State Police teams up with local departments for ‘Operation Unplugged’ to stop speeders

The departments conducted ‘Operation Unplugged’ on Nov. 16. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

MCLEAN COUNTY – Authorities in McLean County are cracking down on speeders near Rivian Automotive after several severe and fatal crashes in the area.

Late last week, departments from Bloomington and Normal, alongside Illinois State Police and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, teamed up for ‘Operation Unplugged.’

During the detail, police issued 131 citations, 147 warnings, and nine Scott’s law violations.

Authorities also found five drivers who were driving on a suspended license.

In addition, the department arrested two individuals, all within 13 hours.

“Everyone is affected when lives are lost in traffic crashes said ISP Troop 5 Commander Tim Sweeney.  “ISP is thankful for the partnering agencies who worked this detail with us, working side by side to keep our roadways safe!”

State Police report they will continue using all available resources to decrease traffic fatalities and make the area safe.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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…