Category Archives: Local News

GED Prep Classes Could Make 2020 a Great Year for Some Livingston County Residents

GED Prep Classes Could Make 2020 a Great Year for Some Livingston County Residents

By Todd Wineburner The next GED preparatory classes at Heartland Community College start on January 13th, and Steve Fast, Heartland’s Director of Public Information, says the free courses can mark an important change in a person’s working life. “Studies show that having a high school credential is almost essential to get any job,” Fast said…MORE

Three Pontiac Football Alums Are Bracing for a National Championship Game

Three Pontiac Football Alums Are Bracing for a National Championship Game

Pontiac Superintendent Jon Kilgore sings the praises of three former Pontiac players on the Podcasts page at WJEZ.com By Todd Wineburner NCAA football’s Division III National Championship game is Friday night (12/20/19) and three Pontiac alums will be part of the action. Colton Bauknecht, Tyler Rich, and Gavin Bauknecht are all on the roster at…MORE

Let Cooler Heads Prevail During the Holidays

Let Cooler Heads Prevail During the Holidays

By Neil Doyle The holiday season can cause stress and anxiety, but IHR in Pontiac has some tips to stay happy and relaxed this time of year. Executive Director Joe Vaughan made a top 10 list designed to keep the holidays positive this year. He suggests trying to stay relaxed, stay in the moment and…MORE

Ink Might Soon Flow in Chenoa

Ink Might Soon Flow in Chenoa

By A.J. Harris and the WJEZ staff The Chenoa City Council last week passed an ordinance allowing body art businesses in the city. That paves the way for a proposed tattoo shop at 102 E. Cemetery. Tattoos and body modifications have been available for centuries, but their commercial viability has grown significantly over the last…MORE

‘Tis The Season to Be Careful

‘Tis The Season to Be Careful

By Neil Doyle Scammers are trying to hack your information all year long, but especially during the holidays, according to an AARP survey. AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Programs Kathy Stokes says a recent survey showed 20% of people failed a five-point fraud test. “This time of year types of fraud we see are gift…MORE

IFB Official Says USMCA is a Good Deal for Farmers

IFB Official Says USMCA is a Good Deal for Farmers

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation and Policy Development Adam Nielsen/Photo courtesy of WJBC.com By Neil Doyle House Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have reached a deal with the White House on the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Adam Nielsen, Director of National Legislation and Policy Development for the Illinois Farm Bureau, said…MORE

Peoria Diocese Announces Novena for Fulton Sheen’s Beatification

Peoria Diocese Announces Novena for Fulton Sheen’s Beatification

Archbishop Fulton Sheen/Photo courtesy of WJBC.com By Neil Doyle The Diocese of Peoria is holding a special prayer service to move forward with the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. In a news release, the diocese said it will hold a nine-day novena, or prayer services, to “petition God unceasingly” to move forward with beatification, a…MORE

Firefighters in Streator Rescue 3 Pets During House Fire

Firefighters in Streator Rescue 3 Pets During House Fire

By Neil Doyle Fire crews in Streator saved three pets in a house fire over the weekend. Firefighters were called Saturday morning to the 900 block of Maple Street for a house fire. Crews said when they arrived all residents were safely outside the home, but two dogs and a cat were still trapped inside.…MORE

The Cannabis Discussion Comes to Pontiac

The Cannabis Discussion Comes to Pontiac

By A.J. Harris At the last Pontiac City Council meeting, the discussion focused on what would happen should the city be chosen for a legal cannabis dispensary. The state is being sectioned into zones to decide where the dispensaries will go, and in Pontiac’s zone are also Quincy, Macomb, and Taylorville. Three dispensaries will be…MORE

It’s Time to Sound Off About Illinois Roads

It’s Time to Sound Off About Illinois Roads

By Neil Doyle Illinois residents have the chance to give their feedback regarding the state’s transportation system. The Illinois Department of Transportation has put out its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey. Conducted since 2001, the survey asks several questions on a wide range of topics. “What we’re looking for is a variety of information like…MORE