Joe Dively is staying on as CEO and chairman of the board of First Mid.
Smith
“When I joined First Mid in 2011, it was as President—a title I’ve held ever since. I believe it’s the right time to elevate Matt to the role and continue strengthening our leadership team for the future,” Dively said. “He has consistently demonstrated leadership, financial expertise, and a strong commitment to our customers and communities."
First Mid Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Mattoon, is the parent company of First Mid Bank and Trust, First Mid Insurance Group and First Mid Wealth Management Company.
The company has bank branches in several communities throughout the state, including Arcola, Champaign, Charleston, Mahomet, Monticello, Rantoul, Savoy, Sullivan, Tuscola and Urbana.
