By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 11, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 69.9 degrees, 0.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.79 inches, 0.10 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 2…… MORE
New mobile app lets users tip off McLean County Sheriff and communicate directly
The McLean County Sheriff’s Office is going digital. A new mobile app will allow users to communicate directly with the Sheriff’s Office for a number of issues.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker announces tax rebates
The checks will be in the mail. Or in your direct deposit.… MORE
High cost and labor shortage hurting pumpkin farmers in Morton
In the pumpkin capital of the world, farmers are feeling the pinch of the high cost of fertilizer and a labor shortage. … MORE
Three candidates vie for position of McLean County State’s Attorney
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – Three candidates have submitted applications to take over the role of State’s Attorney in McLean County. It comes as incumbent Don Knapp is set to take over as judge following the last election. Ericka Reynolds from Heyworth, currently serves as the Assistant State’s Attorney in the county already. She…… MORE
Normal West claims Chili Bowl after blanking Ironmen in Week 3
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Normal West Wildcats defense has shutout another offense this season, as West pulled off a 21-4 win over Normal Community. West went up early with a 49 yard touchdown pass from Jayden Mangruem to Matthew Marsaglia. Mangruem threw a second touchdown to Marsaglia late in the first to give…… MORE
Normal Juvenile arrested on two armed robbery charges
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – A Normal Juvenile has been arrested for two armed robbery incidents. A 15-year old juvenile, formerly from Normal, first robbed Indy Smoke Shop at 112 North St. in March according to Normal police. In this incident the suspect entered the business, displayed a bb gun that looked like a firearm,…… MORE
McLean County man given 6 1/2 years for sending obscene material to a minor
By 25 News PEORIA – A McLean County man has been sentenced to 6 1/2-years in federal prison for using social media to send obscene material to a minor. U.S. District Judge James Shadid handed down the sentence against Alexander B. Smith, 23, of Danvers. Shadid could have given Smith a maximum 10 years in…… MORE
Local Financial Advisor: Student loan relief could face “some challenges” in court
Even though President Biden announced student loan debt relief for millions of Americans, a local financial advisor reports the move could not come to fruition.… MORE
ISU welcomes largest freshman class in 35 years
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University welcomed its largest freshman class in 35 years for the 2022 fall semester. 3,983 freshman students moved to campus this fall, bringing the total enrollment to 20,683, according to a news release. This represents an 18 percent increase in freshman enrollment from last year and a 2…… 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…