State Senator Jason Barickman/WJEZ file photo By Todd Wineburner State Senator Jason Barickman says he’s bracing himself for the last few weeks of the Spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. During a recent interview with WJEZ, Barickman said he’s been conducting town hall meetings throughout his district, and he says people are concerned about…… MORE
Yost House Museum Looking for Volunteers
Pontiac’s Yost House Museum/WJEZ file photo By Todd Wineburner Pontiac’s Yost House Museum will be open on Saturday night (4/27) from 4 until 7 for an open house and recruiting effort. Volunteer Mark Osman has been working on the maintenance of the historic house, and he says he’s looking for others to join him. “We…… MORE
Dukes: District 429 Moving Forward with 2019-2020 Calendar
By Todd Wineburner Pontiac’s District 429 school board plans to approve a calendar for the upcoming school year, in spite of the fact that lawmakers in Springfield haven’t issued official guidelines. School districts in Illinois base their calendar decisions on legislation from Springfield—legislation that hasn’t yet been approved this session. District 429 Superintendent Brian Dukes…… MORE
Parents: The Next School Year is Already Closer Than You Think
By Todd Wineburner At the Livingston County Public Health Department, they’re encouraging parents to think ahead when it comes to getting children ready for the upcoming school year. In a recent conversation with WJEZ, the health department’s Teri Saxton said the emphasis is on getting school physical and vaccination appointments made now. “You want to…… MORE
Sec’y of State: Pay Attention and Pull Over When Necessary
By Neil Doyle With an increase in the number of Illinois State Troopers being hit by passing motorists, Secretary of State Jesse White is reiterating a simple idea: don’t drive while distracted and obey laws that require drivers to make room on the road. So far in 2019, 16 state troopers have been struck or…… MORE
Downtown Pontiac Building Partially Collapses
By A.J. Harris A piece of downtown Pontiac’s history will likely be torn down after a scary incident over the weekend. A floor of the old Daily Leader office building collapsed sometime Friday which appeared to break a gas line, the Pontiac Daily Leader reports. The building, located at 318 N. Main Street, has been…… MORE
Pontiac Landmark Closing Its Doors
Signage outside Pontiac’s Fiesta Bowl & Lounge/Facebook.com By A.J. Harris After 55 years in business, the Fiesta Bowl and Lounge in Pontiac will permanently close today. Opened in 1964, the establishment has served generations of residents and families in central Illinois. On their Facebook page, the owners are thanking every patron who spent time with…… MORE
Tax Deadline Is Just Days Away
By Illinois Information Services/Kim Howard Only one weekend is left to prepare your taxes if you’re trying to make the Monday deadline. If you need help getting all the final forms filled out, help is available. “For any individual needing assistance the Illinois Department of Revenue has its telephone assistance hotline available, 1-800-732-8866,” says IDOR…… MORE
Tax Legislation In Progress in Springfield
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have begun airing out the idea of a graduated income tax, by which people who make the most pay at a higher rate. It passed a Senate committee on a partisan vote. The governor has pitched this as a tax hike for only the top three percent. Deputy governor…… MORE
Bennett Continues to Recover
State Representative Tom Bennett/Photo courtesy of Representative Bennett’s office By Neil Doyle It looks like at least another four or five weeks before State Representative Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) is back in Springfield. Bennett is recovering at home after being involved in a car accident in mid-March. Bennett says he’s keeping track of what’s happening…… MORE
