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There’s more to rock climbing than meets the eye, according to Natalie Broadhurst and Mika Malter.

The co-owners of new business Horizon Climbing see the activity as not just an athletic outlet but also “a tool for connection and mental health.”

“Rock climbing has become a very popular sport but can often be intimidating at the start,” Boradhurst and Malter told The News-Gazette. “We found that our visions for what a climbing gym should be really aligned. We aimed to create a non-intimidating, inclusive environment where people can fall in love with the sport of climbing and connect with their peers.”

Horizon is targeting an August opening. Broadhurst and Malter said they will announce an opening date as soon as all of their permits are finalized, which should be soon.

The business will be located at located at 1914 Round Barn Road, Suite A, which was formerly home to Champaign Fitness Center.

Horizon will specifically focus on bouldering, which involves “relatively short walls and thick floor padding instead of ropes,” the business said. 

Broadhurst and Malter said that, in addition to being a popular form of climbing and fast-growing sector of the industry, bouldering provided a “more manageable” approach to starting their own facility.

The gym will also offer cardio and strength-training equipment, a children’s climbing space and party room, showers, saunas and study and co-working spaces. Events and programming for all ages are also planned, including yoga and fitness classes.

More information is available at climbhorizon.com and on the business’s social-media accounts.

Broadhurst and Malter said that they aim to offer “something for everyone,” with options for both experienced climbers and newcomers.

“We are especially interested in reaching people who are skeptical about trying climbing,” the pair said. “We want to create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment to show people that climbing can truly be for everyone.”

Rosecrance offers ‘health-monitoring’ kiosk

Rosecrance, which specializes in mental-health and addiction treatment, has added a self-service station to the lobby of its Champaign clinic at 801 N. Walnut St. so that clients can check their vitals quickly and accurately.

The machine, which was made by PharmaSmart, is able to measure a person’s body mass index, blood pressure, pulse and weight within a minute, the nonprofit said.

Data from such assessments can then be used to help the facility’s staff connect clients with the proper primary-care services.

“Some of our clients may not have the opportunity to interact directly with a nurse who can perform essential vital checks, such as measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and chart the results,” said Amy Young, director of nursing for Rosecrance. “Recognizing this gap, we identified the need for an innovative solution that provides accessible and comprehensive care.”

OSF Heart of Mary receives nursing award

OSF’s Heart of Mary Medical Center has been awarded Magnet Recognition with Distinction status, “a prestigious designation that shows patients are getting top-notch care,” hospital officials said.

The Magnet Recognition Program is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet Recognition with Distinction is reserved for the highest-performing Magnet organizations around the globe, according to the center. 

The designation “is based on validated empirical data, and only a select few hospitals will achieve this elite level of performance,” the organization stated in a description. “They will serve as exemplary role models for nursing excellence and for creating an environment of care that improves patient outcomes.”

“Achieving Magnet with distinction reflects our nursing staff’s relentless commitment to excellence, innovation and compassionate patient care,” said Dr. Deb McCarter, Heart of Mary vice president and chief nursing officer. “This great honor affirms the strength of the OSF HealthCare nursing culture and steadfast commitment to delivering the highest standards of care to our community every day.”

Tropical bash will support DSC

The Eastern Illinois Parrot Head Club is hosting “Back to the Prairibbean ’25” from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana.

Admission is $10 and tickets can be bought ahead of time at eiphc.org. All proceeds will benefit the Developmental Services Center, which serves about 1,200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Champaign and Ford counties.

The annual fundraising event will include live music from The Boat Drunks, food trucks and opportunities to win prizes.

Quilt festival returns

The Piatt County Museum’s annual Quilt Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at DeLand-Weldon High School, 304 Illinois 10, DeLand. There is a $7 entrance fee.

There event will include presentations and live demonstrations throughout the day, vendors, a bed-turning exhibit featuring quilts 50 years and older, raffles, giveaways and a food truck on site. 

Additionally, certified quilt appraiser Lynn Contri will be available by appointment. To schedule, call 217-722-0710.

“Whether you’re an avid quilter, history lover or simply enjoy beautiful craftsmanship, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event,” local officials said. “Come experience the creativity and care stitched into every panel — and maybe even find inspiration for your next project.”

Proceeds from donations and raffle sales will go to the Piatt County Museum, which is now in its 60th year.

Spiros Law senior associate promoted to partner

Spiros Law has promoted Alison Kimble to partner. Kimble joined the firm as an associate attorney in 2018 after graduating from Michigan State University and was promoted to senior associate in 2023.

She is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice and has been named a Super Lawyers RisingStar every year since 2021, the firm said.

“Alison brings both heart and precision to her work and truly embodies the standard of excellence we strive for at Spiros Law,” said partner Miranda Soucie. “We are excited to welcome her to the partnership and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as an exceptional young attorney. She consistently demonstrates tenacity, consistency and skill in the pursuit of excellence.”

Spiros Law has offices in Champaign, Danville and Kankakee.

Bank announces new employees in Champaign

Midland States Bank has announced the appointment of John Kempen as market president for Champaign and Laurie Coward as commercial relationship manager for the area. 

“The Champaign market continues to offer exciting opportunities for our clients and communities,” said Dan Rice, regional president for Midland. “With John and Laurie joining our strong and established team in Champaign, we’re even better positioned to meet the complex needs of commercial clients throughout the area.”

Bank officials said that both Kempen and Coward have “extensive experience in commercial banking and a deep understanding of the regional business landscape.”

As market president, Kempen’s duties will include leading the area’s strategic direction and community-engagement efforts. Coward, on the other hand, will work with the bank’s business clients “to support their financial goals through customized lending and treasury solutions.”