Category Archives: Local News

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

City of Bloomington announce spring bulk pick up dates

City of Bloomington announce spring bulk pick up dates

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington public works crews are gearing up for the Spring Bulk Waste Pickup in May. Bloomington Public Works Director Mose Rickey says public works crews will be out beginning May 6, and hope to finish by May 17, depending on the amount of material, weather and other factors. Crews will…MORE

Local dog daycare giving back by dog washing

Local dog daycare giving back by dog washing

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – K-9 Country Club in Normal hosts a dog wash every month, then donates part of the proceeds to a local animal shelter. This month’s shelter is Pet Central Helps in Normal. The animal shelter will receive $20 from every $30 bath. Sophie Wedig with K-9 Country Club said it’s important to highlight local…MORE

McLean County receives grant from Illinois EPA

McLean County receives grant from Illinois EPA

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that McLean County will receive $200,000 as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Programs. According to the Illinois EPA, the funding is supposed to be used to support municipalities and counties with the development or revision of existing strategic energy…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…