In-person acts are returning to Illinois State University’s family weekend, as the University announced a magician and comedian as part of the lineup.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Longtime Sheriff’s Deputy announcing a bid for Sheriff
A long-time McLean County Sheriff’s Deputy is putting his name in the hat to become the county’s next Sheriff.… MORE
Update on special bulk waste pickup in Bloomington
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Special bulk waste pickup in the City of Bloomington is ongoing after severe flooding last month. Some residents are unhappy because due to the large amount of materials left out for pickup, public works crews are delayed. Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. Bloomington City Manager Gleason…… MORE
This week’s USDA crop report is a wet one
From USDA There were 4.3 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 11, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 73.9 degrees, 2.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.35 inches, 0.54 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 16 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus.…… MORE
State announces 3 winners in vaccine lottery
By Neil Doyle SPRINGFIELD – The first $100,000 Monday drawing as part of the state’s ‘All In for the Win’ vaccine lottery has taken place, and three winners have been chosen. The Illinois Department of Public Health will be notifying winners by phone or email and the three winners are from Springfield, Quincy, and Chicago. Last…… MORE
Connect Transit board appoints new general manager
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Connect Transit has named David Braun as its next general manager. Braun replaces Isaac Thorne who resigned in August of 2020 to take a similar job in Knoxville, Tennessee. Former Normal City Manager Mark Peterson has been serving as the interim general manager since last November and will stay on…… MORE
Lesli Jett found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder in death of 4-year-old boy
The Tazewell County woman accused of murder in her boyfriend’s 4-year-old son’s death has been found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated abuse of a child.… MORE
Gas prices on the decline over the past week
After the holiday weekend, gas prices across the state are on the decline.… MORE
McLean County EMA to open resource center after historic flooding
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – After historic flooding across the area, the McLean County Emergency Management Agency is opening a Multi-Agency Resource Center, or MARC. The MARC will open Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday July 18th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A location is still being confirmed. Officials from…… MORE
6-figure workers comp settlement proposed for ex-Bloomington cop
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council is being asked to approve a workers compensation settlement with a police officer who was unable to return to work after an on-duty knee injury he suffered three years ago. The staff’s report to the council said the proposed settlement calls for Luke Maurer to receive a…… 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…