Co-workers hopeful for Bloomington woman’s recovery from SUV-pedestrian crash

Posted on December 4, 2021

Police car — *The county clerk said Ayers is a long-time election judge, works part time in the clerk’s office, and is retired from State Farm. (WJBC file photo)*

BLOOMINGTON – A local woman hit by a sport utility vehicle in north Bloomington on Thursday is recovering at an Urbana hospital, and coworkers at the McLean County Clerk’s office are optimistic about her recovery.

Gracie Ayers of Bloomington was initially taken to a hospital in the Twin-Cities, then flown by helicopter to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Ayers answered her cellphone and talked to a co-worker Thursday, according to County Clerk Kathy Michael.

Bloomington Police said the driver of the SUV was attempting to park at a local business on North Main Street, but the vehicle accelerated, went over a curb, and struck Ayers, who was pinned against the building. Police said she suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Police said it’s unlikely there will be any tickets because the crash happened on private property.

The county clerk said Ayers is a long-time election judge, works part time in the clerk’s office, and is retired from State Farm.

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…