The owners of Green Gables Bar & Grill are celebrating a milestone in the rebuilding process since a fire in May 2022. The new building now has a roof.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
State report card shows Unit 5 excelling on multiple levels, with two exemplary schools
An annual report card shows a glowing review of McLean County’s largest school district.… MORE
Rivian vehicles to get their first charge from 100% renewable energy
Every Rivian vehicle built in the Twin-Cities will soon get its first charge with 100% renewable energy.… MORE
Report card shows District 87 Elementary School achieved prestigious designation
One of McLean County’s school district’s report cards shows achievements at the elementary level but room for improvement at the Junior High and High School levels.… MORE
Trick-or-Treat hours in Central Illinois
Are you wondering what hours your town will be holding its Trick-or-Treating this Halloween?… MORE
How did local schools grade on ISBE’s school report card?
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois high schools had the highest graduation rate in 13 years, one indicator that K-12 public education is shaking off learning lag during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are moving fast toward recovery, but we still have a significant distance to travel,” said state Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders. Sanders continued, “We are not…… MORE
Coroner releases name of Saturday crash victim in Ellsworth
McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder has released the name of the victim of the Saturday afternoon car crash near Ellsworth.… MORE
ISU Police Chief honored with award after saving a man’s life
The top cop at Illinois State University received one of the biggest awards for a cop this month for saving a man’s life.… MORE
Champaign Judge rules Bloomington-based construction company owes Urbana $2.9M
A Bloomington-based construction company is now on the hook for nearly $2.9 million after a lawsuit in Champaign County.… MORE
#1 Normal Community dominates Argo in Round One of IHSA playoffs
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Despite a cold front and a soaked playing field from several days of rain, the Ironmen at Normal Community cruised to a first round victory over Argo 43-0. The shutout marks the fourth consecutive game where Community has held a team to zero points, as the Ironmen offense piled on…… 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…