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Articles by Courtney Conroy
Carle Health, home to nearly 500 veteran staff members, marks Veterans Day with flag raising
A small group gathered Wednesday outside Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal to raise the American flag in honor of Veterans Day. Dr. Robert Cavagnol, president of Carle Health's Bloomington-Normal service area, led remarks at the event. Cavagnol, who stepped into the role in February, is a Navy veteran who served as an active-duty trauma surgeon during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "Military service is really about sacrifice," Cavagnol said.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
The freedom seeker whose train ticket out of Cairo reached the Illinois Supreme Court
In 1855, a man named Joseph slipped away at night from the Missouri plantation where he was enslaved, crossed the Mississippi River to Cairo, Illinois, and boarded an Illinois Central train bound for Chicago. The man who claimed to own him, Thomas Rodney, followed him north and lost him in Chicago. Rodney then sued the railroad for selling Joseph a ticket.
Retiring probation officer Charlene Beringer helped people in McLean County's criminal justice system feel special
Before McLean County had its own juvenile detention center, young people detained by the county stayed in a designated hallway of the county jail. "It was very stark, it's very different from what we have today," said Charlene Beringer, who began working in McLean County's justice system in 1987. Beringer retired Oct. 30 after nearly 40 years with the county. Her career took her from the jail, to the juvenile detention center, to the probation department.
Aviators restore Lindbergh crash marker for 100th anniversary
A century ago on Nov. 3, an airmail pilot ran out of fuel in a snowstorm and parachuted from his plane over McLean County. He landed about a mile south of Covell, walked to the village general store and asked the men inside if anyone had heard a plane crash. Six and a half months later, Charles Lindbergh made aviation history as the first pilot to fly alone from New York to Paris. A brick marker along Stringtown Road southwest of Bloomington was erected in 1977 by the Corn Belt Philatelic Society.
Decades of McLean County court records moving to new system in December
The case management system used by the McLean County jail, courts, state's attorney's office and public defender's office will shut down in December after collecting county records for almost three decades. Trial court administrator William Scanlon said at the quarterly Criminal Justice Coordinating Council [CJCC] meeting that all of that data, including 28 years of booking photos and documents, is being loaded into a new system set to go live Dec. 7.
District 87 board approves BHS safety repair plan, hears construction timelines
The District 87 school board on Wednesday approved a 10-year life safety plan for Bloomington High School. The plan lists about $4.4 million in needed repairs. Michael Cornale, the district's chief financial and facilities officer, said several construction projects around the BHS campus should wrap up by Thanksgiving. The biggest single project is a nearly $2 million overhaul of the South Gym locker rooms.
A B-N physician's new Spanish-language podcast aims to share tools for coping with stress
A new Spanish-language mental health podcast based in Bloomington-Normal aims to help the community understand how to deal with stress. Dr. Javiera Monardez Popelka first practiced medicine as a doctor in Chile, where she was born. She relocated to Minnesota for several years before finding her permanent home in Bloomington-Normal.
Retiring chief judge says rulings weigh 'all the facts,' which may not always look fair Original
Outgoing Chief Judge Casey Costigan says the 11th Judicial Circuit's championing of progressive approaches to the criminal justice system is on the list of things he's proud of. Costigan retires Oct. 16 after 20 years on the bench and a four-year term as the five-county circuit's administrative head. As chief judge, he oversees the judiciary in McLean, Livingston, Logan, Woodford and Ford counties while still presiding over McLean County's juvenile court.
Bloomington-Normal now has year-round paint drop-off sites
Bloomington-Normal residents no longer have to wait for a hazardous waste collection event to get rid of leftover paint. Six drop-off sites now accept paint, stain and varnish for free through PaintCare, a statewide recycling program: Sherwin-Williams, 1906 E. College Ave., Normal Sherwin-Williams, 115 Krispy Kreme Dr., Bloomington Paint Depot, 2407 G.E. Rd., Bloomington Ace Hardware of Normal, 204 E. College Ave. Habitat for Humanity of McLean County ReStore, 1402 W.
Historian says Girl Scouts must reckon with its 'difficult history'
The Girl Scouts helped Amy Erdman Farrell survive a lonely, bullied childhood. Decades later, the historian said the organization still needs to reckon with the parts of its past it taught her not to see. Farrell will discuss that history, laid out in her award-winning book Intrepid Girls: The Complicated History of the Girl Scouts of the USA, at Illinois Wesleyan University next week.
El Paso church where Fulton Sheen was baptized to host beatification watch party
Peoria-area native Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis — the first beatification ever held in Missouri. St. Mary's Church in El Paso will host a watch party for the ceremony in the same parish hall where Sheen was baptized. Beth Miller, a parish member and president of the Woodford County Historical and Genealogical Society, said people often forget Sheen's ties to El Paso. "I just don't know if they realize how important he's been to the faith," Miller said.
New law makes medical aid in dying possible in McLean County — if you can find a provider
Illinois' medical aid in dying law takes effect tomorrow. Terminally ill adults across the state will have the legal option to request medication from a physician to end their lives. In McLean County, it might not be that easy. The region's two major hospital systems have either declined to participate in the new law or have not yet said where they stand. Local hospice and care providers have not responded to interview requests. The county coroner's office does not plan to weigh in.
Pritzker says state won't trade farmland for data centers during McLean County stop
Gov. JB Pritzker said he doesn't want to see McLean County farmland given up for data centers. He said the state should be pumping the brakes on the industry rather than rolling out the red carpet for it. "I don't think specifically that we ought to be giving away or selling off a bunch of farmland for data centers," Pritzker said in an interview with WGLT during a campaign stop Tuesday in Towanda.
Heisman Trophy winner and entrepreneur Tim Tebow to headline Red Cross annual Evening of Stars
Claude Mythos 4 hours ago Anthropic brings Mythos to the masses with Claude Fable 5, its most powerful generally available model ever VentureBeat - Carl Franzen • 4h Anthropic today launched two new AI models — Claude Fable 5 and Claude Mythos 5 — marking the company’s first broad release of the powerful “Mythos-class” AI capabilities it previously made available only to participating organizations in its restricted cybersecurity program, Project Glasswing, … Lockheed Martin 6 hours ago...
Midwest Food Bank celebrates $550,000 donation from Latter-day Saints
Just over $500,000 in food, equipment and relief supplies will aid Midwest Food Bank. The donation comes from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The nonprofit recently celebrated the donation at its Morton location, including a check presentation from the Light the World Giving Machine fundraising effort in Iowa. “This is more than a donation — it’s an investment in our ability to serve,” said Jada Hoerr, chief resource officer of Midwest Food Bank.
Peoria County delays early voting due to ballot challenge
Voters in Peoria County will not be able to cast ballots when early voting begins on Thursday. The delay stems from an ongoing statewide court case involving Republican gubernatorial candidate Joseph Severino. He is appealing a decision by the Illinois State Board of Elections not to certify his candidacy for the primary ballot. Severino also is seeking a stay of a circuit court ruling that removed his name from the ballot.
Midwest Food Bank unveils refrigerated truck funded through an Impact Central Illinois grant
Midwest Food Bank hosted staff, volunteers and members of Impact Central Illinois on Wednesday to unveil a new refrigerated truck at its facility in Peoria. Impact Central Illinois awarded the food bank a $118,000 grant to fund the truck. “This truck is more than just a new set of wheels,” said Christa Staley, executive director of Midwest Food Bank.
New Illinois law waives EV regulations in building tiny houses for veterans
A new bill signed into law in Illinois carves out an exemption to electric vehicle charging requirements. Under the 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Act, newly built houses are required to include EV-capable infrastructure. One of the requirements is possessing at least one "EV-capable" parking space for each residential unit with dedicated parking. State Sen.
Image Courtesy of National Register of Historic Places BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The former State Farm building in downtown Bloomington will soon be redeveloped into a $68 million housing project. Following a meeting on April 14, the City of Bloomington and Urban Equity Partners (UEP) reached an agreement on the proposals, with construction expected to begin as early as this year. Bloomington’s Economic Development Manager Ellen Robertson attended Monday’s discussion.
World War II veteran's remains returns to Bloomington
Image courtesy of ISU Army ROTC BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – In 1943, Private First Class Robert Bryant was reported Missing In Action while fighting in Italy during World War II. He was a Bloomington resident, and now after 81 years, his remains will finally be returned to his family. Wayne Kirkpatrick is a member of Rolling Thunder, a national organization concerned with the treatment of veterans. He sees repatriations like this one as vitally important.
OSF HealthCare announces new central region CEO
Kimberly Russo will assume the role of chief executive officer for the central region of OSF HealthCare beginning April 28. She takes over from Bob Anderson, who retired in January. In her new position, Russo will lead operations for the region, which includes the Greater Peoria area and surrounding communities. Russo has deep ties to Central Illinois.
ISU officials "uncertain" about the potential Department of Education shutdown
Photo Courtesy of Getty/J. David Ake NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State University officials are unsure of how the Trump administration’s Department of Education shutdown will impact the university and greater field of education ISU’s School of Teaching and Learning Professor Ben Wellenreiter addressed the uncertainty surrounding the possible closure.
Illinois State to play WNIT Super 16 game at IWU and Kristen Gillespie gets 5-year extension
The Illinois State women’s basketball team has earned another home game in the WNIT, but not on their usual home floor. The WNIT has announced the Redbirds will play the Abilene Christian Wildcats in the Super 16 round on Thursday at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center at 6:30 p.m. The game was moved due to a scheduling conflict at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds [22-12] advanced to the Super 16 round with a 90-80 win over Western Illinois University on Sunday.
Chris Koos runs as incumbent candidate in race for Normal Mayor
NORMAL, Ill. – Chris Koos is the incumbent candidate in Normal’s upcoming mayoral election, an office he has held since 2003. During his time as mayor, Koos oversaw the redevelopment of uptown Normal and the construction of the Amtrak station, among many other things. In a WGLT mayoral forum earlier this month, Koos went head-to-head with the two candidates running against him, town council members Kathleen Lorenz and Chemberly Harris.
Image courtesy of bloomingtonil.gov BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The current Bloomington Mayor, Mboka Mwilwambe, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2025 election. If voted back into office, Mwilwambe plans to address housing issues within the city and work on improving infrastructure while continuing several ongoing projects. “With Rivian coming into the community, they employ about anywhere between 8,000 and 9,000 people,” Mwilwambe said.
Former Illinois State Representative Dan Brady is running for Bloomington Mayor
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Former state Rep. Dan Brady is running for Bloomington Mayor with the community in mind. Brady’s campaign for mayor includes increasing public safety, updating infrastructure, economic development and supporting businesses. His contenders are Cody Hendricks and current Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. Brady explained how he will implement ways to bring the Bloomington City Council together at a recent candidate forum held by local NPR affiliate WGLT.
ISU's Queer Ed Birds to host a series of informative and empowering events
Image courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – The Queer Ed Birds club at Illinois State University is creating a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students and educators. Led by President Ellis Kent, the group is making strides in creating a platform where students can speak with professionals from the queer community, particularly those working in education.
Chemberly Harris outlines her intentions if named Normal Mayor
Image courtesy of the Town of Normal NORMAL, Ill. – Normal Town Council member Chemberly Harris is one of the candidates in the running to be the next Normal Mayor. Harris has been serving on the town council for almost eight years and has participated in change since the beginning of her term.
Bloomington Official stresses the city's plan and urgency for improving water quality
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Residents in the Bloomington-Normal area have been noticing an unpleasant taste and smell to their water. However, with recent improvements to the water treatment process, residents should begin to notice a significant improvement. Deputy City Manager Sue McLaughlin shared about a new system that should make a difference for residents.
Mayoral Candidate Kathleen Lorenz reveals her plans for office if elected
Image courtesy of the Town of Normal official website NORMAL, Ill. — With 10 years of service on the Normal Town Council, Lorenz feels ready to take on the role of Normal Mayor “It’s just a gut feeling,” Lorenz said. “I feel ready now based on professional and then council experience.” Lorenz has an extensive background in nonprofit work, social services, administration, and upper management.
Carle Health announces new scholarship program for Methodist College students
Image courtesy of the official Methodist College website PEORIA, Ill. – The Academic Investment Program is a tuition support program developed by Carle Health to assist nursing students at Methodist College. The Chancellor of Methodist College, Kayla Banks, explains the benefits of the program after graduation.
New Classical Christian Elementary School holds open house
Image courtesy of White Horse Academy NORMAL, Ill. – White Horse Academy recently held an open house to introduce their community to their institution. Amid their very first school year; the private elementary school added a different style of curriculum to the sea of educational institutions in McLean County. Classical Christian education blends liberal arts and Christianity, with the goal of giving kids a biblical perspective while learning grammar, values and other typical educational skills.
Image courtesy of the official Heartland Community College website NORMAL, Ill. – Heartland Community College is bringing back its most laughable fundraiser to raise money for various student programs. The HCC Funnyrasier Comedy Night will raise money for the Foundation Funding Priorities (FFPs), including the Night Hawks evening child care program, the Student Emergency Fund, and Project RISE for low-income students.
“Next To Normal Story Slam” Encourages Community Engagement
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — “Next To Normal Story Slam” sparks local conversation about community engagement. Devon Lovell, co-host and coordinator of Next to Normal, created the event in 2018 as a platform for the community to share stories. “The idea behind it is to build community and find common ground,” Lovell said. Lovell, who spent much of her commute from Chicago to Bloomington listening to public media, drew inspiration from The Moth and Snap Judgment. “They’re all story vehicles,” Lovell said.
Normal Theatre to host Black History and Women's History Month Series'
Image courtesy of the Normal Theater Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Theatre is partnering with Illinois State University campus organizations to celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month throughout February and March. African American Studies and the Queer Coalition each approached the Theatre with individual ideas for series’, resulting in the Black History Month series and the “In Her Image” series which will focus a lot on the history and work of queer women.
NORMAL, Ill. – The College of Applied Science and Technology program CAST Connections held an event to spread the love this Valentine’s Day. Cards of Hope allowed students to create valentines for people impacted by traumatic events. Event creator John Munn explained how the event started and where the cards are going. “Cards of Hope got started as Cards for a Cause, a program from the First Gen Fellows, another CAST Connections Program,” Munn said.
Illinois State University launches a mobile app as a front door to all campus services
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State University has introduced a new mobile app designed to streamline access to campus services for both students and visitors. ISU Director of IT for the Division of Student Affairs, Rob Bailey, collaborated with a vendor to develop the app. It offers a unified platform for services typically accessed through a web browser – including dining hall menus, laundry room availability, and Canvas.
ISU Office of Sustainability introduces new produce program
Image courtesy of the Office of Sustainability NORMAL, Ill. – A new sustainability program will provide students with low-cost, high-quality produce once a week for eight weeks. The The Redbird Fresh Market was developed by a group of students from the College of Business’ Innovative Consulting Community course in which they were told to increase access to fresh produce for students living off-campus. Faculty and staff are also welcome to participate.
Normal Town establishes goals for 2025
Image courtesy of the Normal Town Council official website NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council has its sights set on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the town’s infrastructure, economy, housing and quality of life for 2025. Assistant City Manager Brian Day shared how they plan to make these changes. “We’re putting a significant amount into street resurfacing, [and] pothole repairs,” Day said.
The League of Women Voters of McLean County to discuss affordable housing
Image courtesy of the League of Women Voters official website NORMAL, Ill. – The League of Women Voters of Mclean County is hosting a panel to discuss the affordable housing crisis in the area on Jan. 28. League of Women Voters of Mclean County President Laurie Wollrab explained why they’re holding an event like this. “We just have people that can’t afford a home. Rents are going up: part of that is inflation and part of it is interest rates and so forth,” Wollrab said.
TikTok ban threatens tight-knit relationship between ISU and its students
NORMAL, Ill. — The beloved social media platform, TikTok, has been a large topic of conversation following the United States decision to move towards banning the app. Illinois State University’s flagship TikTok account will be one of the many accounts affected by the Supreme Court’s decision. Director of Strategic Communications, Kevin Bersett spoke about the impact the app has had on campus and how it has fostered a more relaxed relationship between the university and its students.
Red Cross Illinois Provides Relief for L.A. Wildfire Victims
NORMAL, Ill. — The Central Chapter of the Red Cross in Illinois is working to provide relief for those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Since Jan. 7, Southern California has been battling severe wildfires that have spread across the metropolitan area. Four fires remain active out of the original 30 that were reported, two of which are among the largest.
An exhibition coming to Bloomington-Normal brings a new perspective to the Harlem Renaissance
Photo courtesy of VisitBN BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – An exhibition called “The Harlem Renaissance: as Gay as it was Black” will be opening at Jazz Upfront, a Bloomington jazz bar, on Jan. 17. The exhibition is a joint effort between the local organization, the Prairie Pride Coalition (PPC) and the national Stonewall Foundation. According to PPC Board President Dave Bentlin, it’s no coincidence the exhibition comes just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month.
Bloomington Public Library Director explains the current state of book censorship
NORMAL, Ill. – According to the Los Angeles Times, the results of the 2024 presidential election have led conservative parental groups to push further to limit books they deem inappropriate or immoral. Bloomington Public Library Director Jeanne Hamilton explains what exactly goes into “We have seen recently that states are putting laws in place that govern local choice and we also are seeing that there are more united efforts throughout the country,” Hamilton said.
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