A juvenile has confessed to puncturing the front tires of seven school buses in Chenoa – hoping school would be canceled for the day.… MORE
State Board of Elections launching new voting measure for those with disabilities
The State Board of Elections is launching a new effort to make it easier for those with disabilities to cast a mail-in ballot.… 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
Upcoming Make Music Normal to be without familiar face, Leah Marlene
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Make Music Normal is making a return to Uptown in June, and nearly 50 performers are scheduled to take the stage. Make Music Normal is an all-ages, free-to-attend festival taking place annually in Uptown Normal. Missing from this year’s event will be Normal native Leah Marlene. Fresh off her thrill…… MORE
Man charged with setting fire to Heyworth home where estranged wife was staying
By HOI ABC HEYWORTH – Heyworth’s police chief calls it one of the most serious crimes to happen in the small McLean County community since he became chief there six years ago. Jason Harris, 33, of Bloomington remained jailed on a high bond Wednesday night accused of starting a fire late on the night of…… MORE
Superintendent scolds vandals for puncturing tires on school buses
By HOI ABC CHENOA – Vandals who punctured tires on seven school buses at a Chenoa elementary school put students’ safety at risk, the superintendent said Wednesday. All 14 front tires of buses parked at Prairie Central Primary West were punctured, and several buses sustained other damage, said Superintendent Paula Crane in a letter to…… MORE
Local organizations celebrating pride month
June is pride month, and central Illinois organizations celebrate their freedom.… MORE
IDNR: The public can return to bird feeding activities
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends the public return to hanging birdfeeders.… MORE
Famous Dave’s closes their doors after 22-years
A Bloomington restaurant is closing its doors after serving central Illinois for 22-years.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo hosts 131st birthday celebration Saturday
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Bring out the candles and cake as Miller Park Zoo is celebrating 131 years with a party on Saturday from Noon to 3:00. “We are celebrating our 131 year in existence. This is an annual event that we have been doing for a long time,” said Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff.…… 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…