Category Archives: Local News

Extra police patrols around the state for Halloween weekend

Extra police patrols around the state for Halloween weekend

By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – State and local police are beefing up enforcement for the Halloween weekend. More than one thousand people have died on Illinois roads so far this year and the Illinois Department of Transportation is hoping this weekend doesn’t bring about any more traffic deaths. “IDOT and ISP have a campaign drive…MORE

Man found guilty of torture in McLean County

Man found guilty of torture in McLean County

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for torturing his girlfriend earlier this year. As part of a plea deal, Meontay Wheeler, 23, pled guilty to a charge of aggravated battery infliction of torture, which is a Class 1 felony. Two other aggravated battery charges were…MORE

Over 58,000 books donated locally by Toys for Tots of McLean County

Over 58,000 books donated locally by Toys for Tots of McLean County

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A local organization is donating 58,301 books to several school districts and non-profit groups. Toys for Tots of McLean County teamed up with its national office who worked with Scholastic to provide the donation. Toys for Tots of McLean County director Troy Zeigler told WJBC some of the books are…MORE

IDNR urges the public to leave the mountain lion currently roaming the state alone

IDNR urges the public to leave the mountain lion currently roaming the state alone

By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – There’s at least one mountain lion roaming Illinois right now and the State Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to leave him alone. There have been two cougars here recently. One was struck and killed on I-88 over a week ago. But another, outfitted with a GPS collar…MORE

Jane Lynch inducted into IBA Hall of Fame

Jane Lynch inducted into IBA Hall of Fame

By 25 News NORMAL – Actor and Illinois native Jane Lynch was given the highest honor from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. The former Illinois State Redbird is now in its Hall of Fame. The comedian, actor and author’s screen delivery and sharp style has made her a recognizable figure, as well as a household name.…MORE

Bloomington City Council member and museum executive director on medical leave

Bloomington City Council member and museum executive director on medical leave

By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Museum of History executive director Julie Emig is out on medical leave until December. According to a press release from the museum, her prognosis is exceptionally good with a full recovery expected. Emig did not disclose the health issue that prompted her to take time off. While Emig…MORE

Dry weather helps harvest progress in Illinois

Dry weather helps harvest progress in Illinois

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.9 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 23, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 49.4 degrees, 3.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.0 inches, 0.72 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 23 percent very short, 31 percent short, and 46 percent adequate. Subsoil…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…