By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 3.9 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 29, 2022. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Corn planted reached 89 percent, compared…… MORE
Coroner identifies victim in semi truck and tractor collision near Heyworth
By Neil Doyle HEYWORTH – A McLean County man has been identified after a semi truck crashed into a tractor early Tuesday morning near Heyworth, killing the driver of the tractor. The collision took place on U.S. 51 near County Road 400 North. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder has identified the victim as Jay Fitzgerald,…… MORE
Damage estimated at $4M from massive fire at Grand Bear Lodge cabins
By HOI ABC UTICA – Damage to cabins at Grand Bear Resort near Starved Rock in Utica is estimated at $4 million. 61 fire agencies used around five million gallons of water to put out the fire at the resort Monday night that destroyed around a third of the cabins. All of that water had to…… MORE
Bloomington man facing drug charges for allegedly selling meth
A Bloomington man faces multiple drug charges after allegedly setting up a drug deal with an undercover cop.… MORE
Prices at the pump remain the same in latest gas report
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices are unchanged over this past week, averaging $4.99 a gallon. “After several weeks of soaring gas prices, last week saw prices nationally slow down ahead of Memorial Day, but I’m afraid the good news ends there,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. According…… MORE
Hill of a Race event announced for City of Bloomington in late August
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Returning to Bloomington in August is the Hill of a Race Obstacle Run. The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation department is partnering with Dust 2 Glory Fitness and Certified Spartan S-G-X Coach Dustin for the ultimate outdoor fitness challenge course for competitive racers. “The Hill of a Race obstacle…… MORE
Normal Rivian plant evacuated due to battery fire
NORMAL – A defective battery pack inside Rivian’s auto manufacturing plant created a fire that required an evacuation Saturday morning. According to a release from the Normal Fire Department, firefighters responded to the plant at about 10:40 AM for reports of a battery pack on fire. First responders found the pack in a testing area…… MORE
Fire destroys several cabins at Utica resort
By HOI ABC UTICA – Several cabins are a loss after fire tore through buildings at Grand Bear Resort near Starved Rock State Park. The flames grew quickly because of heavy winds. A plume of smoke could be seen 20 miles away. Authorities say no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is…… MORE
‘Heroes of Habitat’ carries legacy of military son
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A McLean county family will have a new home to celebrate Christmas in this year, while honoring a soldier’s ultimate sacrifice. The ‘Heroes’ of Habitat’ program through McLean County Habitat for Humanity held its first groundbreaking for the build season Saturday. The program works to build homes as a way…… MORE
Construction cost a concern at Springfield Capitol building
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Capitol Complex in Springfield is a giant construction zone. From replacing a parking lot with an underground garage to moving the Senate next door for 2 1/2 years, there’s a lot going on. And the Capitol architect, Andrea Aggertt, says it’s costing more than anticipated, but she sounds neither…… 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…