Category Archives: Local News

National Guard convoy vehicle involved in crash on Interstate 55

National Guard convoy vehicle involved in crash on Interstate 55

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – A vehicle from an Illinois Army National Guard convoy overturned on Interstate 55 on Thursday, resulting in minor injuries to the occupants. Just before 12:30 p.m., troopers with the Illinois State Police responded to the crash, which was near mile marker 192 in northern McLean County. A vehicle was headed…MORE

Bloomington Fire Dept. wants community input

Bloomington Fire Dept. wants community input

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Fire Department announced the launch of a new Community Engagement Survey on Wednesday. According to a City of Bloomington news release, the fire department wants to more proactive with community needs. Fire Chief Cory Matheny said, “At the Bloomington Fire Department, we believe in putting the community first. This…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…