Category Archives: Local News

McLean County correctional officer charged with worker’s comp fraud

McLean County correctional officer charged with worker’s comp fraud

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge alleging worker’s compensation fraud against a county correctional officer. In a release, McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says that officer is Ryan Hitch, 48. He is alleged to have intentionally made false or fraudulent material statements or material representations…MORE

Corn and soybean harvests in Illinois remain above average

Corn and soybean harvests in Illinois remain above average

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 13, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 46.4 degrees, 3.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.11 inches, 0.61 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 1…MORE

City of Bloomington provides update on Washington St. road closure

City of Bloomington provides update on Washington St. road closure

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – With the ongoing environmental cleanup at the Nicor Bloomington Gas Manufactured Gas Plant on Washington Street the City of Bloomington is aware the prolonged street closure in the area is an inconvenience to many. It was discovered that Washington Street’s underlying soils may no longer be stable. Therefore, Washington Street…MORE

Illinois gas prices fall a few cents in latest gas report

Illinois gas prices fall a few cents in latest gas report

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices have fallen nearly 15 cents over this past week, averaging $4.14 a gallon. According to GasBuddy’s daily survey of over 43-hundred stations in Illinois, prices in the state are 20.6 cents lower than a month ago. The cheapest station in Illinois is priced at $3.32 while the…MORE

Woman stabbed several times in Bloomington late Thursday evening

Woman stabbed several times in Bloomington late Thursday evening

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A woman is hospitalized with very serious injuries after a man stabbed her Thursday night on Bloomington’s east side, a police lieutenant said. The woman suffered “multiple” stab wounds about 9:25 p.m. in an apartment in the 2100 block of Todd Drive, near East Empire Street, the lieutenant also said.…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…