Category Archives: Local News

Bloomington proclamation to honor Rodgers
Josh Rodgers was killed during a fight against ISIS in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy Vonda Rodgers)By Howard PackowitzBLOOMINGTON – Two days after he was laid to rest, U.S. Army Ranger Sergeant J...
Syndicated Author May 08, 2017

IESA issues scholar attitude awards
Magician Steve Bargatze entertained students at the IESA Scholar Attitude Awards lunch in Bloomington with assistance from Evan Stegall from Macomb Jr. High School, and Payton Kinder from Jasper Count...
Syndicated Author May 07, 2017

Sgt. Rodgers laid to rest after two days of solemn tributes
By Howard PackowitzBLOOMINGTON – Josh Rodgers, the young U.S. Army Ranger from Bloomington-Normal, belongs to the ages.He was buried after a day of solemn and patriotic tributes, with peop...
Syndicated Author May 06, 2017

Rejecting town halls, Cong. Davis to hold office hours Monday in Normal
After being criticized for not meeting with his constituents, Congressman Rodney Davis has set times next week to meet with small groups. (WJBC File Photo)By Howard PackowitzNORMAL – A Central I...
Syndicated Author May 06, 2017

Normal mayoral recount focuses on signatures
Normal Mayor Chris Koos defeated challenger Marc Tiritilli by 11 votes in the April 4 election. (WJBC file photo)By Howard PackowitzNORMAL – The disputed results for mayor of Normal might come d...
Syndicated Author May 05, 2017

Mason Street in Bloomington to close
(Photo courtesy Pixabay)By WJBC StaffBLOOMINGTON – Effective May 10-14, Mason Street between Mulberry and Market streets will be closed through traffic for contractor sewer and water service wor...
Syndicated Author May 05, 2017

House Republicans in Illinois back health care overhaul
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger said the American Health Care Act will be the first step in repairing the damages of the Obamacare system. (Photo courtesy wwwcspan.org/YouTube)By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Rad...
Syndicated Author May 05, 2017

School kids, State Farm workers show patriotism for Sgt. Rodgers
Remembering Josh RodgersBy Howard PackowitzBLOOMINGTON – It’s Red, White, and Blue Day in Unit 5 and District 87 schools as kids and teachers were asked to wear their patriotic best ...
Syndicated Author May 04, 2017

Mayor sees Bloomington as welcoming, but not a sanctuary city for immigrants
(WJBC file photo)By Howard PackowitzAn ordinance proclaiming Bloomington as a “welcoming city” might include more than just a statement promoting the city’s diversity.Mayor Tar...
Syndicated Author May 04, 2017

State Farm to close 11 facilities starting in 2018, some jobs move here
Some operations from shuttered facilities will be shifted to State Farm’s Bloomington headquarters. (WJBC file photo) By Howard Packowitz and Maria HenneberryBLOOMINGTON – Starting ne...
Syndicated Author May 04, 2017