Heartland Community College unveiled its new Ag Complex, which is an education center for the broad field of agriculture.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Under The Ground BloNo closing after a two-year run
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – A beloved vegan-based restaurant in downtown Bloomington is closing its doors. Under the Ground BloNo announced they are closing at the end of February due to health issues and other factors. “This month also presented an extra set of challenges, and as a scrappy little business that was already fighting…… MORE
IHSA’s cheerleading finals coming to Bloomington this weekend
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The annual Illinois High School Association Competitive Cheerleading State Finals will be hosted in Bloomington this weekend at Grossinger Motors Arena. The state’s top 100 teams will journey to the Twin Cities to participate in four separate classes. Over 13,000 spectators are expected to attend the two-day event, according to…… MORE
Blood drive bringing awareness of the need for more donors
Two organizations are coming together for a blood drive.… MORE
‘Investment in our infrastructure’: Normal resident heading to White House
Mike Matejka is headed to the White House. He accepted an invitation to attend the “Communities in Action: Building a better Illinois and Indiana Summit. … MORE
Small tent city growing, local nonprofits highlight the need for donations
A homeless encampment on Bloomington’s east side is growing daily.… MORE
Woman charged after Bloomington shooting incident
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A woman was arrested in connection to a shots fired incident on Saturday. According to a Bloomington police news release, 31-year-old Amelia R. Hatch was arrested and then charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and battery. She appeared in McLean County…… MORE
Eureka College announces head football coaching hire
By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Eureka College is bringing in a two time NFL Pro Bowler to take over as the head coach of the Red Devils football program. The college announced Monday, that Randy Starks will takeover as the 20th all-time coach of the program. “There are a lot of people that coach their…… MORE
Two men face weapon charges after Saturday morning traffic stop
A traffic stop on a car in Normal early Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of two McLean County men… MORE
Former Chicago Bear to read to Heartland Head Start students Monday
A former Chicago Bear will make a virtual appearance at Heartland Head Start on Monday to read to students.… 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…