For Illinois Wesleyan University’s President-elect, returning to Central Illinois is a full-circle moment. … MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Normal Public Library settling into temporary location
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – It’s national library week and Normal Public Library wants visitors to know they’re still open as they go through changes. Last week, the library temporarily moved across the street into the old Busey Bank for renovations and asbestos removal. The library will continue hosting their book club and learning circle events…… MORE
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announces winner of ‘Makers Madness’ contest
The Komatsu mining truck, made in Peoria, has been declared this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.”… MORE
Illinois Wesleyan University names Dr. Sheahon Zenger 21st President
After a national search, Illinois Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees named the university’s 21st President.… MORE
Central Illinois lawmaker will vote ‘no’ on a farm bill unless lawmakers include nutrition programs
The clock is ticking for lawmakers in the nation’s capitol to find common ground on a new farm bill before the November presidential election.… MORE
Woodford County animal control now under the county sheriff’s department
By WMBD-TV EUREKA – The Woodford County Sheriff’s Department will now handle animal control services. This comes after the Woodford County board approved the change last Thursday. They appointed Sheriff Matt Smith to be the Animal Control Warden starting April 4. Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword said having the animal control services in-house will benefit the…… MORE
Tazewell County Coroner identifies motorcycle crash victim
By WMBD-TV MACKINAW – Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley has identified the man who died in a Monday car vs motorcycle crash near Townline and Boston School Roads in Mackinaw. According to the coroner’s Facebook, 73-year-old Eric Bates of McLean County died of multiple blunt force injuries due to the crash. Bates was the operator…… MORE
The Baby Fold opens Center of Excellence
On Tuesday, The Baby Fold held a grand opening for its Center of Excellence on Market Street in Bloomington.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo announces death of Red Panda
The Miller Park Zoo announced the death of its male red panda, Burma.… MORE
McLean County Coroner identifies victim of Monday night crash
A 48-year-old man from Normal died in a motorcycle crash Monday night in Normal.… MORE
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…