Category Archives: Local News

Woman charged after Bloomington shooting incident

Woman charged after Bloomington shooting incident

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A woman was arrested in connection to a shots fired incident on Saturday. According to a Bloomington police news release, 31-year-old Amelia R. Hatch was arrested and then charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and battery. She appeared in McLean County…MORE

Eureka College announces head football coaching hire

Eureka College announces head football coaching hire

By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Eureka College is bringing in a two time NFL Pro Bowler to take over as the head coach of the Red Devils football program. The college announced Monday, that Randy Starks will takeover as the 20th all-time coach of the program. “There are a lot of people that coach their…MORE

Illinois State University has narrowed presidential search to 11

Illinois State University has narrowed presidential search to 11

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Illinois State University Presidential Search Committee in Normal narrowed down the candidates for the next president. Thursday morning, the committee started with 41 prospective candidates to lead Illinois’ first public institution of higher learning. After spending more than 2 hours in executive session — the number is now down to…MORE

Normal man dies from hypothermia after falling outside

Normal man dies from hypothermia after falling outside

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A Normal man has died after falling outside and freezing from hypothermia. Responders were called to the 100 block of West Shelbourne Drive in Normal on Tuesday afternoon after a body was found by a tree at approximately 3:15 p.m. A heavy police presence gathered near the apartment building as police…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…