The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Ohio man after allegedly finding 100lbs of purported cannabis in his vehicle.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Project Oz is expanding in Bloomington
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Following a groundbreaking ceremony last week, Project Oz has started construction for its expansion. The youth and family agency is adding 2,500 square feet of flexible space to its current West Bloomington location. The expansion allows for a nutrition nook, laundry facilities, counseling, training, and technology services. Cheris Larson, Director of…… MORE
Rating agency downgrades State Farm General Insurance Co.’s credit rating
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The rating agency AM Best has downgraded the credit rating of State Farm General Insurance Company on Thursday. According to AM Best, State Farm General Insurance Financial Strength Rating has been downgraded from A (Excellent) to B (Fair). State Farm General Insurance Company is a subsidiary of the larger company which is known…… MORE
Normal announces new director of economic development
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Town of Normal announced that it hired a new director of economic development on Friday. According to Normal City Manager Pamela Reece, Nik Duffle of Broken Arrow, Okla., will have his first day as director of economic development on April 15. “We are excited to welcome Nik to the Town…… MORE
Warmer than normal temperatures could mean early planting and higher yields
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The warmer than normal winter and early spring are benefiting area farmers by allowing them to prep their fields sooner than normal. And that could mean higher yields later this year for them. “The experiments and the tests that have been done. The yield trials show that if soybeans are planted…… MORE
Bloomington church thankful for support after vandalism
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church is sending out thanks for the support following extensive vandalism. The 158-year-old church is now past the assessment phase and is moving towards the rebuilding and restoration phase. The sanctuary, basement area, glass doors, sanctuary, hallways and furniture were all damaged at the West Bloomington church. On…… MORE
Local bakery celebrates 50-years of operation on Monday
A long-time McLean County bakery celebrates its 50th year in operation on Monday.… MORE
Man from Normal faces two counts of Attempted Murder after shooting in early March
An 18-year-old Bloomington man stands accused of two counts of attempted murder after a shooting in early March.… MORE
Normal Council to consider $5.4 million settlement with Beaman on Monday
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A possible weekslong civil trial that was set next month for the town of Normal to square off against Alan Beaman could be done before it starts. That’s only if the town council votes on Monday night to accept a $5.4 million settlement with Beaman who had a 50-year murder sentence thrown out…… MORE
Multiple injuries reported after riot at Knox County juvenile detention center
Multiple staff members and kids were injured after a riot at the Mary Davis Detention Home in Galesburg on Wednesday… 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…