By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County official has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. McLean County Emergency Management Agency director Bob Clark passed away this week, according to a Facebook post Thursday. “Bob will be sorely missed; his knowledge of the county, the history of the communities, and the fact that…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says driver services facilities will be closed for one more week due to COVID-19. Secretary of State offices and driver sevices facilities won’t open to the public until Monday or Tuesday, January 24 or 25, depending on regular business hours. Spokesperson Henry Haupt says…… MORE
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington is offering free admission to all visitors on Monday, Jan. 17 to honor the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. As part of the McLean County Historical Society’s vision to be an essential element in the cultural and educational fabric of the region, the museum seeks…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON- The American Red Cross is calling for all volunteers to assist in it’s latest call for help. On Tuesday, the Red Cross announced that it is facing it’s worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Lyn Hruska, Regional Chief Executive Director of the Red Cross is looking for healthy and…… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Normal Town Council member Scott Preston on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the 91st House District. Preston, 34, is running as a Republican in the newly drawn 91st District which covers most of Bloomington-Normal and stretches west to Peoria. “Illinois is a great state with amazing people, yet our state…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funding through Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ office. $200,000 is up for grabs through the office’s Charitable Trust program. 10 non-profits will split the funding, with grants of up to $20,000 each says Frerichs. “The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small non-profits with…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Last year was warmer and wetter than normal in Illinois. 2021 ended up as the 10th warmest year on record in the state, with an average temperature of 53.7 degrees. State Climatologist Trent Ford says that’s remarkable since last February was so cold. “So despite the fact that February average…… MORE
Lawmakers continue to stay away from Springfield.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The state is launching a new COVID-19 vaccine campaign in hopes of reaching those still on the fence about getting the shots. The initial rollout features four videos from Illinoisans who were initially hestitant about getting the vaccine. That includes Ken, a pastor from Danville who, along with his wife,…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Department of Corrections is again declining to accept inmates from county jails because of COVID-19 outbreaks at state prisons, a move a local sheriff said is forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill to house those prisoners. The state calls it a temporary pause, but McLean County Sheriff…… 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…