Category Archives: Local News

Newly Appointed U.S. Senator from Georgia Has Central Illinois Roots

Newly Appointed U.S. Senator from Georgia Has Central Illinois Roots

Kelly Loeffler with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp as she accepts her appointment to the U.S. Senate/Photo courtesy of WJBC.com Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed McLean County native Kelly Loeffler to the U.S. Senate Wednesday to succeed retiring Sen. Johnny Isakson. Loeffler, 49, who was raised in rural Stanford, is the CEO of Bakkt, a financial…MORE

Holidays Can Be Healthy Days

Holidays Can Be Healthy Days

By Neil Doyle It’s the time of year when food is prevalent and many people are in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. OSF St. James Wellness Coordinator Matt Janus has some tips to stay on track during the holidays. “There’s going to be a lot of food during this time that might…MORE

High-Speed Chase Runs Through Central Illinois

High-Speed Chase Runs Through Central Illinois

By Neil Doyle A 20-year-old man from Normal faces several charges after fleeing from authorities on Black Friday, including a chase that reached speeds in excess of 110 mph. The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Sean Dawson with the manufacture, delivery, and possession of cannabis, aggravated fleeing, and criminal damage to property. According to…MORE

Keep Thanksgiving Safe

Keep Thanksgiving Safe

By Neil Doyle NORMAL – A central Illinois fire department has some tips to help prevent fires in the kitchen this Thanksgiving. While the holiday means lots of cooking it’s important to not leave food unattended, according to Normal Fire Department Public Information Officer Matt Swaney. “Always have somebody standing by whenever something is cooking…MORE

Weekend Fire Claims Two Lives in Streator

Weekend Fire Claims Two Lives in Streator

By A.J. Harris Authorities in Streator are still investigating a fire that destroyed a home and took two lives over the weekend. Firefighters were called to the 1000 block of East Wilson Street at about 2:30 Sunday morning and found a residence already filled with smoke. Two people were extracted from the home, but both…MORE

Barickman Connects with Young Illinoisans

Barickman Connects with Young Illinoisans

State Senator Jason Barickman/WJEZ file photo By Neil Doyle High school students from around central Illinois got the chance this week to discuss politics and develop new ideas for laws in the state. The youth advisory council met at Illinois State University Wednesday and was hosted by State Sen. Jason Barickman. The Bloomington Republican said…MORE

Career Planning is Part of a Student’s Education at PTHS

Career Planning is Part of a Student’s Education at PTHS

By Neil Doyle A faculty member at Pontiac Township High School is working with students to help them focus on their plans for the future. The career and community coordinator at PTHS is Betsy Westergreen, in her first year in the position. Westergreen told WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner she meets with students to help assess their…MORE

Durbin Has Concerns About White House Position on Vaping

Durbin Has Concerns About White House Position on Vaping

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin/WJEZ file photo By Neil Doyle After reports that President Donald Trump is reversing course on a planned e-cigarette flavor ban, Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator is responding. In September, the Trump administration announced it would soon ban most flavored e-cigarettes as vaping among young people continued to rise. The New York Times…MORE

Bennett Recaps the Veto Session for Constituents

Bennett Recaps the Veto Session for Constituents

State Representative Tom Bennett Addressing a Town Hall Meeting in Pontiac/WJEZ photo archive By Neil Doyle A local lawmaker is recapping the fall legislative session in Springfield. State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) says several measures were passed, including a bill that will consolidate Illinois’ 649 downstate police and fire pension funds into just two.…MORE

Barickman Helps Prepare Employers for Cannabis Legalization with Heartland Community College Workshop

Barickman Helps Prepare Employers for Cannabis Legalization with Heartland Community College Workshop

State Senator Jason Barickman/WJEZ file photo NORMAL, IL, Nov. 18, 2019 – Heartland Community College is presenting a workshop to help Illinois employers prepare their businesses for the marijuana legalization measures going into effect at the beginning of the new year. On Tuesday, November 19 Heartland will present Cannabis in the Workplace: Your Policies and…MORE