The Illinois High School Association is reversing course for the Class 1A through 6A football playoffs.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC Top Sports
Central Catholic names new athletic director
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Central Catholic High School has announced the hiring of Nate Thomas as its next athletic director. Thomas begins his duties in July, succeeding Hud Venerable, who retires on June 30 after five years with the Saints. “Nate brings with him experience at the collegiate level and is committed to Central…… MORE
Finalists revealed for 2022 State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet is returning to McLean County. The banquet, which has been hosted since 2008, recognizes high school athletes, coaches, and teams for their accomplishments on and off the field. The State Farm Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet committee has revealed…… MORE
ISU Athletics announces 2022 Percy Family Hall of Fame Class
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State Athletics selected it’s group of Redbirds into the 2022 Percy Family Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Marshaun Coprich ’16 (football), 2014 and 2015 All-American and two-time MVFC Offensive Player of the Year Heather Forsyth ’06 (soccer), two-time MVC Player of the Year and four-time All-MVC selection Abby Olson…… MORE
Illinois State hires former Redbird for soccer head coach vacancy
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State has filled another vacant head coaching position, as Athletic Director Kyle Brennan announced the hiring of Wisconsin assistant coach Marisa Kresge to be the next soccer coach at ISU. Kresge spent one season as a Redbird in 2016, before heading north to join the coaching staff at Wisconsin.…… MORE
Bloomington man headed to federal prison on gun charges
A Bloomington man is heading to federal prison after a judge in Peoria sentenced him to 30 months behind bars.… MORE
Murray State joins MVFC beginning in 2023
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) established Murray State as the 12th member of it’s conference on Monday. “With Murray State becoming the 12th Missouri Valley Football Conference member, we have stabilized and strengthened FCS football in the Midwest and cemented the MVFC’s position as the premier FCS football conference…… MORE
Andrew Dakich joins Ryan Pedon’s staff at Illinois State
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-Ryan Pedon has hired his second assistant coach to his staff, as Andrew Dakich joins the Redbird program departing from Elon University. “I’m really excited about adding Andrew to our staff,” said Pedon. “Andrew played for us in his graduate year at Ohio State, and I was able to see firsthand his…… MORE
McLean County Museum of History awarded Superiority Achievement
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The McLean County Museum of History (MCMH) has been recognized for it’s distinguished work on it’s groundbreaking series, “Breaking Bread in McLean County.” The Illinois Association for Museums awarded MCMH Superior Achievement in Community Partnership. The 10 part program detailed the shared and differing experiences of local migrant communities from the Kickapoo…… MORE
Central Catholic athletic director set to retire
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After 45 years in education administration, Central Catholic High School Athletic Director Hud Venerable announced that he will retire July 1. Venerable took over the Saints athletic programs in 2017. During that time, the Saints added girls swimming and boys lacrosse to their roster of athletic opportunities and hosted several…… 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…