Category Archives: Local News

McLean County certifies two K9’s and handler

McLean County certifies two K9’s and handler

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Three McLean County Emergency Management Agency employees earned new certifications from the National Search Dog Alliance last weekend. McLean Emergency Agency Facebook states that Handler Joan Brehm and K9’s Rip and Jessie passed their disaster certifications in Missouri. Rip is trained in live finds and Jessie is trained in human remains. Of course we…MORE

Bloomington designated a Tree City USA Community for 38th year

Bloomington designated a Tree City USA Community for 38th year

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington was recognized again for their forestry by the Arbor Day Foundation on Monday. A Bloomington Parks and Recreation news release states that community was honored by the non-profit for a forestry department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry plan with a $2 per capita budget allocation, and of course,…MORE

The Baby Fold expansion leads to additional services, programming

The Baby Fold expansion leads to additional services, programming

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The cutting of the ribbon signifies the start of a new center in Bloomington by the Normal-based nonprofit, The Baby Fold. “Trauma and the impacts of trauma has been rising in our community,” said the Vice President of Development & Public Relations Sam Guillory. “We want to make sure that our community…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…