By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The 2nd round of the IHSA football playoff’s delivered a classic between two Central Illinois teams that came down to the wire. As cheers roared from the stands at Dick Tharp field, Ironmen fans were on their feet anticipating a victory, before things took a drastic turn late in the…… MORE
By Jake Fogal ROCKTON – Normal Community has extended their win streak to six games as the Ironmen traveled to Rockton for a first round playoff matchup with Hononegah. Community quarterback Kyle Beaty impressed in his postseason debut, throwing for five touchdowns and 255 yards. The sophomore connected with 6’7 wide receiver Elliot Oliver three…… MORE
By Jake Fogal FAIRBURY – The ground game attack that has been fundamental for Prairie Central all season long proved successful again in Week 9 as the Hawks soared past Central Catholic 56-13 to secure the Illini Prairie Conference title. PC also boosted their record to 9-0 on the year, the first undefeated record for…… MORE
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Normal West defense made plays as rain drops soaked into the field at Wildcat Stadium. A total of six turnovers and a consistent offensive game plan was enough to separate the Wildcats from the Lions in Week 8, winning 30-6. Peoria was first on the scoreboard, leading 6-0 in…… MORE
By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Two unbeatens took the field in Eureka Friday night for Week 7 action in the Heart of Illinois Conference. It was an early start for the Hornets to get up 7-0, but the Mustangs defense forced five turnovers leading to a 21-7 win. Quarterback Jacob Morin of Eureka, got the…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – As rain fell from above and lightning lit up the sky, tough playing conditions and delays played the main factor in Normal Communities win over the Bloomington Purple Raiders, 35-7. The game was called with 5:19 left to go in the fourth quarter, as lightning filled the sky for the…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Saints are marching to 3-1 in the Illini Prairie Conference after a 42-28 win over Monticello in Week 4 of the high school football season. Colin Hayes was the catalyst for Central Catholic, as the junior quarterback was responsible for five touchdowns, two through the air and three on…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Normal West Wildcats defense has shutout another offense this season, as West pulled off a 21-4 win over Normal Community. West went up early with a 49 yard touchdown pass from Jayden Mangruem to Matthew Marsaglia. Mangruem threw a second touchdown to Marsaglia late in the first to give…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The High School Football Extravaganza on WJBC, sponsored by CEFCU, not a bank, better, featured the Normal Community West Wildcats blanking Champaign Central 42-0. Wildcats Jayden Mangruem led the way with 68 yards through the air, also tallying 3 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The defense stifled the Champaign Central Maroons…… MORE
According to the IHSA’s top official, high school sports will return to their normal format starting in the fall of next year – meaning state tournaments are back on the table.… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…