Unit 5’s Superintendent is answering questions about the mask mandates in schools after Gov. Pritzker released the new guidance.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
MCHD reports 38 new cases of COVID-19; CDC reports county has “high community transmission”
The McLean County Health Department asks residents to follow recent CDC guidance of masking as the county is experiencing “high community transmission.”… MORE
Bloomington homeless camp faces closure, but help being offered
An empty lot in Bloomington has been occupied for years, by people experiencing homelessness. But soon, they will have to leave, as the city recently approved a new restaurant to be built there. Now, some of them have an opportunity to work.… MORE
IHSA will temporarily require masks for indoor sports
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – With Gov. JB Pritzker’s announcement Wednesday mandating masks for schools, face coverings will be required for all IHSA fall sport practices and contests that are conducted indoors. According to an IHSA news release, this mask directive for indoor athletic events applies to student-athletes, coaches, officials, game personnel, and fans, regardless of…… MORE
Catholic Diocese of Peoria schools will follow Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate
By Neil Doyle PEORIA – The Catholic Diocese of Peoria will comply with Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order and require all students and staff wear a face covering for in-person learning. Last month, the diocese said parents and guardians should decide, but the Office of Catholic Schools got approval from Bishops Daniel Jenky and Louis…… MORE
Bloomington Police arrest man wanted in Virginia shooting
A Virginia man remains behind bars in McLean County on charges out of Virginia, alleging he played a role in a shooting.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo is around two weeks away from opening a new monkey exhibit
A new monkey exhibit is just weeks away from opening at Miller Park Zoo.… MORE
McLean County Coroner identifies fatal crash victim
By Neil Doyle HUDSON – A man from Normal has been identified as the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash in Hudson. Warren Welch, 72, died in the single motorcycle accident, according to McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder. The accident happened around 3:40 p.m. at 24032 Ron Smith Memorial Highway. Preliminary autopsy results indicate Welch died…… MORE
Town of Normal names Mike Matejka Citizen of the Year
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Mike Matejka has been named the 2021 Citizen of the Year in the Town of Normal. Mayor Chris Koos made the announcement Tuesday night during the town’s appreciation reception. Matejka moved to Bloomington-Normal to attend Illinois State University. Since then, Matejka has served as a community leader, volunteer, and social…… MORE
IDPH reports first human case of West Nile virus
By Neil Doyle SPRINGFIELD – State health officials are reporting the first human case of West Nile virus this year. The Illinois Department of Public Health says a Cook County resident in his 80s who became ill back in mid-June tested positive for the virus. “While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must…… 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…