Category Archives: Local News

Woodford Sheriff warns of scammers impersonating police

Woodford Sheriff warns of scammers impersonating police

By WMBD-TV WOODFORD COUNTY – Scammers found a new grift by masquerading as Woodford County deputies and staff, according to a post from the office’s Facebook page. The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents they don’t call for payment or any other kind of solicitation. Scammers will often use threats or coercion while imitating police to get…MORE

American Red Cross of Illinois stressing blood donations amid historic heat

American Red Cross of Illinois stressing blood donations amid historic heat

By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The American Red Cross of Illinois stresses the ever-present demand for all blood types at its central Illinois locations and surrounding areas. Jayce Eustice, communications manager with the nonprofit, said this month, blood and platelet donors are critically needed to support lifesaving transfusions this summer. “Donors of all blood types are in demand,…MORE

McLean County lucky recipient of Lowe’s Hometowns grant program

McLean County lucky recipient of Lowe’s Hometowns grant program

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Normal-based YouthBuild McLean County is one of 100 community projects receiving grant money from Lowe’s Hometowns. According to a YouthBuild news release, the grant money will go towards a new outdoor learning space including a sports court and gardening beds. YouthBuild helps kids aged 16-24 who have not graduated high…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…