By WJBC Staff A look at reported offenses in Bloomington, Normal and on the Illinois State University campus. Reports do not indicate confirmed offenses. Fri. May 1, 2015 City of Bloomington Call Time Location / Block Address Disposition Type 12:48 am E WASHINGTON ST / N MAIN ST Report Person Contact 1:11 am 3XX S…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Sen. Brady: Illinois prisons overcrowded, understaffed
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Bill Brady said it’s time Illinois considers reopening prisons its closed in recent years in the wake of new reports which detail deplorable conditions at a southern Illinois prison. A watchdog group reports inmates at the Vienna Correctional Center have complained of mold, rodents, broken windows and…… MORE
Normal looks to extend electric vehicle tax rebate program
By Adam Studzinski NORMAL – The Normal Town Council will vote Monday night on renewing the town’s electric vehicle sales tax incentive. City Manager Mark Peterson said the town created the program in 2011 as a way to incentivize buying electric cars. “We share this with the dealers and so if they sell an electric…… MORE
McLean County to mark World Asthma Day with school lessons
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – McLean County has a higher rate of asthma sufferers than the rest of Illinois – and with World Asthma Day coming on Tuesday – educators want to help people better manage the disease. Eighteen percent of McLean County residents have asthma, compared to 13.3 percent statewide based on the most…… MORE
Survey examines how Americans prioritize vacations
A Country Financial security survey shows two-thirds of millenials would work for a year longer to pay for a dream vacation. (Photo by KenTeegardin/flickr) By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – Americans love to travel, but not if it means going into debt. A Country Financial Security survey shows most Americans would rather put off retirement for…… MORE
Grove Elementary teacher selected for exclusive teachers academy
Tracy Donath (left) has been selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC) By Adam Studzinski NORMAL – A 4th grade teacher at Grove Elementary School was one of 155 teachers nationwide selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey. Tracy Donath said the week-long…… MORE
Bloomington brings back Heritage Awards
By Joe Ragusa BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is bringing back the Heritage Awards. The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission is looking for submissions of public or private properties that have been improved somehow. City Planner Mark Woolard describes what should be included in the application. “A description of the project would be one…… MORE
Bloomington-Normal residents can help the Nepal relief effort
By Joe Ragusa BLOOMINGTON – The relief effort is underway in Nepal after an earthquake rocked the area last week, killing over 6,000 people and injuring thousands more. Tricia Burnett with Red Cross of the Heartland says monetary donations are the best way people in Bloomington-Normal can help. “To get supplies there would be very…… MORE
New head of Normal Theater announced
By Haley Kosik NORMAL – A man who has served as an instructor and production Manager in the Illinois State University School of Theater and Dance will be in charge of the Normal Theater. Adam Fox was named Normal’s new Theater and Civic Arts Manager. Fox says his previous background experience will be beneficial…… MORE
New Bloomington council members sworn in
Buragas was one of five council members sworn in Friday night. (Photo Courtesy of Andy Dahn) By Andy Dahn BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is facing a large budget deficit and several other issues this year, and council members who were sworn in Friday night are ready for the challenge. Ward Two Alderman David…… 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…