By WMBD-TV & Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Unit 5 School District is getting a lifeline in hopes of crawling out of a nearly $12 million deficit. Voters said “Yes” to a tax rate referendum on Tuesday after previously rejecting the referendum in November. In 2024 the education fund tax rate will change from $2.72…… MORE
Teen charged as adult in alleged Mackinaw murder-for-hire plot
By WMBD-TV MACKINAW – There are new updates in an alleged October 2021 murder-for-hire plot in rural Mackinaw. Dahlia Bolin, 16, was transferred to adult court on March 31, according to Tazewell County State’s Attorney Kevin Johnson. Prosecutors say Bolin was 15 when she offered money to 20-year-old Sage Raeuber, 19-year-old Nathaniel Maloney and 18-year-old Andre Street…… MORE
Illinois’ largest teachers union has a new president
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ largest teachers union has a new president. It’s Al Llorens, who has been a math teacher and girls’ track and cross country coach at Thornridge High School in Dolton. He says teaching is not getting any easier. “Certain things that are coming in the door are unexpected at the…… MORE
Tazewell County Clerk offering election assistance to Fulton County following severe weather outbreak Tuesday
By Jake Fogal TAZEWELL COUNTY – In the aftermath of Tuesday’s severe weather, Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman offered a helping hand to Fulton County. Late on Tuesday, the Fulton County Clerks and Recorder’s office made an announcement that their office would be closed today and that staff members would be coming and going as…… MORE
Latest GasBuddy price report shows fuel prices slightly rise
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices are up over 15 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.83. According to GasBuddy price reports, gas in Illinois is 32 cents higher than a month ago and and down nearly 60 cents from last year. The lowest price in the state this week was…… MORE
Driver involved in Bloomington deadly crash charged with DUI
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Following a fatal collision in Bloomington early this week, a woman has been charged with a DUI. The woman has been identified as 38 year old Lakeisha Johnson according to Bloomington Police spokesperson Brandt Parsley. According to court documents from McLean County, Johnson is charged with DUI and aggravated DUI…… MORE
3 elected to the Normal Town Council
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Kathleen Lorenz, Karyn Smith and Andy Byars were elected to serve on the Normal Town Council Tuesday night. Kathleen Lorenz received 22% of the vote, Karyn Smith received 19% of the vote, Andy Byars received 18% of the vote. Stan Nord received 15% of the vote, Marc Tiritilli received 14% of…… MORE
Community approves Unit 5 tax rate referendum
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Voters on Tuesday approved the Unit 5 tax Referendum in McLean County. 59% of residents voted for the referendum, and 41% voted against it. The referendum will raise the education fund tax rate. The referendum was previously rejected in the November 2022 election. Other election results can be found here.… MORE
McLean County Clerk encourages people to vote but stay safe amidst severe weather warning
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – With a severe weather warning in place for Tuesday afternoon, McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael believes more people opted to vote early on Monday. For those voting on Tuesday she said safety is more important than voting. “What we’ve decided and I think anybody with common sense would decide is that your…… MORE
Better Business Bureau warns of storm related scams
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The Better Business Bureau warns of scams following the severe storms last Friday. After a natural disaster, the bureau reports seeing an uptick in scams involving roofing, siding, and property specs. They advise getting everything in writing and not paying upfront for a service. Better Business Bureau President Jessica Tharp said…… 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…