Local News
Clark State College in Springfield will operate virtually after multiple shooting and bomb threats
Clark State College is committed to the safety of our entire community. We received concerning emails over the weekend, one mentioning a potential shooting and another a bomb threat on the Springfield campus. We immediately contacted the Springfield Police Department, who have confirmed the campus is secure.
Out of an abundance of caution:
- All classes will be conducted virtually for the week of September 16-20.
- All campuses will be closed.
- Employees will work from home.
- All activities are cancelled, including the Rhodes Hall Open House (which will be rescheduled).
We understand this news may be unsettling. We are taking this situation very seriously and are committed to minimizing disruption to your education. Here’s what you can expect:
- Increased Security Presence: Springfield Police will be on campus more frequently.
- Expanded Counseling Services: Our wellness team and partners are providing additional support resources.
- Minimal Educational Disruption: We will work to ensure a smooth transition to virtual learning.
Your Safety is Our Priority:
We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure learning environment. If you see or hear anything concerning, please report it to Johnny Lemen at [email address removed] or 937-328-3855.
For any further questions, please contact Erika Daggett at [email address removed].
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, we will navigate this situation safely and effectively.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.