Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

LeRoy man charged with aggravated battery to a police officer

LeRoy man charged with aggravated battery to a police officer

By Blake Haas LEROY- A LeRoy man is behind bars in McLean County on multiple weapon charges. On July 13, LeRoy police learned 52-year-old Kenneth Downey possibly possessed firearms and allegedly had homicidal ideations. Two days later, a McLean County Judge issued a search warrant for Downey’s residence, where LeRoy and Illinois State Police searched…MORE

Dan Brady announces he will not seek elected office this election cycle

Dan Brady announces he will not seek elected office this election cycle

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A former State Representative has decided not to seek elected office in 2024. Dan Brady previously considered seeking a spot in the 17th congressional district but has changed his mind. He confirmed he will not be putting in his bid for the 2024 election cycle. In 2022, he was the Republican…MORE

Weekly crop report

Weekly crop report

There were 4.9 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 9MORE

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…