By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – Local police are reminding drivers to lock their doors as car thefts have become a crime of opportunity in the Twin Cities. Bloomington Police spokeswoman Sara Mayer said there have been at least 35 stolen vehicles reported in Bloomington-Normal this year, including seven in the last 10 days. “The majority…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Lincoln historian reflects on final train trip through Bloomington
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – It will be 150 years ago on Sunday that Abraham Lincoln’s body was returned to his Central Illinois homeland after his assassination. Local Lincoln author and historian Guy Fraker told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, some 5,000 people – more than half of Bloomington’s population at the time – came to see…… MORE
Bloomington drop-off facility to expand hours
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – Beginning on Saturday, the drop off facility located at 402 S. East Street will move to expanded spring and summer hours. The facility will be open on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to…… MORE
Hy-Vee recalls pasta salad due to bacteria threat
By WJBC Staff WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Hy-Vee has issued a recall for Hy-Vee Summer Fresh Pasta Salad that is sold in its stores’ kitchen department cold cases and salad bars. The pasta was recalled after Hy-Vee was notified the frozen vegetables used to make the ready-to-eat pasta were potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo adds Sumatran tiger
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – A critically endangered Sumatran tiger is the latest arrival at Miller Park Zoo. A male with the name of Heran arrived on April 18 from Landry’s Downtown Aquarium-Denver. He will be 10 years old in June. Sumatran Tigers are the smallest of the tiger subspecies. They are found only on…… MORE
ISU names finalists for VP of university advancement
By Adam Studzinski NORMAL – Illinois State University has named three finalists in its search for a vice president for University Advancement. The finalists include one internal – Pat Vickerman – and two external – J. Lance Cavanaugh of the University of Arizona Foundation and Michael Johnson of Northwest Missouri State University. “The three finalists…… MORE
Grove Street to Front Street to close
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – McClun Street between Grove and Front Street will be close to through traffic Friday between approximately 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for crane operations. Drivers should consider alternate routes.… MORE
B-N Police Blotter: Mon. April 27, 2015
By WJBC Staff A look at reported offenses in Bloomington, Normal and on the Illinois State University campus. Reports do not indicate confirmed offenses. Mon. April 27, 2015 City of Bloomington has yet to post activity Town of Normal Call Time Date Officer Type Report Location / Block Address Disposition Type 23:37 04/27/2015 793 E…… MORE
Museum of History announces 2015 History Makers
By Adam Studzinski BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Museum of History has announced its 2015 History Makers to be honored at the 4th annual History Makers Gala. The honorees are Merlin Kennedy, Margaret “Peg” Kirk, John Kirk, and Sonja Reece. Museum director Greg Koos said these people represent different aspects of the community. “We wish…… MORE
Bloomington explores closing Highland Park golf course
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – After two straight sub-par years for Bloomington golf courses, city officials are wondering whether the city still needs three courses. The city has had to pull $500,000 from its rainy day fund to plug a shortfall in golf operating expenses. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin rounds have…… 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…