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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/tornado-causes-minor-damage-in-southeastern-illinois-city/article_bfae4eca-f82f-56d4-8d18-d7d15b22d88d.html
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CARMI — A tornado packing estimated peak winds of 100 mph damaged at least a dozen homes in southeastern Illinois, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
The EF-1 tornado struck the city of Carmi shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday, the weather service said. It traveled 7.9 miles and had a maximum width of 400 yards.
At least 12 houses had shingle damage, and a few sheds had extensive damage, including one that was destroyed, the weather service said. Dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped and utility poles and lines were down along the path of the twister.
No one was injured.
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https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/arts-in-brief-heartland-community-college-seeks-student-short-films/article_5f35828a-938b-5086-ae4b-3b7461ba1dd8.html
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Heartland looking for short film submissions
NORMAL — Heartland Community College is now accepting short film submissions that will be showcased as part of a college film festival on May 5.
The festival presents student and alumni work to later be judged by a panel of Heartland professors, with prizes awarded.
All current and former students are eligible. Films can be of any genre including live-action, animation, documentary and experimental. Films are recommended to be under five minutes.
The submission deadline is April 22.
Email Adam.Scott@heartland.edu with your submission or with questions.
Poco a Poco Young Artist program seeking applicants
STREATOR — The Poco a Poco Young Artist program is now accepting artist applications through April 30.
The program provides hands-on training for young musicians currently in grades 8-12. Each student receives private voice lessons and sings in the Festival and Community Choirs, however it is not necessary for a student's primary instrument to be voice.
Core classes include piano and theory lessons, with electives ranging from African percussion, composition, conducting, Chinese meditation practices, movement and more.
Students will receive over 35 hours of training from world-class faculty in private sessions and small group classes, while participating in master classes, round table discussions and concerts that are free and open to the public.
Executive Director Kate Tombaugh creates personalized schedules and assigns a solo for each student, and the faculty to student ratio is one to three. Over the last five years, the program has trained 68 young artists from 27 different schools including homeschool. 56 percent of artists have chosen to return to Poco a Poco for a second year of training or more.
This year's festival will be June 18-25 in Streator. Young artist training days will occur June 18 and June 20-25. Special events will include a faculty concert, the student showcase, community concert and a closing performance with the Chicago Stout Section Big Band in the Streator City Park.
Tuition is $295. Financial assistance is available through local foundations and school booster programs, as well as private donors.
Visit pocoapoco.org to fill out the application. Call 309-830-6103 or email pocoapocoarts@gmail.com for more information.
Peoria Municipal Band seeking new members
PEORIA — The Peoria Municipal Band is seeking new instrumentalists and vocalists to perform during their 2022 summer season.
Instrumentalists are being sought as full and part time members. Musicians must have graduated from high school and possess strong sight-reading skills. The auditions will consist principally of scales and sight-reading.
Vocalists should be high school graduates and have experience in solo singing. Vocalists perform literature from the classical repertoire as well as that of the opera and musical theater. Auditions will consist of two solo songs and the National Anthem by memory.
For those who are interested in receiving an application form should contact the conductor Dr. David Vroman at dvroman@bradley.edu.
The Peoria Municipal Band is one of the leading community performing ensembles and performs for thousands of people each summer at their concerts in the Glen Oak Amphitheater.
Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum to host sensory-friendly event
SPRINGFIELD — The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will host a free "sensory friendly" event for people who can be overwhelmed by intense light, strong sounds and large crowds on Saturday, April 2 from 4-7 p.m.
This event is part of the museum's "Abe for All" initiative to make the museum more welcoming for everyone.
Anyone is welcome to attend, but the goal of the event is to gather feedback on how to improve guest experiences, such as people on the autism spectrum, who may prefer a sensory-friendly atmosphere. Guests will have the opportunity to fill out surveys after the event to offer thoughts on what worked and what didn't.
During the event, audio will be lowered throughout the museum and lighting will be adjusted to reduce extremes and create a more fluid atmosphere. Touch tables and new activities will give guests more engagement opportunities.
A pre-visit preparation packet is available by calling 217-558-8844 or emailing ALPLM.GuestEntry@illinois.gov. The packet includes a social story and exhibit descriptions with photos.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to host author for speaker event
SPRINGFIELD — The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will welcome "Muslims of Heartland" author Edward Curtis to speak at 7 p.m. on April 7 as part of the "For the People" series, which features bold thinkers with unique insights into the people of America.
Curtis will discuss his book "How Syrian Immigrants Made Home in the American Midwest."
Visit PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov/events to reserve a free seat for the event.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-senate-approves-energy-grid-reliability-task-force/article_1e79fdec-86d4-5165-ba21-606f4231daf2.html
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SPRINGFIELD – The state Senate on Thursday advanced a measure to create a task force to study electric grid reliability in light of the 2021 passage of the energy regulatory overhaul bill known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
A House committee, meanwhile, began preliminary conversations about lifting the ban on new nuclear developments in Illinois.
The unpaid, 33-member task force outlined in Senate Bill 1104 would be known as the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force. It passed 32-15 in a bipartisan vote, although several Democrats voted against the measure. It still needs approval in the House.
The task force would study the effect of state laws, including CEJA, on energy prices as well as grid reliability. It would also study ways to deploy new technologies and ways to “improve” the power supply mix, among other tasks.
It wouldn’t have authority to create any new laws or regulations, but it would report to the General Assembly by Feb. 1, 2023, and each year thereafter.
Labor unions were among some of the prominent backers of the bill, according to witness slips filed on the General Assembly website, while the environmental group Illinois Sierra Club opposed the measure.
Task force makeup
The task force’s makeup was part of the reason the Sierra Club opposed it, according to chapter director Jack Darin, who said the task force wouldn’t be representative of the state.
The task force would be made up mostly of industry groups and lawmakers.
That includes three senators and representatives appointed by each of the chambers’ majority leaders and two senators and representatives appointed by the minority leaders. The governor would have an appointee as well.
Labor unions would have two members, one appointed by the Senate president, another by the House speaker.
The PJM regional transmission organization in northern Illinois and the MISO regional transmission organization in the rest of the state would each designate a member as well. Those are both federally-regulated multi-state organizations that oversee grid reliability and energy auctions for dozens of states. The independent market monitors of those organizations would each have a representative on the board as well.
Several business interests also would have a seat at the table.
Six different power generation companies would have a spot on the board – two appointed each by the Senate president and speaker and one each by each chamber’s minority leaders.
Other groups receiving a seat on the task force include: statewide retail, manufacturing, business and retiree associations; a representative from a minority-owned geothermal group; and two representatives from environmental law groups.
The directors or designees of the Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Commerce Commission would be on the task force as well.
CEJA response
CEJA was the sprawling energy bill passed last fall that aimed to decarbonize Illinois’ energy sector by 2050, requiring coal, gas and other fossil fuel generating plants to go offline on a staggered timeline.
Sen. Napoleon Harris, D-Harvey, carried the task force bill.
“I've talked to the opposition about some of their concerns, and their concerns was centered around potential rollbacks of CEJA,” he said. “I assured them that's not the intention of this task force, but more so to remain focused on testing the reliability of what we did, and to monitor the grid reliability and to develop the tools to evaluate the impact of those proposed policies.”
Darin, of the Sierra Club, noted he believed the task force function to be duplicative of CEJA, while some of the findings contained in the bill were contradictory of CEJA’s goals of making Illinois’ energy mix carbon free.
Darin said the federally-regulated PJM and MISO grids could override Illinois’ 2050 closure dates for fossil fuel plants if grid reliability were threatened.
When CEJA was passed late last year, its Democratic backers noted it specifically provides that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Commerce Commission and Illinois Power Agency conduct a study at five-year intervals to determine whether renewables and nuclear are doing enough for grid sustainability.
If they’re not, Rep. Robyn Gabel, an Evanston Democrat who was one of the lead negotiators in the House, said in September the agencies could decide to leave some of the coal- or gas-fired plants online.
Sen. Mike Hastings, D-Frankfort, who was a chief co-sponsor on the CEJA bill, echoed that sentiment in a September news conference.
“The first wave of plants to close would be 2030, and so 2025 we’ll start the planning process in terms of grid reliability,” Hastings said in a news conference following the bill’s passage. “And through that we’ll determine, based on the planned closures, what's the baseload generation going to be for the state of Illinois and we'll make an assessment at that point whether or not we have to extend certain timelines, or put other measures in place.”
Hastings supported the task force measure Thursday, noting in a floor speech that it’s “a bipartisan issue to ensure that the lights do go on.” The bill “should be a precursor” to look into new forms of energy, he said.
Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican from Morris who voted for CEJA, praised the task force bill.
“We're not changing any of the negotiations from the last energy bill that we agreed on, worked on for two years,” she said. “But this is a task force to make sure that this state's energy portfolio has the mechanism to create reliability.”
Nuclear ban
The House had its own discussion on energy reliability, with Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, leading a discussion about lifting the state’s 1987 cap on new nuclear power developments.
In a conversation with Capitol News Illinois, Walker said the cap was put in place at a time when the dangers of carbon emissions were not as clear as they are today. Nuclear energy does not emit carbon.
Having the option to consider new nuclear developments, whether they are micro-reactors or large utility-scale plants, would be good to have as the state seeks to be carbon free by 2050, he said.
The discussion at the committee level was on a subject matter basis, meaning any decision to lift the cap would come at a future date.
32 unsolved crimes in Illinois
December 23, 1975 - Carol Rofstad
Carol Rofstad, who was 21 when she was killed, lived in Normal, IL while attending Illinois State University. She was found beaten unconscious about noon December 23, 1975, outside her sorority house at 602 S. Fell Street. The suspected murder weapon, an 18-inch piece of railroad tie, was found nearby. Rofstad wasn't found until roughly 12 hours after the attack. She died Christmas Eve as a result of head injuries.
Two men, one of whom carried a club, were seen between 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. on December 22, 1975. Both were white males and between the ages of 18 and 25.
At the time of the attack, most students had already left campus for the holiday break. Instead of returning to Elk Grove Village, though, Rofstad had stayed in the Twin Cities to work at a retail store. Money was found in her purse and there was no evidence of sexual assault. Two women, in the sorority house, neither saw nor heard anything unusual.
Anyone with information in this case can call the Normal Police Department at (309) 454-9526, or Crime Stoppers of McLean County at (309) 828-1111.
October 2,1976 - Unidentified Female
On October 2, 1976, a local farmer in unincorporated Seneca, IL, discovered the victim in a ditch along U.S. Route 6, 1/4 mile east of the LaSalle County line. The victim had died from a gun shot wound.
If anyone has any information, please contact Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson at The Grundy County Coroner's Office at 815-942-3792 or email: bjohnson@grundyco.org.
May 26, 1980 - Diana K. Smith
On May 26, 1980, Illinois State Police Investigations and the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office initiated a death investigation reference a white female (SMITH) found badly decomposed on the banks of the Rock River in Barstow, Illinois. Smith (Age 21) was last seen on May 20, 1980 leaving her house to go bowling in Rock Island.
Any persons associated with Smith, or who may have knowledge of her murder are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
March 30, 1984 - Lisa Ann Carnes
Lisa Carnes' body was found on March 30, 1984 in a field in rural Massac County near Macedonia Church Road and US Highway 45.
Anyone who has information that may be helpful in solving this crime is asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at (618) 845-3740.
April 9, 1985 - Unidentified Male
On April 9, 1985, the Adams County Sheriff's Department was notified of the discovery of a deceased unidentified white male (approximately 20-30 years of age). The body was discovered by a private citizen. The body was located near an abandoned rock quarry on property rented by the Western IL Stone Company. This area is in the northwest portion of Adams County, IL (approximately 4 miles east of Meyer, IL) and is a rural area. The property was adjacent to County Road 0543E. Upon arrival officers of the ISP and Adams County Sheriff's Dept. observed the unidentified white male body which was partially covered. An autopsy was performed which concluded the cause of death was the result of multiple blunt trauma to the head and torso. The individual was found wearing "segefield" blue jeans, blue insulated underwear, gray socks (no shoes), a white printed t-shirt was located with the individual with the following printing "Captain Anderson's Restaurant Panama City Beach, FL." Investigators also noted a distinct tattoo on the victim's right forearm (a skeleton holding an inverted shotgun).
If anyone has any information regarding this case they can contact Illinois State Police, Zone 4 Investigations (217-285-2034) or the Adams County Sheriff's Department (217-227-2200).
May 20, 1986 - Kathleen A. Goebeler
On May 20, 1986, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 01 responded to an area of abandoned railroad tracks located on the south side of I-88, milepost 28.5, wherein a citizen had discovered the decomposed skeletal remains of a white female now identified as Kathleen A. Goebeler, DOB: 11-12-1956, 5'01", 105 pounds. Kathleen's maiden name is Johnson. Her last known address was Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kathleen was last seen between April 11th and 18th, 1986, in Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
It is known that Goebeler would hitchhike as a means of transportation. Goebeler was known to have worked in strip clubs in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area, Atlantic City, New Jersey area and possibly the northwest West Virginia area.
Geographic information regarding the area wherein the female was found: I-88 is an east/west toll way which connects the Quad Cities with Chicago, Illinois (very rural in nature). This location was approximately 120 miles west of Chicago. At the time of death, I-88 was still Illinois Route 5, a four lane highway. The body was found approximately 45' south of the roadway across a barbed wire fence in a sparsely wooded area.
The photo included with this unsolved crime information is a reconstructed photo.
If you have any information please contact Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4012 or call Crimestoppers at 309/762-9500.
July 20, 1990 - Unidentified Female
On July 20, 1990, at 1:25 p.m., an unidentified, white female body, approximately 5'4"-5'6" tall and 120-130lbs. in weight, was found in a bean field approximately 40 feet north of Lebanon Road, 1/10th of a mile west of the Troy and O'Fallon Road in Jarvis Township, Collinsville, Illinois. The victim's death resulted from multiple cutting and stab wounds to the neck and torso; her fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries were missing. Evidence of surgical removal could not be determined. No defensive wounds were found on the victim. The body appeared to have been placed at the site two to three days prior to discovery. An image of a heart shaped turquoise ring she was wearing at the time of her discovery is attached, as well as a photograph of a reconstructive sculpture and artist interpretive sketch of her possible appearance before death.
Anyone with any information regarding the identification of the unidentified victim is urged to contact Madison County Sheriff's Department at 618/692-0871 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 4, 1990 - Robin Renea Abrams
Robin Renea Abrams was reported missing on October 4, 1990. Abrams was last seen at approximately 4:00 PM, in the area of Goodenow Road, in Beecher, Illinois. At the time of her disappearance, Abrams was 28 years old and was believed to be wearing a black leather jacket, a white, long sleeved, knit pullover, black patent leather shoes and a gold pinky ring. Abrams was also possibly carrying a small, light beige, patterned clutch purse. Abrams was last seen driving a Red 1989 Dodge Daytona Hatchback that was later recovered in Harvey, Illinois.
Anyone having information concerning the disappearance of Robin Renea Abrams should contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations Section at 815-726-6377
August 23, 1992 - Tammy J. Zywicki
On August 23, 1992, Tammy J. Zywicki departed Evanston, Illinois, for college in Grinnell, Iowa, where she was expected to arrive that evening. Later that day, Zywicki's car was found by an Illinois State Trooper and ticketed as being abandoned. On August 24, 1992, the vehicle was towed by the Illinois State Police. On that same evening, Zywicki's mother contacted the Illinois State Police and advised them that her daughter had not arrived at college. On September 1, 1992, Zywicki's body was located along Interstate Highway 44 (I-44) in rural Lawrence County, Missouri, which is located between Springfield and Joplin, Missouri. She had been stabbed to death.
Zywicki was reportedly last seen with her car, a 1985 Pontiac T100 with New Jersey license plates, on Interstate 80 at mile marker 83 in LaSalle County, Illinois, between 3:10 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 1992. It was also reported that a tractor/trailer was seen near Zywicki's vehicle during this time period. The driver of the tractor/trailer is described as a white male between 35 and 40 years of age, over six feet tall, with dark, bushy hair. Some of the victim's personal property is known to be missing, including a Cannon 35mm camera and a musical wrist watch with an umbrella on its face and it played a tune.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations at (815) 726-6377.
January 27, 1993 - Unidentified Female
On January 27, 1993, the head of a white female was found in a wooded area in the Wayne Fitzgerald State Park in Jefferson County, Illinois. Postmortem examination revealed the victim had approximately shoulder length reddish-brown hair.
Analysis by the University of Illinois, Anthropology Department indicated the victim's age ranged between 30 to 50 years. Unusual skeletal characteristics of the skull and upper front cervical vertebrae indicate the victim suffered from chronic spasmodic torticollis or wryneck, a condition which causes stress on the muscles which are responsible for maintaining upright head posture. Evidence of a healed traumatic lesion on the skull suggests this condition may have been preceded by head trauma; this would have resulted in the victim maintaining a leftward tilt of the head.
Anyone with any information that would help identify this unidentified victim is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at 618-542-1137 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
June 29, 1993 - Keith L Brown
On Feb. 3, 1993, the wife of Keith L. Brown 34, of Buckner reported her husband was missing. Brown's blue 1989 Plymouth hatchback, (IL. Reg. KWA682) was located two days later in a remote area near Crab Orchard Lake in Williamson County. On June 29,1993, Brown's skeletal remains were found in a hay field near Crab Orchard Lake by a farmer. Brown had been shot several times.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at (618)542-2171.
July 24, 1993 - Carmen Charneco
Carmen Charneco was found murdered on July 24, 1993 on Interstate 90 in Elgin, Illinois.
The Illinois State Police is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of Edwin Acevedo Rodriguez, Male/Hispanic, 12/18/72. Rodriguez is a wanted fugitive who fled the Elgin area in July 1993 and is wanted for questioning in the death of Carmen Charneco. Rodriguez should be considered armed and dangerous. Rodriguez has a history of drugs and weapons and has been identified as a member of the street gang “Maniac Latin Disciples." Warrants for Parole Violation, Public Peace/Damage to Property/Mob Action, and Unlawful Flight to Avoid Confinement, have been issued for Rodriguez. Before any law enforcement action is taken, agencies should confirm the status of the warrants. The Illinois State Police will coordinate extradition proceedings if Rodriguez is apprehended anywhere. Rodriguez has relatives in and has been sighted in Brooklyn, Bronx, New York, New York and the areas surrounding Aguada, Aguadilla Puerto Rico. He was also sighted in Hialeah, Florida. Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican male, approximately 5 feet, 3 - 5 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, his weight was approximately 132-150 pounds, but this description is dated. Rodriguez has several tattoos including ones on his left and right thighs, right arm, forearm, and shoulder. The attached photograph shows Rodriguez as he looked in 1993. No more recent information is available.
Anyone having information concerning this case should contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 1 Investigations at 847-294-4314. Any request for a tip to be from an anonymous source will be honored.
August 5, 1994 - Sherry Lewis
On August 5, 1994, 30-year-old Sherry L. Lewis, a Decatur realtor, was found deceased in a Macon County residence that was for sale which she had an appointment to show.
Anyone with information regarding the Lewis murder should contact the Macon County Sheriff's Office at (217) 424-1337.
The family of Sherry Lewis is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder. Contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 5 Investigations at 815/844-1500 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 10, 1994 - Jeffery W. Archer
Illinois State Police, District Chicago Investigations is seeking assistance regarding the death of Jeffery W. Archer. He was last seen leaving his 1990 Plymouth Voyager, Illinois Registration TU5880 on October 10, 1994, at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the area of 6900 South Wolf Road, Indian Head Park, Illinois. His body was recovered on October 16, 1994, from the Sanitary Shipping Canal, one mile east of Routes 83 and 171.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact ISP Zone 1 Investigations at (847) 608-3200 to provide any additional information.
August 13, 1995 - Phil Christensen
Phillip Christensen was found deceased on August 13, 1995 on Stouffer Road in rural Sterling, IL. An autopsy revealed he died of gunshot wounds. Christensen was a life-long resident of the Sterling-Rock Falls area and known to frequent many of the bars in that area. Many of Christensen's associates were interviewed at the time of his murder and some may have more information to offer.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Phil Christensen is encouraged to contact the Illinois State police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
November 1, 1995 - Shana M Jaros
The Illinois State Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nokomis Police Department are seeking assistance regarding the homicide of Shana Marie Jaros, of Nokomis, Illinois.
Just before 7:00 a.m., on November 1, 1995, Jaros' deceased body was discovered in her apartment of one week at 527 South Maple, Nokomis, Illinois. A neighbor reported she heard a scuffle in Jaros's apartment at approximately 4:46 a.m. on November 1, 1995. The neighbor did not observe anyone leaving the victim's apartment immediately thereafter.
Jaros received more than 50 stab-cutting wounds from just above her breasts to her neck. Death resulted from massive blood loss.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 217-324-2515, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-352-0136.
April 22, 1998 - Unidentified Male
On April 22, 1998, an unidentified male was found in a field near I-55 and Rt. 53 between the towns of Bolingbrook and Romeoville IL. He had been deceased for an estimated 2 to 5 years. He was wearing an extra large blue nylon Starter jacket, blue jeans and size 9 or 9 1/2 Nike shoes.
This person had a distinct overbite. Dental records are available for comparison. DNA profile has been established at the Illinois State Police Crime lab in Joliet IL, and is on file in CODIS.
The attached image is a facial/cranial reconstruction prepared by the FBI and is an approximation, not an exact replication, of the face and head.
Please contact Will County Coroner's Office at 815-727-8455.
April 25, 1998 - Jeremy "Chappy" Chappelear
On Saturday, April 25, 1998, at approximately 5:25 a.m., the body of 20-year- old Jeremy "Chappy" Chappelear was found on Buckeye Trail, 200 feet south of 4th Avenue, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Donnellson, Illinois, by a fisherman en route to Coffeen Lake. Jeremy apparently died from being struck and/or run over by a vehicle.
Jeremy had last been seen around 2 a.m. (April 25, 1998) at a farmhouse party two miles away. Jeremy may have been making his 10-mile-walk home when killed.
If you have any information please contact Illinois State Police, Crash Reconstruction Unit at 618-542-1116, or Crime Stoppers 800/352-0136.
June 29, 1999 - Amy Warner
Amy Warner, a 23-year-old single mother of two, was killed June 29, 1999, in her home at 17 7th St. in Charleston, Illinois. No one has ever been charged with her stabbing death.
January 30, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On Wednesday, January 30, 2002, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Illinois State Police responded to a complaint concerning the discovery of skeletal remains near mile marker 22 on Interstate 64. The complaint originated from workers of the Illinois Department of Transportation who were working in the vicinity and discovered the remains.
The skeletal remains were situated off the roadway on the east side of the Silver Creek overpass in rural Mascoutah, Illinois. At the direction of the St. Clair County Coroner’s office, the remains were transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital, East St. Louis, Illinois, where an autopsy was performed. The autopsy, performed by Dr. James Petterchak, revealed the following information: the deceased is believed to be an African-American female, approximately aged 20 to 30 years, with two rings on the left hand (one 14 ct. small gold band (size 7 1/4) and one costume style ring (size 6 ½) with a light blue colored tear shaped stone), wearing a black colored sleeveless one-piece Jason Matthews brand jumpsuit.
The autopsy could not determine the cause of the death and it is believed that the victim has been deceased for several months. Additional forensic examinations will be conducted to determine the identity of the woman.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding her death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618/346-3782, or Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
March 11, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On March 11, 2002, at approximately 1:57 p.m., the Illinois State Police responded to a complaint concerning the discovery of human skeletal remains near mile post 23 on Interstate 70 (eastbound) near Collinsville, Illinois. The complaint originated from workers of the Illinois Department of Transportation who were working in the vicinity and discovered the remains.
The remains were removed from the scene and transported to the Madison County Morgue in Edwardsville, Illinois, where an autopsy was conducted on March 12, 2002. The autopsy did not determine a cause of death, however further examination by forensic anthropologists revealed the following information: The skeletal remains are of a black female, approximately 5'1" to 5'6" in height (5'3" believed to the most accurate).
There is no estimate of weight, and the approximate age is between 24-30 years old. It is believed the remains have been at this location for approximately 4-6 months. The skeletal remains were almost completely intact and clad in a pair of gray colored Second Skins brand shorts (size: medium) with rhinestones and a red and white colored check flannel style Tommy Hilfiger button down man's style shirt (size: XL). In addition, a man's style "gold" nugget style ring with two glass stones was found with the remains. The ring originally held four stones in the setting. The ring was determined to be costume jewelry and is a size 7 1/4. Also found were two bracelets. The one bracelet is a metal hoop, approximately 3 inches in diameter, smooth on one side with a channel on the other side. A ring of black onyx beads on elastic string fits into the channel bracelet. The second bracelet is a combination of three separate bracelets. The second bracelet has numerous plastic beads (yellow, green, black, mauve, and brown) strung with thin elastic string that could be stretched. The three separate bracelets were gathered by a single, oval shaped metallic ring with a small hole at one end that appeared to be for the purpose of hanging a charm.
On June 18, 2002, the Illinois State Police released computer recreation images of a black female victim that was originally discovered on March 11, 2002. The images reflect how the victim may have looked prior to her death.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding her death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618/346-3782, or Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
March 28, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On Thursday, March 28, 2002, the Columbia Police Department along with the Major Case Squad began investigating the skeletal remains found on a creek bed on Route 3 near Gall Road in Columbia. Investigators located a green shirt with a large "M" and the word "Mavericks", in orange or yellow lettering, across the front of the shirt. The shirt also had two buttons at the top similar to a softball jersey. The shirt is an adult XL. Also at the scene were a pair of khaki colored size 3 "Chazzz Credentials" shorts.
A preliminary report by the Forensic Medical Investigator describes this person as a female, age 33 to 50, with African American ancestry, 5' 01" "give or take three inches", and believed to have children. The victim possibly had a scar across her forehead. Additional information will be available in the coming days.
The Medical Investigator believed the person has been deceased at least six months but no more than one year.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbia Police Department at 618-281-5151 or or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 1, 2002 - Unidentified Female
The Illinois State Police, in cooperation with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, is seeking any information that may help identify the skeletal remains of a black female, which were found in October 2002 near the Will/Kankakee County Line, near Route 45. This reconstruction was done by a forensic artist, based on the remains. The woman was approximately 30-40 years old at the time of death and stood around 5 foot 3 inches tall. She is thought to have died in 2001. (The hairstyle and length is only an estimate.)
If you can provide any information about the possible identity of this person, or the circumstances of her death, please contact Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations at (815) 698-2672. All information will be treated as confidential upon request.
March 26, 2003 - Dalton Mesarchik
On March 26, 2003, seven-year-old Streator resident Dalton Mesarchik was reported missing from the front yard of his home. The following day, Dalton's body was located in the Vermillion River. An intense, multi jurisdictional investigation ensued. Agents from the Streator Police Department, Livingston County Sheriff's Department, and Illinois State Police interviewed dozens of people and followed up on hundreds of leads in an attempt to identify the person responsible for Dalton's murder. Physical evidence from Dalton's body and the body recovery site was sent to the ISP Crime Lab for processing. View the press release announcing the Dalton Mesarchik Task Force.
Anyone with information of Dalton’s murder, the hammer used in the murder, or the location where Dalton’s body was found may contact: Illinois State Police - Dalton Mesarchik Task Force by telephone at 1-815-844-1500 (ext.2321) or email at daltonm@isp.state.il.us
May 26, 2003 - Unidentified Male
On May 30, 2003, the Illinois State Police began investigating a homicide in Brooklyn, IL. The vehicle and the victim were abandoned since Monday, May 26, 2003.
Victim believed to be a male/Hispanic, 18-25 years old, between 5'11" and 6', weighing 200-230 lbs. Clothing victim was wearing was a light blue or light green and white striped button up shirt, black jeans, black cowboy boots, and a black belt with silver attachments that resemble Southwestern Indian style jewelry. Sizes of the clothing are available. The jewelry the victim was wearing appears to be a good quality gold bracelet with the letters "ONO" raised and studded in diamonds. There is a flower on each side of "ONO" consisting of eight petals that are diamonds surrounding a center diamond. The victim was also wearing what appears to be a good quality large man's gold ring with a cluster of six diamonds surrounding a center diamond. Victim was wearing a silver Casio brand watch with digital numbers. The unidentified victim has a tattoo on the back of his right shoulder. Victim was found in the trunk of a red 1988 Dodge Dynasty with Kansas temporary tag.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding his death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618-346-3770 or call Crimestoppers at 1/800-371-TIPS(8477).
July 6, 2003 - Jone Knapton
On July 6, 2003, 47 year-old East Moline resident Jone Knapton was reported missing. Four days later, Jone's body was located in the Green River in rural Henry County. An intense, multi jurisdictional investigation ensued. Agents from the East Moline Police Department, Henry County Sheriff's Department, and Illinois State Police interviewed dozens of people and followed up on hundreds of leads in an attempt to identify the person responsible for Jone's murder.
Anyone having information concerning this case is urged to contact the Illinois State, Zone 2 Investigations at (309) 752-4915 or the Quad Cities Crime Stoppers: (309) 762-9500.
November 1, 2004 - LeAnne Taylor
LeAnne Taylor was last seen alive Thanksgiving weekend 2004. Her body was later found by IDOT workers on December 4, 2004, along Bypass 20 outside of Rockford, Illinois. A group of individuals familiar to Taylor have been identified. Some may be responsible for her death, or may have knowledge of her murder. Not all these individuals are associated with each other. The Illinois State Police is looking for people who knew Taylor and may have provided information in the past, but now have more to offer. Additionally, any individuals who did not come forward at the time of her death, but have information to offer, are encouraged to come forward now and speak with investigators.
Agents with the Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations may be contacted at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
January 6, 2005 - Unidentified Male
On January 6, 2005 at approximately 4 p.m., the body of a male white subject was recovered from the Illinois/Michigan Shipping Canal near Summit, Illinois. The subject is 5'9" in height, weighing 185 pounds between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age with balding brown hair and a mustache. At the time the subject was recovered, he was wearing a brown sweater, blue shirt, dark blue pants, a white t-shirt, and black size nine slip-on shoes. It is believed that the subject may have been homeless at the time.
Any person having information or questions are asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 1 Investigations at 847-294-4600. (Case # 05-10145DP)
April 5, 2007 - Barry Marcel Lowery
On Thursday, April 5, 2007 at approximately 5:20 a.m., Barry Marcel Lowery, was found shot to death inside his residence at 640 North 53rd Street in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Anyone with information about the murder of Lowery is asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at (618) 346-3782 or St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers (www.stlrcs.org) at (866) 371-TIPS (8477). CrimeStoppers will pay up to $1000 for anonymous information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
January 28, 2008 - Mark Prasse
Northwest of Paris, Illinois and southwest of Chrisman, Illinois, was the site of the double homicide of Mark Prasse of Chrisman and Ryan Riddell of Villa Grove, who were found by police on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2008. Police suspect the two friends, both 32 at the time of their deaths, may have been victims of a targeted killing.
Story from jg-tc.com: https://jg-tc.com/news/double-murder-pair-apparently-shot-to-death-found-in-rural/article_1c1015a3-1e13-5e0f-809e-4d60dafae611.html
The double homicide is being investigated by the Illinois State Police’s crime scene services and investigations units, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department and the Edgar County Coroner’s office. Anyone with information relative to the incident is asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department at 465-4166.
Janury 28, 2008 - Ryan Riddell
Northwest of Paris, Illinois and southwest of Chrisman, Illinois, was the site of the double homicide of Mark Prasse of Chrisman and Ryan Riddell of Villa Grove, who were found by police on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2008. Police suspect the two friends, both 32 at the time of their deaths, may have been victims of a targeted killing.
Story from jg-tc.com: https://jg-tc.com/news/double-murder-pair-apparently-shot-to-death-found-in-rural/article_1c1015a3-1e13-5e0f-809e-4d60dafae611.html
The double homicide is being investigated by the Illinois State Police’s crime scene services and investigations units, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department and the Edgar County Coroner’s office. Anyone with information relative to the incident is asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department at 465-4166.
June 3, 2010 - Thomas Moore
On Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Thomas D. Moore, an O'Fallon, IL resident, was found shot to death in the roadway in the 5700 Block of Portland Place in Washington Park, Illinois. Two black males were observed fleeing the scene in Moore's vehicle, which was found burned a short time later in Washington Park.
Anyone with information about Moore's murder should contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at (618) 346-3759 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
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BELLEVILLE - Most infant care programs and many other day cares have waitlists right now, in part due to staffing issues and licensing restrictions.
If you're lucky enough to find somewhere your child can go, how can you evaluate the program's quality?
ExceleRate Illinois provides parents with a framework to determine the quality of a facility based on its state licensure and whether it holds a bronze, silver or gold circle of quality.
You can use ExceleRate's search tool to find out whether the child care option you are considering holds a state license and/or a quality rating from the organization. Child care providers are designated as holding a circle of quality based on whether they meet guidelines for training, education, administrative standards and more.
Shauna Ejeh, senior vice president for Illinois Action for Children, recommended this tool and also said personal experience is important in choosing a facility.
"In the end, it's about whether or not your child is going to feel comfortable in that experience, and whether or not that environment is what you want for your child. Visiting either that home or that center, I think, is always critical in trying to understand whether or not it would be a good fit," Ejeh said.
ExceleRate's bronze circle of quality indicates a program's staff has completed ExceleRate Illinois trainings and meets qualifications related to continuous program improvement.
The silver circle means a program has reached certain qualifications in the three areas of learning environment and teaching quality, administrative standards and training/education.
Achieving a gold circle designation means a program has met the highest quality standard in the above three areas.
You can check a program's compliance with licensing requirements here, and a list of licensing requirements is also available online.
More advice about how to choose a child care provider is available from Child Care Aware.
Most popular girl names in the 60s in Illinois
What's in a name?
Every new parent faces the difficult decision of choosing the perfect name for a newborn. First names rarely get changed after being assigned and carry with them a wide range of meanings and associations. This creates a lot of pressure on expectant parents to pick the perfect moniker for their little ones.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, many parents end up choosing the same names over and over. Research suggests that we pick specific names implying desired characteristics about our children, selecting names for boys and girls intended to shape them. Male monikers are commonly inspired by political, cultural, and personal influences that suggest good, masculine, and well-rounded people.
The 1960s are commonly associated with tie-dye-clad hippies, psychedelic experimentation, and rock 'n' roll icons like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But underneath the flower power, free love exterior, the ‘60s were a period of radical social and political change—not only in the United States but around the world. The decade was one characterized by a host of juxtapositions; anger and fear over injustice and uneasy political conditions lived alongside notions of musical awakening and pacifist harmony.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the ‘60s in Illinois using data from the Social Security Administration . Names are ranked by number of babies born. The names in this list represent the distinct intersection of Baby Boomer and Gen X and a reflection of some of the most well-known celebrities, musicians, and trends of the time. Keep reading to see if your name was among the most popular in the ‘60s in your home state.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#50. Rhonda
Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#813 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,607
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
#49. Rebecca
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 589 (#219 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 99,468
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
#48. Cindy
Cindy is a name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Mount Kynthos".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,742
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#1109 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 91,589
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Melissa
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,767
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 655 (#192 most common name, -86.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 119,212
Blend Images // Shutterstock
#46. Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,812
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 84,366
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#45. Jill
Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,853
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 69,144
Canva
#44. Maria
Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,102 (#112 most common name, -77.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 88,642
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
#43. Robin
Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,979
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#1301 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 118,322
Canva
#42. Catherine
Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,988
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 618 (#208 most common name, -87.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 76,791
Canva
#41. Margaret
Margaret is a name of Greek origin meaning "pearl".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,466
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,170 (#104 most common name, -78.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 81,869
Canva
#40. Tracy
Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#3152 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 103,778
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Janet
Janet is a name of Scottish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 89,307
javi_indy // Shutterstock
#38. Theresa
Theresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "late summer".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,774
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#1047 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 97,120
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
#37. Kathy
Kathy is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,819
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#1910 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 101,119
Canva
#36. Teresa
Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,201
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195 (#577 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 151,770
Canva
#35. Carol
Carol is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,597
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#1416 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 112,341
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#34. Amy
Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 605 (#210 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 116,789
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#33. Kelly
Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,983
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 305 (#389 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,078
Canva
#32. Tina
Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,013
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#2320 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 126,385
Canva
#31. Brenda
Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,397
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,483
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#30. Cheryl
Cheryl is a name of Greek origin meaning "cherry fruit".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,750
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 135,650
New Africa // Shutterstock
#29. Diane
Diane is a name of Latin origin meaning "divine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,856
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 31 (#1789 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,441
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
#28. Denise
Denise is a name of Greek origin meaning "to be devoted to Bacchus".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,053
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,834
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
#27. Tammy
Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,342
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 182,218
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
#26. Sharon
Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,528
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#1210 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 154,883
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
#25. Angela
Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,579
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 592 (#217 most common name, -93.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,248
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
#24. Kathleen
Kathleen is a name of Irish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,708
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#676 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 120,967
Canva
#23. Barbara
Barbara is a name of Greek origin meaning "foreign".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,928
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104 (#978 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,750
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
#22. Nancy
Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,972
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134 (#805 most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 142,707
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#21. Dawn
Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,061
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,291
Canva
#20. Debra
Debra is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,333
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 153,776
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#19. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,441
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,509 (#13 most common name, -62.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 168,897
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
#18. Christine
Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,449
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 113 (#905 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 139,333
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#17. Jennifer
Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,573
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 578 (#221 (tie) most common name, -94.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,429
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#16. Pamela
Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,963
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1392 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 181,948
Canva
#15. Lori
Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#2377 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 176,561
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#14. Sandra
Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,062
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 152 (#730 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,812
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#13. Deborah
Deborah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,140
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,434
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#12. Donna
Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,563
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#1561 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 213,457
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#11. Cynthia
Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,134
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262 (#455 (tie) most common name, -97.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 196,606
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Michelle
Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,461
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 819 (#153 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 208,285
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
#9. Julie
Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,535
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 217 (#536 most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 166,151
Canva
#8. Patricia
Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175 (#637 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 231,137
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#7. Linda
Linda is a name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,310
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136 (#797 most common name, -99.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 225,412
Canva
#6. Laura
Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 14,160
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 327 (#370 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 174,184
Canva
#5. Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 15,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,034 (#121 most common name, -93.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 259,092
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
#4. Karen
Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 16,373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261 (#458 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 286,044
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#3. Susan
Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 18,066
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 114 (#899 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 287,661
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
#2. Mary
Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 22,458
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 856 (#146 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 355,223
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
#1. Lisa
Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 25,554
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#1036 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 496,980
FamVeld // Shutterstock
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TODAY'S EVENTS
BASEBALL
College
Heartland at Illinois Central College (2), 2 p.m.; Illinois State at Indiana State, 6:30 p.m.
High school
Geneva at Normal Community, 4:30 p.m.; University High at Olympia, 4:30 p.m.; Normal West at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, 4:30 p.m.
GOLF
College men
Illinois Wesleyan, Heartland in IWU Invitational at Ironwood Golf Course.
SOFTBALL
College
John Wood at Heartland (2), 2 p.m.
High school
LaSalle-Peru at University High, 4:30 p.m.; Chatham Glenwood at Normal Community, 4:30 p.m.
TENNIS
College men
Drake at Illinois State, 2 p.m.
High school boys
University High at Edwardsville Invitational.
TRACK AND FIELD
College
Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan at Redbird Invitational.
High school girls
Bloomington at Belleville West Invitational, 2 p.m.
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5 years ago (2017): Bloomington High School junior Zachery Bradford pole vaulted an outdoor school record 16 feet, 6 inches to place second in the high school division of the Texas Relays at Austin, Texas. Bradford’s previous school record was 16-1.
15 years ago (2007): After walking a playoff tightrope the last month, the Bloomington PrairieThunder were eliminated from United Hockey League postseason consideration after falling 4-3 to the Quad City Thunder. "We’ve worked hard all year, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Thunder captain Tyler Rennette said.
25 years ago (1997): After three years of chasing and, in many cases, breaking Jim Crews’ University High School basketball records, U High senior point guard Jeremy Stanton announced he will play for Crews at the University of Evansville.
50 years ago (1972): Illinois State’s Dave Dusak, an 18-year-old freshman from Proviso West, moved down 12 batters on strikes as he hurled a four-hitter to carry the Redbirds past the United States Coast Guard Academy of New London, Conn., 5-2.
From Pages Past compiled by Jeff Findley from Pantagraph files.
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27.5 ACRE PROPERTY IN TRI-VALLEY SCHOOL DIST.! PLENTY OF ROOM TO ROAM AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS! THIS PROPERTY FEATURES A SPRAWLING RANCH HOME WITH OVER 4600 SQUARE FEET, MULTIPLE OUTBUILDINGS, AND A VARIETY OF INCOME PRODUCING OPTIONS! THE 27+ ACRES HAS A MIXTURE OF PASTURE, TILLABLE AND RECREATIONAL GROUND. THE HOME FEATURES A WONDERFUL OPEN FLOOR PLAN ON THE MAIN LEVEL WITH A KITCHEN,FAMILY ROOM, A 2-WAY FIREPLACE AND A NICE 20 X 13 FLORIDA ROOM. THE REMAINING ROOMS ARE GENEROUS SIZED WITH 3 BEDROOMS ON THE MAIN FLOOR, AND LARGE CLOSET STORAGE SPACE. THE LOWER LEVEL HAS RECENTLY HAD A FULL KITCHEN ADDED AND SHARES A GREAT ROOM WITH A FIREPLACE AND A PRIVATE STAIRWAY WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE ATTACHED GARAGE. THE ADDITIONAL 3 ROOMS IN THE LOWER LEVEL ARE VERY LARGE AS WELL AND THERE IS A SMALL WET BAR NEXT TO THE FAMILY ROOM FOR ENTERTAINING! IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT HORSE, LAMA, OR CATTLE PROPERTY, TAKE A LOOK AT THE 180 X 60 METAL BUILDING WITH A 100 X 60 LIGHTED AREA USED AS AN INDOOR ARENA! THE SELLER HAS REPLACED THE OVERHEAD METAL DOORS IN THIS LARGE BUILDING, THERE IS A 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT, CONCRETE AREA FOR VEHICLES,TACK ROOM, AND A WATER HYDRANT FOR LIVESTOCK OR THOSE TOYS OR LARGER EQUIPTMENT. LAY OUT YOUR ATV TRAIL SYSTEM THROUGH THE PASTURE AND TIMBER AREA AND USE THE METAL BUILDING FOR STORAGE/SHOP AREA. OR IF YOU LIKE TO HUNT, PUT YOUR DEER STAND UP IN THE TIMBER AREA AND WATCH FOR THAT PERFECT BUCK! THE CURRENT OWNER ADDED A HEATED GREEN HOUSE- PERFECT FOR A YEAR ROUND GROWING SEASON SINCE THE PROPERTY IS ZONED WITH AGRICULTURAL. THE REMAINING BUILDING COULD BE USED FOR SMALL ANIMALS OR EQUIPTMENT. THERE IS PLENTY OF FENCED PASTURE, WITH LARGE LIVESTOCK GATES-OWNER RECENTLY ADDED HIGH SPEED INTERNET, NEW ROOF ON HOME IN 2021,CONCRETE FLOOR IN METAL BUILDING,SECURITY GATE AT THE EDGE OF PROPERTY WITH SECURITY CAMERAS. TRUELY A ONE OF A KIND PROEPRTY!
3 Bedroom Home in Downs - $750,000
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Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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New construction home on Residential lot #18 in beautiful Sherwood Lake, on the water. Construction of the home to begin April 15, 2022. This floor plan will appeal to any family! So Much To Offer! 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. No steps from the garage into the home. Walkout basement to patio overlooking Sherwood Lake. Screened porch. Spacious 3-car garage with floor drain. All interior doors are solid wood 3ft. x 8ft. on first floor. Generous allowances and upgrades throughout. The location of the lot can be found on the Sherwood Lake website.
5 Bedroom Home in Bloomington - $879,900
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Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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Redbird Invite; 9 a.m.- April 2, 5 p.m.; April 1, Redbird Track, 180 N. Adelaide St., Normal; A free event for the public; https://go.evvnt.com/958754-0.
Logan Kirby; 7 p.m., April 1; Bement Country Opry, 201 N. State St., Monticello; doors open at 6 p.m.; $10 per person; dinner served before shows at 5 p.m.; 217-778-0990.
Scouts BSA Troop 920 Pancake & Sausage Breakfast; 6:30 a.m.- April 3, 1 p.m.; April 2, St. Mary's Catholic School, 603 W. Jackson St., Bloomington; Scouts BSA Troop 920 and Venturing Crew 2020 will hold their annual pancake and sausage breakfast April 2nd and 3rd. All meals must be pre-ordered by March 18 and will be served curbside carryout;
VFW Fundraiser and Bake Sale; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., April 2, Sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary 454, 1006 E. Lincoln St., Bloomington; Vendors, raffles and bake sale; proceeds will help with the veterans and family support programs.
Free Kidney Screenings; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 2, Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington; The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will be administering free kidney screenings; sponsored by the Central Illinois Chapter of The Links Inc. and Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Funky FarFams Spring Art Market; 10 a.m.- April 3, 4 p.m.; April 2, Funk Farms Trust, 5959 N. 1100 E. Road, Shirley; An Art Market with over 25 local and regional artists and makers on the grounds of the Funk Farms Trust; https://go.evvnt.com/1080822-0.
12th Annual Gala Dinner; 6 p.m., April 2, Midwest Food Bank, 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal; Live auction; Tickets $75, limited availability; Advanced registration recommended; 309-663-5350.
Reckless Saint One-Year Anniversary Bash, 4-8 p.m. April 2, 320 N. Main St., Bloomington; live music from IVO and The Sly; Keg Grove Brewing Co. pop-up.
The Knockoffs at Cadillac Jacks; 7-11 p.m.; April 2, Cadillac Jack's, 1507 S. Main St., Bloomington; 309-721-7000; Quad Cities band The Knockoffs debut at Cadillac Jack's, bringing a wide variety of your favorite tunes!; https://go.evvnt.com/1032657-0.
Fan Day at Illinois State Men's Tennis; 8-10 p.m.; April 2, ISU Tennis Courts, 960 Gregory St., Normal; 217-415-5597; Come support the Illinois State men’s tennis team as they take on conference rival, North Dakota. The first 50 fans will receive a free ISU Tennis t-shirt along with other Redbird giveaways!; https://go.evvnt.com/1033075-0.
Lincoln Elks Free Children's Orthopedic Clinic; 1-3 p.m.; April 5, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlut Drive, Lincoln; 800-272-0074; Lincoln Elks Free Children's Orthopedic Clinic April 5, 2022 at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital;
Illinois State University Baseball; 5-8 p.m.; April 5, Duffy Bass Field, 700 Gregory St., Normal; 309-438-8000; Illinois State vs. Illinois. Free Admission;
Visit from the Bunny!; 3:30-6:30 p.m.; April 7, Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, 109 E. Olive, Bloomington; 1309-434-2260; **Pre-Registration is required for this event at BloomingtonParks.org**; https://go.evvnt.com/984672-0.
Enriched Life Discussion Group; 7-8:30 p.m.; April 7, Bloomington; 305-968-1257; Join us for our free weekly Zoom meeting to get your dose of ideas, conversations and lessons for living a more fulfilled and enriched life. We strive to create a space where you are welcomed.; https://go.evvnt.com/933706-0.
Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo at the BCPA!; 7:30-9:30 p.m.; April 7, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. E. St., Bloomington; 1309-434-2777; $34; “The Trocks are a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they know the originals.” - Sydney Star Observer; https://go.evvnt.com/955700-0.
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When Jesus was only a toddler, two thousand Jewish insurrectionists were captured and crucified by Roman soldiers at Jerusalem. Some thirty years later, Jesus entered the city accompanied by large Passover crowds who were excitedly shouting, “Blessed is the Kingdom that is coming” – words which upset the city’s ruling priestly power brokers who, in lucrative collaboration with the still occupying Romans, did not want to see change come about.
Today we face a similar situation wherein foreign soldiers have invaded Ukraine in an attempt to compel that country to submit to being ruled by others. Some of those who want richly to rule Ukraine claim to be “orthodox” representatives of Jesus.
A like-minded power arrangement existed in czarist days when Russia’s rulers utilized the church in defending their exploitation of society for their own selfish advantage. When communism arose, the church suffered persecution, but managed to survive by keeping a low, largely acquiescent profile.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, however, Vladimir Putin has cynically brought the church back into favor, but only as a willing tool in support of his own corrupt ambitions. The Russian head of the church, Kiril, has been his obedient servant in helping him do this. Kiril refused to denounce Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and even blessed it, causing many Ukrainian and other Orthodox Christians no longer to recognize his authority. Both men pretend to be defenders of the faith against such Western “immoralities” as acceptance of the rights of gays and women, and in that pretense they enjoy support from too many Americans who also claim to be Christians while supporting would-be oppressors.
In reality, both men are willing collaborators with a selfish oligarchy committed to holding on to their own corruptly gained wealth by keeping a greedy dictator safe in his seat of power.
How different was Jesus’ “invasion” of Jerusalem, not arrogantly riding a war chariot, but a humble little donkey – his only weapon, love, his strategy not to kill, but be killed. Comparing himself to a mother hen offering her own life while calling her endangered chicks to the safety of her protective wings, Jesus summoned everyone, not to an enforced servitude, but to a freely given loving servanthood like his for the sake of all.
Boswell is a retired pastor of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) living in Normal. His views and email address may be accessed at www.jesuslaidbare--truthsaboutjesus.com.
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100 years ago
April 1, 1922: Union and non-union coal miners across the country went on strike today. It’s estimated 600,000 miners are off the job. At Lincoln, the walkout began yesterday at two mines. There was no report from the McLean County Coal Co. in Bloomington.
75 years ago
April 1, 1947: A committee studying the future of education in McLean County must report to Springfield by January 1. One observer predicts the report will call for getting rid of eight small town high schools and consolidate them with other districts. (And it eventually happened.)
50 years ago
April 1, 1972: A gambling raid at the Sportsmen’s Club on North Lumber Street netted city and state police eight arrests. Card games and tabletop gambling was going on in a side room, said BPD Chief Harold Bosshardt. Drinking and dancing continued legally in the bar room.
25 years ago
April 1, 1997: Normal City Engineer Mike Hall has been named director of public works. He knows the ropes, having been interim public works director for the past three months. Hall was Normal’s first city engineer and was picked for this promotion from a field of 17 applicants.
Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.
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Marcella C. Moore
Jan. 14, 1922 - Mar. 27, 2022
EL PASO - Marcella C. Moore, 100, of El Paso, passed away March 27, 2022. She was born January 14, 1922 to Liston and Ora (Clark) Chaille.
Cremation rites have been accorded with East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. A small gathering will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal.
To read full obituary, please visit eastlawnmemorial.com.
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Paul Richard Bacon
Aug. 4, 1938 - Sept. 17, 2021
NORMAL - Paul Richard Bacon, 83, of Normal, Illinois passed away peacefully at OSF St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington, IL on September 17, 2021
Paul was born on August 4th, 1938 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of George and Hilda Bacon. He married Marianna Green on June 15, 1963 in Springfield, Illinois. She survives.
He is also survived by his sons: Leon (Tammy) Bacon, Bloomington and Douglas (Elaine) Bacon, Defuniak Springs, FL; grandchildren: Brendon, Jacqueline, and Lauren Bacon, all of Normal, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Eileen, Betty, Geraldine, Doty; and brother, Charles
Paul was a 1957 graduate of Lanphier High School and Veteran of the Illinois National Guard. He began work on the Chicago, Missouri, and Western railroad before moving his family to Bloomington in 1968 and working on the GM&O Railroad and eventually Amtrak as a conductor before retiring in 2000 after 40 years in railroading.
Paul was an avid fan of the New York Mets, Chicago Bears, and the University of Illinois football and basketball teams. Over his retirement years, he enjoyed listening to music, in particular, the Eagles and supporting his grandchildren in their many activities. He always looked forward to being with his family and friends and he will be dearly missed by all of those that knew him
A memorial service will be held at a later date and burial will be in St Elmo, IL In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Paul's name to the Kevin Brown Cancer Foundation, KB Strong Fighting The Fight, 1210 Kensington Dr., Washington, IL 61571.
Condolences and memories may be left for his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com
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James W. Dennis
BLOOMINGTON - James W. Dennis, 75, died August 2, 2021. A Celebration of Life Open House will be at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Pentecostal Church, 107 E. Newton, Heyworth, on September 25, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. A brief memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. but come anytime. See also www.beckmemorial.com.
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Virgil E. Donze
June 1, 1922 - Sept. 16, 2021
EL PASO - Virgil E. Donze, 99, of El Paso passed away at 10:25 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.
He was born on June 1, 1922 to Louis and Rose Wagner Donze. He married Margaret Guard on September 10, 1943 in Camp Robinson, Arkansas. She survives.
Virgil is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Richard (Adrienne) of Rochester, MN; son, Robert (Bernadette) of Downers Grove, IL; daughter, Rebecca of El Paso; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edith and brother, Byron.
First Lieutenant Donze proudly served with the 561st Field Artillery in five campaigns, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland and Central Europe during WWII. He retired from the US Postal Service.
Private family graveside services will be held on Tuesday at Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso where military rites will be accorded at the grave. Pastor Russell Zehr will officiate. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso is handling arrangements for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital or El Paso Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
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Ronald Heck
March 7, 1943 - Sep. 6, 2021
NORMAL - Ronald Heck of Normal, IL, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 6, 2021, at the age of 78. He passed peacefully with family and friends at his side.
He is survived by six children: Teri Fulkerson (Jens), Brian Heck (Khoa), Chris Rann (Barbara), Sharon Bartlett (Royce), Jeanne Woodford (David), and Lara Wooten (James); eight grandchildren; his brother, Larry Heck (Sue); and his mother, Willa Groves. His wife, Mary, went to be with the Lord in January of 2011.
Ron was an avid tennis player and enjoyed watching many sports, including: tennis, football, and basketball. He loved homemade loaded nachos and was happiest when the house was full.
He will be greatly missed. At his request, no service will be held.
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Darlene Landstrom
Aug. 8, 1931 - Aug. 14, 2021
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Darlene Landstrom, 90, of San Antonio, TX, died on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at her residence with her family by her side.
There will be a memorial service for Darlene from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Normal, with visitation starting at 1 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Calvary Baptist Church and the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU.
Darlene was born on Aug. 8, 1931, in Peoria, to Charles and Ellen (Parsons) Gregory. She married Lawrence W. Landstrom on Oct. 11, 1953, in Bloomington. They were married 62 years before he passed away in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Charlotte Robertson; and two of her 19 great-grandchildren, who were called to be with the Lord earlier than expected.
She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Gregory of San Antonio, TX; and her son, Greg (Adella) Landstrom of St. Petersburg, FL; 11 grandchildren, their spouses; and 17 great-grandchildren. Darlene was looking forward to being a great-great grandmother to a sweet baby girl, who was born on September 3, 2021. She is also survived by one brother, Ronald Gregory; and one sister Barbara (William) Johnson, all from Bloomington-Normal. Darlene was one of four children and Lawrence was one of eight children, so there are in-laws, nieces and nephews that are not mentioned, who also will be sharing in the family's mourning.
A graduate from Mennonite Hospital's School of Nursing in 1953, Darlene continued her career as a nurse for more than 35 years. She enjoyed participating in church handbell choirs, crocheting and many other things; however, being a mother and grandmother brought her the most joy, for which she will be always remembered.
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Lila Jane Riddle-McNees "Tudy"
Sept. 7, 1922 - Sept. 15, 2021
CLINTON - Lila Jane "Tudy" Riddle-McNees 99 of Clinton, IL passed away 5:25 PM September 15, 2021 at her family residence, Clinton, IL.
Services will be 11 AM Wednesday September 22, 2021 at the Wapella Christian Church, Wapella, IL with Joshua Gorrie officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 9 - 11 AM at the church. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to Wapella Christian Church or the Wapella Fire Department.
Lila was born September 7, 1922 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Lyle and Louise (Gorman) Crum. She married Glenn F. Riddle September 24, 1946. He passed away December 12, 1974. She later married John McNees. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include her children: Vic (Donna) Riddle, Wapella, IL; Sharon Riddle, Wapella, IL; grandchildren: Darci (Shanon) Newman, John Wheat, Justin (Nicole) Williams, Jacob (Mia) Riddle, and Colleen (Jim) Byrne; 13 great-grandchildren.
Tudy was preceded in death by her parents, son, Walter F. Riddle, and great-grandson, Blake Newman.
Tudy was a member of Wapella Christian Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the DeWitt County Extension. She enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting, and was a great cook.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
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BELLEVILLE - Families with children under age 6 in St. Clair County spend approximately 17% of their annual income on child care.
There are programs available to help, including a tax credit and other income-based efforts. Here's how to find help paying for your child's day care.
Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program offers sliding-scale options for families who meet certain guidelines. Answers to frequently asked questions about the program are available online.
The first step to receiving this assistance is calling Children's Home & Aid at 800-467-9200.
Program eligibility is based on gross household income, family size, whether your children are under 13 years old, status as an Illinois resident and other factors.
Not all child care programs accept assistance rates, so factor your eligibility for the program into your provider search.
Illinois Head Start is an educational program aiming to promote school readiness for children from birth to age 5. Programming focuses on language skills, literacy and social/emotional development.
Head Start is designed for low-income families, and the webpage has a calculator to determine eligibility. Children in foster care, from families receiving public assistance and who are experiencing homelessness are all eligible for Head Start regardless of income.
Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers and pregnant women whose incomes are below the federal poverty level.
An online locator is available to find Head Start and Early Head Start programs near you.
There are also Head Start programs designed specifically for families of migrants and seasonal workers, as well as Indigenous peoples. Those programs can also be found using the locator tool.
The Child Tax Credit is available to married filers making less than $150,000 annually, heads of household making under $112,500 per year and all other filers making less than $75,000 per year.
Qualifying families receive $3,000 for each child older than 6 and $3,600 for each child younger than age 6. You can receive this assistance in the form of advance monthly payments.
To qualify for free preschool through Preschool for All in Illinois, both of the following qualifications must be met:
—Your child is 4 years old (they must turn 4 by Sept. 1 of the calendar year of enrollment).
—Your family is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Most popular girl names in the 60s in Illinois
What's in a name?
Every new parent faces the difficult decision of choosing the perfect name for a newborn. First names rarely get changed after being assigned and carry with them a wide range of meanings and associations. This creates a lot of pressure on expectant parents to pick the perfect moniker for their little ones.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, many parents end up choosing the same names over and over. Research suggests that we pick specific names implying desired characteristics about our children, selecting names for boys and girls intended to shape them. Male monikers are commonly inspired by political, cultural, and personal influences that suggest good, masculine, and well-rounded people.
The 1960s are commonly associated with tie-dye-clad hippies, psychedelic experimentation, and rock 'n' roll icons like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But underneath the flower power, free love exterior, the ‘60s were a period of radical social and political change—not only in the United States but around the world. The decade was one characterized by a host of juxtapositions; anger and fear over injustice and uneasy political conditions lived alongside notions of musical awakening and pacifist harmony.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the ‘60s in Illinois using data from the Social Security Administration . Names are ranked by number of babies born. The names in this list represent the distinct intersection of Baby Boomer and Gen X and a reflection of some of the most well-known celebrities, musicians, and trends of the time. Keep reading to see if your name was among the most popular in the ‘60s in your home state.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#50. Rhonda
Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#813 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,607
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
#49. Rebecca
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 589 (#219 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 99,468
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
#48. Cindy
Cindy is a name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Mount Kynthos".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,742
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#1109 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 91,589
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Melissa
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,767
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 655 (#192 most common name, -86.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 119,212
Blend Images // Shutterstock
#46. Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,812
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 84,366
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#45. Jill
Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,853
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 69,144
Canva
#44. Maria
Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,102 (#112 most common name, -77.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 88,642
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
#43. Robin
Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,979
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#1301 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 118,322
Canva
#42. Catherine
Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,988
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 618 (#208 most common name, -87.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 76,791
Canva
#41. Margaret
Margaret is a name of Greek origin meaning "pearl".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,466
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,170 (#104 most common name, -78.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 81,869
Canva
#40. Tracy
Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#3152 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 103,778
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Janet
Janet is a name of Scottish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 89,307
javi_indy // Shutterstock
#38. Theresa
Theresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "late summer".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,774
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#1047 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 97,120
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
#37. Kathy
Kathy is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,819
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#1910 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 101,119
Canva
#36. Teresa
Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,201
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195 (#577 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 151,770
Canva
#35. Carol
Carol is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,597
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#1416 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 112,341
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#34. Amy
Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 605 (#210 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 116,789
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#33. Kelly
Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,983
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 305 (#389 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,078
Canva
#32. Tina
Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,013
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#2320 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 126,385
Canva
#31. Brenda
Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,397
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,483
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#30. Cheryl
Cheryl is a name of Greek origin meaning "cherry fruit".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,750
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 135,650
New Africa // Shutterstock
#29. Diane
Diane is a name of Latin origin meaning "divine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,856
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 31 (#1789 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,441
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
#28. Denise
Denise is a name of Greek origin meaning "to be devoted to Bacchus".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,053
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,834
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
#27. Tammy
Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,342
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 182,218
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
#26. Sharon
Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,528
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#1210 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 154,883
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
#25. Angela
Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,579
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 592 (#217 most common name, -93.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,248
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
#24. Kathleen
Kathleen is a name of Irish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,708
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#676 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 120,967
Canva
#23. Barbara
Barbara is a name of Greek origin meaning "foreign".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,928
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104 (#978 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,750
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
#22. Nancy
Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,972
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134 (#805 most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 142,707
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#21. Dawn
Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,061
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,291
Canva
#20. Debra
Debra is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,333
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 153,776
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#19. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,441
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,509 (#13 most common name, -62.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 168,897
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
#18. Christine
Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,449
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 113 (#905 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 139,333
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#17. Jennifer
Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,573
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 578 (#221 (tie) most common name, -94.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,429
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#16. Pamela
Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,963
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1392 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 181,948
Canva
#15. Lori
Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#2377 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 176,561
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#14. Sandra
Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,062
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 152 (#730 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,812
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#13. Deborah
Deborah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,140
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,434
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#12. Donna
Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,563
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#1561 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 213,457
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#11. Cynthia
Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,134
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262 (#455 (tie) most common name, -97.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 196,606
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Michelle
Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,461
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 819 (#153 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 208,285
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
#9. Julie
Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,535
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 217 (#536 most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 166,151
Canva
#8. Patricia
Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175 (#637 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 231,137
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#7. Linda
Linda is a name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,310
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136 (#797 most common name, -99.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 225,412
Canva
#6. Laura
Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 14,160
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 327 (#370 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 174,184
Canva
#5. Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 15,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,034 (#121 most common name, -93.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 259,092
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
#4. Karen
Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 16,373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261 (#458 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 286,044
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#3. Susan
Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 18,066
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 114 (#899 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 287,661
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
#2. Mary
Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 22,458
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 856 (#146 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 355,223
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
#1. Lisa
Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 25,554
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#1036 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 496,980
FamVeld // Shutterstock
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https://pantagraph.com/weather/here-is-todays-weather-outlook-for-apr-1-2022-in-bloomington-il/article_e102f073-5075-5f23-a1d2-14f6c96e0e49.html
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Temperatures in Bloomington will be cool today. It looks like it will be a cool 49 degrees. We'll see a low temperature of 33 degrees today. Today's conditions are expected to be clear, so there shouldn't been too many clouds in the sky. The area will see gentle winds today, with forecast showing winds from Northwest, clocking in at 11 mph. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. Keep an eye on pantagraph.com for forecast information and severe weather updates.
Here is today's weather outlook for Apr. 1, 2022 in Bloomington, IL
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A stormy afternoon is expected across Illinois today with heavy rain and lightning being common. A few storms will likely be severe. Here's everything you need to know to be prepared for the day.
Just some light showers in spots today, but Wednesday looks quite stormy across all of Illinois. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and even tornadoes are looking more likely. Here's all the details.
The chance for thunderstorms is over, but light showers are still in the forecast today. See when we'll finally dry out across the area in our updated weather outlook.
Temperatures will stay below normal for this time of year today. We'll be warming in the days ahead, but rain will return to the area. A few severe storms are possible in southern Illinois Wednesday.
Hail is a possibility amid strong and severe thunderstorms, putting a lot of valuables in danger. So what can you do about it?
Temperatures in the 60s are expected for the Bloomington area. It looks to reach a mild 63 degrees. Expect a drastic drop in temperatures thou…
Temperatures in Bloomington will be cool today. It should reach a cold 44 degrees. 40 degrees is today's low. Partly cloudy skies are in the f…
Bloomington residents should expect temperatures in the 40s. It looks like it will be a bitter 41 degrees. Today's forecasted low temperature …
It will be a cold day in Bloomington, with temperatures in the 30s. The forecast calls for it to be a nippy 39 degrees. 22 degrees is today's …
Cool, 40 degree weather is predicted for Bloomington today. It looks to reach a cold 42 degrees. 27 degrees is today's low. Partly cloudy skie…
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https://pantagraph.com/blogs/dear-abby/dear-abby-teen-discovers-moms-affair-while-looking-at-her-phone/article_e22ebd96-1166-5ec0-aaaa-622b4ea53dfc.html
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Dear Abby: I am 15 and have a big problem. My mom and my dad have been married a long time. I was looking through pictures on Mom's phone and found some very inappropriate and romantic texts from "Rob," her business partner. Mom forces our whole family to hang out with Rob, and my brother doesn't like him either. But anytime we bring it up, my mom yells at us and makes me cry. She wants me to be friends with Rob.
One time when we were all at a restaurant, someone asked if he was my dad. I know what she is doing with him, and I can't focus on school because of it. I think my dad knows -- kind of -- but I'm sure he hasn't seen the texts that I saw. I don't want to ruin my family, but I cry about it every night alone. I know my parents won't go to couples counseling, and I don't want to hurt my brother either. Any help would be very much appreciated. -- KID WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH
Dear Kid: Because this is causing emotional problems that are affecting your studies, it can't be ignored. It is time for you to talk about this with a school counselor, a relative or a family friend for emotional support and guidance.
I also think at some point you should talk to your mother about what you found on her phone. Tell her that's the reason you don't want to be friends with her business partner. Your sense of right and wrong is valid, and don't let her tell you otherwise. Do not be surprised if she's upset about the fact that you know what has been going on, so be prepared for it. I am sorry you have to go through this. It's a shame.
Dear Abby: A few years ago, my husband and I bought and moved into a very old, small house in our ideal neighborhood, which has beautifully manicured yards, nice people and a lot of diversity. We had a vision for this place, and it was perfect for us.
A friend of mine, "Maggie," who I knew had a judgmental streak, repeatedly asked to come see the house, which I knew was nowhere near in the condition for visitors. After about her 10th request, I told myself maybe I was overreacting to her potential reaction, and I invited her into my home for a tour. Three years later, my husband and I remodeled our home to fit our vision. We are happy.
Six months after the remodel was complete, my husband and I were at a friend's house and Maggie was there. At one point, Maggie's husband commented to us that he couldn't believe we had moved into that "s--- shack." My husband's jaw dropped. Maggie jumped up and said, "I didn't call it that!" Of course it was logical that she did. She had seen it; he had not.
To this day, a year and a half later, I cannot get over why someone I invited into my home would say something so horrible about it behind my back or that her husband would repeat it among a group of mutual friends. My husband refuses to engage with Maggie and her husband. What should I do? -- PROUD OF MY HOME NOW
Dear Proud: I am sorry you didn't write sooner about this. If you had, I would have advised you to tell Maggie exactly how that incident made you and your husband feel. It is a little late for that now, but you would certainly be within your rights to clear the air if you wish. What they said was uncalled for.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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With the anticipation of spring and returning pops of color, you may find your forsythia and lilac a bit lackluster, if improperly managed. The early-blooming and free-flowing forsythia, if managed like a hedge, portrays a strict military appearance, complete with a crew cut and almost flowerless display. Prompted by their massive sprawling nature, many gardeners and homeowners attempt to tame these beasts by midseason, relegating next season’s blooms to the compost pile. With proper pruning, both the timing and the technique, the stunning showcase of these spring bloomers can return next season.
A gardener’s acceptance of the wild nature of forsythia or the mass of lilac is the first step to improved flowering. Often these plants are managed with the mindset of shaping coleus or petunia. With pruners in hand, the gardener mimics pinching back, attempting to shape these shrubs into a perfect mold. Sometimes this shaping is motivated by maintaining the large shrubs in a small space. If the shrub does not have the space to branch out, it should be replaced with a smaller shrub.
For the health of the plant, and to promote impressive floral display, forsythia and lilac branches should be pruned out at the base of the plant. It is best to remove 1/3 of the older branches every few years, within the two weeks following flowering. For overgrown, unpruned shrubs, complete renewal pruning in one season by cutting back all branches within 6 inches of the ground. Regular pruning of lilacs is very important for disease management—a host of diseases can be prevented by increasing airflow with regular pruning and branch removal.
With proper placement and pruning, these showstopping shrubs will provide an extended season of joyous flowers. Display the heralds of spring on your breakfast table, pre- and post-flowering by forcing blooms of forsythia or harvesting lilacs from your cutback.
With buds formed the previous season, a late-winter forsythia has experienced the necessary cold-treatment to erupt into flowers come warmer temperatures. With simple preparation, your warm kitchen will soon host sunny, yellow flowers!
1. Prune individual branches to the base of the plant. Select branches with plump round flowers buds rather than leaf buds.
2. Submerge cut ends in cool water (60° F) and cover with a plastic bag. (Warmer water may cause flowers to distort.)
3. Remove bag when flower buds open in 7-10 days. Change water every 2 – 3 days.
4. Arrange flowers in your favorite vase. Continue to freshen water every couple days.
When preparing for the great cutback of your lilac, prepare pruning tools and equipment for a harvest. Then, follow these simple steps to extend the lilacs blooming season in an arrangement, using your favorite vase.
1. Cut your flowers in the morning when they are full of water.
2. Condition blooms by removing foliage and submerging stems in a bucket of cool water for 1 hour.
3. After conditioning, recut stem ends and split stem ends vertically (1-inch-long split).
4. To ensure the longevity of your flowers, change the water daily and use floral food.
Kelly Allsup is the University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator in Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties.
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BELLEVILLE — A man who pleaded guilty to charges for his role in the fatal shooting of an Illinois State Police trooper was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday in the 2019 case.
Al Stewart Jr. was sentenced to 36 months for obstructing justice and 28 months for possession with intent to distribute cannabis, said Chris Allen, a spokesman for the St. Clair County State's Attorney Office.
A charge of armed violence was dismissed, Allen said.
The sentences will run concurrently with each other and with a federal sentence, he said.
Stewart pleaded guilty to federal gun charges and was sentenced to four years in prison.
After the sentencing, Stewart was returned to federal custody, Allen said.
Stewart pleaded guilty last year in the August 2019 death of Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, 33, who died after being wounded during a shootout while serving a warrant at an East St. Louis home.
Christopher R. Grant, who lived at the home where the warrant was being served, has been charged with murder in Hopkins' death and is awaiting trial. Grant and Stewart engaged in a day-long standoff with East St. Louis police, Illinois State Police, the SWAT team and other law enforcement before they surrendered.
Grant was indicted on eight federal charges in March 2020, including first-degree murder, maintaining a drug house, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/laurence-garber-obituary?id=14653549
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Laurence R. Garber
October 31, 1931 - June 12, 2021
DELAVAN - Laurence R. Garber, 89, of Delavan, passed away, Saturday, June 12, 2021 surrounded by his five children at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born October 31, 1931 in San Jose to Clarence and Florence Krusemark Garber. He married Leila Groenewold on July 5, 1952 in Santa Maria, CA, and she passed away February 24, 2013.
Surviving are his children: Lori (John Burgund) Garber of Chillicothe, LuAnn Clark of Germantown Hills, Linda (Marshall) Hasty of Morton, Lisa Exley (Craig Chace) of Hopedale, and Larry (Lisa) Garber of Mahomet; 11 grandchildren: Jessica Rima, Steffan Clark, Lauren Rowlett, Rachel Bursott, Daniel Fleming, Jack Exley, Jade Griffin, Jilly Exley, Kaleb Garber, Kayeli Garber and Sam Garber; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernie (Patty) Garber of Delavan; one sister, DonnaBelle (Louis) Anderson of Lincoln; his special friend, Bev Scott of Green Valley; and his beloved dog, Olive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Galyn Clark; and one sister, Betty Russell.
Laurence worked at Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville as a supervisor for 38 years retiring in 1987.
In 1950, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and later proudly served his country during the Korean War.
He was a member of the Delavan American Legion, where he was active in the Sunday morning breakfasts and participated on the Color Guard. He also went on the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
Laurence was an avid fisherman and for 57 years loved spending summers with his family on Long Lake in Park Rapids, MN. He was an avid bowler and a member of the Pekin Area Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He enjoyed golfing and had the thrill of hitting two hole- in-one shots.
He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Delavan, where his funeral will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 17, 2021. Pastor Daniel Jacob will officiate. A visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan and from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan with military honors by Delavan American Legion.
Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Delavan or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.
To express condolences online visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.
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Norma D. Lind
June 24, 1932 - June 10, 2021
BLOOMINGTON -
Norma D. Lind, 88, of Bloomington passed away on June 10, 2021. She was born on June 24, 1932 to Robert and Clara (Brown) Foulk and married her sweetheart Frederick E. Lind on December 25, 1951 in Stanford, IL. He precedes her in passing on November 1, 2019.
Norma is survived by her children: Valerie Barry, Todd (Jennifer) Lind, and Steven Lind; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in passing by her parents; and four siblings.
Cremation rites have been accorded. East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be a graveside service at a later date.
Special thanks from the family to Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care and Vitas Hospice for their care.
Special thanks also to Vanessa Barry for taking such good care of both of her grandparents.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care and Vitas Hospice.
Condolences and memories may be left with the family at eastlawnmemorial.com
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Question: Can you name the average retirement age in Illinois in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and how much money it takes to retire comfortably in Illinois?
Answer: While retirement age, says the Social Security Administration, remains 67 for full retirement benefits, according to a report from GOBankingRates.com, the average retirement age in Illinois is now 64, with the annual cost of a "comfortable retirement" being $54,657. That means, says the financial website, that full retirement savings needed in Illinois is a minimum of $874,507.
Photos: Competition for a cause at Pantagraph Media's '80s Trivia Night 🎉
Dan Adams, Nancy and Bill Flick
Nancy and Bill Flick
Ed Neaves and the A-Team
'80s Trivia Night
Christina Rogers and Kathleen Lorenz
Ann Harding
Kathy Yoder and Don Knapp
Amy McFarland and William Yoder
Jason Reif, Erin Martiens
Pam Eaton channeling Dynasty
Jolene Aldus
State’s Attorney Don Knapp
Pantagraph president Dan Adams, Tracy Patkunas, Jonell Kehias
Herb Eaton
Dan Adams
Jen Hooker, Reed Walters
Cheryl Magnuson, Don Knapp, Leann Seal
Honorable Amy McFarland
Bellying up to the bar
Packed house
Bill Flick
Jason Reif, Tracy Patkunas
Tony Morstatter, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
Tony Morstatter, Tracy Patkunas, Jason Reif, Dan Adams
Nick the bartender, Inchol Chong
Judges Amy McFarland, William Yoder, Kathy Yoder, Don Knapp
Bill with his I Heart Bill Flick stickers
Bill Flick
Santino Lamancusa table
Steve Kubsch
Enjoying the evening
Christina Rogers, Sahan Kuruppuaratchi
Kim Schoenbein, Dan Adams
Julie Kubsch
Jen Hooker wishing her team were #1
Flick’s Followers table
Stayin' Alive table
Inchol Chong, Dan Adams
Pretty in Pink table
Mark and Melissa Isenburg-Tremper
Jolene Aldus, Bill Croff
Amanda Wycoff-Neaves, Ed Neaves
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Here's your weather update for Friday, April 1 from Chief Meteorologist Matt Holiner.
Photos: See tornadoes' deadly destruction over the years
May 22, 2011: Joplin, Missouri
In this May 25, 2011, photo, Beverly Winans hugs her daughter Debbie Surlin while salvaging items from Winans' devastated home in Joplin, Missouri. The deadliest tornado to hit the United States in the last several decades struck on May 22, 2011, leveling a miles-wide swath of Joplin and leaving 161 people dead.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
April 2011: Southeastern U.S.
Tuscaloosa Fire Lt. Brian Phillips climbs a pile of rubble in search of survivors or bodies at an apartment building in Tuscaloosa, Ala., after 362 tornadoes hit the southeastern United States over three days in April 2011, killing an estimated 321 people. Alabama was the hardest hit, with a death toll of more than 250 in that state alone.
AP Photo/Dave Martin
Feb. 5, 2008: 'Super Tuesday' outbreak
New cars and trucks at a Chevrolet dealership sit under the wreckage from a tornado that hit Mountain View, Ark., on Feb. 5, 2008. The so-called Super Tuesday outbreak of 87 tornadoes in the southeastern United States killed 57 people.
AP Photo/Danny Johnston
April 2014: Southeast and Midwest
An American flag waves from a makeshift flag pole in front of a concrete slab that once was a house in Louisville, Miss., after an April 28, 2014, tornado destroyed the house. An outbreak of dozens of tornadoes, stirred up by a powerful storm system, hit the Southeast and Midwest over a three-day period in April 2014 and killed 32 people in Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
May 20, 2013: Moore, Oklahoma
A tornado killed 24 people on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Oklahoma. The tornado had winds over 200 miles per hour, giving it the most severe rating of EF-5.
AP Photo/Alonzo Adams
March 18, 1925: Missouri, Illinois and Indiana
This March 1925 photo shows an overturned house that was carried more than 50 feet from its foundation following a tornado in Griffen, Ind. The March 18 tornadoes that hit Missouri, Illinois and Indiana killed nearly 700 people, topping the list of the deadliest tornadoes in the United States.
AP Photo
May 11, 1953: Waco, Texas
Bolstered by heavy equipment, workers start the gigantic task of cleaning up wreckage remaining in the downtown area of Waco, Texas, in the aftermath of a May 11, 1953, tornado. It was one of the top 10 deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, killing 114 people.
AP Photo
Nov. 6, 2005: Evansville, Indiana
As others stand intact, debris from destroyed mobile homes litter the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park in the aftermath of a tornado in Evansville, Ind., on Nov. 6, 2005. The tornado ripped across southwestern Indiana and northern Kentucky, causing 20 deaths, wrecking homes and knocking out power to thousands.
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
May 10, 2008: Southwest Missouri
A vehicle was dumped along highway 86 north of Racine, Mo., by a tornado that hit the area in southwest Missouri on May 10, 2008. Fourteen people were killed and hundreds injured in the tornado.
AP Photo/Mike Gullett
May 25, 2008: Iowa
The first floor of a house is all that remains on Sept. 8, 2008, in Parkersburg, Iowa, more than three months after a May 25 tornado that destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes in the area and left nine people dead.
AP Photo/Kevin Sanders
Feb. 29, 2012: Illinois
Family members and friends try to salvage what they can on Feb. 29, 2012, in Harrisburg, Ill., after a tornado destroyed their neighborhood homes. The devastating EF4 tornado claimed eight lives.
AP Photo/Seth Perlman
Feb. 11, 2009: Oklahoma
Three-year-old Brooklyn Hickman helps look through the rubble of her grandfather's trailer home in Lone Grove, Okla., on Feb. 11, 2009, after a tornado struck, killing eight people. Weather woes including an unusual series of February twisters were among the top Oklahoma news stories of that year.
AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
April 28, 2011: Virginia
Downed traffic lights are seen after an EF3 tornado struck on April 28, 2011, in Glade Spring, Va. Three people were killed, and several homes and truck stops along I-81 were severely damaged.
AP Photo/Jeff Gentner
June 8, 1984: Barneveld, Wisconsin
As dawn broke on June 8, 1984, rescuers got their first view of a destroyed Barneveld in Wisconsin. An F5 tornado ripped through the village, killing nine people and destroying most of the small community. The powerful tornado had winds over 300 mph.
Wisconsin State Journal photo
May 1955: Udall, Kansas
Photos of destruction from the 1955 tornado that destroyed Udall, Kan., are displayed in the town's museum. The May 1955 tornado is among the top 25 deadliest in U.S. history, killing 80 people.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
March 2, 2012: Indiana
People clear debris from a farm field on the outskirts of Marysville, Ind., after a tornado with 150 mph winds raked through the southern Indiana hamlet on March 2, 2012. The storm was part of a tornado outbreak that left 13 people dead in southern Indiana.
AP Photo/Charles Wilson
October 2013: Nebraska
Several buildings sit damaged Oct. 5, 2013, in Wayne, Neb., after a deadly storm system that buried parts of Wyoming and South Dakota in heavy, wet snow also brought powerful thunderstorms packing tornadoes to the Great Plains, causing millions of dollars in damage. Some of the greatest damage from tornadoes was in Wayne, a town of 9,600.
AP Photo/Dave Weaver
May 4, 2003: Missouri
Steve Jones lifts his grandfather's headstone into place at the Stockton City Cemetery in Stockton, Mo., after most of the headstones and nearly all the trees in the cemetery were knocked over by a May 4, 2003, tornado that killed five people.
AP Photo/John S. Stewart
June 11, 2008: Iowa
Remains of a ranger's house can be seen after a tornado ripped through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in the remote Loess Hills, Iowa, on June 11, 2008. The EF3 tornado killed four people.
AP Photo/Loren Sawyer - Onawa Sentinel
July 8, 2014: Upstate New York
People sort through debris of a destroyed house after a July 8, 2014, storm, in Smithfield, N.Y. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado destroyed homes in upstate New York where four people were killed.
AP Photo/Mike Groll
Dec. 10-11, 2021: Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio Valley, southern US
An overturned tree sits in front of a tornado-damaged home Dec. 11, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. On Dec. 10-11, violent and rare December tornadoes ripped across Kentucky and several other states. Kentucky’s death toll alone from the storms is now 80. All together, the storms killed more than 90 people in five states. The National Weather Service recorded at least 41 tornadoes on Dec. 10 and 11, including 16 in Tennessee and eight in Kentucky. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, eight states — Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, Ohio and Indiana — reported tornadoes.
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Matt Holiner covers weather and climate across the Midwest. Matt has eight years of professional meteorology experience and has forecast every type of weather for cities across the country. He holds the National Weather Association's Seal of Approval.
Local Weather
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois-lawmakers-take-step-toward-investigating-warehouse-safety-after-amazon-collapse/article_29c39347-c5dc-5712-a52e-a93302e79e27.html
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SPRINGFIELD — Nearly four months after a deadly tornado hit an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill Thursday that would create a task force to study warehouse safety standards.
State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, has been studying the issue since an EF-3 tornado struck the 1.1-million-square-foot warehouse on Gateway Commerce Drive around 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Winds up to 150 mph toppled concrete walls and caused the roof to collapse, killing six workers.
In February, Stuart held a virtual hearing with metro-east lawmakers, storm shelter experts, union officials and warehouse company representatives. Safety experts called on Illinois to adopt and enforce the latest building codes for storm shelters.
Amazon has said it built the warehouse to code and that workers followed safety procedures. The facility did not have "hardened spaces" built to withstand a tornado, according to Jim Bell, director of operations for the National Storm Shelter Association.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, opened an investigation following the tornado. The agency's website showed the Amazon case in Edwardsville was still "open" as of Thursday afternoon. The investigation will review whether Amazon had a "proper emergency action plan," U.S. Department of Labor spokesman Scott Allen said in an interview in December.
House Bill 1563 passed with bipartisan support from 94 representatives. Nine Republicans voted against the bill, which goes to the Senate for consideration.
The bill's co-sponsors included state Reps. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, and Amy Elik, R-Fosterburg.
The Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force would be made up of two state representatives appointed by the speaker and two appointed by the minority leader. The Senate president would appoint two state senators, as would the minority leader. The governor would also appoint representatives for retailers, manufacturers, mayors, unions and warehouse workers.
The task force would be created immediately, if the act becomes law. Members would be required to provide quarterly updates on their findings to the governor and General Assembly. A final report of their recommendations would be due no later than Jan. 1, 2025. The task force would dissolve a year later.
Stuart said she was thankful to colleagues who "supported the formation of a Task Force to determine how we can protect the safety of workers in the warehouses that are located all across Illinois."
"I look forward to hearing from experts in engineering, code enforcement, the building trades, and all the fields that will help us make informed decisions as we move forward," Stuart said.
Photos: Closeup day-after photos of Amazon warehouse tornado destruction
A bill that allows teachers and other school and university employees or contractors who are fully vaccinated to take paid administrative leave if they have to miss work due to coronavirus-related issues has cleared the Illinois Senate and will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
The city of Chicago plans to make available $12.5 million in prepaid gas and public transit cards in an effort to address soaring gas prices, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday.
Photos taken Dec. 11, 2021 for a National Weather Service storm damage assessment show how the concrete walls of an Amazon warehouse fell down after part of the roof came off during an EF-3 tornado the night before. Six people died at the facility that was built using tilt up construction methods, on Gateway Commerce Center near Edwardsville, Illinois.
Photos taken Dec. 11, 2021 for a National Weather Service storm damage assessment show parts of an Amazon warehouse that was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado the night before. Six people died at the facility that was built using tilt up construction methods, on Gateway Commerce Center near Edwardsville, Illinois.
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https://jg-tc.com/pantagraph/blogs/dear-abby/dear-abby-teen-discovers-moms-affair-while-looking-at-her-phone/article_9f8cc80f-5e88-5869-973c-1dc427f3d8ed.html
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Dear Abby: I am 15 and have a big problem. My mom and my dad have been married a long time. I was looking through pictures on Mom's phone and found some very inappropriate and romantic texts from "Rob," her business partner. Mom forces our whole family to hang out with Rob, and my brother doesn't like him either. But anytime we bring it up, my mom yells at us and makes me cry. She wants me to be friends with Rob.
One time when we were all at a restaurant, someone asked if he was my dad. I know what she is doing with him, and I can't focus on school because of it. I think my dad knows -- kind of -- but I'm sure he hasn't seen the texts that I saw. I don't want to ruin my family, but I cry about it every night alone. I know my parents won't go to couples counseling, and I don't want to hurt my brother either. Any help would be very much appreciated. -- KID WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH
Dear Kid: Because this is causing emotional problems that are affecting your studies, it can't be ignored. It is time for you to talk about this with a school counselor, a relative or a family friend for emotional support and guidance.
I also think at some point you should talk to your mother about what you found on her phone. Tell her that's the reason you don't want to be friends with her business partner. Your sense of right and wrong is valid, and don't let her tell you otherwise. Do not be surprised if she's upset about the fact that you know what has been going on, so be prepared for it. I am sorry you have to go through this. It's a shame.
Dear Abby: A few years ago, my husband and I bought and moved into a very old, small house in our ideal neighborhood, which has beautifully manicured yards, nice people and a lot of diversity. We had a vision for this place, and it was perfect for us.
A friend of mine, "Maggie," who I knew had a judgmental streak, repeatedly asked to come see the house, which I knew was nowhere near in the condition for visitors. After about her 10th request, I told myself maybe I was overreacting to her potential reaction, and I invited her into my home for a tour. Three years later, my husband and I remodeled our home to fit our vision. We are happy.
Six months after the remodel was complete, my husband and I were at a friend's house and Maggie was there. At one point, Maggie's husband commented to us that he couldn't believe we had moved into that "s--- shack." My husband's jaw dropped. Maggie jumped up and said, "I didn't call it that!" Of course it was logical that she did. She had seen it; he had not.
To this day, a year and a half later, I cannot get over why someone I invited into my home would say something so horrible about it behind my back or that her husband would repeat it among a group of mutual friends. My husband refuses to engage with Maggie and her husband. What should I do? -- PROUD OF MY HOME NOW
Dear Proud: I am sorry you didn't write sooner about this. If you had, I would have advised you to tell Maggie exactly how that incident made you and your husband feel. It is a little late for that now, but you would certainly be within your rights to clear the air if you wish. What they said was uncalled for.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/gail-lee-obituary?id=7344587
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Gail Lee
Sept. 4, 1953 - March 3, 2021
WYOMING – Gail Lee was born in Kewanee, Illinois on September 4, 1953 to parents Willis D. and Barbara J. Lee. Gail passed to a better place on March 3, 2021 at her home. Gail lived with her cousin and best friend, Crystal McRell in Toulon, Illinois.
Gail is survived by three brothers: Scott (Cindy) Lee of Chillicothe, IL, Bill (Cindy) Lee of Bloomington, IL, and John (Pam) Lee of Menominee, MI. She greatly loved and was loved in return by many nieces and nephews and their children as well.
Gail was a graduate of Wyoming Community High School, Wyoming, Illinois - Class of '71 - and lived much of her life in Wyoming. After graduation, Gail attended Black Hawk East Jr. College and then transferred to Illinois State University. There she was active in her sorority, making lifelong friends. After college, Gail worked in the restaurant industry managing the Central Station Restaurant, a Denny's location, the Crestwicke Country Club Restaurant, and later the Elks Club all in Bloomington-Normal area. She also managed the Prime Time Restaurant in Carbondale, Illinois. Eventually tiring of the 7-day work week schedule, she returned to Wyoming to work with her parents who operated the Wyoming Dry Cleaners until their retirement. Gail next worked as a teller at the Wyoming Bank and Trust and then as a Receptionist/Security at multiple Caterpillar facilities in the Peoria area, last working in December of 2020.
Gail was a member of the Wyoming United Methodist Church and a member of the PEO Chapter in Wyoming. She was also a true animal lover and had several dogs over the years which she treated as if they were her kids. She loved to laugh and loved music and was a member of the Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps in Kewanee, Illinois for several years.
Due to COVID restrictions, Gail's internment in a family plot at the Galva Cemetery will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henry County Humane Society or to the Wyoming United Methodist Church. Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Wyoming is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left for Gail's family on her tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.
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Cory Wayne Morrow
Feb. 16, 1995 - Feb. 28, 2021
NORMAL - Cory Wayne Morrow, 26 of Normal, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 in Normal, IL.
Graveside service will be held on March 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Butler in Springfield, IL with Rev. Mark Phillips officiating.
Beck Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Cory was born on February 16, 1995 in Chicago, IL and was adopted by Dennis and Cinda Morrow. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and loved serving his country. Later, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for LKM.
He is survived by his father, Dennis (Marcia) Morrow, Sebring, FL; his fiance, Jaclyn Durst; one child (Sophie) and one child on the way; seven brothers and sisters: Nicole (Robert) Ruggles of Champaign, IL; Shane (Melissa) Morrow of Farmer City, IL; Delton Morrow of LeRoy, IL; Toby Morrow of San Diego, Ca; Tianna Morrow of Champaign, IL; Mariah Morrow of Champaign, IL; Mitchel Morrow of Champaign, IL; three nieces: Caitlyn Morrow, Bailey Logsdon and Alexandra Williams; three nephews: Christian Morrow; Bryson Morrow; Carter Williams; one great-nephew, Jacob Morrow; and many loved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother, Cinda Morrow.
Cory was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and father. He was known by all who knew him as a funny, kind, beautiful soul who loved cars, his country and his family. He loved being a daddy to Sophie and looked forward to his second daughter arriving in April. He was ever determined, outgoing, young at heart, full of silliness and love, and he will be forever missed.
Memorials in Cory's memory can be made to Mission 22.
Online condolences may be made to www.beckmemorial.com.
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https://pantagraph.com/lifestyles/family/hazlett-local-ties-to-spirit-of-peoria-make-loss-hard/article_bf24e7bb-15b7-50a1-a3ad-2a38230187d2.html
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You may have read in the news lately about the Spirit of Peoria river boat. Owner Alex Grieves plans to sell the boat for $1 million to Yacht Starship Dining Cruises, based in Florida, which primarily does business in Tampa Bay and Clearwater according to its website.
The City of Peoria had the opportunity to purchase the boat first, however, the City Council voted last week to decline that offer.
So, it appears the old-fashioned river boat will be moving from Central Illinois.
This is sad news to a lot of folks. My father Norm Rittenhouse, who passed away in 2014, would have been very sentimental about the loss.
Dad and members of his firm SCR Engineering, Fairbury, built the propulsion system for the locally famous boat in 1987-88. As you can imagine, the crews who built and operated the boat were a close-knit group. I'll never forget, at the visitation for Dad, Captain Alice Grady paid her respects in full uniform.
SCR Engineering, comprised of mostly Pontiac and Fairbury residents, built propulsion systems for 14 boats including the Spirit of Peoria, the Twilight and the Branson Belle. They felt a special connection to Spirit of Peoria, however, because it was close by. Dad and some of the team rode on its maiden voyage from Walker Boat Yard in Paducah, Kentucky, to Peoria in the spring of 1988.
Mark Pritchard, Dad's close friend and business associate, remembers the long, 400-mile trip.
“We worked around the clock to reach Peoria on time. The inside of the boat was not completed yet and a lot of construction was still going on as we came up the river.”
Unlike other river boats which feature paddle wheels just for show, the Spirit of Peoria really is propelled by its enormous 21-ft. wide paddle wheel. I remember Dad being proud of the fact the boat is powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel generator sets which in turn power two locomotive motors driving the paddle wheel. What better for a Peoria boat than Caterpillar engines?
Docked at downtown Peoria’s Riverfront Park, the paddle wheeler has carried thousands of guests on excursions to destinations including Starved Rock State Park, Pere Marquette State Park and St. Louis Riverfront. Its old-fashioned gingerbread trim and red paddle wheel have been a sight to behold on the Mississippi River for 34 years.
I can understand why Peoria leaders do not want to spend taxpayer dollars to be in the boat business. Dad, an entrepreneur and business owner for more than 50 years, also understood economic realities. But he had faith in Central Illinois and was always optimistic for the future.
In 2013 he attended the Spirit of Peoria's 25th anniversary celebration and called me later that day.
“I remember when we came up the river to deliver the boat,” he said. “I had a cell phone that was about the size of a shoe box that worked only if we were near a tower. Today, with my iPhone, I had a video conference while onboard and the phone fit in my shirt pocket. Just think what the next 25 years will bring!”
Sadly, it seems the future may bring the end of an era for Peoria and its beloved paddle boat. It's a shame to lose a vessel with so many ties to Central Illinois, but life does move on. It reminds me of a note we received when Dad died.
The captain and crew of the Twilight sent a beautiful evergreen arrangement in the shape of a ship's steering wheel. Attached was a card with these words, “If my ship sails from sight, it does not mean my journey ends, it simply means the river bends.”
So long, Spirit of Peoria.
Contact Susan Hazlett at susanrhazlett@yahoo.com or write to her in care of The Pantagraph, 205 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61702-2907.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/watch-now-el-paso-family-sends-150-easter-baskets-to-childrens-hospital/article_16dddc39-305d-524d-aba9-bb3a74786e93.html
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EL PASO — Nicci Oertle said nurses and staff make magic happen at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
They’ve also inspired the El Paso mother of four to spring into action and help uplift hospitalized children for the last seven Easter holidays.
The Pantagraph checked in with Oertle and her squad of four little helpers before she departed Thursday with 150 gift baskets bound for the children's hospital.
Brahm, her autistic 10-year-old son, kindly greeted The Pantagraph’s reporter and photographer Thursday morning. His mother said the baskets were built around the things Brahm loves: Mardi Gras beads, Play-Doh, plush animal dolls, sticky-hands, and coloring books.
Also nestled in each care package is a book titled “How to Catch the Easter Bunny.”
Oertle explained that Brahm stayed at Lurie Children's Hospital for a few days in October 2012 for a tumor removal surgery. Although it was a bit of a bummer spending Halloween at the hospital, Oertle recalled how spectacular the staff was.
“They do amazing things every day,” she said.
So, she wanted give back and do something “super-fun” with Brahm and her three girls, Bre, 7, Braydee, 5, and Brize, 3.
“For (Lurie patients), it’s just a nice break and a nice way for that small group to celebrate the holiday when they can’t be with their family,” said Oertle.
In the past, it’s taken the family, including husband Justin, three hours to prepare the baskets. However, Oertle said they did it in half the time this year, with help from friends Dave and Nikki Glacinski, plus Hayley Tibbs.
They were also assisted by donations from 75 people, Oertle said, along with their own version of a polar plunge fundraiser held in February.
Those wishing to donate to their cause can call Oertle at 309-531-1215 or email her at nkoertle@gmail.com. She plans to do it again next year.
Last year, Oertle said they provided Amazon gift cards in the Easter baskets. One teenage girl who had just started chemo told her she used her gift cards to buy wigs.
“I cried all day about that,” Oertle said.
Brahm and Braydee, 5, both liked putting beads in baskets — and playing with them.
Grandma Tammy Kelly then asked: “But who likes it the most?”
“Brahm!” exclaimed sisters Brize and Braydee. The latter’s favorite bead color is purple.
Braydee said she liked packing the plushies, and likes her “unicorn squishy” the most. Brize’s favorite plush is the bear.
Bre said she really likes eating Kit-Kats as an Easter treat.
But what Bre really loves about Easter is: “We get to spend time with our family.”
Photos: Butterfly lessons aflutter Saturday at Miler Park Zoo
At any age, learning about butterflies will better our lives. Miller Park Zoo held an education event Saturday in its Zoo Lab showcasing several displays detailing the life cycle of butterflies. Kids were able to craft paper butterflies, with wings that could flutter. After filling out a worksheet, they were offered a prize from the gift shop: a pollinator garden starter, with a journal and trowel. Zoo Events Coordinator Silvia Schuh said the kit helps teach children how Monarch butterflies serve as pollinators.
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
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CHICAGO - The state of Illinois on Thursday finalized a deal to sell the James R. Thompson Center for $70 million and then buy back about one-third of the building for more than double that amount.
The sale to a company led by Michael Reschke, chairman and CEO of real estate developer The Prime Group, will spare the state’s controversial Helmut Jahn-designed Loop headquarters from the wrecking ball.
The state entered into negotiations with Rechke’s JRTC Holdings in December, and the deal was signed just ahead of a Tuesday deadline set in state law.
The $70 million upfront payment to the state is dwarfed by the roughly $146 million the state will pay to buy back office space once the notoriously rundown building is renovated, a net cost of $76 million.
The inside of the James R. Thompson Center is pictured on March 17, 2020, in Chicago.
John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune
In the long run, however, state officials say the deal is good for taxpayers, who would otherwise bear the full cost of needed upgrades to the 17-story glass-and-steel structure — estimated at $325 million — or of purchasing or leasing other office space in the central business district.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office estimated the deal will save the state $20 million per year over the next 30 years by consolidating office leases and reducing operating expenses.
The sale, expected to close this summer, also will add “vitality to Chicago’s LaSalle Street corridor by honoring the original design through a modern lens,” Pritzker said in a statement.
JRTC Holdings is working with the late Jahn’s firm on its plan to revamp a building, named for former Gov. James R. “Big Jim” Thompson, that has inspired strong opinions since opening in 1985.
The redevelopment plan calls for installing a glass curtain wall to separate the office floors from the soaring atrium, which should alleviate many of the heating and cooling issues and noise problems the building has faced, Reschke said late last year when the tentative agreement was announced.
“That atrium will become the monumental entrance to the future office building, and it will be unlike any other entrance in the city, and for that matter in the country,” he said.
The overhaul is expected to take about two years, and Reschke estimated it will cost about $280 million.
The CTA’s Clark/Lake station that occupies part of the building will remain in operation throughout construction.
Once completed, the state will occupy 425,000 of the building’s 1.2 million square feet.
Most popular girl names in the 60s in Illinois
What's in a name?
Every new parent faces the difficult decision of choosing the perfect name for a newborn. First names rarely get changed after being assigned and carry with them a wide range of meanings and associations. This creates a lot of pressure on expectant parents to pick the perfect moniker for their little ones.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, many parents end up choosing the same names over and over. Research suggests that we pick specific names implying desired characteristics about our children, selecting names for boys and girls intended to shape them. Male monikers are commonly inspired by political, cultural, and personal influences that suggest good, masculine, and well-rounded people.
The 1960s are commonly associated with tie-dye-clad hippies, psychedelic experimentation, and rock 'n' roll icons like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But underneath the flower power, free love exterior, the ‘60s were a period of radical social and political change—not only in the United States but around the world. The decade was one characterized by a host of juxtapositions; anger and fear over injustice and uneasy political conditions lived alongside notions of musical awakening and pacifist harmony.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the ‘60s in Illinois using data from the Social Security Administration . Names are ranked by number of babies born. The names in this list represent the distinct intersection of Baby Boomer and Gen X and a reflection of some of the most well-known celebrities, musicians, and trends of the time. Keep reading to see if your name was among the most popular in the ‘60s in your home state.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#50. Rhonda
Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#813 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,607
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
#49. Rebecca
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 589 (#219 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 99,468
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
#48. Cindy
Cindy is a name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Mount Kynthos".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,742
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#1109 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 91,589
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Melissa
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,767
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 655 (#192 most common name, -86.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 119,212
Blend Images // Shutterstock
#46. Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,812
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 84,366
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#45. Jill
Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,853
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 69,144
Canva
#44. Maria
Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,102 (#112 most common name, -77.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 88,642
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
#43. Robin
Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,979
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#1301 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 118,322
Canva
#42. Catherine
Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,988
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 618 (#208 most common name, -87.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 76,791
Canva
#41. Margaret
Margaret is a name of Greek origin meaning "pearl".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,466
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,170 (#104 most common name, -78.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 81,869
Canva
#40. Tracy
Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#3152 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 103,778
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Janet
Janet is a name of Scottish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 89,307
javi_indy // Shutterstock
#38. Theresa
Theresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "late summer".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,774
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#1047 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 97,120
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
#37. Kathy
Kathy is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,819
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#1910 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 101,119
Canva
#36. Teresa
Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,201
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195 (#577 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 151,770
Canva
#35. Carol
Carol is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,597
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#1416 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 112,341
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#34. Amy
Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 605 (#210 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 116,789
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#33. Kelly
Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,983
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 305 (#389 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,078
Canva
#32. Tina
Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,013
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#2320 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 126,385
Canva
#31. Brenda
Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,397
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,483
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#30. Cheryl
Cheryl is a name of Greek origin meaning "cherry fruit".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,750
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 135,650
New Africa // Shutterstock
#29. Diane
Diane is a name of Latin origin meaning "divine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,856
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 31 (#1789 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,441
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
#28. Denise
Denise is a name of Greek origin meaning "to be devoted to Bacchus".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,053
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,834
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
#27. Tammy
Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,342
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 182,218
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
#26. Sharon
Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,528
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#1210 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 154,883
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
#25. Angela
Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,579
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 592 (#217 most common name, -93.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,248
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
#24. Kathleen
Kathleen is a name of Irish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,708
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#676 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 120,967
Canva
#23. Barbara
Barbara is a name of Greek origin meaning "foreign".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,928
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104 (#978 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,750
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
#22. Nancy
Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,972
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134 (#805 most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 142,707
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#21. Dawn
Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,061
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,291
Canva
#20. Debra
Debra is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,333
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 153,776
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#19. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,441
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,509 (#13 most common name, -62.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 168,897
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
#18. Christine
Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,449
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 113 (#905 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 139,333
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#17. Jennifer
Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,573
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 578 (#221 (tie) most common name, -94.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,429
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#16. Pamela
Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,963
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1392 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 181,948
Canva
#15. Lori
Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#2377 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 176,561
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#14. Sandra
Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,062
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 152 (#730 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,812
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#13. Deborah
Deborah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,140
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,434
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#12. Donna
Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,563
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#1561 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 213,457
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#11. Cynthia
Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,134
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262 (#455 (tie) most common name, -97.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 196,606
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Michelle
Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,461
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 819 (#153 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 208,285
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
#9. Julie
Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,535
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 217 (#536 most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 166,151
Canva
#8. Patricia
Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175 (#637 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 231,137
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#7. Linda
Linda is a name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,310
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136 (#797 most common name, -99.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 225,412
Canva
#6. Laura
Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 14,160
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 327 (#370 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 174,184
Canva
#5. Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 15,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,034 (#121 most common name, -93.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 259,092
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
#4. Karen
Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 16,373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261 (#458 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 286,044
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#3. Susan
Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 18,066
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 114 (#899 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 287,661
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
#2. Mary
Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 22,458
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 856 (#146 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 355,223
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
#1. Lisa
Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 25,554
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#1036 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 496,980
FamVeld // Shutterstock
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/federal-investigation-targets-possible-ghost-payrolling-in-cook-county-sheriff-s-office-sources-say/article_474db542-636f-5508-9b8d-2823112a8c21.html
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CHICAGO - Federal authorities have launched a criminal probe into alleged ghost-payrolling at the Cook County sheriff’s office involving at least nine sheriff’s employees, including one high-ranking official, sources have told the Tribune.
The investigation is centered on whether the employees collected a county paycheck while at the same time were working side jobs or not working at all, sources said.
Federal agents recently visited the sheriff’s office to interview employees and review documents as part of the ongoing probe, according to another source. No criminal charges have been filed.
As part of the investigation, the FBI has sought payroll records from a private security firm in Des Plaines that, according to the company’s website, has employed Cook County sheriff’s office staffers.
The company, Blue Star Security, confirmed to the Tribune this week that it turned over records the FBI requested.
“We are aware of an investigation going on and the FBI did reach out for payroll records which we turned over,” Blue Star said in a Wednesday email. “Other (than) that you should probably direct all questions to either the FBI or sheriff’s department as we have no further knowledge of the scope of said investigation and were told that Blue Star Security is not at all the subject of such.”
Blue Star Security declined further questions on how many sheriff’s office employees were also working at the firm, and reiterated the “investigation is in no relation to any wrongdoing done by the company itself.”
The security company’s website also appears to have removed the name and bio of at least one field supervisor from its website this week. That individual recently held a high-ranking leadership role at Cook County Jail.
Matt Walberg, a spokesman for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, said in a statement last week that the office launched an internal investigation in 2021 but did not answer any additional questions on the target or scope of the internal probe or whether any outside agency was also involved.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who is seeking reelection this year, is shown in 2019.
John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune
“An investigation was opened last year by the sheriff’s office,” Walberg said. “The investigation is ongoing. We cannot comment further at this time.”
Following further Tribune inquiry, the sheriff’s department released a similar statement Wednesday,confirming only an internal investigation. Dart’s office also did not comment on whether any employee had been removed from active duty in connection to the probe.
“An investigation was opened into personnel related matters last year by the sheriff’s office. The investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office always devotes the necessary resources to such investigations. We cannot comment further at this time,” Walberg said in this week’s statement.
A spokesperson for the FBI had no comment.
This isn’t the first time Cook County sheriff’s office employees have drawn attention from investigators during Dart’s tenure. In 2018, a high-ranking aide in Dart’s office took nearly five years of personal leave to work on his private security business while also collecting nearly $90,000 in health benefits that he wasn’t entitled to, a county public watchdog found.
Dart is seeking reelection this year to what would be his fifth term as sheriff. He has four opponents in the June 28 Democratic primary: Carmen Navarro Gercone, Noland Rivera and Kirk Ortiz, all of Chicago, and LaTonya Ruffin of Country Club Hills.
Most popular girl names in the 60s in Illinois
What's in a name?
Every new parent faces the difficult decision of choosing the perfect name for a newborn. First names rarely get changed after being assigned and carry with them a wide range of meanings and associations. This creates a lot of pressure on expectant parents to pick the perfect moniker for their little ones.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, many parents end up choosing the same names over and over. Research suggests that we pick specific names implying desired characteristics about our children, selecting names for boys and girls intended to shape them. Male monikers are commonly inspired by political, cultural, and personal influences that suggest good, masculine, and well-rounded people.
The 1960s are commonly associated with tie-dye-clad hippies, psychedelic experimentation, and rock 'n' roll icons like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But underneath the flower power, free love exterior, the ‘60s were a period of radical social and political change—not only in the United States but around the world. The decade was one characterized by a host of juxtapositions; anger and fear over injustice and uneasy political conditions lived alongside notions of musical awakening and pacifist harmony.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the ‘60s in Illinois using data from the Social Security Administration . Names are ranked by number of babies born. The names in this list represent the distinct intersection of Baby Boomer and Gen X and a reflection of some of the most well-known celebrities, musicians, and trends of the time. Keep reading to see if your name was among the most popular in the ‘60s in your home state.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#50. Rhonda
Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#813 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,607
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
#49. Rebecca
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 589 (#219 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 99,468
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
#48. Cindy
Cindy is a name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Mount Kynthos".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,742
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#1109 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 91,589
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Melissa
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,767
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 655 (#192 most common name, -86.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 119,212
Blend Images // Shutterstock
#46. Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,812
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, -87.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 84,366
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#45. Jill
Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,853
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600 (#213 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 69,144
Canva
#44. Maria
Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,102 (#112 most common name, -77.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 88,642
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
#43. Robin
Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,979
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#1301 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 118,322
Canva
#42. Catherine
Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,988
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 618 (#208 most common name, -87.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 76,791
Canva
#41. Margaret
Margaret is a name of Greek origin meaning "pearl".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,466
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,170 (#104 most common name, -78.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 81,869
Canva
#40. Tracy
Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#3152 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 103,778
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Janet
Janet is a name of Scottish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 89,307
javi_indy // Shutterstock
#38. Theresa
Theresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "late summer".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,774
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#1047 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 97,120
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
#37. Kathy
Kathy is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,819
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#1910 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 101,119
Canva
#36. Teresa
Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,201
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195 (#577 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 151,770
Canva
#35. Carol
Carol is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,597
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#1416 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 112,341
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#34. Amy
Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 605 (#210 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 116,789
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#33. Kelly
Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,983
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 305 (#389 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,078
Canva
#32. Tina
Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,013
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#2320 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 126,385
Canva
#31. Brenda
Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,397
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,483
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#30. Cheryl
Cheryl is a name of Greek origin meaning "cherry fruit".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,750
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 166 (#683 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 135,650
New Africa // Shutterstock
#29. Diane
Diane is a name of Latin origin meaning "divine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,856
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 31 (#1789 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,441
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
#28. Denise
Denise is a name of Greek origin meaning "to be devoted to Bacchus".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,053
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,834
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
#27. Tammy
Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,342
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185 (#604 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 182,218
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
#26. Sharon
Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,528
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#1210 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 154,883
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
#25. Angela
Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,579
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 592 (#217 most common name, -93.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,248
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
#24. Kathleen
Kathleen is a name of Irish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,708
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#676 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 120,967
Canva
#23. Barbara
Barbara is a name of Greek origin meaning "foreign".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,928
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104 (#978 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 159,750
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
#22. Nancy
Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,972
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134 (#805 most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 142,707
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#21. Dawn
Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,061
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 114,291
Canva
#20. Debra
Debra is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,333
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#2011 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 153,776
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
#19. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,441
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,509 (#13 most common name, -62.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 168,897
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
#18. Christine
Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,449
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 113 (#905 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 139,333
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#17. Jennifer
Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,573
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 578 (#221 (tie) most common name, -94.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 164,429
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#16. Pamela
Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,963
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1392 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 181,948
Canva
#15. Lori
Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 9,964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#2377 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 176,561
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
#14. Sandra
Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,062
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 152 (#730 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,812
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#13. Deborah
Deborah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,140
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 73 (#1219 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 183,434
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#12. Donna
Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 10,563
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#1561 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 213,457
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#11. Cynthia
Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,134
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262 (#455 (tie) most common name, -97.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 196,606
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Michelle
Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,461
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 819 (#153 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 208,285
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
#9. Julie
Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 12,535
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 217 (#536 most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 166,151
Canva
#8. Patricia
Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175 (#637 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 231,137
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
#7. Linda
Linda is a name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 13,310
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136 (#797 most common name, -99.0% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 225,412
Canva
#6. Laura
Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 14,160
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 327 (#370 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 174,184
Canva
#5. Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 15,870
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,034 (#121 most common name, -93.5% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 259,092
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
#4. Karen
Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 16,373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261 (#458 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 286,044
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
#3. Susan
Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 18,066
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 114 (#899 most common name, -99.4% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 287,661
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
#2. Mary
Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 22,458
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 856 (#146 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 355,223
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
#1. Lisa
Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 25,554
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#1036 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 496,980
FamVeld // Shutterstock
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/chicago-eager-to-pitch-city-for-2024-democratic-national-convention/article_e57e5215-aec9-52e7-a24b-204040a16c63.html
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Touting the city’s bona fides, Chicago politicians and business leaders said the city was prepared to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024 and that the major national event would provide a much-needed spark to Chicago’s pandemic-ravaged hospitality industries.
Boosterism and optimism aside, the effort would require a major organizational feat to pull off, and though officials proclaim an estimated economic boost of $150 million, economists have long been skeptical of such figures. They point to security costs, displacement of regular tourism and business and note that those estimates often include spending that would happen regardless.
Still — from the city’s mayor and business executives to heads in food, lodging and hospitality — leaders on Thursday eagerly talked up the city’s neighborhoods, downtown amenities and experience hosting large events, such as the 2012 NATO Summit and the 1996 Democratic convention.
“We need to bring these conventions back to Chicago following the pandemic,” said Jack Lavin, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, estimating that it could bring 35,000 delegates and visitors to the area. “It will be a great shot in the arm for Chicago.”
Details on possible locations, funding and other factors remained sparse. City officials are waiting for the Democratic National Committee to release a request for proposals, which would allow municipalities to formally begin working on a pitch. Lavin said he expects the DNC to release the request soon.
Democrats have given cities until October to express whether they will submit a bid to host their convention, with Las Vegas and Nashville also under consideration. A source with knowledge of the process said hotel capacity is expected to be a significant factor in the DNC’s decision-making.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is working on the effort with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, among other Democrats, said the city will be “all in” to get the convention if the opportunity presents itself.
“We have lots of hotel space, we’ve got a great, world-class restaurant community,” Lightfoot said Thursday. “We’ve got tons of entertainment, arts and culture, really bar none in the world.”
Chicago has a number of options to choose from for a convention location, including the United Center, where the 1996 Democratic convention was held, as well as Wintrust Arena and Navy Pier, she said.
“We’ve got it all here in Chicago,” she said.
Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, who is involved in the planning effort, said the Democratic convention would not only fill Chicago-area hotels for a week, but also provide a long-term boost to the city’s battered image as a tourism destination.
“It would have a huge benefit for the city’s hotels, with tens of thousands of people converging on the central business district over the course of a weekend,” Jacobson said. “But more important, an event like the Democratic National Convention will help change the perception of Chicago for those that haven’t been here in several years.”
The Chicago hotel industry has struggled during the pandemic, with occupancy in the central business district dropping to 26% in 2020 from 74% in 2019, according to data from research firm STR. While hotel occupancy recovered to 42.6% last year, it fell sharply again in January to 23.7% amid the rise of the omicron variant.
The central business district has 135 hotels offering 43,881 rooms, according to Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm.
Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, echoed the enthusiasm for a pitch to bring the convention to Chicago. He called it a boon for restaurants still struggling to emerge from the pandemic.
“I think it would definitely help the hospitality industry here in the city of Chicago by putting guests in beds and diners in seats,” he said.
Toia said restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues saw a one-week spike in business during the 1996 convention but that the event was also a catalyst for long-term economic development in the West Loop.
“We get to showcase our great city, museums, our sports teams, our culinary scene,” Toia said. “I think we are a city that is ready to hold a convention once again.”
Officials will have to contend with national perceptions of crime, though Lightfoot said “every major American city” is facing similar boosts in crime.
“We’ll talk to them about the progress we have been making, the programs and initiatives we have been putting in to address gangs and guns, and the investments we have been making to turn around the fortunes of communities, not just in the short-term but really in the long term,” Lightfoot said.
She added: “We’re a really fun city in the summertime.”
Despite optimism from community leaders about grand economic benefits, research on the impact of past Republican and Democratic conventions forecasts a potential for a more modest return.
A peer-reviewed study of Democratic and Republican national conventions published in 2017 found that “host cities’ claims of economic impacts of $150 million or more may be implausible.”
“We are wildly skeptical of that,” said Victor Matheson, a professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross and a co-author of the study. “The data doesn’t suggest you would get anything like that.”
The study found that though the conventions generally create 29,000 room nights of lodging and an increase in hotel revenue of about $20 million on average, they also interrupt other tourism and regular business activity, as well as increase security costs.
“You do bring in a bunch of people, but you chase away a huge number of regular visitors who would normally be in Chicago,” Matheson said. “No one in their right mind wants to be that close to that event.”
Political nominating conventions bring revenue to transportation, restaurants, catering and other areas, in addition to hotels, but also attract protests, create congestion and require a massive amount of security.
“If I’m the mayor of Chicago, if I’m Lori Lightfoot, of course I want the Democratic National Convention. I get to rub elbows …. with Kamala Harris and Joe Biden and AOC,” he said. “I don’t want this event in town if I am outside leisure and hospitality industries.
“It is a miserable experience for most people in town.”
Representatives of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Springfield Clinic and the Illinois Department of Insurance testified Wednesday before the Illinois House State Government Administration Committee.
If a ring of smash-and-grab thefts stretches across different counties, the proposed legislation would let prosecutors consolidate charges in one county.
A bill that allows teachers and other school and university employees or contractors who are fully vaccinated to take paid administrative leave if they have to miss work due to coronavirus-related issues has cleared the Illinois Senate and will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
"Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer serve you effectively," Rep. Jeff Fortenberry wrote in an email to constituents Saturday afternoon. "I will resign from Congress shortly."
Intersect Illinois helped Rivian negotiate the deal to buy the shuttered Mitsubishi plant for $16 million in January 2017 — but the victories have been few and far between since.
Graduates from Illinois colleges and universities may soon be able to access their transcripts even if they still owe money to the school they attended.
"This is the result of failed tough-on-crime rhetoric meant merely to incite fear and score cheap political points," said Jennifer Soble, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project.
A coalition of therapists, patients and advocates is working to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics and create a framework through which psilocybin could be used therapeutically.
Stars and stripes decorate the overpass on Madison Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway on Thursday in Chicago. The overpass is one of the last remaining relics of the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
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SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus were joined by Planned Parenthood officials at a news conference Thursday to tout actions they say reaffirm women’s reproductive rights.
House Democrats passed House Bill 1464, which prevents the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from being able to revoke, suspend, or take any other disciplinary action against licensed physicians, nurses, and advanced practice nurses for providing any medical service related to an abortion.
Bill sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, said that if a medical professional practicing in Illinois and other states is disciplined in the other state, it triggers potential disciplinary action in Illinois as well. But as other states have moved to make abortion more difficult or outright illegal, the law would shield an Illinois doctor who is disciplined in one of those states for performing an abortion from facing the same discipline in Illinois.
She said they have moved quickly on the bill because reproductive health care is under attack across the United States and because the U.S. Supreme Court cannot be counted on to uphold the fundamental right of reproductive health care.
“We have spoken here in Illinois, now is not the time to be punishing health care workers for doing their jobs and serving their patients,” Hirschaurer said.
HB 1464 passed the House 68-41 and still needs approval from the Senate.
The Supreme Court is expected to release a decision as early as this summer arising from a Mississippi abortion case that challenges the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The Mississippi law prohibits an abortion after 15 weeks but makes exceptions in cases when the fetus has a severe abnormality that is “incompatible with life” or when the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life.
Brigid Leahy, vice-president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Illinois, said if the Supreme Court ignores a half century of precedent and overturns Roe v. Wade, it will become more difficult for people outside of the state to access a full range of care they need.
“If Roe falls, every single state that borders Illinois will quickly move to either outright ban or severely restrict abortion,” Leahy said.
Illinois has 17 Planned Parenthood health care centers that provide access to health care information and services for males and females.
Leahy noted that people from other states have already begun to turn to Illinois for reproductive health care access and Planned Parenthood facilities could see at least double the number of out-of-state patients if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Recently, Leahy said that Illinois Planned Parenthood worked with a patient from Mississippi who did not know how they were going to pay for transportation, lodging and meals, as well as the cost of an abortion until a Planned Parenthood team set up accommodations.
“I urge everyone to remember that not one pregnant person should have to travel out of their state to get the care that they need.” Leahy said.
In a follow-up interview, Leahy said that Planned Parenthood has been planning to help with an influx of patients needing to travel to Illinois for reproductive health care access.
She said they have been working on a fundraising campaign to help expand capacity for care, have upgraded the health center located in the Chicago Loop, and have been coordinating with other Planned Parenthood providers, affiliates and local abortion funds.
In January, a regional logistics center opened in a Planned Parenthood clinic in Fairview Heights that uses private funds to pay for travel and lodging arrangements. The center is operated by Planned Parenthood and the Granite City-based Hope Clinic for Women.
There is no income or distance requirement to access services from the center, but patients must schedule an appointment with the clinic before reaching out for logistical support.
House Democrats also advanced resolutions that acknowledged their support for protecting reproductive health care. House Resolution 94 urges the state to fully fund Planned Parenthood, House Resolution 789 brings further awareness to the importance of reproductive rights and House Resolution 790 is to serve as a reminder of Illinois’ support for Roe v. Wade.
House resolutions are non-binding and do not need approval from the Senate or a signature from the governor.
Representatives of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Springfield Clinic and the Illinois Department of Insurance testified Wednesday before the Illinois House State Government Administration Committee.
If a ring of smash-and-grab thefts stretches across different counties, the proposed legislation would let prosecutors consolidate charges in one county.
A bill that allows teachers and other school and university employees or contractors who are fully vaccinated to take paid administrative leave if they have to miss work due to coronavirus-related issues has cleared the Illinois Senate and will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
"Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer serve you effectively," Rep. Jeff Fortenberry wrote in an email to constituents Saturday afternoon. "I will resign from Congress shortly."
Intersect Illinois helped Rivian negotiate the deal to buy the shuttered Mitsubishi plant for $16 million in January 2017 — but the victories have been few and far between since.
Graduates from Illinois colleges and universities may soon be able to access their transcripts even if they still owe money to the school they attended.
"This is the result of failed tough-on-crime rhetoric meant merely to incite fear and score cheap political points," said Jennifer Soble, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project.
A coalition of therapists, patients and advocates is working to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics and create a framework through which psilocybin could be used therapeutically.
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https://pantagraph.com/april-2-2022-corrections/article_d7618fe0-7519-5bc1-b9dd-1e7e3b31cf40.html
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Local
Lincoln College — Friday's front page article "A bit of a shock" had an incorrect date for Lincoln Christian University's founding. The correct year is 1944.
ExtraOrdinary Women Project — A photo in Thursday's Pantagraph shows Patti Wood of the ExtraOrdinary Women Project presenting award recipient Candice Byrd with a basket of treats at the YWCA, Tuesday. Wood was misidentified in the photo.
Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/two-children-die-after-families-contacted-by-dcfs/article_629775a2-3302-553c-8a4c-08a4736e7a96.html
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SPRINGFIELD — Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood admits he has seen a lot of horrible things in his 20 years as an emergency room nurse in Chicago trauma centers and five years he has served as county coroner. But he said he has never seen a worse case of child abuse and neglect than he saw last week.
Harwood was the coroner in the case of 8-year-old Navin Jones, who died Tuesday evening at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Navin was in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, but his body was found at his parents’ home. Jones’ family had been in contact with DCFS before his death, according to DCFS spokesman William McCaffrey.
Stephanie Jones, 35, and Brandon Walker, 40, Navin’s parents, face first-degree murder charges in connection with the boy’s death.
“I think there should be a hefty internal investigation by DCFS into this case,” Harwood said. “And if there were failures, those should be remedied.”
Peoria County State’s Attorney Dave Kenny said during the arraignment for Navin’s parents that the boy weighed 30 pounds and was living in deplorable conditions. The child was last seen in late October or early November, when was in “relatively good health,” according to The Peoria Journal Star.
Harwood declined to comment on Navin’s condition at the time of his death, citing the pending investigation, but did say the cause of his death was homicide and the manner was abuse and neglect.
Eighty miles north of Peoria in Nelson, another coroner was investigating the death of 3-year-old Tamsin Miracle Sauer. She died in a Sterling hospital in Whiteside County on Saturday. The manner and cause of her death is still under investigation.
Tamsin’s family also had contact with DCFS, McCaffrey said.
Hiring efforts
Also on Tuesday, DCFS Director Marc Smith filed the first annual report on the department’s plan to address investigator caseloads as a requirement of a federal consent decree. That report, filed in a court document, showed there is a current statewide rolling vacancy percentage of 21 percent, and DCFS has a goal of reducing it to 6 percent or less.
DCFS stated in the report that the agency is aggressively hiring, having added 198 investigators to the payroll since March 2021, but due to the high number of employees leaving and retiring, the overall headcount went up by only a dozen investigators.
The agency pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and a labor crisis, coupled with rising child abuse investigations across the state, as obstacles to meeting that goal.
Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert, whose office represents about 7,100 children in state care, said Thursday that if DCFS had been keeping up with hiring over the past few decades it would not be in such straits now.
“It's clear that when DCFS's investigators labor under untenable caseloads without the supports that they need, in violation of court orders, both children and the investigators alike are at risk of serious harm and even death,” Golbert said in a phone call. “I fear that until DCFS gets its investigator caseloads down to reasonable levels, as mandated under a federal court order that is now more than 30 years old, we will continue to see children harmed.”
Golbert also mentioned the January death of DCFS investigator Deidre Silas as an impediment to hiring.
“If the investigators have caseloads that are too high, that’s dangerous for kids and for workers,” Golbert said.
In the motion filed by DCFS on Tuesday, the 12-month average of investigations in March 2021 was 6,535. That rose to 7,726 in March 2022. An increase in reporting may be attributable to children having more contact with mandated reporters, such as teachers and doctors, as the pandemic eases. The increase may also be attributable to an increase in family stress, such as financial pressures.
In addition to recruiting and retention efforts, DCFS is conducting weekend “blitzes,” moving staff from other locations to volunteer for weekend shifts to help with completing investigations. In DCFS’s northern region, the agency conducted 13 blitzes where 148 staff worked a combined 2,500 weekend hours to help with investigations.
Last year, the court granted a three-year extension to DCFS to meet caseworker hiring goals. The parties agreed to make changes in 1991, but 30 years later the agency is still struggling to be in full compliance with the decree.
The deaths of Navin and Tamsin are the latest cases of children who have died after having contact with DCFS. Since January, Sophia Faye Davis, 1; Damari Perry, 6; and Zaraz Walker, 7 months, have died from child abuse.
Contempt charges
In addition, DCFS Director Smith has faced eight contempt of court citations from a Cook County Judge. The contempt citations are based on improper placements for children in state care.
Last week, Smith was cited for contempt for the eighth time from Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick Murphy.
The latest case involves a 14-year-old girl who entered DCFS care in September. She has been in 21 placements in her time with DCFS, according to a release by the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office. Those placements included time in a locked psychiatric ward, hospital emergency rooms, emergency foster homes and, most recently, in a temporary shelter. In December, DCFS recommended a residential placement for the girl.
In two of the eight cases, the contempt order was purged when the kids were placed in their recommended setting. Those two cases involved:
- An 8-year-old girl placed in a locked psychiatric hospital unnecessarily for more than seven months.
- A 13-year-old boy kept in a “temporary” shelter in Mt. Vernon — nearly five hours away from his family — for nearly five months. Before the shelter, DCFS placed him in a utility room in an office.
In the other five previous cases, the contempt order remains in place and the children remain in their present settings. Those cases involve:
- A 17-year-old boy who was placed in a locked psychiatric hospital for more than four months beyond medical necessity.
- A 16-year-old girl housed in 25 different places in two months, including hospitals, emergency shelters, a shelter in Indiana, and temporary foster homes. Before that, she was in a locked psychiatric hospital for nearly two months after it was recommended that she be moved.
- An 11-year-old girl medically approved for discharge from a locked psychiatric hospital for nearly a year waiting for a transfer to a residential placement.
- A 15-year-old girl placed in a locked psychiatric hospital since December 6, 2021 — approximately three months waiting for transfer to a specialized foster home.
- A 16-year-old boy who spent more than 375 days in a temporary shelter that was unable to meet his highly specialized needs given his low intellectual function.
Each of the seven children in these cases is represented by the Cook County public guardian’s office. The orders for contempt were signed by Judge Murphy, who served for 25 years as the Cook County Public Guardian.
Harwood, the coroner in Navin’s case, knows about DCFS. He and his husband became foster parents in 2017 and eventually adopted his son, Jacob, who was taken into state care after he was born prematurely to a mother who struggled with addiction.
When Jacob’s biological mother died from drug exposure months after his birth, Harwood was the responding coroner. Harwood said he’s troubled by the death of the 8-year-old who died in his county Tuesday, while grateful for his own son, who was once a state ward.
“We were lucky. He is our miracle,” Harwood said.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/clinton-man-charged-with-meth-delivery/article_a781ad8d-db8d-5a55-a0c7-fe057469f9b6.html
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BLOOMINGTON — A Clinton man was released from custody Thursday on a drug charge .
Tyler D. Vidmar, 23, is charged in McLean County with one count of unlawful delivery of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine (Class 1 felony).
He is accused of delivering meth Nov. 16, 2021.
Vidmar was released from jail on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.
An arraignment is scheduled for April 15.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala, 35, of Bloomington, is charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor family member (Class 2 felonies) and three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old (Class X felonies).
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Joshway C. Boens
Joshway C. Boens, 41, of Chicago, is charged in McLean County with aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery as a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Seth A. Kindred
Seth A. Kindred , 31, of Ellsworth, was sentenced March 30 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Nunley
Matthew D. Nunley , 33, of Eureka, was sentenced to four years in prison for one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jason R. Roof
Jason R. Roof, 46, of Heyworth, was sentenced March 28 to five and a half years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James L. Fields
James L. Fields , 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Telly H. Arrington
Telly H. Arrington , 24, of Normal, is charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Antonio R. Ross
Antonio R. Ross , 28, of Springfield, was sentenced March 24 to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of retail theft. All other charges were dismissed. He also was ordered to pay $7,305 in restitution. Ross earned credit for previously serving 239 days in jail.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kent D. Johnson
Kent D. Johnson , 34, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carrie Funk
Carrie Funk , 54, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of criminal neglect of an elderly person.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Anthony R. Fairchild
Anthony R. Fairchild , 51, of Bloomington, is charged with one count each of burglary and theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Inez J. Gleghorn
Inez J. Gleghorn, 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in connection to an April 2021 stabbing in Bloomington. Other battery charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexis S. Williams
Alexis S. Williams, 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. She pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nayeon A. Teague
Nayeon A. Teague , 21, of Normal, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Frankie L. Hutchinson
Frankie L. Hutchinson , 21, of Chicago, is charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of aggravated fleeing a peace officer and two counts of criminal damage to property.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joseph L. McLeod
Joseph L. McLeod , 40, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and one count each of forgery and deceptive practices.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lanee R. Rich
Lanee R. Rich , 18, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Corey K. Butler
Corey K. Butler , 19, of Champaign, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darrius D. Robinson
Darrius D. Robinson , 29, of Normal, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jacob Z. Kemp
Jacob Z. Kemp , 32, is charged with three counts of aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan A. Jamison
Jonathan A. Jamison , 44, of Normal, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Geno A. Borrego
Geno A. Borrego , 23, of Pontiac, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joshua D. Rials
Joshua D. Rials , 28, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of armed violence, Class X felonies, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies. He was charged March 1 with two counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and of firearm ammunition by a felon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jamakio D. Chapell
Jamakio D. Chapell , 28, of Montgomery, Alabama, is charged with four counts of Class 2 felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer and 11 traffic charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Thomas E. Dolan
Thomas E. Dolan , 22, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful possession of between 500 and 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver, unlawful cannabis possession, battery and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordyn H. Thornton
Jordyn H. Thornton , 22, of Bloomington, was convicted of first-degree murder in the Oct. 30, 2018, shooting death of Trevonte Kirkwood, 27, of Bloomington, in the 1300 block of North Oak Street in Bloomington.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ty W. Johnson
Ty W. Johnson , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with criminal sexual assault, robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kyle D. Kindred
Kyle D. Kindred , 23, of Shirley, is charged with cannabis trafficking, two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lorel M. Johnson
Lorel M. Johnson , 41, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kimberlee A. Burton
Kimberlee A. Burton , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of child endangerment, Class A misdemeanors.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin C. Knight
Kevin C. Knight , 40, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Derail T. Riley
Derail T. Riley , 35, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and five counts of Class 4 felony domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ade A. McDaniel
Ade A. McDaniel , 40, of North Miami Beach, Florida, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos L. Hogan
Carlos L. Hogan , 33, of Decatur, is charged with unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine and four counts of unlawful cannabis possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jahni A. Lyons
Jahni A. Lyons , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Justin A. Atkinson
Justin A. Atkinson , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Destiny D. Brown
Destiny D. Brown , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, three counts of methamphetamine possession and one count of methamphetamine delivery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Billy J. Braswell
Billy J. Braswell , 39, of Wapella, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and four counts of methamphetamine possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Mitchell A. Rogers
Mitchell A. Rogers , 37, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Stone
Matthew D. Stone , 22, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler A. Guy
Tyler A. Guy , 25, of Towanda, is charged with one count of Class 2 felony aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gordan D. Lessen
Gordan D. Lessen , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Steven M. Abdullah
Steven M. Abdullah , 31, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts of harassment of jurors, Class 2 felonies, 11 counts of communication with jurors, Class 4 felonies, and one count of attempted communication with a juror, a Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ryan D. Triplett
Ryan D. Triplett , 27, of Decatur, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense felony, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Pedro A. Parra
Pedro A. Parra , 40, is charged with two counts of burglary, Class 2 and Class 3 felonies, and misdemeanor theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gregory A. Spence
Gregory A. Spence , 39, of Bartonville, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Justin A. Leicht
Justin A. Leicht , 41, of Downs, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Edward L. Holmes
Edward L. Holmes , 50, of Bloomington, is charged with the following:
Controlled substance trafficking of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Controlled substance trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of a substance containing meth Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of meth with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 15 and 100 grams of meth Unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Latoya M. Jackson
Latoya M. Jackson , 31, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen or converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Shaquan D. Hosea
Shaquan D. Hosea , 26, of Bloomington, is charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaccob L. Morris
Jaccob L. Morris , 20, of Bloomington, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, each Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontel D. Crowder
Dontel D. Crowder , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies, and harboring a runaway, Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Donnell A. Taylor
Donnell A. Taylor , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eric E. Seymon
Eric E. Seymon , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aikee Muhammad
Aikee Muhammad , 19, is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and resisting a peace officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William M. McCuen
William M. McCuen , 33, of Atlanta, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Meontay D. Wheeler
Meontay D. Wheeler , 23, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and torture, a Class 1 felony, aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew , 51, of Normal, is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Javares L. Hudson
Javares L. Hudson , 21, of Bloomington, is charged in federal court with possession of a machine gun. He was initially charged in McLean County court with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon-machine gun parts. One charge is a Class X felony and the other is a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tommy L. Jumper
Tommy L. Jumper , 59, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, each a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
David S. Fry
David S. Fry , 70, of Normal, is charged with 45 counts of child pornography. Sixteen of the charges are a Class 2 felony and 29 charges are a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Logan T. Kendricks
Logan T. Kendricks , 35, is charged with two counts of aggravated domestic battery, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis W. Hopkins
Davis W. Hopkins , 25, of Chenoa, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson , 38, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Rochelle A. McCray
Rochelle A. McCray , 37, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontae D. Gilbert
Dontae D. Gilbert , 30, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery, charged as a Class 3 felony for a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stefan A. Mangina
Stefan A. Mangina , 32, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Michael J. Owen
Michael J. Owen , 30, of Stanford, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cedric J. Haynes
Cedric J. Haynes , 21, of Bloomington, is charged with nine counts of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan Wiley
Jonathan Wiley , 30, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Jason S. Russell
Jason S. Russell , 22, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Aaron J. Zielinski
Aaron J. Zielinski, 28, of Plainfield, was sentenced to four years on probation for unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine. A charge of unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Albert F. Matheny
Albert F. Matheny , 35, of Bloomington, was sentenced Jan. 10 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Hunter C. Kellenberger
Hunter C. Kellenberger , 24, of Pekin, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. A meth possession charge was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samuel Harris
Samuel Harris , 21, of Chicago, was sentenced to 22 days in jail and 30 months on probation after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan P. Gillespie
Jordan P. Gillespie , 27, of LeRoy, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for residential burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Carter
William R. Carter , 23, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexual assault, attempted residential arson and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kentre A. Jackson
Kentre A. Jackson, 26, of Ypsilanti, Mich., was sentenced to 30 months of conditional discharge. He was charged as of June 9, 2020, with unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. The latter charge was dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Andrew L. Stanley
Andrew L. Stanley , 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to four years on probation for one count of arson. He pleaded guilty to setting his home on fire while a woman and a teenage girl were inside. One count of aggravated arson was dismissed in a plea agreement.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jerail M. Myrick
Jerail M. Myrick , 26, of Springfield, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Amari M. McNabb
Amari M. McNabb , 23, of Country Club Hills , was sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder and mob action for his involvement in the 2019 fatal shooting of Juan Nash, 25, in Bloomington. He was found guilty in a jury trial of those charges, but the jury found him not guilty of discharge of a firearm.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aaron Parlier
Aaron M. Parlier , 40, was sentenced Jan. 14 to 450 years in prison after he was found guilty in a bench trial of 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor and 10 counts of child pornography production.
Rebecca L. Gormley
Rebecca L. Gormley , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Penny S. Self
Penny S. Self , 59, of Ashland, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nathaniel A. Butler
Nathaniel A. Butler , 20, of Bloomington was sentenced Jan. 4, 2022, to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler D. Vidmar
Tyler D. Vidmar, 23, of Clinton, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melissa J. Piercy
Melissa J. Piercy, 38, of Normal, is charged with unlawful delivery of meth (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class X felony) and unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James E. Chase
James E. Chase, 52, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/normal-woman-delivered-meth-prosecutors-say/article_ffa8d6d7-36f4-5c61-8cca-7078b6f20896.html
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BLOOMINGTON — Methamphetamine charges have been filed against a Normal woman.
Melissa J. Piercy, 38, is accused of delivering less than 5 grams of meth Wednesday.
Piercy is charged with unlawful delivery of meth (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class X felony) and unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony).
She was booked in the McLean County Jail in lieu of posting $5,035.
An arraignment is set for April 15.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala, 35, of Bloomington, is charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor family member (Class 2 felonies) and three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old (Class X felonies).
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Joshway C. Boens
Joshway C. Boens, 41, of Chicago, is charged in McLean County with aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery as a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Seth A. Kindred
Seth A. Kindred , 31, of Ellsworth, was sentenced March 30 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Nunley
Matthew D. Nunley , 33, of Eureka, was sentenced to four years in prison for one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jason R. Roof
Jason R. Roof, 46, of Heyworth, was sentenced March 28 to five and a half years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James L. Fields
James L. Fields , 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Telly H. Arrington
Telly H. Arrington , 24, of Normal, is charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Antonio R. Ross
Antonio R. Ross , 28, of Springfield, was sentenced March 24 to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of retail theft. All other charges were dismissed. He also was ordered to pay $7,305 in restitution. Ross earned credit for previously serving 239 days in jail.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kent D. Johnson
Kent D. Johnson , 34, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carrie Funk
Carrie Funk , 54, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of criminal neglect of an elderly person.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Anthony R. Fairchild
Anthony R. Fairchild , 51, of Bloomington, is charged with one count each of burglary and theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Inez J. Gleghorn
Inez J. Gleghorn, 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in connection to an April 2021 stabbing in Bloomington. Other battery charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexis S. Williams
Alexis S. Williams, 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. She pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nayeon A. Teague
Nayeon A. Teague , 21, of Normal, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Frankie L. Hutchinson
Frankie L. Hutchinson , 21, of Chicago, is charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of aggravated fleeing a peace officer and two counts of criminal damage to property.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joseph L. McLeod
Joseph L. McLeod , 40, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and one count each of forgery and deceptive practices.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lanee R. Rich
Lanee R. Rich , 18, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Corey K. Butler
Corey K. Butler , 19, of Champaign, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darrius D. Robinson
Darrius D. Robinson , 29, of Normal, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jacob Z. Kemp
Jacob Z. Kemp , 32, is charged with three counts of aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan A. Jamison
Jonathan A. Jamison , 44, of Normal, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Geno A. Borrego
Geno A. Borrego , 23, of Pontiac, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joshua D. Rials
Joshua D. Rials , 28, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of armed violence, Class X felonies, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies. He was charged March 1 with two counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and of firearm ammunition by a felon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jamakio D. Chapell
Jamakio D. Chapell , 28, of Montgomery, Alabama, is charged with four counts of Class 2 felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer and 11 traffic charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Thomas E. Dolan
Thomas E. Dolan , 22, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful possession of between 500 and 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver, unlawful cannabis possession, battery and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordyn H. Thornton
Jordyn H. Thornton , 22, of Bloomington, was convicted of first-degree murder in the Oct. 30, 2018, shooting death of Trevonte Kirkwood, 27, of Bloomington, in the 1300 block of North Oak Street in Bloomington.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ty W. Johnson
Ty W. Johnson , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with criminal sexual assault, robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kyle D. Kindred
Kyle D. Kindred , 23, of Shirley, is charged with cannabis trafficking, two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lorel M. Johnson
Lorel M. Johnson , 41, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kimberlee A. Burton
Kimberlee A. Burton , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of child endangerment, Class A misdemeanors.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin C. Knight
Kevin C. Knight , 40, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Derail T. Riley
Derail T. Riley , 35, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and five counts of Class 4 felony domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ade A. McDaniel
Ade A. McDaniel , 40, of North Miami Beach, Florida, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos L. Hogan
Carlos L. Hogan , 33, of Decatur, is charged with unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine and four counts of unlawful cannabis possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jahni A. Lyons
Jahni A. Lyons , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Justin A. Atkinson
Justin A. Atkinson , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Destiny D. Brown
Destiny D. Brown , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, three counts of methamphetamine possession and one count of methamphetamine delivery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Billy J. Braswell
Billy J. Braswell , 39, of Wapella, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and four counts of methamphetamine possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Mitchell A. Rogers
Mitchell A. Rogers , 37, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Stone
Matthew D. Stone , 22, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler A. Guy
Tyler A. Guy , 25, of Towanda, is charged with one count of Class 2 felony aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gordan D. Lessen
Gordan D. Lessen , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Steven M. Abdullah
Steven M. Abdullah , 31, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts of harassment of jurors, Class 2 felonies, 11 counts of communication with jurors, Class 4 felonies, and one count of attempted communication with a juror, a Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ryan D. Triplett
Ryan D. Triplett , 27, of Decatur, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense felony, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Pedro A. Parra
Pedro A. Parra , 40, is charged with two counts of burglary, Class 2 and Class 3 felonies, and misdemeanor theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gregory A. Spence
Gregory A. Spence , 39, of Bartonville, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Justin A. Leicht
Justin A. Leicht , 41, of Downs, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Edward L. Holmes
Edward L. Holmes , 50, of Bloomington, is charged with the following:
Controlled substance trafficking of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Controlled substance trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of a substance containing meth Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of meth with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 15 and 100 grams of meth Unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Latoya M. Jackson
Latoya M. Jackson , 31, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen or converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Shaquan D. Hosea
Shaquan D. Hosea , 26, of Bloomington, is charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaccob L. Morris
Jaccob L. Morris , 20, of Bloomington, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, each Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontel D. Crowder
Dontel D. Crowder , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies, and harboring a runaway, Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Donnell A. Taylor
Donnell A. Taylor , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eric E. Seymon
Eric E. Seymon , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aikee Muhammad
Aikee Muhammad , 19, is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and resisting a peace officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William M. McCuen
William M. McCuen , 33, of Atlanta, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Meontay D. Wheeler
Meontay D. Wheeler , 23, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and torture, a Class 1 felony, aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew , 51, of Normal, is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Javares L. Hudson
Javares L. Hudson , 21, of Bloomington, is charged in federal court with possession of a machine gun. He was initially charged in McLean County court with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon-machine gun parts. One charge is a Class X felony and the other is a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tommy L. Jumper
Tommy L. Jumper , 59, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, each a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
David S. Fry
David S. Fry , 70, of Normal, is charged with 45 counts of child pornography. Sixteen of the charges are a Class 2 felony and 29 charges are a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Logan T. Kendricks
Logan T. Kendricks , 35, is charged with two counts of aggravated domestic battery, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis W. Hopkins
Davis W. Hopkins , 25, of Chenoa, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson , 38, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Rochelle A. McCray
Rochelle A. McCray , 37, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontae D. Gilbert
Dontae D. Gilbert , 30, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery, charged as a Class 3 felony for a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stefan A. Mangina
Stefan A. Mangina , 32, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Michael J. Owen
Michael J. Owen , 30, of Stanford, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cedric J. Haynes
Cedric J. Haynes , 21, of Bloomington, is charged with nine counts of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan Wiley
Jonathan Wiley , 30, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Jason S. Russell
Jason S. Russell , 22, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Aaron J. Zielinski
Aaron J. Zielinski, 28, of Plainfield, was sentenced to four years on probation for unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine. A charge of unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Albert F. Matheny
Albert F. Matheny , 35, of Bloomington, was sentenced Jan. 10 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Hunter C. Kellenberger
Hunter C. Kellenberger , 24, of Pekin, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. A meth possession charge was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samuel Harris
Samuel Harris , 21, of Chicago, was sentenced to 22 days in jail and 30 months on probation after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan P. Gillespie
Jordan P. Gillespie , 27, of LeRoy, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for residential burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Carter
William R. Carter , 23, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexual assault, attempted residential arson and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kentre A. Jackson
Kentre A. Jackson, 26, of Ypsilanti, Mich., was sentenced to 30 months of conditional discharge. He was charged as of June 9, 2020, with unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. The latter charge was dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Andrew L. Stanley
Andrew L. Stanley , 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to four years on probation for one count of arson. He pleaded guilty to setting his home on fire while a woman and a teenage girl were inside. One count of aggravated arson was dismissed in a plea agreement.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jerail M. Myrick
Jerail M. Myrick , 26, of Springfield, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Amari M. McNabb
Amari M. McNabb , 23, of Country Club Hills , was sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder and mob action for his involvement in the 2019 fatal shooting of Juan Nash, 25, in Bloomington. He was found guilty in a jury trial of those charges, but the jury found him not guilty of discharge of a firearm.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aaron Parlier
Aaron M. Parlier , 40, was sentenced Jan. 14 to 450 years in prison after he was found guilty in a bench trial of 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor and 10 counts of child pornography production.
Rebecca L. Gormley
Rebecca L. Gormley , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Penny S. Self
Penny S. Self , 59, of Ashland, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nathaniel A. Butler
Nathaniel A. Butler , 20, of Bloomington was sentenced Jan. 4, 2022, to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler D. Vidmar
Tyler D. Vidmar, 23, of Clinton, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melissa J. Piercy
Melissa J. Piercy, 38, of Normal, is charged with unlawful delivery of meth (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class X felony) and unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James E. Chase
James E. Chase, 52, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people living in poverty in the U.S. decreased for the fifth consecutive year. Roughly 37 million people, or 11.4 percent of the total population, were living below the poverty line in 2019. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, poverty rates fell due to federal aid. Unemployment benefits kept 5.5 million people from falling into poverty, according to Supplemental Poverty Measure data.
The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds—income before taxes and excluding capital gains or benefits such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps—that vary by family size and composition to determine who is in poverty. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty.
Many experts argue that the poverty measure in the U.S. is a grossly outdated and incomplete barometer of financial security. When you consider the implications of falling on either side of these thresholds—like qualifying for various federal assistance or not— the formula is staggeringly simple. These thresholds are established by tripling the cost of the most basic food plan in 1963—the year they were created— and adjusting for family size and annual inflation. By this definition, the poverty threshold today for a family of four is roughly $26,000 annually; for an individual, that number is $13,000. But the reality of economic hardship does not abide by the output of a calculation, nor is the lived experience the same way from person to person.
Basic needs extend well beyond the cost of food alone, and these thresholds do not reflect this reality. They fail to account for the vast cost of living differences based on geography, the cost of housing, child care, transportation, medical care, or taxes. Additionally, the definition of family is often not reflective of modern society and households.
Because of these factors, poverty looks different from state to state and even city to city. Stacker compiled a list of cities in Illinois where the most live below the poverty line using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Cities with a population of at least 10,000 individuals are ranked by percent of individuals living below the poverty line in 2019.
#20. Mattoon
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 22.2%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 3,760
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 725
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 36.1%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,305
- Median household income: $39,852
#19. Dolton
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 22.3%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 4,976
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 865
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 41.3%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,321
- Median household income: $46,614
#18. Rockford
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 22.3%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 31,942
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 7,671
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 33.9%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 12,181
- Median household income: $44,252
#17. Centralia
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 22.8%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 2,695
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 524
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 35.7%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 971
- Median household income: $37,675
#16. Chicago Heights
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 24.2%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 7,138
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,172
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 36.1%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,922
- Median household income: $50,186
#15. Normal
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 24.6%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 12,091
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 4,962
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 13.0%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,197
- Median household income: $58,111
#14. Champaign
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 25.0%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 19,910
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 6,358
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 16.9%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,372
- Median household income: $48,415
#13. Riverdale
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 26.3%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 3,364
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 454
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 34.8%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,258
- Median household income: $35,711
#12. Alton
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 26.6%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 6,943
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,569
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 38.7%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,331
- Median household income: $40,211
#11. DeKalb
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 28.5%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 11,046
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 3,348
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 33.5%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,482
- Median household income: $45,020
#10. Kankakee
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 28.9%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 7,196
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,178
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 39.8%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,667
- Median household income: $37,894
#9. Charleston
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 29.2%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 5,089
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 2,303
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 27.4%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 798
- Median household income: $40,863
#8. Danville
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 29.4%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 8,485
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,424
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 44.3%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 3,431
- Median household income: $36,172
#7. Macomb
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 29.8%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 4,329
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,531
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 18.0%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 470
- Median household income: $39,384
#6. Urbana
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 29.8%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 10,643
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 3,200
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 21.8%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,158
- Median household income: $37,102
#5. Cahokia
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 30.3%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 4,224
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 503
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 46.2%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,909
- Median household income: $35,663
#4. Sauk Village
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 31.8%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 3,297
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 735
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 55.6%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,651
- Median household income: $38,788
#3. Harvey
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 32.8%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 7,917
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,412
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 45.9%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 2,943
- Median household income: $30,306
#2. East St. Louis
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 33.4%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 8,840
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 1,526
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 49.6%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 3,194
- Median household income: $24,343
#1. Carbondale
- Percent of individuals living below the poverty line: 43.1%
--- Total individuals living below the poverty line: 9,450
--- Total employed individuals living below the poverty line: 3,734
- Percent of individuals under 18 living below the poverty line: 44.6%
--- Total individuals under 18 years old living below the poverty line: 1,501
- Median household income: $22,152
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Oct. 5, 1959 - March 17, 2022
NORMAL — Brian Lynn Meyers, 62, of Normal, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
Brian was born on October 5, 1959, in Bloomington, IL, to Carol "Tink" Ormand Meyers and Margaret Regina Meyers.
Brian is survived by his daughter, Sara (Scott) Ditchen of Heyworth, IL; sons: Adam Meyers and Joshua Meyers, both of Bloomington, IL; daughter, Mikayla Meyers of Normal, IL; his grandchildren: Chase Ditchen, Olivia Ditchen, and Sydney Ditchen, all of Heyworth, IL; and his siblings: Debbie (Bob) Craig of Dallas, TX, Jeff (Joan)Meyers of Normal, IL, Danny (Charlotte) Meyers of Bloomington, IL, Greg Meyers of Bloomington, IL, Kim (Ray) Curry of Danvers, IL, and Curt Meyers of Downs, IL.
Brian was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Meyers and his parents. Brian attended Danvers Grade School and Olympia High School. He was an active member of IBEW Local 197. Brian's greatest accomplishment and love in life was being a dad!
Cremation has been accorded.
A Celebration of Life for Brian will be held at White Oak Park on April 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research.
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May 7, 1943 - March 31, 2022
BLOOMINGTON — Connie R. Land, 78, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:11 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Liberty Village, Clinton, IL.
A private family graveside service will be held Monday at Atlanta Cemetery, Atlanta, IL. Memorials may be made to her family.
Connie was born May 7, 1943, in Bloomington, the daughter of Allen and Gladys Hazelwood Land.
Surviving is her son, Tony (Kathy) Echevarria, Normal, IL and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents, one son, Gilbert Allen Rivera and one sister, Jean Kessinger.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Jan. 19, 1931 - March 27, 2022
CLIFTON — Elizabeth Metz Johnson, age 91, of Clifton, IL passed away on March 27, 2022. She was born on January 19, 1931, to the late Ludwig and Persida (Honneger) Metz in Strawn, IL. She married the love of her life, Martin Johnson, on June 28, 1951.
She was a member of the Kempton Church of the Nazarene, where she once taught Sunday school and assisted with Missionary work. She was a homemaker who enjoyed fishing trips to Brainerd, MN with her husband, reading her bible, cooking, bird watching and most of all, spending time with her family. She is remembered by her family for having a loving touch and always leading by example. Whether it was cooking, sewing, caring for her family, or giving life advice, it was always done with such love and compassion. There was never a job too large or too small that she could not tackle. She was very well known for her cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as her homemade strawberry jelly. Her family would often tell her that everything tasted better when she made it, and she would reply "because it was made with love." She never missed a birthday, and was always sure to mail a birthday card. Her family will be eternally grateful for the love and valuable life lessons Elizabeth provided. Although she will be greatly missed, her family and friends find great comfort in knowing that she is once again reunited with the love of her life in heaven. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Lavern Johnson; one son, Stephen Johnson; four brothers: Christian Metz, Emil Metz, William Metz, and David Metz; both of her parents; and one grandchild, Chris Johnson.
Elizabeth is survived by four children: John Johnson (Genie) of McLeansboro, Mary Ramirez (Jose) of Bonfield, Dan Johnson (Marilyn) Kankakee, and Donald Johnson (Connie) of Clifton; two brothers: Ben Metz and Arthur Metz; two sisters: Esther Gerber and Ruth Metz; ten grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with services immediately following at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Cullom, IL. Pastor John Mohler will be officiating. Graveside Services are to be held on a later date at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
Memorials in the form of a donation may be made to the Kempton Church of the Nazarene.The family of Elizabeth wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor John Mohler and Calvert & Martin Funeral Home.
This obituary can be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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CERULLO, Alice K., 86, Bloomington, died Friday (April 1, 2022). Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
LAND, Connie R., 78, Bloomington, died Thursday (March 31, 2022). Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
CERULLO, Alice K., 86, Bloomington, died Friday (April 1, 2022). Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
LAND, Connie R., 78, Bloomington, died Thursday (March 31, 2022). Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
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BLYTHE, Cathy, 73, Land O'Lakes, Florida, 11 a.m. at Saybrook Christian Church, Saybrook.
BRADLEY, Mildred "Millie" Irene, 92, Pontiac, 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pontiac.
FRENCH, Phyllis Jean, 90, Minier, 10 a.m. at Minier Christian Church, Minier.
GADDIS, Glenn D., 58, Louisville, KY, formerly of Bloomington, 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Bloomington.
HAMILTON, Viale, Bloomington, at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
HOBBS, Marjorie C., 90, Bloomington, 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Normal.
IRLE, Mary Eileen, 93, Champaign, 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Thomasboro.
MOORE, Marcella C., 100, El Paso, 3 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
SCALF, Linda K., 70, Danvers, 11:30 a.m. at Rutland Cemetery, Rutland.
SCIFRES, Maxie Ruth, Normal, 1 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington.
SCHOPP, Florence M., 93, Bloomington, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington.
SMITH, Larry Dean, 79, Auburndale, Florida, formerly of Normal, 4-6 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles, Bloomington.
WEGMAN, Robert "Bob" E., 91, Hopedale, formerly of Mackinaw, 4 p.m. at Minier Christian Church, Minier.
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I sat in a sports bar on the afternoon of March 20 with my 13-year-old son in Indianapolis enjoying some fried food while we watched Illinois lay an egg against a Houston team that couldn’t shoot straight, either.
It was the second ugly game in the tournament for Illinois, and one of many hard-to-watch games in the NCAA Tournament. It’s an event I’ll always cherish, but, in reality, always has its share of dud games.
A defensive struggle is one thing, but poor decisions and missed open shots are frustrating to watch. Illinois, in particular, looked … stiff.
After the game, Sully and I headed over to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch an NBA game between the Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers. The tickets were purchased as a Christmas present to my 13-year-old son, who is a huge fan of Blazers star Damian Lillard. But Lillard got hurt and both teams, at this point of the season, are in tank mode.
Bummer.
Before the game, we had a chance to catch up with former Central Illinois Illini reporter James Boyd, who is now covering the Pacers for the Indianapolis Star (you should check out his coverage at indystar.com/pacers). During our conversation, James mentioned what it was like to watch the players shooting around in a gym — even players being tried out for 10-day contracts.
"It's unbelievable," James said. “They make 90 percent of the shots they take in an empty gym."
Wouldn’t be here without you, @jconnHR!! Central Illinois did me well! pic.twitter.com/QNTm8r1fuY
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) March 20, 2022
The gym was far from empty when they announced the starting lineups – Sully and I were surprised at the size of the crowd for a game between two teams out of the playoff chase – but we hadn’t heard of more than two or three of the starters’ names. Not on NBA rosters, at least.
I wasn’t thinking about what James told me at that point. The thought that was running through my head was: How am I going to watch this for 2½ hours?
Then, in the first quarter, the Pacers alone made more open jumpers than Illinois and Houston did for much of that game we’d just watched. This Blazers team isn’t strong defensively by any standards, but the Pacers’ offensive onslaught was a joy to watch. We both started identifying guys on each team Illinois really could’ve used that day — it was most of the Pacers’ roster.
And that was before the single greatest basketball play I’ve ever seen live (and, bonus, an unforgettable father-son moment!).
It was the kind of play that probably doesn’t happen in a game with playoff implications on the line. The Pacers, up 22 points in the second quarter of a meaningless game, were having fun. Anyone who says pros don’t play for the joy of the game should watch this play.
It started with a pass from one of the newest Pacers, Tyrese Halliburton — the player my son was most excited to see with so many others missing. He fired a baseball pass half the length of the court to longtime Pacers favorite Lance Stephenson running down the right sideline. Stephenson caught it over his shoulder with both hands like a wide receiver and then dropped a behind-the-back bounce pass to a streaking Oshae Brissett. Stephenson didn’t even turn to see what happened, instead posing to the Pacers bench as Brissett turned, jumped, double-pumped and reverse-dunked it as he was fouled.
“I was like, ‘Why is everybody yelling?’” Stephenson said after the game on Bally’s Sports Indiana. “Then I seen the replay and was like, ‘Oh my God!’”
Me, Sully and pretty much everyone else in the place — including Pacers guard Justin Anderson — went crazy. The play was an example of what pro players are capable of when they’re getting a little loose out there.
An NCAA Tournament game is never going to have that atmosphere – the pressure is on from start to finish when your season is on the line. That’s what makes the tournament unique.
It just doesn’t always make for beautiful basketball.
Conns at the Cardinals Caravan
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Contact Justin Conn at (217) 421-7909. Follow him on Twitter: @jconnHR
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BLOOMINGTON — Two COVID-related deaths were reported in McLean County this week, as the state counted 87 more deaths.
Two men, one in his 70s and one in his 20s, bring the county’s total toll for COVID-related deaths to 366 since the pandemic began . Neither was associated with a long-term care facility.
The McLean County Health Department also reported 166 new cases. Since March 2020, the county has reported 49,529 probable and confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.
Since last Friday, 8,246 new cases have been reported in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
McLean County remains in the low community level, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Thursday, five COVID patients in McLean County had been admitted to hospitals in the last seven days and .9% of staffed inpatient beds were filled by COVID patients, the health department reported.
Grossinger Motors Arena will host free testing clinics next week from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is recommended. To register or find another testing clinic, visit health.mcleancountyil.gov/735/COVID-19-Local-Testing-Options or call the county COVID-19 Call Center at 309-888-5600 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information on vaccinations in McLean County is also available on the county website at health.mcleancountyil.gov/790/COVID-19-Vaccine .
In McLean County, 62.04% of the population is fully vaccinated and statewide, 64.36% of Illinois residents are fully vaccinated.
Photos: Remembering Madeleine Albright
Warren Christopher
United States Secretary of State Warren Christopher gestures as he and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright chat with United National Secretary General Boutros-Ghali, left, at U.N. Headquarters in New York, Wednesday, May 12, 1993. They spoke about situations in Bosnia, Haiti, Somalia and Cambodia. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)
Marty Lederhandler
Bill Clinton, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright
Flanked by Secretary of State Warren Christopher, left, and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Madeleine Albright, President Bill Clinton gestures during his address to guests at a reception at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Monday, Sept. 26, 1994. The reception was held for heads of state and delegations to the 49th General Assembly of the United Nations. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Wilfredo Lee
Albright
Madeleine Albright, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks about her role as Security Council president for the month of August at a U.N. news conference in New York City on Aug. 4, 1993. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)
MARTY LEDERHANDLER
Kim Jong Il, Madeleine Albright
FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2000 file photo, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il, left, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Pae Kha Hawon Guest House in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korean television announced Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 in a "special broadcast" that its leader Kim Jong Il has died in Pyongyang. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder, Pool, File)
David Guttenfelder
GORE ALBRIGHT KISSINGER
Vice President Al Gore shakes former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's hand following his remarks while Secretary of State Madeleine Albright looks on during an East Room ceremony setting the stage for an upcoming House vote Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at the White House. Former Presidents Carter and Ford and a who's who from Republican and Democratic administrations joined President Clinton today in pressing Congress to grant permanent normal trade relations to China. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
RICK BOWMER
Shultz Albright Haig Kissinger
FILE - In this May 29, 2002 file photo, former U.S. Secretaries of State, from left, Madeleine Albright, Warren Christopher, Alexander Haig, and Henry Kissinger take part in the dedication and naming ceremony of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Va. Haig, who served Republican presidents and ran for the office himself, has died, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. He was 85. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette, File)
JOE MARQUETTE
ALBRIGHT
Die fruehere amerikanische Aussenministerin Madeleine Albright praesentiert ihr Buch "Madam Secretary" am Donnerstag, 23. Oktober 2003, in der Bundeshauptstadt Berlin. In ihrer Autobiographie beschreibt sie ihre Karriere als US-UN-Botschafterin und spaetere Aussenministerin. (AP Photo/Fritz Reiss) Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright introduces her book titled "Madam Secretary" in the German capital Berlin Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003. In her book she desbribes her career which led her from the US-UN Ambassador to the later Secretary of State. (AP Photo/Fritz Reiss)
FRITZ REISS
KOSOVO ALBRIGHT INTERVIEW
Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during an interview with Associated Press Tuesday June 5, 2005, in Pristina, Kosovo. Albright said that United States and Eruopean Union could ease strained relations by forging a common position on the future of the disputed province of Kosovo. (AP Photo/Atdhe Mulla)
ATDHE MULLA
ALBRIGHT
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright throws out the first pitch for the Orioles season opener against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, April 2, 1997, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Roberto Borea)
ROBERTO BOREA
ANNAN ALBRIGHT
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan meets with United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998, at the United Nations. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
KATHY WILLENS
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Madeleine Albright
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright respond to applause as Clinton is introduced to a gathering of the Women in Public Service Institute at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass., Monday, June 11, 2012. Both women are graduates of Wellesely. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Stephan Savoia
Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 before the Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing on Iraq. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
SUSAN WALSH
Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, foreground right, speaks to a guest at the unveiling of her official portrait as the 64th Secretary of State at the State Department in Washington, Monday, April 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Lawrence Jackson
Barack Obama, Madeleine Albright
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., talks with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during a foreign affairs round table discussion in Washington Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Alex Brandon
Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jae C. Hong
UN YUGOSLAVIA
Madeleine Albright, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks to reporters after she presented photographic evidence of mass graves in Bosnia to the UN Security Council, Thursday, August 10, 1995. Behind her is James Rubin, a US Mission spokesman. The aerial photographs purportedly show mass graves of Bosnian Muslims slain by Serbs. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
MARK LENNIHAN
ALBRIGHT
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright testifies on Capitol Hill Tuesday Feb. 11, 1997 in her first hearing as secretary before the House International Relations Committee. Albright told the committee that a long delayed expansion of NATO would create a "permanent source of tension and insecurity in the heart of Europe." (AP Photo/J.Scott Applewhite)
J.SCOTT APPLEWHITE
HASHIMOTO ALBRIGHT
Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto gestures while welcoming U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in the compound of his official residence in Tokyo prior to their breakfast meeting Monday, Feb. 24, 1997. Albright, currently in the town for a two-day official visit, will fly to Beijing later to hope to smooth a complex and sometimes rocky U.S.-China relationship. (AP Photo/Tsugufumi Matsumoto)
TSUGUFUMI MATSUMOTO
ALBRIGHT GREETS EMBASSY CHILDREN
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright meets with children of U.S. Embassy employees in Beijing during a visit to the embassy shortly after her arrival in China Monday, Feb. 24, 1997. Calling U.S. relations with China "a key to stability," Albright held talks Monday with top Chinese officials. (AP Photo)
Stringer
ALBRIGHT IRAQ
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright prepares to give an address on Iraq Wednesday, March 26, 1997 at Georgetown University in Washington. Albright said international sanctions have dramatically weakened Iraq and warned against easing them because "the future threat has not been erased." (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
DENNIS COOK
ALBRIGHT HELMS BIDEN
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, flanked by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., right, and Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., arrives to testify before a hearing on chemical weapons before the committee on Capitol Hill Tuesday April 8, 1997. Faced with a Democratic threat to block action on all legislation, Senate Republicans agreed Tuesday to hold a ratification vote on the global chemical weapons treaty before the pact takes effect in three weeks. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)
JOE MARQUETTE
ALBRIGHT AND CHILDRENS
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright gives a football, pencils and notebooks to a Mayan woman during a short stop in the Tuluche demobilization camp, some 74 miles from Guatmela City, Sunday May 4, 1997. Albright's 8-hour visit to Guatemala is the first stage of her Latin American tour. The next stage is Mexico. (AP Photo/Scott Sady)
SCOTT SADY
ALBRIGHT, VIETNAMESE WELLWISHERS
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, right, greets wellwishers after a ground-breaking ceremony for the U.S. Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City Saturday, June 28, 1997. Albright is the first U.S. secretary of state to visit Ho Chi Minh city, former Saigon, since the Vietnam War. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
RICHARD VOGEL
ALBRIGHT
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright delivers the keynote address during The California Governor's Conference for Women luncheon in Long Beach, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999. Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al Gore was interviewed by California first lady Sharon Davis during one of the conferences sessions. (AP Photo/Victoria Arocho)
VICTORIA AROCHO
ALBRIGHT
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright laughs as she holds up a basketball jersey presented to her after delivering remarks at the University of Maine, in Orono, Maine, Wednesday, Oct. 13,1999. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
PAT WELLENBACH
Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright
Former US President Bill Clinton, center is flanked by his wif, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, and her predecessor Madeleine Albright, right, during the state funeral of former Czech President Vaclav Havel in the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Havel was the leader of the peaceful anti-communist "Velvet Revolution." He died Sunday, Dec. 18, at age 75. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, Pool)
Petr David Josek
Barack Obama, Madeleine Albright
President Barack Obama awards Madeleine Albright the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carolyn Kaster
John Kerry, Henry Kissinger, James A. Baker III, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Patrick Kennedy
Secretary of State John Kerry, left, speaks at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Diplomacy Center. Kerry hosted five of his predecessors in a rare public reunion for the groundbreaking of a museum commemorating the achievements of American statesmanship. From left are, Kerry, Undersecretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy, and former Secretaries of State, Henry Kissinger, James A Baker III, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell and Hillary Rodham Clinton. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) . (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carolyn Kaster
Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright introduces Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at a campaign event at Rundlett Middle School, in Concord, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. 'There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other," Albright said. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Jacquelyn Martin
DEM 2016 Convention
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
J. Scott Applewhite
Bush Center Forum
Former U.S. President George W. Bush greets former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, left, and Madeleine Albright, right, after they participated in a panel discussion at a forum sponsored by the George W. Bush Institute in New York, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig
Powell Funeral
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright gives a eulogy during a funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew Harnik
Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.
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BLOOMINGTON — A Bloomington man is charged with selling cocaine three times last year.
James E. Chase, 52, is accused of delivering less than 1 gram of cocaine to a Bloomington Police Department vice unit between Aug. 31 and Sept. 13, 2021.
Chase is charged with three counts of Class 2 felony unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
He was jailed in lieu of posting $1,035.
An arraignment is scheduled for April 15.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala, 35, of Bloomington, is charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor family member (Class 2 felonies) and three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old (Class X felonies).
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Joshway C. Boens
Joshway C. Boens, 41, of Chicago, is charged in McLean County with aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery as a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Seth A. Kindred
Seth A. Kindred , 31, of Ellsworth, was sentenced March 30 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Nunley
Matthew D. Nunley , 33, of Eureka, was sentenced to four years in prison for one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jason R. Roof
Jason R. Roof, 46, of Heyworth, was sentenced March 28 to five and a half years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James L. Fields
James L. Fields , 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Telly H. Arrington
Telly H. Arrington , 24, of Normal, is charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Antonio R. Ross
Antonio R. Ross , 28, of Springfield, was sentenced March 24 to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of retail theft. All other charges were dismissed. He also was ordered to pay $7,305 in restitution. Ross earned credit for previously serving 239 days in jail.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kent D. Johnson
Kent D. Johnson , 34, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carrie Funk
Carrie Funk , 54, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of criminal neglect of an elderly person.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Anthony R. Fairchild
Anthony R. Fairchild , 51, of Bloomington, is charged with one count each of burglary and theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Inez J. Gleghorn
Inez J. Gleghorn, 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in connection to an April 2021 stabbing in Bloomington. Other battery charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexis S. Williams
Alexis S. Williams, 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. She pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nayeon A. Teague
Nayeon A. Teague , 21, of Normal, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Frankie L. Hutchinson
Frankie L. Hutchinson , 21, of Chicago, is charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of aggravated fleeing a peace officer and two counts of criminal damage to property.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joseph L. McLeod
Joseph L. McLeod , 40, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and one count each of forgery and deceptive practices.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lanee R. Rich
Lanee R. Rich , 18, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Corey K. Butler
Corey K. Butler , 19, of Champaign, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darrius D. Robinson
Darrius D. Robinson , 29, of Normal, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jacob Z. Kemp
Jacob Z. Kemp , 32, is charged with three counts of aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan A. Jamison
Jonathan A. Jamison , 44, of Normal, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Geno A. Borrego
Geno A. Borrego , 23, of Pontiac, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joshua D. Rials
Joshua D. Rials , 28, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of armed violence, Class X felonies, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies. He was charged March 1 with two counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and of firearm ammunition by a felon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jamakio D. Chapell
Jamakio D. Chapell , 28, of Montgomery, Alabama, is charged with four counts of Class 2 felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer and 11 traffic charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Thomas E. Dolan
Thomas E. Dolan , 22, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful possession of between 500 and 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver, unlawful cannabis possession, battery and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordyn H. Thornton
Jordyn H. Thornton , 22, of Bloomington, was convicted of first-degree murder in the Oct. 30, 2018, shooting death of Trevonte Kirkwood, 27, of Bloomington, in the 1300 block of North Oak Street in Bloomington.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ty W. Johnson
Ty W. Johnson , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with criminal sexual assault, robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kyle D. Kindred
Kyle D. Kindred , 23, of Shirley, is charged with cannabis trafficking, two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lorel M. Johnson
Lorel M. Johnson , 41, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kimberlee A. Burton
Kimberlee A. Burton , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of child endangerment, Class A misdemeanors.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin C. Knight
Kevin C. Knight , 40, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Derail T. Riley
Derail T. Riley , 35, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and five counts of Class 4 felony domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ade A. McDaniel
Ade A. McDaniel , 40, of North Miami Beach, Florida, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos L. Hogan
Carlos L. Hogan , 33, of Decatur, is charged with unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine and four counts of unlawful cannabis possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jahni A. Lyons
Jahni A. Lyons , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Justin A. Atkinson
Justin A. Atkinson , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Destiny D. Brown
Destiny D. Brown , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, three counts of methamphetamine possession and one count of methamphetamine delivery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Billy J. Braswell
Billy J. Braswell , 39, of Wapella, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and four counts of methamphetamine possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Mitchell A. Rogers
Mitchell A. Rogers , 37, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Stone
Matthew D. Stone , 22, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler A. Guy
Tyler A. Guy , 25, of Towanda, is charged with one count of Class 2 felony aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gordan D. Lessen
Gordan D. Lessen , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Steven M. Abdullah
Steven M. Abdullah , 31, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts of harassment of jurors, Class 2 felonies, 11 counts of communication with jurors, Class 4 felonies, and one count of attempted communication with a juror, a Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ryan D. Triplett
Ryan D. Triplett , 27, of Decatur, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense felony, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Pedro A. Parra
Pedro A. Parra , 40, is charged with two counts of burglary, Class 2 and Class 3 felonies, and misdemeanor theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gregory A. Spence
Gregory A. Spence , 39, of Bartonville, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Justin A. Leicht
Justin A. Leicht , 41, of Downs, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Edward L. Holmes
Edward L. Holmes , 50, of Bloomington, is charged with the following:
Controlled substance trafficking of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Controlled substance trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of a substance containing meth Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of meth with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 15 and 100 grams of meth Unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Latoya M. Jackson
Latoya M. Jackson , 31, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen or converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Shaquan D. Hosea
Shaquan D. Hosea , 26, of Bloomington, is charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaccob L. Morris
Jaccob L. Morris , 20, of Bloomington, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, each Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontel D. Crowder
Dontel D. Crowder , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies, and harboring a runaway, Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Donnell A. Taylor
Donnell A. Taylor , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eric E. Seymon
Eric E. Seymon , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aikee Muhammad
Aikee Muhammad , 19, is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and resisting a peace officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William M. McCuen
William M. McCuen , 33, of Atlanta, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Meontay D. Wheeler
Meontay D. Wheeler , 23, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and torture, a Class 1 felony, aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew , 51, of Normal, is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Javares L. Hudson
Javares L. Hudson , 21, of Bloomington, is charged in federal court with possession of a machine gun. He was initially charged in McLean County court with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon-machine gun parts. One charge is a Class X felony and the other is a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tommy L. Jumper
Tommy L. Jumper , 59, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, each a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
David S. Fry
David S. Fry , 70, of Normal, is charged with 45 counts of child pornography. Sixteen of the charges are a Class 2 felony and 29 charges are a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Logan T. Kendricks
Logan T. Kendricks , 35, is charged with two counts of aggravated domestic battery, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis W. Hopkins
Davis W. Hopkins , 25, of Chenoa, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson , 38, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Rochelle A. McCray
Rochelle A. McCray , 37, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontae D. Gilbert
Dontae D. Gilbert , 30, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery, charged as a Class 3 felony for a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stefan A. Mangina
Stefan A. Mangina , 32, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Michael J. Owen
Michael J. Owen , 30, of Stanford, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cedric J. Haynes
Cedric J. Haynes , 21, of Bloomington, is charged with nine counts of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan Wiley
Jonathan Wiley , 30, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Jason S. Russell
Jason S. Russell , 22, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Aaron J. Zielinski
Aaron J. Zielinski, 28, of Plainfield, was sentenced to four years on probation for unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine. A charge of unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Albert F. Matheny
Albert F. Matheny , 35, of Bloomington, was sentenced Jan. 10 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Hunter C. Kellenberger
Hunter C. Kellenberger , 24, of Pekin, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. A meth possession charge was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samuel Harris
Samuel Harris , 21, of Chicago, was sentenced to 22 days in jail and 30 months on probation after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan P. Gillespie
Jordan P. Gillespie , 27, of LeRoy, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for residential burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Carter
William R. Carter , 23, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexual assault, attempted residential arson and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kentre A. Jackson
Kentre A. Jackson, 26, of Ypsilanti, Mich., was sentenced to 30 months of conditional discharge. He was charged as of June 9, 2020, with unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. The latter charge was dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Andrew L. Stanley
Andrew L. Stanley , 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to four years on probation for one count of arson. He pleaded guilty to setting his home on fire while a woman and a teenage girl were inside. One count of aggravated arson was dismissed in a plea agreement.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jerail M. Myrick
Jerail M. Myrick , 26, of Springfield, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Amari M. McNabb
Amari M. McNabb , 23, of Country Club Hills , was sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder and mob action for his involvement in the 2019 fatal shooting of Juan Nash, 25, in Bloomington. He was found guilty in a jury trial of those charges, but the jury found him not guilty of discharge of a firearm.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aaron Parlier
Aaron M. Parlier , 40, was sentenced Jan. 14 to 450 years in prison after he was found guilty in a bench trial of 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor and 10 counts of child pornography production.
Rebecca L. Gormley
Rebecca L. Gormley , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Penny S. Self
Penny S. Self , 59, of Ashland, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nathaniel A. Butler
Nathaniel A. Butler , 20, of Bloomington was sentenced Jan. 4, 2022, to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler D. Vidmar
Tyler D. Vidmar, 23, of Clinton, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melissa J. Piercy
Melissa J. Piercy, 38, of Normal, is charged with unlawful delivery of meth (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class X felony) and unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James E. Chase
James E. Chase, 52, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/illinois-state-university-junior-awarded-national-scholarship/article_533e0361-83a7-5775-8d07-e8f0cd5de4c6.html
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Ian Freeman is a junior studying physics, computational physics and math. He is from Plainfield and plans to continue his studies through to receive a Ph.D. in astrophysics and then teach in a college, the university said.
As a junior, he has already co-authored three published papers and presented at national conferences.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was created by Congress in 1989 in honor of Barry Goldwater, a longtime Arizona senator, conservative leader and 1964 Republican presidential candidate. The scholarships are given to students studying in the sciences, engineering or math and who plan to go on to earn advanced degrees. Students can receive up to $7,500 a year.
At ISU, Freeman has been a teaching assistant, resident assistant and is in the Big Red Marching Machine. He is also involved with physics extracurricular groups and is completing a project through the Intensive Research Experience program with Matt Caplan, assistant professor of physics.
This summer Freeman will be doing a research program in astrophysics at Northwestern University.
"We’re saddened to hear the news that Lincoln College will be ceasing academic programming following their current Spring semester. Heartland and Lincoln College have maintained a good relationship throughout the years. Like Heartland, Lincoln College has a strong history serving our community in Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal and throughout the region. We appreciate Dr. Gerlach’s leadership as President of Lincoln College, and his help to facilitate the strong transfer partnership we have had with the institution.” - Heartland College President Keith Cornille.
"Like so many others, we were deeply saddened to learn that Lincoln College will close in May. Our first classes were held on the campus of Lincoln College in the fall of 1944. Since that time, Lincoln College has been a neighbor, a friend, and an integral part of our community. For our entire existence we've shared faculty, students, the Lincoln community, and countless errant visitors who thought they were us or vice versa. It's hard to imagine that they won't be with us come fall. We love the Lincoln College family, we're praying for them, and if there's anything we can do to help, we want to do that." - Lincoln Christian University President Silas McCormick
"We are saddened to learn of Lincoln College's closing as a result of challenges that mounted for this transformative institution of higher learning. These are sobering realities for all of us in higher education who face a changing landscape. As our colleagues at Lincoln College work to support their students with transitional services, we at Illinois Wesleyan – as will our fellow institutions – are working to create opportunities for a seamless transfer to carry forward Lincoln students' educational goals." - Illinois Wesleyan University President Georgia Nugent
Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy (copy)
"I was saddened at the announcement of Lincoln College’s closure after more than a century and a half of service. We at Illinois State University extend our thoughts to the college community, and the City of Lincoln. The Illinois State University community will help the students, faculty, and staff of Lincoln College in any way we can as they face this difficult time." - Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy
"I was saddened at the announcement of Lincoln College’s closure after more than a century and a half of service. We at Illinois State University extend our thoughts to the college community, and the City of Lincoln. The Illinois State University community will help the students, faculty, and staff of Lincoln College in any way we can as they face this difficult time." - Eureka College President Jamel Wright
"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the sudden closure of Lincoln College, an institution that has served as a pillar of higher education in Central Illinois for many years. Millikin owes a debt of gratitude to Lincoln College, who in 1901, merged with Millikin as it was just establishing itself so that we could be chartered by the State of Illinois. Our two colleges were partners until the mid-1950s. We are proud to be one of a limited number of institutions asked to partner with Lincoln College to serve their students with their transfer needs. Millikin offers nearly all of the same academic programs as Lincoln and aims to make the transfer process as seamless as possible.” - Millikin University President Jim Reynolds
Area college and university presidents react to Lincoln College closure
Lincoln College announced on March 30, 2022, that it would close at the end of the 2022 spring semester. Central Illinois college and university presidents said they were saddened by the closure and expressed their support for the Lincoln College students, faculty and staff as they transitioned to new schools and lost their jobs.
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Keith Cornille (copy)
"We’re saddened to hear the news that Lincoln College will be ceasing academic programming following their current Spring semester. Heartland and Lincoln College have maintained a good relationship throughout the years. Like Heartland, Lincoln College has a strong history serving our community in Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal and throughout the region. We appreciate Dr. Gerlach’s leadership as President of Lincoln College, and his help to facilitate the strong transfer partnership we have had with the institution.” - Heartland College President Keith Cornille.
Silas McCormick (copy)
"Like so many others, we were deeply saddened to learn that Lincoln College will close in May. Our first classes were held on the campus of Lincoln College in the fall of 1944. Since that time, Lincoln College has been a neighbor, a friend, and an integral part of our community. For our entire existence we've shared faculty, students, the Lincoln community, and countless errant visitors who thought they were us or vice versa. It's hard to imagine that they won't be with us come fall. We love the Lincoln College family, we're praying for them, and if there's anything we can do to help, we want to do that." - Lincoln Christian University President Silas McCormick
Georgia Nugent (copy)
"We are saddened to learn of Lincoln College's closing as a result of challenges that mounted for this transformative institution of higher learning. These are sobering realities for all of us in higher education who face a changing landscape. As our colleagues at Lincoln College work to support their students with transitional services, we at Illinois Wesleyan – as will our fellow institutions – are working to create opportunities for a seamless transfer to carry forward Lincoln students' educational goals." - Illinois Wesleyan University President Georgia Nugent
Connor Wood
Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy (copy)
"I was saddened at the announcement of Lincoln College’s closure after more than a century and a half of service. We at Illinois State University extend our thoughts to the college community, and the City of Lincoln. The Illinois State University community will help the students, faculty, and staff of Lincoln College in any way we can as they face this difficult time." - Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy
Jamel Wright
"I was saddened at the announcement of Lincoln College’s closure after more than a century and a half of service. We at Illinois State University extend our thoughts to the college community, and the City of Lincoln. The Illinois State University community will help the students, faculty, and staff of Lincoln College in any way we can as they face this difficult time." - Eureka College President Jamel Wright
James Reynolds mug, Millikin (copy)
"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the sudden closure of Lincoln College, an institution that has served as a pillar of higher education in Central Illinois for many years. Millikin owes a debt of gratitude to Lincoln College, who in 1901, merged with Millikin as it was just establishing itself so that we could be chartered by the State of Illinois. Our two colleges were partners until the mid-1950s. We are proud to be one of a limited number of institutions asked to partner with Lincoln College to serve their students with their transfer needs. Millikin offers nearly all of the same academic programs as Lincoln and aims to make the transfer process as seamless as possible.” - Millikin University President Jim Reynolds
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Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Members of a union representing more than 300 employees at Illinois State University have voted to give their bargaining team the ability to call for a strike if they feel it is necessary.
Lincoln Christian University plans to make major changes in how it operates, eliminating most of its undergraduate programs as it focuses on its graduate programs and seminary.
A yearslong effort culminated this month in state approval for Illinois State University's new College of Engineering, but a long road remains ahead before the anticipated opening to students in fall 2025.
High school students in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties can apply to learn about philanthropy by allocating grant funds to local nonprofits.
AFSCME Local 1110, representing more than 300 building, grounds and campus dining employees at ISU, polled members Friday on whether to authorize its bargaining committee to call a strike vote after almost nine months without a contract.
Fourth and fifth graders on Grove Elementary School’s Chess Club are being recognized for big brain moves that won their section in the state championships last weekend.
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https://pantagraph.com/sports/college/illini/watch-now-assessing-illinois-basketballs-needs-in-the-transfer-portal-and-recruiting-trail/article_933ffeee-29aa-5f56-a189-ddb020aa2349.html
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CHAMPAIGN — It’s transfer portal season in college basketball, which means most teams are going through roster turnover.
Illinois is experiencing it just like any other program, with guard Andre Curbelo entering the transfer portal. Kofi Cockburn is yet to announce his decision to whether he'll pursue a pro career or come back to college for a fourth year of eligibility.
With the losses of Trent Frazier, Alfonso Plummer and Da’Monte Williams, the team will have three new starters at guard. Cockburn’s decision looms large, as well as Jacob Grandison deciding whether to take his COVID year or not.
Illinois currently has a scholarship open, and with players likely to announce their intentions in the coming weeks, that number should grow.
Here are some of the main needs facing Illinois and possibilities for filling those.
Guards, guards, guards
The Illinois player returning who spent the most time playing “point guard” last season is Coleman Hawkins, who filled that role in small portions last year when the team was ravaged with injuries and illness. The main lead guards in Frazier and Curbelo will be elsewhere next season, so the team needs an immediate fill in there.
There could be an answer on the horizon — the Illini are squarely in the mix for five-star point guard Skyy Clark, who put Illinois in his top six with Maryland, Louisville, USC, Tennessee and Washington. Illinois had an in-home visit in late March and was the only school to do so, according to 247sports' Travis Branham.
Clark will visit Illinois before making a decision in April.
Another option at lead guard in the transfer portal is Jeremiah Williams. Williams is a two-year starter at Temple from the Chicago area. He played at Simeon and St. Laurence High School and for the Chicago AAU team Meanstreets, where Illinois assistant Tim Anderson used to be the program director.
At 6-foot-5, Williams adds size to the backcourt; Illinois’ only guard with good size was RJ Melendez and he fits in better at a wing spot. Guards in the recruiting class like Jayden Epps (6-foot-2) or possibly Clark, who is 6-foot-3, would need bigger players with them in the rotation.
Williams also has starting experience in the American Conference — one of the best outside the Power 5.
Lead guard isn’t the only Illini need, with Plummer and Williams also departing. A transfer option makes sense for a wing player.
Illinois has been linked with two players with Power 5 starting experience in those areas. Brandon Murray, a freshman from LSU, and Texas Tech wing Terrence Shannon (a Chicago native) are both strongly linked to Illinois.
Shannon played for Mac Irvin Fire in AAU, but was recruited to DePaul when Anderson was there before eventually going to Texas Tech. He was a starter for most of his three years with the Red Raiders and is considering Illinois with Kentucky and a return to Texas Tech among other schools.
Murray and Shannon both give Illinois the element of a secondary slasher in the offense that was lacking last season. Illinois didn’t have players to attack closeouts or drive to the basket consistently out of pick-and-rolls besides, at times, Curbelo and Frazier.
Murray and Shannon likely won’t be primary ball handlers, but they would give Illinois players who will be able to put more pressure on the defense with the ball in their hands than previous wings.
Big man depth
This one is very conditional upon Cockburn. He could still decide to stay with Illinois, and that will again mean he is the centerpiece of the team and again will be a national player of the year contender.
If he decides to leave, there would be a big hole to fill. Omar Payne and Benjamin Bosmans Verdonk could likely find more playing time elsewhere if they chose to. Neither of them played consistent minutes and Illinois struggled at the backup five spot late in the season.
Baylor transfer Dain Dainja is an unknown commodity after sitting out lsat season and could be a factor as well.
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Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Taze Moore (4) goes in for a layup during the first half of a college basketball game as Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) and Coleman Hawkins (33) watch in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston fans cheer as their team plays against Illinois during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) dribbles around Illinois 's Coleman Hawkins during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. Houston won 68-53. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) gets off a pass around Illinois 's Coleman Hawkins (33) during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. Houston won 68-53. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson gives instructions during the first half of a college basketball game against Illinois in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) works the ball inside with Houston's J'Wan Roberts defending during the first half of the Illini's second round loss in the NCAA tournament Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) gets off a pass as he falls after colliding with Illinois' Alfonso Plummer (11) during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Taze Moore (4) tries to get off a shot with Illinois' Kofi Cockburn defending during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood disagrees with a call during the first half of a college basketball game against Houston in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh Sunday.
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Josh Carlton, right, fouls Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) as he shoots during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Taze Moore (4) goes in for a layup during the first half of a college basketball game as Illinois' RJ Melendez (15) and Coleman Hawkins (33) watch in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston fans cheer as their team plays against Illinois during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Keith Srakocic
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) dribbles around Illinois 's Coleman Hawkins during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. Houston won 68-53. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) gets off a pass around Illinois 's Coleman Hawkins (33) during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. Houston won 68-53. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson gives instructions during the first half of a college basketball game against Illinois in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) works the ball inside with Houston's J'Wan Roberts defending during the first half of the Illini's second round loss in the NCAA tournament Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston 's Taze Moore (4) gets off a pass as he falls after colliding with Illinois' Alfonso Plummer (11) during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Taze Moore (4) tries to get off a shot with Illinois' Kofi Cockburn defending during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Gene J. Puskar
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood disagrees with a call during the first half of a college basketball game against Houston in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh Sunday.
Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Moore scores 21, Houston hammers Illinois to make Sweet 16
Houston's Josh Carlton, right, fouls Illinois' Kofi Cockburn (21) as he shoots during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Keith Srakocic
Follow Anderson Kimball on Twitter at: byAndy Kimball
Illinios men's basketball coach Brad Underwood got a six-year extension with a $300,000 raise on Wednesday that is awaiting the approval of the university board of trustees.
Jordyn Slaughter was set to battle for snaps on the offensive line before a broken ankle ended his 2021 season in fall camp. Now he's back after a six-month rehab.
Caleb Griffin has been around the country watching Illinois basketball or his friends play in college. Now he'll finally get his chance at playing himself.
Illinios men's basketball coach Brad Underwood got a six-year extension with a $300,000 raise on Wednesday that is awaiting the approval of the university board of trustees.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-democrats-look-to-address-crime-with-youth-investment-witness-protection/article_f7eebe6a-fd30-529e-bef3-56682839d567.html
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SPRINGFIELD — Democrats in the General Assembly on Friday outlined community investment proposals that they say will be part of a broader crime reduction package that is still being negotiated as session enters its final week.
The measures outlined by House and Senate Democrats stand in stark contrast to the tough-on-crime sentence enhancements and mandatory minimums pushed by Republicans. Instead, they focus on what the Democrats billed as long-term violence interruption programs.
The lawmakers said they came from weeks of discussion with a public safety working group that included law enforcement groups and crime victims.
Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, said the investments outlined in the proposals are aimed at addressing a “30- to 40-year Groundhog Day-like history” of what he called the “failed tough-on-crime status quo.”
“Fundamentally, I'm of the belief that I wish we did a lot yesterday and yesterday and before that and before that decades ago,” Peters said. But the goal now, he said, is to “turn the boat around,” from “a deep state of crisis.”
Their proposals were largely appropriations-based, requesting nearly $240 million in funding increases from the current fiscal year for intervention programs such as early childhood education and after school programs.
But they also included a grant program for establishing anonymous tip lines across the state in an effort to help solve crimes, as well as a program aimed at expanding a witness protection program for those involved in bringing violent criminals to justice.
Those programs, according to House Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, would have the most immediate impact on crime reduction of the measures mentioned Friday at the Capitol news conference.
“We have to be mindful that when we're seeing crime and violence, oftentimes, the majority of the time in all of our communities, the crime is being perpetuated … (by) a small group of folks,” she said. “If we give law enforcement the tools to be able to solve the crimes, and we're able to get these small group of folks off the streets, that produces a significant turnaround that we see in communities relatively quickly.”
Gordon-Booth gave a personal example. In 2014 her 22-year-old son Derrick Booth Jr. was killed at a birthday party. A witness came forward to identify the killer, who Gordon-Booth said would still be at large without the testimony.
“One of the pieces that gets left out of that conversation is, what does that individual have to go through in order to be a witness to a homicide?” she said.
They have to witness the crime, but also be willing to be a part of a prosecution, she said.
“They also have to go and take the stand in court and stand before that individual who they saw take someone else's life,” she said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed funding a Gang Violence Witness Protection Program with $20 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Peters has a bill, Senate Bill 4203, appropriating that amount while requesting another $1 million to fund grants to create anonymous hotlines across the state and fund cash rewards for tipsters.
His amendment to House Bill 4736 would also rename the Gang Crime Witness Protection Act as the Violent Crime Witness Protection Act and it would expand it to be able to fund emergency relocation expenses, lost wage assistance, security deposits for rent and utilities and other relocation expenses.
The financial assistance program would go online in January 2023, per the bill.
The plan would also create a crime reduction task force that would include lawmakers, law enforcement, legal and criminal justice professionals, crime victims and witnesses. The task force would meet four times to discuss violence prevention measures and report back to the governor and General Assembly by March 1, 2023.
Democrats made clear the long-awaited package is still under negotiation in the General Assembly, particularly the funding components.
As written, the funding increases proposed in Senate Bill 4202 include $598 million for early childhood education, an increase of $54.4 million from the current year, which is a number in line with the governor’s budget proposal. The Monetary Award Program providing financial aid to college students with financial aid would see $529 million in the bill, an increase of $50 million from the current year but less than the $601 million proposed by Pritzker.
The Child Care Assistance Program would see $3 billion, an increase of $41.1 million; a Teen REACH After-School program would see $19.6 million, an increase of $5.1 million; a Redeploy Illinois Program focusing on incarcerated youths would see $14.3 million, an increase of $8 million; and other after school programming would see $45 million, an increase of $25 million.
Other proposed expenditures include $7.7 million for the Parents Too Soon program that aids new and expecting teen parents, an increase of $850,000 from current year; and $10.8 million for the Healthy Families Illinois program that falls under the previous program, an increase of $850,000.
The Democrats said the programs were identified because of their effectiveness, but the dollar amounts are subject to change.
“They’re programs that we’re already funding, what we're pushing to do is to increase funding of these programs because we know that they work,” Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, said.
Gordon-Booth also introduced an amendment to House Bill 1360, which would create a “co-responder” pilot program that sends social workers alongside officers of the police departments in East St. Louis, Peoria, Springfield and Waukegan. The social workers would look to address mental health issues.
Republicans in recent months have been hitting Democrats on crime, including for passing a criminal justice reform in January 2021 known as the SAFE-T Act.
While Republicans have referred to that law as the “defund the police” act, it did not take any action affecting law enforcement funding, although it did add requirements that departments adopt body cameras on a staggered timeline with the smallest departments being required to adopt them by 2025. The governor’s budget includes $10 million in grants to fund body cameras.
In a news conference on Thursday, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, said the measure was a “de facto defunding of the police” that has been “catastrophic towards morale in police departments.”
The SAFE-T Act eliminates cash bail beginning next year in favor of a system prioritizing the offender’s threat level over ability to pay. It’s to be defined in the courts. The act also changes use-of-force guidelines for law enforcement, creates a new police certification system and expands detainee rights.
Peters rejected Republican attacks on the SAFE-T Act after the news conference, noting several of the provisions most maligned by the GOP have not yet taken effect.
32 unsolved crimes in Illinois
December 23, 1975 - Carol Rofstad
Carol Rofstad, who was 21 when she was killed, lived in Normal, IL while attending Illinois State University. She was found beaten unconscious about noon December 23, 1975, outside her sorority house at 602 S. Fell Street. The suspected murder weapon, an 18-inch piece of railroad tie, was found nearby. Rofstad wasn't found until roughly 12 hours after the attack. She died Christmas Eve as a result of head injuries.
Two men, one of whom carried a club, were seen between 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. on December 22, 1975. Both were white males and between the ages of 18 and 25.
At the time of the attack, most students had already left campus for the holiday break. Instead of returning to Elk Grove Village, though, Rofstad had stayed in the Twin Cities to work at a retail store. Money was found in her purse and there was no evidence of sexual assault. Two women, in the sorority house, neither saw nor heard anything unusual.
Anyone with information in this case can call the Normal Police Department at (309) 454-9526, or Crime Stoppers of McLean County at (309) 828-1111.
October 2,1976 - Unidentified Female
On October 2, 1976, a local farmer in unincorporated Seneca, IL, discovered the victim in a ditch along U.S. Route 6, 1/4 mile east of the LaSalle County line. The victim had died from a gun shot wound.
If anyone has any information, please contact Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson at The Grundy County Coroner's Office at 815-942-3792 or email: bjohnson@grundyco.org.
May 26, 1980 - Diana K. Smith
On May 26, 1980, Illinois State Police Investigations and the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office initiated a death investigation reference a white female (SMITH) found badly decomposed on the banks of the Rock River in Barstow, Illinois. Smith (Age 21) was last seen on May 20, 1980 leaving her house to go bowling in Rock Island.
Any persons associated with Smith, or who may have knowledge of her murder are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
March 30, 1984 - Lisa Ann Carnes
Lisa Carnes' body was found on March 30, 1984 in a field in rural Massac County near Macedonia Church Road and US Highway 45.
Anyone who has information that may be helpful in solving this crime is asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at (618) 845-3740.
April 9, 1985 - Unidentified Male
On April 9, 1985, the Adams County Sheriff's Department was notified of the discovery of a deceased unidentified white male (approximately 20-30 years of age). The body was discovered by a private citizen. The body was located near an abandoned rock quarry on property rented by the Western IL Stone Company. This area is in the northwest portion of Adams County, IL (approximately 4 miles east of Meyer, IL) and is a rural area. The property was adjacent to County Road 0543E. Upon arrival officers of the ISP and Adams County Sheriff's Dept. observed the unidentified white male body which was partially covered. An autopsy was performed which concluded the cause of death was the result of multiple blunt trauma to the head and torso. The individual was found wearing "segefield" blue jeans, blue insulated underwear, gray socks (no shoes), a white printed t-shirt was located with the individual with the following printing "Captain Anderson's Restaurant Panama City Beach, FL." Investigators also noted a distinct tattoo on the victim's right forearm (a skeleton holding an inverted shotgun).
If anyone has any information regarding this case they can contact Illinois State Police, Zone 4 Investigations (217-285-2034) or the Adams County Sheriff's Department (217-227-2200).
May 20, 1986 - Kathleen A. Goebeler
On May 20, 1986, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 01 responded to an area of abandoned railroad tracks located on the south side of I-88, milepost 28.5, wherein a citizen had discovered the decomposed skeletal remains of a white female now identified as Kathleen A. Goebeler, DOB: 11-12-1956, 5'01", 105 pounds. Kathleen's maiden name is Johnson. Her last known address was Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kathleen was last seen between April 11th and 18th, 1986, in Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
It is known that Goebeler would hitchhike as a means of transportation. Goebeler was known to have worked in strip clubs in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area, Atlantic City, New Jersey area and possibly the northwest West Virginia area.
Geographic information regarding the area wherein the female was found: I-88 is an east/west toll way which connects the Quad Cities with Chicago, Illinois (very rural in nature). This location was approximately 120 miles west of Chicago. At the time of death, I-88 was still Illinois Route 5, a four lane highway. The body was found approximately 45' south of the roadway across a barbed wire fence in a sparsely wooded area.
The photo included with this unsolved crime information is a reconstructed photo.
If you have any information please contact Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4012 or call Crimestoppers at 309/762-9500.
July 20, 1990 - Unidentified Female
On July 20, 1990, at 1:25 p.m., an unidentified, white female body, approximately 5'4"-5'6" tall and 120-130lbs. in weight, was found in a bean field approximately 40 feet north of Lebanon Road, 1/10th of a mile west of the Troy and O'Fallon Road in Jarvis Township, Collinsville, Illinois. The victim's death resulted from multiple cutting and stab wounds to the neck and torso; her fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries were missing. Evidence of surgical removal could not be determined. No defensive wounds were found on the victim. The body appeared to have been placed at the site two to three days prior to discovery. An image of a heart shaped turquoise ring she was wearing at the time of her discovery is attached, as well as a photograph of a reconstructive sculpture and artist interpretive sketch of her possible appearance before death.
Anyone with any information regarding the identification of the unidentified victim is urged to contact Madison County Sheriff's Department at 618/692-0871 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 4, 1990 - Robin Renea Abrams
Robin Renea Abrams was reported missing on October 4, 1990. Abrams was last seen at approximately 4:00 PM, in the area of Goodenow Road, in Beecher, Illinois. At the time of her disappearance, Abrams was 28 years old and was believed to be wearing a black leather jacket, a white, long sleeved, knit pullover, black patent leather shoes and a gold pinky ring. Abrams was also possibly carrying a small, light beige, patterned clutch purse. Abrams was last seen driving a Red 1989 Dodge Daytona Hatchback that was later recovered in Harvey, Illinois.
Anyone having information concerning the disappearance of Robin Renea Abrams should contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations Section at 815-726-6377
August 23, 1992 - Tammy J. Zywicki
On August 23, 1992, Tammy J. Zywicki departed Evanston, Illinois, for college in Grinnell, Iowa, where she was expected to arrive that evening. Later that day, Zywicki's car was found by an Illinois State Trooper and ticketed as being abandoned. On August 24, 1992, the vehicle was towed by the Illinois State Police. On that same evening, Zywicki's mother contacted the Illinois State Police and advised them that her daughter had not arrived at college. On September 1, 1992, Zywicki's body was located along Interstate Highway 44 (I-44) in rural Lawrence County, Missouri, which is located between Springfield and Joplin, Missouri. She had been stabbed to death.
Zywicki was reportedly last seen with her car, a 1985 Pontiac T100 with New Jersey license plates, on Interstate 80 at mile marker 83 in LaSalle County, Illinois, between 3:10 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 1992. It was also reported that a tractor/trailer was seen near Zywicki's vehicle during this time period. The driver of the tractor/trailer is described as a white male between 35 and 40 years of age, over six feet tall, with dark, bushy hair. Some of the victim's personal property is known to be missing, including a Cannon 35mm camera and a musical wrist watch with an umbrella on its face and it played a tune.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations at (815) 726-6377.
January 27, 1993 - Unidentified Female
On January 27, 1993, the head of a white female was found in a wooded area in the Wayne Fitzgerald State Park in Jefferson County, Illinois. Postmortem examination revealed the victim had approximately shoulder length reddish-brown hair.
Analysis by the University of Illinois, Anthropology Department indicated the victim's age ranged between 30 to 50 years. Unusual skeletal characteristics of the skull and upper front cervical vertebrae indicate the victim suffered from chronic spasmodic torticollis or wryneck, a condition which causes stress on the muscles which are responsible for maintaining upright head posture. Evidence of a healed traumatic lesion on the skull suggests this condition may have been preceded by head trauma; this would have resulted in the victim maintaining a leftward tilt of the head.
Anyone with any information that would help identify this unidentified victim is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at 618-542-1137 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
June 29, 1993 - Keith L Brown
On Feb. 3, 1993, the wife of Keith L. Brown 34, of Buckner reported her husband was missing. Brown's blue 1989 Plymouth hatchback, (IL. Reg. KWA682) was located two days later in a remote area near Crab Orchard Lake in Williamson County. On June 29,1993, Brown's skeletal remains were found in a hay field near Crab Orchard Lake by a farmer. Brown had been shot several times.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations at (618)542-2171.
July 24, 1993 - Carmen Charneco
Carmen Charneco was found murdered on July 24, 1993 on Interstate 90 in Elgin, Illinois.
The Illinois State Police is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of Edwin Acevedo Rodriguez, Male/Hispanic, 12/18/72. Rodriguez is a wanted fugitive who fled the Elgin area in July 1993 and is wanted for questioning in the death of Carmen Charneco. Rodriguez should be considered armed and dangerous. Rodriguez has a history of drugs and weapons and has been identified as a member of the street gang “Maniac Latin Disciples." Warrants for Parole Violation, Public Peace/Damage to Property/Mob Action, and Unlawful Flight to Avoid Confinement, have been issued for Rodriguez. Before any law enforcement action is taken, agencies should confirm the status of the warrants. The Illinois State Police will coordinate extradition proceedings if Rodriguez is apprehended anywhere. Rodriguez has relatives in and has been sighted in Brooklyn, Bronx, New York, New York and the areas surrounding Aguada, Aguadilla Puerto Rico. He was also sighted in Hialeah, Florida. Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican male, approximately 5 feet, 3 - 5 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, his weight was approximately 132-150 pounds, but this description is dated. Rodriguez has several tattoos including ones on his left and right thighs, right arm, forearm, and shoulder. The attached photograph shows Rodriguez as he looked in 1993. No more recent information is available.
Anyone having information concerning this case should contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 1 Investigations at 847-294-4314. Any request for a tip to be from an anonymous source will be honored.
August 5, 1994 - Sherry Lewis
On August 5, 1994, 30-year-old Sherry L. Lewis, a Decatur realtor, was found deceased in a Macon County residence that was for sale which she had an appointment to show.
Anyone with information regarding the Lewis murder should contact the Macon County Sheriff's Office at (217) 424-1337.
The family of Sherry Lewis is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder. Contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 5 Investigations at 815/844-1500 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 10, 1994 - Jeffery W. Archer
Illinois State Police, District Chicago Investigations is seeking assistance regarding the death of Jeffery W. Archer. He was last seen leaving his 1990 Plymouth Voyager, Illinois Registration TU5880 on October 10, 1994, at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the area of 6900 South Wolf Road, Indian Head Park, Illinois. His body was recovered on October 16, 1994, from the Sanitary Shipping Canal, one mile east of Routes 83 and 171.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact ISP Zone 1 Investigations at (847) 608-3200 to provide any additional information.
August 13, 1995 - Phil Christensen
Phillip Christensen was found deceased on August 13, 1995 on Stouffer Road in rural Sterling, IL. An autopsy revealed he died of gunshot wounds. Christensen was a life-long resident of the Sterling-Rock Falls area and known to frequent many of the bars in that area. Many of Christensen's associates were interviewed at the time of his murder and some may have more information to offer.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Phil Christensen is encouraged to contact the Illinois State police, Zone 2 Investigations at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
November 1, 1995 - Shana M Jaros
The Illinois State Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nokomis Police Department are seeking assistance regarding the homicide of Shana Marie Jaros, of Nokomis, Illinois.
Just before 7:00 a.m., on November 1, 1995, Jaros' deceased body was discovered in her apartment of one week at 527 South Maple, Nokomis, Illinois. A neighbor reported she heard a scuffle in Jaros's apartment at approximately 4:46 a.m. on November 1, 1995. The neighbor did not observe anyone leaving the victim's apartment immediately thereafter.
Jaros received more than 50 stab-cutting wounds from just above her breasts to her neck. Death resulted from massive blood loss.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 217-324-2515, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-352-0136.
April 22, 1998 - Unidentified Male
On April 22, 1998, an unidentified male was found in a field near I-55 and Rt. 53 between the towns of Bolingbrook and Romeoville IL. He had been deceased for an estimated 2 to 5 years. He was wearing an extra large blue nylon Starter jacket, blue jeans and size 9 or 9 1/2 Nike shoes.
This person had a distinct overbite. Dental records are available for comparison. DNA profile has been established at the Illinois State Police Crime lab in Joliet IL, and is on file in CODIS.
The attached image is a facial/cranial reconstruction prepared by the FBI and is an approximation, not an exact replication, of the face and head.
Please contact Will County Coroner's Office at 815-727-8455.
April 25, 1998 - Jeremy "Chappy" Chappelear
On Saturday, April 25, 1998, at approximately 5:25 a.m., the body of 20-year- old Jeremy "Chappy" Chappelear was found on Buckeye Trail, 200 feet south of 4th Avenue, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Donnellson, Illinois, by a fisherman en route to Coffeen Lake. Jeremy apparently died from being struck and/or run over by a vehicle.
Jeremy had last been seen around 2 a.m. (April 25, 1998) at a farmhouse party two miles away. Jeremy may have been making his 10-mile-walk home when killed.
If you have any information please contact Illinois State Police, Crash Reconstruction Unit at 618-542-1116, or Crime Stoppers 800/352-0136.
June 29, 1999 - Amy Warner
Amy Warner, a 23-year-old single mother of two, was killed June 29, 1999, in her home at 17 7th St. in Charleston, Illinois. No one has ever been charged with her stabbing death.
January 30, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On Wednesday, January 30, 2002, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Illinois State Police responded to a complaint concerning the discovery of skeletal remains near mile marker 22 on Interstate 64. The complaint originated from workers of the Illinois Department of Transportation who were working in the vicinity and discovered the remains.
The skeletal remains were situated off the roadway on the east side of the Silver Creek overpass in rural Mascoutah, Illinois. At the direction of the St. Clair County Coroner’s office, the remains were transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital, East St. Louis, Illinois, where an autopsy was performed. The autopsy, performed by Dr. James Petterchak, revealed the following information: the deceased is believed to be an African-American female, approximately aged 20 to 30 years, with two rings on the left hand (one 14 ct. small gold band (size 7 1/4) and one costume style ring (size 6 ½) with a light blue colored tear shaped stone), wearing a black colored sleeveless one-piece Jason Matthews brand jumpsuit.
The autopsy could not determine the cause of the death and it is believed that the victim has been deceased for several months. Additional forensic examinations will be conducted to determine the identity of the woman.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding her death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618/346-3782, or Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
March 11, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On March 11, 2002, at approximately 1:57 p.m., the Illinois State Police responded to a complaint concerning the discovery of human skeletal remains near mile post 23 on Interstate 70 (eastbound) near Collinsville, Illinois. The complaint originated from workers of the Illinois Department of Transportation who were working in the vicinity and discovered the remains.
The remains were removed from the scene and transported to the Madison County Morgue in Edwardsville, Illinois, where an autopsy was conducted on March 12, 2002. The autopsy did not determine a cause of death, however further examination by forensic anthropologists revealed the following information: The skeletal remains are of a black female, approximately 5'1" to 5'6" in height (5'3" believed to the most accurate).
There is no estimate of weight, and the approximate age is between 24-30 years old. It is believed the remains have been at this location for approximately 4-6 months. The skeletal remains were almost completely intact and clad in a pair of gray colored Second Skins brand shorts (size: medium) with rhinestones and a red and white colored check flannel style Tommy Hilfiger button down man's style shirt (size: XL). In addition, a man's style "gold" nugget style ring with two glass stones was found with the remains. The ring originally held four stones in the setting. The ring was determined to be costume jewelry and is a size 7 1/4. Also found were two bracelets. The one bracelet is a metal hoop, approximately 3 inches in diameter, smooth on one side with a channel on the other side. A ring of black onyx beads on elastic string fits into the channel bracelet. The second bracelet is a combination of three separate bracelets. The second bracelet has numerous plastic beads (yellow, green, black, mauve, and brown) strung with thin elastic string that could be stretched. The three separate bracelets were gathered by a single, oval shaped metallic ring with a small hole at one end that appeared to be for the purpose of hanging a charm.
On June 18, 2002, the Illinois State Police released computer recreation images of a black female victim that was originally discovered on March 11, 2002. The images reflect how the victim may have looked prior to her death.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding her death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618/346-3782, or Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
March 28, 2002 - Unidentified Female
On Thursday, March 28, 2002, the Columbia Police Department along with the Major Case Squad began investigating the skeletal remains found on a creek bed on Route 3 near Gall Road in Columbia. Investigators located a green shirt with a large "M" and the word "Mavericks", in orange or yellow lettering, across the front of the shirt. The shirt also had two buttons at the top similar to a softball jersey. The shirt is an adult XL. Also at the scene were a pair of khaki colored size 3 "Chazzz Credentials" shorts.
A preliminary report by the Forensic Medical Investigator describes this person as a female, age 33 to 50, with African American ancestry, 5' 01" "give or take three inches", and believed to have children. The victim possibly had a scar across her forehead. Additional information will be available in the coming days.
The Medical Investigator believed the person has been deceased at least six months but no more than one year.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbia Police Department at 618-281-5151 or or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
October 1, 2002 - Unidentified Female
The Illinois State Police, in cooperation with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, is seeking any information that may help identify the skeletal remains of a black female, which were found in October 2002 near the Will/Kankakee County Line, near Route 45. This reconstruction was done by a forensic artist, based on the remains. The woman was approximately 30-40 years old at the time of death and stood around 5 foot 3 inches tall. She is thought to have died in 2001. (The hairstyle and length is only an estimate.)
If you can provide any information about the possible identity of this person, or the circumstances of her death, please contact Illinois State Police, Zone 3 Investigations at (815) 698-2672. All information will be treated as confidential upon request.
March 26, 2003 - Dalton Mesarchik
On March 26, 2003, seven-year-old Streator resident Dalton Mesarchik was reported missing from the front yard of his home. The following day, Dalton's body was located in the Vermillion River. An intense, multi jurisdictional investigation ensued. Agents from the Streator Police Department, Livingston County Sheriff's Department, and Illinois State Police interviewed dozens of people and followed up on hundreds of leads in an attempt to identify the person responsible for Dalton's murder. Physical evidence from Dalton's body and the body recovery site was sent to the ISP Crime Lab for processing. View the press release announcing the Dalton Mesarchik Task Force.
Anyone with information of Dalton’s murder, the hammer used in the murder, or the location where Dalton’s body was found may contact: Illinois State Police - Dalton Mesarchik Task Force by telephone at 1-815-844-1500 (ext.2321) or email at daltonm@isp.state.il.us
May 26, 2003 - Unidentified Male
On May 30, 2003, the Illinois State Police began investigating a homicide in Brooklyn, IL. The vehicle and the victim were abandoned since Monday, May 26, 2003.
Victim believed to be a male/Hispanic, 18-25 years old, between 5'11" and 6', weighing 200-230 lbs. Clothing victim was wearing was a light blue or light green and white striped button up shirt, black jeans, black cowboy boots, and a black belt with silver attachments that resemble Southwestern Indian style jewelry. Sizes of the clothing are available. The jewelry the victim was wearing appears to be a good quality gold bracelet with the letters "ONO" raised and studded in diamonds. There is a flower on each side of "ONO" consisting of eight petals that are diamonds surrounding a center diamond. The victim was also wearing what appears to be a good quality large man's gold ring with a cluster of six diamonds surrounding a center diamond. Victim was wearing a silver Casio brand watch with digital numbers. The unidentified victim has a tattoo on the back of his right shoulder. Victim was found in the trunk of a red 1988 Dodge Dynasty with Kansas temporary tag.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding his death are urged to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at 618-346-3770 or call Crimestoppers at 1/800-371-TIPS(8477).
July 6, 2003 - Jone Knapton
On July 6, 2003, 47 year-old East Moline resident Jone Knapton was reported missing. Four days later, Jone's body was located in the Green River in rural Henry County. An intense, multi jurisdictional investigation ensued. Agents from the East Moline Police Department, Henry County Sheriff's Department, and Illinois State Police interviewed dozens of people and followed up on hundreds of leads in an attempt to identify the person responsible for Jone's murder.
Anyone having information concerning this case is urged to contact the Illinois State, Zone 2 Investigations at (309) 752-4915 or the Quad Cities Crime Stoppers: (309) 762-9500.
November 1, 2004 - LeAnne Taylor
LeAnne Taylor was last seen alive Thanksgiving weekend 2004. Her body was later found by IDOT workers on December 4, 2004, along Bypass 20 outside of Rockford, Illinois. A group of individuals familiar to Taylor have been identified. Some may be responsible for her death, or may have knowledge of her murder. Not all these individuals are associated with each other. The Illinois State Police is looking for people who knew Taylor and may have provided information in the past, but now have more to offer. Additionally, any individuals who did not come forward at the time of her death, but have information to offer, are encouraged to come forward now and speak with investigators.
Agents with the Illinois State Police, Zone 2 Investigations may be contacted at 815-632-4010, ext. 232.
January 6, 2005 - Unidentified Male
On January 6, 2005 at approximately 4 p.m., the body of a male white subject was recovered from the Illinois/Michigan Shipping Canal near Summit, Illinois. The subject is 5'9" in height, weighing 185 pounds between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age with balding brown hair and a mustache. At the time the subject was recovered, he was wearing a brown sweater, blue shirt, dark blue pants, a white t-shirt, and black size nine slip-on shoes. It is believed that the subject may have been homeless at the time.
Any person having information or questions are asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 1 Investigations at 847-294-4600. (Case # 05-10145DP)
April 5, 2007 - Barry Marcel Lowery
On Thursday, April 5, 2007 at approximately 5:20 a.m., Barry Marcel Lowery, was found shot to death inside his residence at 640 North 53rd Street in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Anyone with information about the murder of Lowery is asked to contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at (618) 346-3782 or St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers (www.stlrcs.org) at (866) 371-TIPS (8477). CrimeStoppers will pay up to $1000 for anonymous information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
January 28, 2008 - Mark Prasse
Northwest of Paris, Illinois and southwest of Chrisman, Illinois, was the site of the double homicide of Mark Prasse of Chrisman and Ryan Riddell of Villa Grove, who were found by police on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2008. Police suspect the two friends, both 32 at the time of their deaths, may have been victims of a targeted killing.
Story from jg-tc.com: https://jg-tc.com/news/double-murder-pair-apparently-shot-to-death-found-in-rural/article_1c1015a3-1e13-5e0f-809e-4d60dafae611.html
The double homicide is being investigated by the Illinois State Police’s crime scene services and investigations units, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department and the Edgar County Coroner’s office. Anyone with information relative to the incident is asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department at 465-4166.
Janury 28, 2008 - Ryan Riddell
Northwest of Paris, Illinois and southwest of Chrisman, Illinois, was the site of the double homicide of Mark Prasse of Chrisman and Ryan Riddell of Villa Grove, who were found by police on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2008. Police suspect the two friends, both 32 at the time of their deaths, may have been victims of a targeted killing.
Story from jg-tc.com: https://jg-tc.com/news/double-murder-pair-apparently-shot-to-death-found-in-rural/article_1c1015a3-1e13-5e0f-809e-4d60dafae611.html
The double homicide is being investigated by the Illinois State Police’s crime scene services and investigations units, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department and the Edgar County Coroner’s office. Anyone with information relative to the incident is asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department at 465-4166.
June 3, 2010 - Thomas Moore
On Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Thomas D. Moore, an O'Fallon, IL resident, was found shot to death in the roadway in the 5700 Block of Portland Place in Washington Park, Illinois. Two black males were observed fleeing the scene in Moore's vehicle, which was found burned a short time later in Washington Park.
Anyone with information about Moore's murder should contact Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at (618) 346-3759 or call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS(8477).
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This evening in Bloomington: Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 33F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. The forecast is calling for cold temperatures in Bloomington Saturday. It looks to reach a chilly 49 degrees. We'll see a low temperature of 31 degrees tomorrow. The forecast is calling for scattered showers. Most likely, the area will see rainfall tomorrow. Currently, there is 64% chance of precipitation in tomorrow's forecast. Saturday's winds could be brisk, with winds reaching 20 miles per hour, coming from southwest. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. Stay in the know. Visit pantagraph.com for local news and weather.
Apr. 1, 2022 evening weather update for Central Illinois
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A stormy afternoon is expected across Illinois today with heavy rain and lightning being common. A few storms will likely be severe. Here's everything you need to know to be prepared for the day.
Just some light showers in spots today, but Wednesday looks quite stormy across all of Illinois. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and even tornadoes are looking more likely. Here's all the details.
The chance for thunderstorms is over, but light showers are still in the forecast today. See when we'll finally dry out across the area in our updated weather outlook.
Temperatures will stay below normal for this time of year today. We'll be warming in the days ahead, but rain will return to the area. A few severe storms are possible in southern Illinois Wednesday.
Dry conditions today, but temps will stay below normal for this time of year. Will we warm up this weekend? When's our best chance of rain? All your weather questions answered in our updated forecast.
Hail is a possibility amid strong and severe thunderstorms, putting a lot of valuables in danger. So what can you do about it?
Temperatures in the 60s are expected for the Bloomington area. It looks to reach a mild 63 degrees. Expect a drastic drop in temperatures thou…
Temperatures in Bloomington will be cool today. It should reach a cold 44 degrees. 40 degrees is today's low. Partly cloudy skies are in the f…
Bloomington residents should expect temperatures in the 40s. It looks like it will be a bitter 41 degrees. Today's forecasted low temperature …
It will be a cold day in Bloomington, with temperatures in the 30s. The forecast calls for it to be a nippy 39 degrees. 22 degrees is today's …
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Good evening and welcome back to another episode of 'Long Story Short' podcast where we recap Central Illinois news from Lee Enterprises' journalists. This week we have a shortened version of the pod, but a lot of exciting and important updates.
Stories mentioned this week include fallen state trooper Todd Hanneken's name being added to the ISP memorial wall in Springfield; St. Teresa's Mark Ramsey named Herald & Review's Macon County Football Coach of the Year; and Bloomington Ward 1 Alderman Jamie Mathy announced his resignation.
To read more about any of the stories mentioned this week, find our full reporting at pantagraph.com, herald-review.com and jg-tc.com. Subscribe to 'Long Story Short' for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Music by Podington Bear.
Stories mentioned on this week's 'Long Story Short' podcast
Listen now: Past episodes of 'Long Story Short' podcast
Lee Enterprises' 'Long Story Short' podcast covers Central Illinois news across our three websites: pantagraph.com, herald-review.com, and jg-tc.com. Subscribe for free at iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Welcome back to another episode of 'Long Story Short' where we recap Central Illinois news from Lee Enterprises' journalists. We're back after…
This week reporters Sierra Henry and Kelsey Watznauer discuss how Decatur city officials are pledging to better equip police to handle the ris…
Happy November everyone! Remember the reason for the season: Mariah Carey said 'Goodbye Halloween' and 'Hello Christmas'!
This week reporters Sierra Henry and Kelsey Watznauer discuss the Jelani Day case, truck driver shortages and the local restaurant scene.
Sierra Henry and Kelsey Watznauer discuss The Pantagraph's behind-the-scenes look at Rivian's production facility in Normal.
Welcome back to Long Story Short, the weekly podcast wherein we recap Central Illinois news from Lee Enterprises' journalists.
On this week's episode, reporters Sierra Henry and Kelsey Watznauer talk about upcoming theater performances and, of course, the highly antici…
On this week's episode, reporters Sierra Henry and Kelsey Watznauer discuss the Central Illinois newsrooms' project for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
It's that wonderful time of the year again where Lee Enterprises' reporters, photographers and editors get to reflect on the past year and all…
We are back from our extended break during the holiday season! Stay tuned to our community news segment where we talk about an all-black house…
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This week we had a lot going on, especially as we marked President Joe Biden's first year in office. Several of our reports take a look back o…
Contact Sierra Henry at 309-820-3234. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_sierrahenry.
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Americans love football. Be it high school, college or the NFL, it’s our country’s most popular spectator sport.
But if the game is tied at the end of regulation, we have no idea how to end it. No level of football has a great plan for overtime.
Tuesday, the NFL announced it’s changing its overtime rule following last season’s AFC Championship game, which was won by the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime with the Buffalo Bills’ offense never touching the ball. The rule had long been unpopular among fans and placed a premium on winning the coin toss. It’s so contentious, Nobel Prize winners have even weighed in on possible solutions.
The new rule allows both teams to possess the ball. If the game is still tied after each team has one possession, the next team to score wins.
This is clearly better, but still gives a major advantage to the team that wins the coin toss.
The rules for high school and college overtimes have both changed drastically through the years, but are mostly the same at this point — possessions start at the opponent’s 25 and both teams get a chance to have the ball. The rules begin to differ slightly in college and high school the longer the game goes on, but eventually point-after kicks are eliminated.
That’s not bad, but it’s not quite football. Possessions don’t start at the opponent’s 25.
Still, both teams always get a chance to score, which at least takes the coin toss out of the equation.
Baltimore’s John Harbaugh was among those not in favor of the new NFL rule: “I don’t think adding plays to the game is the answer,” he said. With the ability to keep an NFL player healthy for an entire season that just gained another game already difficult, fewer plays does make sense.
Harbaugh does like a plan endorsed by Richard Thaler, a Nobel Prize-winning economics professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In the “spot and choose” method, the winner of the coin toss gets to determine where the ball is placed on the field for the start of overtime, and the other team gets to pick whether it wants to start its possession from there or play defense.
But that plan didn’t gain much traction with owners.
The best way to solve a complicated problem is often to simplify it. The easiest solution in the NFL: Ties.
Sports leagues are, in general, loath to have ties. But in the NFL, why? They’re easy to reflect in the standings and could cause for some interesting late-game decisions, especially during the playoff race.
Obviously, playoff games can’t end in ties. So do what basketball does — put some time on the clock and play until it runs out. Ten minutes seems like a good amount to start with. Winning the coin toss would still be a potential advantage, but at a much lower level.
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BLOOMINGTON — Five Republican candidates for the McLean County Board avoided removal from the primary ballot despite seven objections to their filing petitions.
Candidates Annette Fellows, Catherine Metsker, Hannah Blumenshine, John McIntyre and Vicki Shultz did not number the pages in their petitions for ballot positioning, which is required under Illinois election law. The three-member McLean County Officers Electoral Board on Friday decided to overrule the resulting objections.
Courts and other electoral boards in Illinois also have previously overruled such objections, ruling that the lack of pagination in some cases does not pose a real threat to election integrity, the board said.
“Courts have admonished electoral boards that we should only remove a candidate where such removal is rationally related to a legitimate governmental objective, keeping in mind the legislative intent in designing the election code to guarantee fair and honest elections,” said McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Koll, a member of the electoral board.
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael and Circuit Clerk Don Everhart also overruled the objections.
“In other cases where commissions refused to remove a candidate from the ballot that had ‘failed to number any of his three pages,’ it was noted that the failure to number three petition pages does not threaten the integrity of the electoral process,” Michael said, citing an Illinois appellate court ruling from a similar case.
“There is little potential for confusion or fraud and the candidate has substantially complied with the requirements,” Michael continued in her citation.
Five constituents raised the objections Monday. Two of the residents filed objections against two of the same candidates, McIntyre and Blumenshine. The electoral board heard six of the seven cases Monday and heard Fellows’ case Friday.
Fellows and the other candidates admitted to an “oversight” error to not number their petitions, and they said it was not intentional.
Fellows also said Friday in her closing statement that McLean County Board members need 24 signatures to be placed on the ballot, comparing it to other offices that require a substantially larger number of signatures.
“For most of us, we’re talking anywhere from five to eight pages and so I don’t feel like it would cause any voter confusion or potential of voter fraud,” Fellows said. “To remove my name from the ballot would be an injustice to the people in District 9 who put their name on that petition that said, ‘I want her name on the petition, so I can vote for that candidate.’”
Gregory Moredock, an attorney representing the five objectors, argued that the threat of election fraud or voter confusion is irrelevant to the lack of petition pagination.
“Failure to make any effort of numbering is not substantial compliance,” Moredock said. “We don’t even get to the question of fraud, tampering or confusion.”
McLean County Republican Party Chairwoman Connie Beard said she’s pleased by the process and the board’s ruling, and she looks forward to “the important work ahead.”
“Hopefully everyone is satisfied that the voters will actually be honored in their choice and that there are no issues about fraud or any other possible concerns about the integrity of the ballot that we will see in the June primary,” Beard said.
Read the ruling:
Blumenshine, Fellows and Metsker also accused the objectors as partisan-motivated, as they pointed to two Democratic county board candidates who also failed to number their petition pages.
County clerk records show unnumbered petitions for Democratic McLean County Board candidates Marcia Beaman (District 1) and Julie Hahn (District 9). Objections were not filed against those candidates.
Jill Blair, a Bloomington resident who objected to Fellows' petition, said the lack of following rules should disqualify a candidate for office.
"Rules are rules. We have them in place for a reason," Blair said. "I don't think we can argue which rules are threats versus which rules we don't have to take seriously."
McLean County Board candidates had to collect at least 24 signatures within 60 days from residents in their district who align with the same political party. The signatures must be compiled into paper documents along with other required information and turned into the clerk’s office to be placed on the ballot.
All 20 McLean County Board seats are on the ballot this year. The board consists of 10 districts with two members representing each.
The primary election is June 28 and the general election is Nov. 8.
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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Supporting the awareness of child neglect and abuse isn’t exactly a brave and bold position to take. Careful treatment of the weakest, youngest and most easy of whom to take advantage should be each society’s default position.
Unfortunately, not all of us are on board. The Centers for Disease Control reports at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year. The CDC adds that number is likely an underestimate. Estimates also suggest 70% of child abuse is unreported. In 2019, 1,840 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an excellent time to ponder child care and what to do about it when it’s witnessed.
Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect. If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first. Non-emergency neglect reports can be filed at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov or childabuse.illinois.gov.
Among those required to report child abuse are health workers, dental employees, teachers, school employees, police, and social workers.
The law protects reporters from civil liability for any call made in good faith. Conversely, any person who knowingly transmits a false report to the department commits the offense of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony.
In Illinois, headlines can lead us to think nothing is being accomplished by the state's Department of Children and Family Services. Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised changes shortly after taking office.For more than three decades, DCFS has operated under federal court oversight due to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois calling for reform in the child welfare system. The department has had 14 different agency leaders from 2003 to 2019.
Pritzker's budget added $100 million to the branch's budget, and there's an additional $250 million proposed this year.
Yet, the agency is understaffed and is criticized for its inability to get troubled youth to the right places quickly.
DCFS Director Marc Smith has been the face of the agency's failure, being held in contempt of court seven times already in 2022 -- that's seven contempt charges in 10 weeks -- for those failures.
The problem didn't start under Pritzker's watch. But he's the one who will field the complaints on the campaign trail. Not without merit, however.
During a DCFS hearing before the House Human Services Appropriations Committee earlier this month, State Rep. Rita Mayfield, a Waukegan Democrat, spoke for many taxpayers, saying, “Every year, you come back and ask for more money. You tell us the same stories, that you’re going to hire more case managers, you’re going to address these issues, and nothing happens."
Mayfield added that the organization's budget is among the state's largest -- the 11th largest among 55 state agencies -- “And we’re just not getting our money’s worth.”
There may be reasons to be optimistic. The funding, handled well, can be a huge help. The spotlight on the agency and its practices is shining bright. April is a good month to intensify that spotlight.
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BLOOMINGTON — A Peoria Heights man was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison on a felony charge following a 2020 police seizure of a half-pound of methamphetamine.
Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffrey Horve said Richard S. Bjorling, 54, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to a Class X felony charge of possession of 15 to 100 grams of meth with intent to deliver.
Dismissed were two other Class X charges for delivering 100-400 grams of meth, and possession of 100-400 grams of meth.
Horve added that a police officer from Peoria testified that Bjorling was arrested on Feb. 26 for stealing catalytic converters, and faces new charges for that in Peoria County.
Bjorling was initially charged with the drug offenses in August 2020 after officers with the Bloomington Police Department vice and street crimes units found 232.5 grams of meth in his car from a court-authorized search.
Prosecutors said at the time police were investigating the transportation of meth from the Peoria area to McLean County.
Photos: McLean County jail mugshots
Joseph Thornton
Joseph R. Thornton III, 50, of Bloomington, was sentenced to nine years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery with discharge of a firearm. He received credit for 527 days already served in jail.
Jared Miller
on June 27, 2020. Bond was set at $50,035.
Jared Miller, 29, was charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID card (Class 3), aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4), two misdemeanor counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, a Class 1 felony charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine (Class 2) and a Class X charge of armed violence, on June 27. Bond was set at $50,035.
Amber Riddle
Amber Riddle, 38, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony), an unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and one Class X felony charge of armed violence on June 27, 2020. Bond was set at $50,035.
Bradley Berry
Bradley R. Berry, 28, of Coal City was charged as of June 17, 2020, with unlawful possession of 1-15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of 1-15 grams of cocaine on Tuesday in Normal . He was sentenced to four days in jail and 24 months probation for one count of unlawful possession of 1-15 grams of cocaine.
Zachary Zwier
Zachary S. Zwier, 27, of the 600 block of Pine Street, Normal, was charged as of June 17,2020, with unlawful possession of 1-15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver ; unlawful delivery of 1-15 grams of cocaine in Normal; and unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine in Bloomington . He was jailed in lieu of posting $2,035.
Daisean Taylor
Daisean L. Taylor, 20, of the 300 block of Reeveston Drive, Bloomington was charged as of June 10, 2020, with Class 2 burglary, Class 4 mob action and Class 4 looting for his alleged actions on May 31 at Target on Veterans Parkway in Normal . He was released on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond and ordered to have no contact with the Shoppes at College Hills, the shopping center in which Target is located.
Kentre A. Jackson
Kentre A. Jackson, 26, of Ypsilanti, Mich., was sentenced to 30 months of conditional discharge. He was charged as of June 9, 2020, with unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. The latter charge was dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Mary Bailey
Mary C. Bailey, 37, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 looting in connection with looting May 31 at Target in Normal. She was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Cornelius Prince
Cornelius Prince, 38, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 looting in connection with the May 31, 2020, looting of Target in Normal. He was jailed in lieu of posting $01,035.
Lillian Williams
Lillian R. Williams, 40, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with Class 2 burglary, Class 4 mob action, and Class 4 looting in connection with looting May 31, 2020, at Target in Normal. She was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Kevin Fisher
Kevin A. Fisher, 21, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with Class 2 felony aggravated battery of a police officer, Class 4 felony mob action and misdemeanor charges of obstruction of identification and resisting a police officer outside the store in connection with a looting incident May 31, 2020, at Target in Normal. He was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Andrew M. Menssen
Andrew M. Menssen, 31, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with a Class 4 felony hate crime, two misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct, two misdemeanor counts of aggravated assault, three misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and one misdemeanor count of endangering the life/health of a child after allegedly releasing a "smoke device" into a crowd of protesters June 3 outside the McLean County Law and Justice Center, Bloomington. He was jailed in lieu of posting $2,535.
Deangelo Glass
Deangelo Glass, 19, of Bloomington was charged as of June 5, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 looting in connection with the June 1 looting at Kohl's at Eastland Mall, Bloomington. He was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Jordan Gilliam
Jordan Gilliam, 20, of LeRoy, was sentenced to two years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of mob action and all other charges were dismissed. He earned credit for 353 days previously served in jail. He was charged as of June 4, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary and Class 4 looting and four counts Class 4 felony mob action in connection with the May 31 looting of Target in Normal. He was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Micah Pacquette
Micah Pacquette, 22, Bloomington, was charged as of June 4, 2020, with Class 2 felony aggravated battery, Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 looting, Class 4 mob action and Class 4 criminal damage to government-supported property (a police vehicle) related to a looting incident May 31 at Kohl's at Eastland Mall. Pacquette was jailed in lieu of posting $50,035.
Christopher Knotts
Christopher L. Knotts, 22, of Bloomington, was charged as of June 4, 2020, with Class 4 theft during the May 31 looting at target in Normal. He is accused of stealing a damaged police protective riot shield that had been placed outside the building. He was jailed in lieu of posting 4,5,35.
Matthew Gilliam
Matthew Gilliam, 24, of LeRoy was charged as of June 4, 2020, with four counts of Class 4 felony mob action in connection with the May 3 looting of Target in Normal. He was jailed in lieu of $10,035.
Darrius Robinson
Darrius Robinson, 27, of Normal was charged as of Jun 4, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony looting and misdemeanor charges of mob action and obstructing a peace officer in connection with looting June 1-2 at Read's Sporting Goods, 812 IAA Drive. Bloomington. His co-defendants are Donald Jackson, 23, of Normal, and Roosevelt D. Woods, 23, of Bloomington.
John Fermon
Kintrell Williams
Kintrell Williams, 19 of Chicago was charged with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 3 felony theft, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. His co-defendants were Kaylia G. Washington, 18, of Streamwood and Lance M. Monden, 19, of Chicago; a 16-year-old girl from Bloomington; and two 17-year-old boys from Chicago.
John Fermon
Kaylia Washington
Kaylia G. Washington, 18, of Streamwood was charged with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 3 felony theft, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. Her co-defendants were Lance M. Monden and Kintrell Williams, both 19 of Chicago; a 16-year-old girl from Bloomington; and two 17-year-old boys from Chicago.
John Fermon
Donald Jackson
Donald Jackson, 23, of Normal was charged as of Jun 4, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony looting and misdemeanor charges of mob action and obstructing a peace officer in connection with looting June 1-2 at Read's Sporting Goods, 812 IAA Drive. Bloomington. His co-defendants are Darrius Robinson, 27, of Normal and Roosevelt D. Woods, 23, of Bloomington.
John Fermon
Joseph D. Matthews
Joseph D. Matthews, 39, of Normal was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. His co-defendants are Charles J. Foster, 27, Tamika N. Foster, 24, and Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, all of Bloomington; Kenleia R. Sims, 27, of Normal; and Maya M. Pizano, 20, Dubuque, Iowa.
John Fermon
Charles Foster
Charles J. Foster, 27, of Bloomington was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary and Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. His co-defendants are Tamika N. Foster, 24, and Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, both of Bloomington; Joseph D. Matthews, 39, and Kenleia R. Sims, 27, both of Normal; and Maya M. Pizano, 20, Dubuque, Iowa.
John Fermon
Jessica Mills
Jessica Mills, 28, of Bloomington was charged as of June 2, 2020, with burglary, looting and mob action in connection with the May 31-June 1 looting of Target in Normal. Her co-defendants are Travis Blake; Angel Hicks, also known as Angel Davis; and Ian Price.
Angel Hicks
Angel Hicks, also known as Angel Davis, 26, who is listed as homeless, was charged as of June 2, 2020, with burglary, looting and mob action in connection with the May 31-June 1 looting of Target in Normal. Her co-defendants are Travis Blake; Jessica Mills and Ian Price.
Travis Blake
Travis Blake, 22, who is listed as homeless, was charged as of June 2, 2020, with burglary, looting and mob action in connection with the May 31-June 1 looting of Target in Normal. His co-defendants are Angel Hicks, also known as Angel Davis; Jessica Mills and Ian Price.
Ian Price
Ian Price, 19, who was listed as homeless, was charged as of June 2, 2020, with burglary, looting and mob action in connection with the May 31-June 1 looting of Target in Normal. His co-defendants are Travis Blake; Angel Hicks, also known as Angel Davis; and Jessica Mills.
Lance Monden
Lance M. Monden, 19 of Chicago was charged with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 3 felony theft, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. His co-defendants were Kaylia G. Washington, 18, of Streamwood and Kintrell Williams, 19, of Chicago; a 16-year-old girl from Bloomington; and two 17-year-old boys from Chicago.
Maya Pizano
Maya M. Pizano, 20, of Dubuque, Iowa was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary and Class 4 felony mob action in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. Her co-defendants are Charles J. Foster, 27, Tamika N. Foster, 24, and Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, all of Bloomington; and Joseph D. Matthews, 39, and Kenleia R. Sims, 27, both of Normal.
Kenleia Sims
Kenleia R. Sims, 27, of Normal was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. Her co-defendants are Charles J. Foster, 27, Tamika N. Foster, 24, and Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, all of Bloomington; Joseph D. Matthews, 39, of Normal; and Maya M. Pizano, 20, Dubuque, Iowa.
Stephanie Lancaster
Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, of Bloomington was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony mob action and Class 4 felony looting in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. Her co-defendants are Charles J. Foster, 27, and Tamika N. Foster, 24, both of Bloomington; Joseph D. Matthews, 39, and Kenleia R. Sims, 27, both of Normal; and Maya M. Pizano, 20, Dubuque, Iowa.
Tamika Foster
Tamika N. Foster, 24, of Bloomington was charged as of June 3, 2020, with one count each of Class 2 felony burglary and Class 4 felony mob action in connection with the looting of Kohl's June 1 at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. Her co-defendants are Charles J. Foster, 27, and Stephanie L. Lancaster, 37, both of Bloomington; Joseph D. Matthews, 39, and Kenleia R. Sims, 27, both of Normal; and Maya M. Pizano, 20, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roosevelt Woods
Roosevelt D. Woods, 23, of Bloomington was charged as of Jun 4, 2020, with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 4 felony looting and misdemeanor charges of mob action and obstructing a peace officer in connection with looting June 1-2 at Read's Sporting Goods, 812 IAA Drive. Bloomington. His co-defendants are Darrius Robinson, 27, and Donald Jackson, 23, both of Normal.
Marshall R. Blanchard
Marshall R. Blanchard
Craig Daniel Swallow
Craig Daniel Swallow, 57, of Normal was charged as of May 15, 2020, with two counts of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession of less than 5 grams of meth. He was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Abigail Wingler
Abigail M. Wingler, 19, of New Orleans was charged as of may 12, 2020, with unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine . Wingler was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Her co-defendant was Grace E. Taylor. The pair were arrested during a traffic stop about 12:15 a.m. May 10 near Maple Hill Road and Wylie Drive in Bloomington.
Grace Taylor
Grace E. Taylor, 19, of Fairbury was charged as of May 12, 2020, with unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of meth; unlawful possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number; manufacture/delivery of 30-500 grams of cannabis ; unlawful possession of 100-500 grams of cannabis; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine; unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card; and unlawful possession of ammunition without a valid firearm owners identification card. Taylor was released on $20,000 personal recognizance bond. Her co-defendant was Abigail M. Wingler. The pair were arrested during a traffic stop about 12:15 a.m. May 10 near Maple Hill Road and Wylie Drive in Bloomington.
Emma Shomper
Emma W. Shomper, 20, of St. Louis was charged as of May 8, 2020, with manufacture/delivery of 100-400 grams of heroin , unlawful possession of 100-400 grams of heroin and forgery. Shomper was jailed in lieu of posting $250,035. Her co-defendant was Demario D. Dunae.
Demario Dunae
Demario D. Dunae, 33, of St. Louis was charged as of May 8, 2020, with manufacture/delivery of 100-400 grams of heroin , unlawful possession of 100-400 grams of heroin and forgery. Dunae was jailed in lieu of posting $250,035. His co-defendant was Emma W. Shomper.
Andrew L. Stanley
Andrew L. Stanley , 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to four years on probation for one count of arson. He pleaded guilty to setting his home on fire while a woman and a teenage girl were inside. One count of aggravated arson was dismissed in a plea agreement.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brian Burnett
Brian K. Burnett, 29, Bloomington was charged as of April 3, 2020, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver , unlawful possession of cannabis for a subsequent offense, unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of alprazolam and unlawful possession of cannabis. He was jailed in lieu of posting $5,035.
Jordan Reiss
Jordan Reiss , 29, of Lexington was charged as of April 2, 2020, with unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver; unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of meth; unlawful use of weapon by a felon; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of hydrocodone ; and two counts of unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of amphetamines . He was jailed in lieu of posting $100,000.
Kalin Griffin
Kalin C. Griffin, 30, of South Bend, Ind., charged as of March 13, 2020, with unlawful possession of 100-400 grams methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of 100-400 grams of methamphetamine in Normal on March 11, both Class X felonies. He was jailed in lieu of posting $200,035.
Sean Greenhalgh
Sean M. Greenhalgh, 26, of Washburn was charged as of march 12, 2020, with two counts of home invasion . He is accused of entering a person’s home on Dec. 21 and intentionally causing harm to them. He also was charged with two counts of solicitation of home invasion, dated Dec. 21 and Oct. 11, for allegedly requesting another person to invade a home in order to commit criminal sexual assault . Greenhalgh was also charged with one count of solicitation of criminal sexual assault from Oct. 11, accused of requesting a person to sexually assault the same victim named in each of his charges. He was jailed in lieu of posting $50,035.
Scott Linski
Scott M. Linski, 33, of Chenoa was charged as of March 11, 2020, with possession of a stolen motor vehicle in Lexington Township . He also was charged with two counts of obstructing justice for allegedly giving a false name to police and one misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle. Linski was jailed in lieu of posting $20,035.
Bradley Carnahan
Bradley J. Carnahan, 39, of McLean was charged as of Feb. 10, 2020, with four counts of aggravated driving under the influence for an alleged third offense on Feb. 9 in McLean. He also is charged with one count of driving with a revoked driver’s license, a class 2 felony for a second alleged offense. He was jailed in lieu of posting $2,035.
Thomas Kelly Benge
Thomas Kelly Benge, 36, of Bloomington was charged as of Feb. 8, 2020, with driving under the influence of drugs and faced a preliminary charge accusing him of escaping from the McLean County Sheriff's Office while in custody. He was jailed in lieu of posting $5,035 on the DUI charge. Bond remains pending on other charges.
Chrystyan Aken
Chrystyan Aken, 19, of the 600 block of South Lee Street , Bloomington, was charged as of Feb. 3, 2020, with harassing a witness or a person who might be called as a witness in a pending legal proceeding, “with the intent to harass or annoy ,” according to court documents. He was jailed in lieu of posting $2,035.
Brandon McDuffie
Brandon C. McDuffie, 28, of the 800 block of East Washington Street, Bloomington, was charged as of Jan. 24, 2020, with aggravated domestic battery for allegedly causing great bodily harm on Jan. 22 to a household member. He is accused of grabbing and squeezing the person's hand, causing a fracture. He was jailed in lieu of posting $5,035.
Shaun Kink
Shaun A. Kink , 34, of Bloomington was charged as of Jan. 15, 2020, with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault/physical disability, one count of criminal sexual assault/force or threat of force and one count of criminal sexual abuse/force or threat of force. He was jailed in lieu of posting $20,035.
Harold Dowling
Harold L. Dowling, 53, of Ellsworth was charged as of Jan. 10, 2020, with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver , 15-100 grams; unlawful possession of meth; unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon; and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. Dowling was jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Jarrod Williams
Jarrod E. Williams, 40, of Bloomington was charged as of Jan. 9, 2020, with aggravated robbery . He is accused of a robbery Jan. 7 at Best Western, 604½ IAA Drive. He was jailed in lieu of posting $30,035.
Richard Rountree
Richard Rountree, 31, Normal, was charged as of Jan. 8, 2020, with endangering the life or health of a child, a Class 3 felony. He allegedly allowed his girlfriend, Cynthia Baker, to fatally beat his daughter, Rica Rountree, 8, who died Jan. 26, 2019. Rountree is jailed in lieu of posting $10,035.
Dennis Dougherty
Dennis Dougherty, 40, was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child family member. Twenty other counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child family member were dismissed.
Quincy Washington
Quincy L. Washington, 40, is charged with two counts of sexual assault, one count of unlawful restraint and one misdemeanor count of domestic battery after an incident that a victim said occurred July 8 in Carlock.
Jonathon Campbell
Jonathan Campbell, 42, was charged in Bloomington Friday with aggravated domestic battery/strangulation and aggravated domestic battery, which are Class 2 felonies, and unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony.
Maurice Sutton
Maurice Sutton was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of weapons by a felon.
Tony Powell
Tony Powell, 20, faces charges of aggravated discharge of a gun into an occupied vehicle, a Class 1 felony, aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, mob action and battery.
Nathaniel A. Butler
Nathaniel A. Butler , 20, of Bloomington was sentenced Jan. 4, 2022, to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alan Marshall
Alan Marshall, 44, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, domestic battery with a prior conviction, and unlawful restraint, both Class 4 felonies.
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-senate-democrats-propose-1-8-billion-in-mostly-temporary-tax-relief/article_6c53fe0c-4f8d-507d-9dd4-9d1237a47af7.html
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SPRINGFIELD — Democrats in the Illinois Senate on Friday announced a $1.8 billion package of mostly temporary tax relief proposals that they hope to include in the fiscal 2023 budget as the legislative session enters its final week.
The package is $800 million beyond the tax relief package proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in his budget in February, although it includes many of the same tax reductions backed by the governor. The measures are contained in eight amendments to Senate Bill 1150.
The measures include direct checks to Illinoisans, a 10-day stay on taxes on schools supplies and qualifying clothing, and a six-month stay on the grocery tax and a motor fuel tax increase, among others.
Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn on April 8, with the budget being the main proposal that still needs to be wrapped up. It needs approval from both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor.
Pritzker’s office said it will review the plan, while Republicans called it an election-year gimmick.
Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, one of the lead budgeteers in the Senate, said the tax relief was made possible by unspecified “additional revenues” made available in the budget.
“As we were going through the budgeting process, additional revenues had been made available,” he said. “And we we've looked at those revenues. We looked at the governor's budget that was proposed in February, there was a billion dollars in tax relief that was planned there. So the tax relief that was planned, we've built on that, based on the new revenues which are available.”
Sims said only that the revenues were “identified from all sources” based on “a rebounding economy.”
Last month the Department of Revenue testified in committee that Illinois took in $4.6 billion more than expected in the current fiscal year that ends June 30, due largely to pandemic-related changes in consumer spending, although Pritzker included that revenue spike in his February budget plan.
IDOR also warned that the ongoing war in Ukraine could have an impact on revenues for the remainder of the current fiscal year and next. And some of the current-year surplus was spent on $1.4 billion in debt reduction in a measure passed last week that also addressed debt in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
The plan announced Friday would include one-time direct checks to Illinoisans. Those earning less than $250,000 in 2021 would receive a $100 check, while joint filers earning less than $500,000 would receive $200. Checks would include an extra $50 per dependent, up to three dependents.
Lawmakers said the hope would be that the checks would be distributed by September, although they said the date was based on immediate taxpayer relief, not on the fact that an election is upcoming in November.
Taxpayers would not need to take action to receive the checks. Anyone who is eligible based on their 2021 return would be sent a check.
Other programs include a six-month suspension on the state’s 1 percent grocery tax, as well as a six-month stay on the inflationary adjustment to the motor fuel tax. That equates to keeping the motor fuel tax at its current level rather than increasing it by 2 to 3 cents.
Democrats are also proposing to increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit by a percentage point, raising it to 19 percent of the federal tax credit. The EITC is a credit available to low- and moderate-income households. It is a refundable credit, meaning those who qualify can receive a refund, even if the amount of the credit exceeds what they would otherwise owe in taxes.
Another proposal would allow for a tax credit up to $300 for homeowners who earn less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly. The credit would be 5 percent of property tax paid, up to $300.
Another measure gets rid of the sales tax on school supplies from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14 this year. The tax moratorium also would apply to qualifying clothing and footwear items up to $125 per item.
It would also give teachers a tax credit up to $250 for supplies purchased for their classrooms and a $500 credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS members who held those positions for at least nine months in the tax year. The sponsors said those credits would be permanent.
“We look forward to reviewing this proposal,” Pritzker’s spokesperson said in a statement. “Our conversations with members of the General Assembly in both chambers have been productive, and we will continue to focus on delivering fiscally responsible relief for working families.”
Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, issued a statement criticizing the proposal’s temporary nature.
“The Senate Democrats’ proposal appears to be just another election year stunt,” he said in a statement. “Under their plan, checks and relief will arrive right before the election and then will expire right after the election. This is not the real reform the people of this state want and need, and Illinoisans will see right through this disingenuous gimmick.”
“I think there should be a hefty internal investigation by DCFS into this case,” Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said. “And if there were failures, those should be remedied.”
An Illinois man kidnapped in Afghanistan two years ago is seen in a video pleading for his release, according to a recording posted Friday by The New Yorker magazine.
A bill that allows teachers and other school and university employees or contractors who are fully vaccinated to take paid administrative leave if they have to miss work due to coronavirus-related issues has cleared the Illinois Senate and will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Representatives of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Springfield Clinic and the Illinois Department of Insurance testified Wednesday before the Illinois House State Government Administration Committee.
If a ring of smash-and-grab thefts stretches across different counties, the proposed legislation would let prosecutors consolidate charges in one county.
"Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer serve you effectively," Rep. Jeff Fortenberry wrote in an email to constituents Saturday afternoon. "I will resign from Congress shortly."
Intersect Illinois helped Rivian negotiate the deal to buy the shuttered Mitsubishi plant for $16 million in January 2017 — but the victories have been few and far between since.
Graduates from Illinois colleges and universities may soon be able to access their transcripts even if they still owe money to the school they attended.
"This is the result of failed tough-on-crime rhetoric meant merely to incite fear and score cheap political points," said Jennifer Soble, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project.
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https://pantagraph.com/opinion/columnists/karen-bussone-finding-space-to-maximize-exposure/article_a7328782-dc0c-5988-873e-382e4544366f.html
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Online shopping is continuing to grow, but brick-and-mortar stores continue to make up the majority of small business retail purchases. Bloomington/Normal and McLean County provide a diverse range of locales and opportunities, but it does take some preparation and hard work to find a space that will maximize exposure to your customer base.
And those traffic numbers are not the end, in and of themselves. The old real estate maxim of “location, location, location” indicates the importance of finding the right locale, but there’s a lot more involved in guaranteeing success than simply finding the right address.
At the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University (SBDC), we help clients clarify their objectives, resources, and potential through all the stages of making the leap from the idea to the storefront.
Here’s just a couple of tips:
Do a needs assessment. Every business is unique, and you know yours best. How much space do you need? (Don’t forget about storage and a secure office.) How much parking? Do you need a reception area? Loading dock? What else?
What’s your budget? Don’t forget that location expenses go quite a bit beyond your rent. Utilities, maintenance, insurance, furnishings, customer conveniences like rest rooms, etc., all need to be considered.
Use your networks. Friends, family, suppliers, or business associates are all potential tipsters about the availability of a space. If you have the resources, engage a commercial real estate agent. The community has many good ones who can save you a lot of time and research.
Once you’ve narrowed things down to a potential space or two, try visiting other businesses in the general neighborhood. What can they tell you about foot traffic and customer demographics? Is their landlord the same person you will be leasing from? What are the plusses and minuses there?
Maybe you’ve found a space that is unique and has never been used for retail. You better check with the local government to ensure your activities will be compatible with the current zoning.
After you’re fairly certain about the location, the lease negotiation is another area of work. Put some other eyes (professional ones, if possible) on that lease document, and also see if the landlord will credit you for improvements you are planning for the space.
I know there’s a lot to unpack here. If you’re undergoing some stress about finding a home for your retail business or would simply like a fresh perspective on your ideas and challenges, contact SBDC (www.mcleancosbdc.org) and let’s talk.
Karen Bussone is director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County, based at Illinois Wesleyan University.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/prosecutors-agree-to-hearings-on-bloomington-mans-innocence-claim-in-1998-murder/article_945f2ef9-af2a-5983-88b5-51cfabb1802e.html
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BLOOMINGTON — Prosecutors on Friday conceded that a hearing is "legally required" on two aspects of a Bloomington man’s petition for post-conviction relief from his 1999 murder conviction in his daughter’s death.
Barton M. McNeil, 62, is serving a 100-year prison sentence on murder charges in the June 15, 1998, suffocation death of 3-year-old Christina McNeil.
McNeil has long argued his innocence and accused his ex-girlfriend, Misook Nowlin, from whom he separated earlier that night, of causing his daughter’s death.
Barton McNeil, shown at the Menard Correctional Center in 2017, will be featured in The Oxygen Network’s “Snapped: Behind Bars.”
DAVID PROEBER, PANTAGRAPH FILE PHOTO
Nowlin, 56, is serving a 55-year prison sentence on murder charges in the 2011 strangulation death of her 70-year-old mother-in-law, Linda Tyda.
McNeil’s lawyers, from the Exoneration Project and the Illinois Innocence Project, filed a petition for post-conviction relief in February 2021 . They suggested that new evidence would have led to his acquittal if it had been available at McNeil's trial.
The motion filed Friday by the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office argues the bulk of McNeil's arguments should be dismissed. But it conceded that hearings should be held on two affidavits backing McNeil’s argument that Nowlin confessed to the murder to her then-husband, Don Wang.
Nowlin’s daughter and her ex-husband’s wife submitted the affidavits in 2013.
Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Koll wrote that the state’s concession to McNeil’s two affidavits requires evidentiary hearings, which would entail a trial-like setting to include testimony.
In a phone interview Friday with The Pantagraph, McNeil said he is intrigued by the state allowing hearings on the affidavits to move forward in court. But he also said he is "not really surprised" that prosecutors want to dismiss the rest of his petition.
"I'm disappointed, as I always am, that this is just extending the injustice suffered by both me and Christina, who for almost a quarter-century now has suffered the indignity of those behind her killing getting clean away and paying no penalties," McNeil said from the Pinckneyville Correctional Center.
"That's where I'm at and that's where I've always been," McNeil said. "From the minute I dialed 911 back in 1998, this is what I was dialing 911 for, is to get a response by the police so that they would then go and arrest who then was transparently obviously responsible for this murder."
Nowlin’s hair and touch DNA had been discovered at the scene of Christina’s death — McNeil’s bed, where Christina would sleep when she visited him. McNeil and Christina’s mother were separated at the time.
Prosecutors minimized Nowlin’s DNA found in the bedsheets, pointing out her romantic relationship with McNeil. McNeil, however, says he washed the bedsheets earlier the same day of Christina’s death, as shown in a line item of a credit card statement submitted in court.
Barton McNeil, 62, at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center in 2021. McNeil is serving a 100-year prison sentence on murder charges for the 1998 death of his 3-year-old daughter Christina. Lawyers from the Illinois Innocence Project and the Exoneration Project began representing him about seven years ago and filed a petition for post-conviction relief in February.
FOR THE PANTAGRAPH
McNeil’s petition also argues that evidence suggests that someone entered Christina’s room through a window. He notes a window fan was knocked on the floor, holes were cut in the window screen, scuff marks were located outside the window and nearby plants were trampled.
McNeil’s lawyers, who include John Hanlon and Stephanie Kamel, also wrote in his petition for relief that “advances in the science of child abuse pediatrics confirm that there is no evidence whatsoever that Christina was sexually abused and, therefore, the evidence presented to the trier of fact regarding McNeil’s alleged motive was entirely false.”
Prosecutors argued in Friday’s motion that the “newly discovered evidence” that McNeil’s lawyers attribute to a doctor is instead “simply ... a different interpretation of the autopsy findings than the State’s forensic pathologist.”
McNeil’s lawyers have until April 21 to file a response to the state’s motion to dismiss.
A hearing for the state's motion to dismiss is set for May 12.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala
Wilmer A. Marquez-Ayala, 35, of Bloomington, is charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor family member (Class 2 felonies) and three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old (Class X felonies).
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Joshway C. Boens
Joshway C. Boens, 41, of Chicago, is charged in McLean County with aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery as a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Seth A. Kindred
Seth A. Kindred , 31, of Ellsworth, was sentenced March 30 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Nunley
Matthew D. Nunley , 33, of Eureka, was sentenced to four years in prison for one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jason R. Roof
Jason R. Roof, 46, of Heyworth, was sentenced March 28 to five and a half years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James L. Fields
James L. Fields , 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Telly H. Arrington
Telly H. Arrington , 24, of Normal, is charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Antonio R. Ross
Antonio R. Ross , 28, of Springfield, was sentenced March 24 to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of retail theft. All other charges were dismissed. He also was ordered to pay $7,305 in restitution. Ross earned credit for previously serving 239 days in jail.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kent D. Johnson
Kent D. Johnson , 34, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carrie Funk
Carrie Funk , 54, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of criminal neglect of an elderly person.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Anthony R. Fairchild
Anthony R. Fairchild , 51, of Bloomington, is charged with one count each of burglary and theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Inez J. Gleghorn
Inez J. Gleghorn, 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in connection to an April 2021 stabbing in Bloomington. Other battery charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexis S. Williams
Alexis S. Williams, 24, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. She pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nayeon A. Teague
Nayeon A. Teague , 21, of Normal, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Frankie L. Hutchinson
Frankie L. Hutchinson , 21, of Chicago, is charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of unlawful possession of stolen vehicle parts, two counts of aggravated fleeing a peace officer and two counts of criminal damage to property.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joseph L. McLeod
Joseph L. McLeod , 40, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and one count each of forgery and deceptive practices.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lanee R. Rich
Lanee R. Rich , 18, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Corey K. Butler
Corey K. Butler , 19, of Champaign, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Darrius D. Robinson
Darrius D. Robinson , 29, of Normal, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jacob Z. Kemp
Jacob Z. Kemp , 32, is charged with three counts of aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan A. Jamison
Jonathan A. Jamison , 44, of Normal, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Geno A. Borrego
Geno A. Borrego , 23, of Pontiac, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Joshua D. Rials
Joshua D. Rials , 28, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of armed violence, Class X felonies, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies. He was charged March 1 with two counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and of firearm ammunition by a felon.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jamakio D. Chapell
Jamakio D. Chapell , 28, of Montgomery, Alabama, is charged with four counts of Class 2 felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer and 11 traffic charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Thomas E. Dolan
Thomas E. Dolan , 22, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful possession of between 500 and 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver, unlawful cannabis possession, battery and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordyn H. Thornton
Jordyn H. Thornton , 22, of Bloomington, was convicted of first-degree murder in the Oct. 30, 2018, shooting death of Trevonte Kirkwood, 27, of Bloomington, in the 1300 block of North Oak Street in Bloomington.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ty W. Johnson
Ty W. Johnson , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with criminal sexual assault, robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kyle D. Kindred
Kyle D. Kindred , 23, of Shirley, is charged with cannabis trafficking, two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of cannabis.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Lorel M. Johnson
Lorel M. Johnson , 41, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kimberlee A. Burton
Kimberlee A. Burton , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of child endangerment, Class A misdemeanors.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin C. Knight
Kevin C. Knight , 40, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Derail T. Riley
Derail T. Riley , 35, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and five counts of Class 4 felony domestic battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ade A. McDaniel
Ade A. McDaniel , 40, of North Miami Beach, Florida, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos L. Hogan
Carlos L. Hogan , 33, of Decatur, is charged with unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine and four counts of unlawful cannabis possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jahni A. Lyons
Jahni A. Lyons , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Justin A. Atkinson
Justin A. Atkinson , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Destiny D. Brown
Destiny D. Brown , 39, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, three counts of methamphetamine possession and one count of methamphetamine delivery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Billy J. Braswell
Billy J. Braswell , 39, of Wapella, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and four counts of methamphetamine possession.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Mitchell A. Rogers
Mitchell A. Rogers , 37, of Peoria, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Matthew D. Stone
Matthew D. Stone , 22, of Normal, is charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler A. Guy
Tyler A. Guy , 25, of Towanda, is charged with one count of Class 2 felony aggravated battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gordan D. Lessen
Gordan D. Lessen , 36, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of domestic battery as a subsequent offense, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Steven M. Abdullah
Steven M. Abdullah , 31, of Heyworth, is charged with two counts of harassment of jurors, Class 2 felonies, 11 counts of communication with jurors, Class 4 felonies, and one count of attempted communication with a juror, a Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ryan D. Triplett
Ryan D. Triplett , 27, of Decatur, is charged with aggravated domestic battery-strangulation, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery as a subsequent offense felony, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Pedro A. Parra
Pedro A. Parra , 40, is charged with two counts of burglary, Class 2 and Class 3 felonies, and misdemeanor theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Gregory A. Spence
Gregory A. Spence , 39, of Bartonville, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Justin A. Leicht
Justin A. Leicht , 41, of Downs, is charged with three counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Edward L. Holmes
Edward L. Holmes , 50, of Bloomington, is charged with the following:
Controlled substance trafficking of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Controlled substance trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 100 and 400 grams of a substance containing meth Unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams of meth with the intent to deliver Methamphetamine trafficking of between 15 and 100 grams of meth Unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Latoya M. Jackson
Latoya M. Jackson , 31, of Bloomington, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen or converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Shaquan D. Hosea
Shaquan D. Hosea , 26, of Bloomington, is charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaccob L. Morris
Jaccob L. Morris , 20, of Bloomington, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, each Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontel D. Crowder
Dontel D. Crowder , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Class 2 felonies, and harboring a runaway, Class A misdemeanor.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Donnell A. Taylor
Donnell A. Taylor , 29, of Bloomington, is charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eric E. Seymon
Eric E. Seymon , 19, of Bloomington, is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aikee Muhammad
Aikee Muhammad , 19, is charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and resisting a peace officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William M. McCuen
William M. McCuen , 33, of Atlanta, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Meontay D. Wheeler
Meontay D. Wheeler , 23, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and torture, a Class 1 felony, aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew
Fenwrick M. Bartholomew , 51, of Normal, is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Javares L. Hudson
Javares L. Hudson , 21, of Bloomington, is charged in federal court with possession of a machine gun. He was initially charged in McLean County court with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon-machine gun parts. One charge is a Class X felony and the other is a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tommy L. Jumper
Tommy L. Jumper , 59, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, each a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
David S. Fry
David S. Fry , 70, of Normal, is charged with 45 counts of child pornography. Sixteen of the charges are a Class 2 felony and 29 charges are a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Logan T. Kendricks
Logan T. Kendricks , 35, is charged with two counts of aggravated domestic battery, Class 2 felonies.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis W. Hopkins
Davis W. Hopkins , 25, of Chenoa, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson , 38, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a convicted felon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Rochelle A. McCray
Rochelle A. McCray , 37, of Chicago, is charged with unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony; unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dontae D. Gilbert
Dontae D. Gilbert , 30, of Bloomington, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery, charged as a Class 3 felony for a subsequent offense.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Stefan A. Mangina
Stefan A. Mangina , 32, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Michael J. Owen
Michael J. Owen , 30, of Stanford, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 30 months on probation.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cedric J. Haynes
Cedric J. Haynes , 21, of Bloomington, is charged with nine counts of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jonathan Wiley
Jonathan Wiley , 30, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Jason S. Russell
Jason S. Russell , 22, of Chicago, is charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Provided by Bloomington Police
Aaron J. Zielinski
Aaron J. Zielinski, 28, of Plainfield, was sentenced to four years on probation for unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of methamphetamine. A charge of unlawful possession of meth with the intent to deliver was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Albert F. Matheny
Albert F. Matheny , 35, of Bloomington, was sentenced Jan. 10 to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than five grams of methamphetamine.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Hunter C. Kellenberger
Hunter C. Kellenberger , 24, of Pekin, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine. A meth possession charge was dismissed.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samuel Harris
Samuel Harris , 21, of Chicago, was sentenced to 22 days in jail and 30 months on probation after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan P. Gillespie
Jordan P. Gillespie , 27, of LeRoy, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for residential burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Carter
William R. Carter , 23, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexual assault, attempted residential arson and unlawful restraint.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kentre A. Jackson
Kentre A. Jackson, 26, of Ypsilanti, Mich., was sentenced to 30 months of conditional discharge. He was charged as of June 9, 2020, with unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. The latter charge was dismissed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Andrew L. Stanley
Andrew L. Stanley , 39, of Bloomington, was sentenced to four years on probation for one count of arson. He pleaded guilty to setting his home on fire while a woman and a teenage girl were inside. One count of aggravated arson was dismissed in a plea agreement.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jerail M. Myrick
Jerail M. Myrick , 26, of Springfield, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Amari M. McNabb
Amari M. McNabb , 23, of Country Club Hills , was sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder and mob action for his involvement in the 2019 fatal shooting of Juan Nash, 25, in Bloomington. He was found guilty in a jury trial of those charges, but the jury found him not guilty of discharge of a firearm.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Aaron Parlier
Aaron M. Parlier , 40, was sentenced Jan. 14 to 450 years in prison after he was found guilty in a bench trial of 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor and 10 counts of child pornography production.
Rebecca L. Gormley
Rebecca L. Gormley , 35, of Bloomington, is charged with unlawful delivery of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Penny S. Self
Penny S. Self , 59, of Ashland, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nathaniel A. Butler
Nathaniel A. Butler , 20, of Bloomington was sentenced Jan. 4, 2022, to seven years in prison. He pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tyler D. Vidmar
Tyler D. Vidmar, 23, of Clinton, is charged with one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Melissa J. Piercy
Melissa J. Piercy, 38, of Normal, is charged with unlawful delivery of meth (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of 15-100 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class X felony) and unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of meth with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James E. Chase
James E. Chase, 52, of Bloomington, is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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TODAY'S EVENTS
BASEBALL
College
ICC at Heartland (2), 1 p.m.; Illinois State at Indiana State (2), 2 p.m.
High school
Limestone at Normal West (2), 10 a.m.; Chicago Brooks at Bloomington (2), 11 a.m.; Normal Community at Washington (2), 11 a.m.; Central Catholic at Jacksonville Tournament.
GOLF
College men
Illinois Wesleyan, Heartland in IWU Invitational at Ironwood Golf Course.
LACROSSE
College men
Aurora at Illinois Wesleyan, 3:30 p.m.
College women
Carroll at Illinois Wesleyan, noon.
SOCCER
High school girls
Intercity Tournament: Central Catholic at Bloomington, 10 a.m.; Normal West at Normal Community, 2 p.m.
SOFTBALL
College
Danville at Heartland (2), 11 a.m.; Indiana State at Illinois State, 5 p.m.; IWU Tournament: Illinois Wesleyan vs. Chicago, 10 a.m.; Illinois Wesleyan vs. UW-Whitewater, 4:45 p.m.
High school
GCMS at Central Catholic (2), 10 a.m.; Collinsville at Normal Community (2), 11 a.m.; Normal West at LaSalle-Peru (2), 11 a.m.; Springfield at Bloomington (2), noon.
TENNIS
College men
North Central at Illinois Wesleyan, 9 a.m., and Principia at Illinois Wesleyan, 3 p.m.; North Dakota at Illinois State, 8 p.m.
High school boys
University High at Edwardsville Invitational.
TRACK AND FIELD
College
Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan at Redbird Invitational.
High school boys
Bloomington, Normal West at Springfield Invitational, 11 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL
College men
North Park at Illinois Wesleyan, 2 p.m.
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5 years ago (2017): Miles Simington’s two-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning gave Normal Community a 6-5 nonconference victory over visiting Morton. Tyler Thierry added a triple and two RBIs for the Ironmen. Brett Beasley got the win in relief of Jake McCaw, who struck out nine and allowed two earned runs in five innings.
15 years ago (2007): Kelsey Warning’s three-run homer avoided a series sweep and powered No. 17 Illinois State to a 9-3 win over Wichita State in Missouri Valley Conference softball action.
25 years ago (1997): Columbus Multimedia has named Illinois Wesleyan senior Bryan Crabtree the NCAA Division III player of the year and Titan coach Dennie Bridges the national coach of the year.
50 years ago (1972): Illinois State University’s young golf team settled for third place in the nine-team Mississippi State Invitational Tournament, but freshman D.A. Weibring grabbed medalist honors with a 70-71—141 score.
From Pages Past compiled by Jeff Findley from Pantagraph files.
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Move right in to this beautiful, updated, and modern ranch in Fox Creek Village! This home features spacious bedrooms, a gorgeous, usable kitchen, main floor laundry, and NO backyard neighbors. There are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms (one of them in the master) on the main level. Downstairs in the fully finished basement, there is an additional bedroom and full bathroom. Enjoy the perks of living in Fox Creek Village too, which include not having to mow and having access to the community clubhouse and indoor pool. Schedule your showing today!
3 Bedroom Home in Bloomington - $265,000
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Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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Presold new Trunk Bay construction in the Vineyards, home under construction. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths. Partial finished basement includes family room full bath and 3rd bedroom.
3 Bedroom Home in Normal - $384,900
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Most Popular
Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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Amazing country property located on over 2.5 acres! Built in 2018, this home features a loaded kitchen with custom cabinets and granite countertops with contrasting quartz top on island. Delta touch faucet with farm style sink. Samsung black stainless steel appliances throughout. Three total ovens and 5 burner cooktop stove with pot filler faucet. Breathtaking custom 9'x4' fully tiled master shower with built-in seating and shelving, 2 rainfall heads, 2 wands, and 2 other shower heads, along with Bluetooth speaker. 4 Bed, 2.5 Bath. Whole house 9' unfinished basement offers plenty of space to expand your living area with bathroom plumbed in and two egress windows give the potential to add two more bedrooms and one full bath. Pentair water filter and Rinnai tankless water heater. Detached garage is large enough for 4 vehicles and has a side door for mower/toys. Enjoy the country views while relaxing on either one of the two concrete covered porches. One porch has a gas line run for grilling. Cool off in the 40'x20' pool installed in 2019 or soak up the sun on the 20'x12' deck added in 2020. Huge 104' x 34' pole frame building is ideal for raising farm animals. No neighbors within a half mile. Make this country home yours today!
4 Bedroom Home in Colfax - $399,900
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Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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Take a look at this stunning ranch style home built in 2020 on Sherwood Lake in the Tri-Valley School District! When you walk into this home you are immediately greeted with gorgeous European White Oak hardwood flooring, 10' coffered ceiling, stunning custom steel stair railing and beautifully detailed custom millwork! Both floors feature 10 ft ceilings and 8 ft solid wood interior doors throughout. The main floor is an open concept with a spacious family room offering a stunning floor to ceiling fireplace, floating built-in shelving and large windows with views overlooking the lake. High end gourmet kitchen with beautiful Amish made cabinets, large quartz countertops island, high-end appliances including a 66" stainless refrigerator, a wine chiller and a walk-in pantry. Off of the kitchen is the primary bedroom with coffered ceiling, a spa-like master bath with Amish made double vanity, double headed walk-in shower, private bidet, standalone soaking tub with views of the lake and of course a large walk-in closet! Off of the eat-in kitchen area, enjoy a cup of coffee on the covered back deck while watching the sunrise. The main floor also features two more good size bedrooms, a full bath with double sink quartz top vanity, laundry room with a drop zone and a stunning dining room/home office. The finished walkout basement features a large family room, a home gym with rubber flooring, a wet bar with a full-sized refrigerator, two more bedrooms with walk-in closets, a full bath and enough room for a golf simulator and an indoor putting green! Step out the back sliders onto the lower-level patio. This is another great space to relax or entertain your guests. Your gardening space is taken care of with two raised beds conveniently located right out the lower back door. This stunning modern home has so much to offer! This is a unique opportunity to live on Sherwood Lake and be located in the very desirable Tri-Valley School District.
5 Bedroom Home in Bloomington - $899,000
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Officers said a Normal man died just before midnight Saturday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Rivian Automotive has another expansion in sight. Details:
The Normal Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects in a retail theft investigation.
"Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community."
One man was shot in the 300 block of East Locust Street and taken by ambulance from a nearby alley Tuesday night with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, Bloomington police said.
A 33-year-old city man was booked at the McLean County jail on firearms charges after a shooting last night on Locust Street.
A former LeRoy High School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday to grooming in connection to reported inappropriate communication with a student in 2019.
Jamie Mathy is resigning "as the result of a business conflict" that has made him ineligible to hold a position on the council under state law, said Communications Manager Katherine Murphy.
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100 years ago
April 2, 1922: Local losses include Dr. J. W. Dinsmore, former pastor at Second Presbyterian Church. He died at his home in California. And Leroy farmer Preston Bishop has died. He fought with the 116th Illinois Cavalry in the Civil War. Only one man survives from that outfit.
75 years ago
April 2, 1947: A grand jury indicted Woodford County Sheriff J. Wallace Meiner for allegedly letting a murder suspect run loose when he was supposed to be in jail. He was served with the indictment by the coroner. Meiner appeared in court and posted $1,000 bond.
50 years ago
April 2, 1972: Twin City residents woke up to another surprise from Mother Nature: a few inches of fresh snow on the ground. The view was post-card pretty, and the impact was more inconvenient than intolerable. Today’s Easter egg hunts had to be postponed until next week.
25 years ago
April 2, 1997: Alderwoman Judy Markowitz defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Jesse Smart to become Bloomington’s first female mayor-elect. The margin of victory made for an early call last evening. In Normal, incumbent Mayor Kent Karraker defeated challenger Steve Harsh.
Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.
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Connie R. Land
May 7, 1943 - March 31, 2022
BLOOMINGTON - Connie R. Land, 78, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:11 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Liberty Village, Clinton, IL.
A private family graveside service will be held Monday at Atlanta Cemetery, Atlanta, IL. Memorials may be made to her family.
Connie was born May 7, 1943, in Bloomington, the daughter of Allen and Gladys Hazelwood Land.
Surviving is her son, Tony (Kathy) Echevarria, Normal, IL and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents, one son, Gilbert Allen Rivera and one sister, Jean Kessinger.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Elizabeth Metz Johnson
Jan. 19, 1931 - Mar. 27, 2022
CLIFTON - Elizabeth Metz Johnson, age 91, of Clifton, IL passed away on March 27, 2022. She was born on January 19, 1931, to the late Ludwig and Persida (Honneger) Metz in Strawn, IL. She married the love of her life, Martin Johnson, on June 28, 1951.
She was a member of the Kempton Church of the Nazarene, where she once taught Sunday school and assisted with Missionary work. She was a homemaker who enjoyed fishing trips to Brainerd, MN with her husband, reading her bible, cooking, bird watching and most of all, spending time with her family. She is remembered by her family for having a loving touch and always leading by example. Whether it was cooking, sewing, caring for her family, or giving life advice, it was always done with such love and compassion. There was never a job too large or too small that she could not tackle. She was very well known for her cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as her homemade strawberry jelly. Her family would often tell her that everything tasted better when she made it, and she would reply "because it was made with love." She never missed a birthday, and was always sure to mail a birthday card. Her family will be eternally grateful for the love and valuable life lessons Elizabeth provided. Although she will be greatly missed, her family and friends find great comfort in knowing that she is once again reunited with the love of her life in heaven. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Lavern Johnson; one son, Stephen Johnson; four brothers: Christian Metz, Emil Metz, William Metz, and David Metz; both of her parents; and one grandchild, Chris Johnson.
Elizabeth is survived by four children: John Johnson (Genie) of McLeansboro, Mary Ramirez (Jose) of Bonfield, Dan Johnson (Marilyn) Kankakee, and Donald Johnson (Connie) of Clifton; two brothers: Ben Metz and Arthur Metz; two sisters: Esther Gerber and Ruth Metz; ten grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with services immediately following at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Cullom, IL. Pastor John Mohler will be officiating. Graveside Services are to be held on a later date at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
Memorials in the form of a donation may be made to the Kempton Church of the Nazarene.The family of Elizabeth wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor John Mohler and Calvert & Martin Funeral Home.
This obituary can be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Brian Lynn Meyers
Oct. 5, 1959 - March 17, 2022
NORMAL - Brian Lynn Meyers, 62, of Normal, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
Brian was born on October 5, 1959, in Bloomington, IL, to Carol "Tink" Ormand Meyers and Margaret Regina Meyers.
Brian is survived by his daughter, Sara (Scott) Ditchen of Heyworth, IL; sons: Adam Meyers and Joshua Meyers, both of Bloomington, IL; daughter, Mikayla Meyers of Normal, IL; his grandchildren: Chase Ditchen, Olivia Ditchen, and Sydney Ditchen, all of Heyworth, IL; and his siblings: Debbie (Bob) Craig of Dallas, TX, Jeff (Joan)Meyers of Normal, IL, Danny (Charlotte) Meyers of Bloomington, IL, Greg Meyers of Bloomington, IL, Kim (Ray) Curry of Danvers, IL, and Curt Meyers of Downs, IL.
Brian was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Meyers and his parents. Brian attended Danvers Grade School and Olympia High School. He was an active member of IBEW Local 197. Brian's greatest accomplishment and love in life was being a dad!
Cremation has been accorded.
A Celebration of Life for Brian will be held at White Oak Park on April 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research.
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The forecast is calling for cold temperatures in Bloomington Saturday. It looks like it will be a chilly 49 degrees. We'll see a low temperature of 30 degrees today. The area will see heavy rain today. You may want to stay in today, as there is a 89% chance of rain. Bloomington could see periods of brisk winds today, with winds reaching 21 miles per hour, coming from Southwest. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. For more daily forecast information, visit pantagraph.com.
Here is today's weather outlook for Apr. 2, 2022 in Bloomington, IL
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A stormy afternoon is expected across Illinois today with heavy rain and lightning being common. A few storms will likely be severe. Here's everything you need to know to be prepared for the day.
Just some light showers in spots today, but Wednesday looks quite stormy across all of Illinois. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and even tornadoes are looking more likely. Here's all the details.
The chance for thunderstorms is over, but light showers are still in the forecast today. See when we'll finally dry out across the area in our updated weather outlook.
Temperatures will stay below normal for this time of year today. We'll be warming in the days ahead, but rain will return to the area. A few severe storms are possible in southern Illinois Wednesday.
Dry conditions today, but temps will stay below normal for this time of year. Will we warm up this weekend? When's our best chance of rain? All your weather questions answered in our updated forecast.
Temperatures in the 60s are expected for the Bloomington area. It looks to reach a mild 63 degrees. Expect a drastic drop in temperatures thou…
Temperatures in Bloomington will be cool today. It should reach a cold 44 degrees. 40 degrees is today's low. Partly cloudy skies are in the f…
Bloomington residents should expect temperatures in the 40s. It looks like it will be a bitter 41 degrees. Today's forecasted low temperature …
Temperatures in Bloomington will be cool today. It looks like it will be a cool 49 degrees. We'll see a low temperature of 33 degrees today. T…
Cool, 40 degree weather is predicted for Bloomington today. It looks to reach a cold 42 degrees. 27 degrees is today's low. Partly cloudy skie…
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Betty J. Fetters
March 15, 1926 - Dec. 22, 2021
NORMAL - Betty J. Fetters, 95 of Normal passed away at 12:30 AM on Wednesday December 22, 2021, at Heritage Health in Normal.
There will be a Funeral Mass at 11 AM Thursday December 30, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chenoa. Father William Keebler will officiate. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be later in Avon Park, Florida.
Beck Memorial Home in Bloomington is handling arrangements.
Betty was born March 15, 1926, in South Bend, Indiana to Charles and Sarah Leister White. She married Glen Fetters on June 4, 1949, in South Bend. He preceded her in death in March of 2000.
Betty is survived by her son, David (Agnes) Fetters of Clayton, IN; two daughters: Janice Elsner of Sebring, FL and Patty (Joe) Solberg of Lexington; eight grandchildren: Chris Slagle, Tom (Keely) Solberg, Karen (EriK) McConnell, John (Donieka) Solberg, Mary (Josh) Palma, Jim (Haley) Solberg, Lesley Fetters, Mary Wright; and 11 great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Olivia, Chloe, Henry Glen, Joe, Logan, Abel and Elliott. She was preceded in death by one sister, Della Horning; and nine brothers: Verne, Art, Don, Roy, Noble, Max, Martin, Walt, and Richard White.
In 1980, Betty retired from many years of nursing in labor and delivery.
If Betty didn't know you well, she was always known for saying "Did you know I have nine brothers and one sister?" She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt to many. She loved to garden and do endless yardwork. She prided herself in being able to do that well into her 80's. She lived a very full and giving life. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lexington, where she was a member.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckmemorial.com
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Dirk Lewis Ficca
Jan. 8, 1955 - Dec. 21, 2021
OAK PARK - Dirk Lewis Ficca, 66, of Oak Park, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
Dirk was born in Iowa City, IA, on Jan 8, 1955. He grew up in Bloomington, IL, and married Lynda Hoffman in Benton Harbor, MI, in 1984. Later, he moved to Oak Park, where he became a father to two sons, and resided for 26 years. Throughout his career, Dirk had many roles in the global interfaith movement; as a minister, professor, and thought leader. In his free time, he was an avid movie-goer and golfer.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynda (Hoffman) Ficca; his sons: Dillon and Connor Ficca; father, John Ficca; sisters: Darby (Hudson) Venerable and Dawn Coursey (Mike Pautz); and brother, Douglas Ficca (Marsha Veninga). Preceding him in death is his mother, Patricia (Hurst) Ficca. Dirk was wonderful with children, and he was a beloved uncle and great-uncle to many nephews and nieces.
At the time of his passing, Dirk was the Executive Director of the Twin Cities Social Cohesion Initiative, and Senior Advisor to the Church of Sweden and the World of Neighbors Initiative. Previously, he served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, and the Executive Director at the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. He also previously taught at DePaul University, Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary, and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
He was a graduate of University of Iowa, and McCormick Theological Seminary.
A memorial service is planned for spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the donator's favorite charitable organization.
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Bernie Nybakke
Aug. 8, 1932 - Dec. 23, 2021
NORMAL – Bernie Nybakke, 89 of Normal passed away in Normal on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Bernie was born August 8, 1932, in Geddes, South Dakota, the son of Bennie Nybakke and Gladys (Colwell) Nybakke.
He is survived by his two sons: David (Ann Charback) Nybakke and Terry Lee (Ginger) Nybakke; three grandchildren: Mark (Amber) Nybakke, Megan Nybakke, Natalie Nybakke; and two great-grandchildren: Julian and Jaylee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Carol on May 12, 2020.
Bernie graduated from U-High and married Carol on his birthday, August 8, 1951.
Bernie worked a short time with Eureka, eventually taking a position at Sears in the floor care department. Montgomery Wards approached Bernie to lead their floor care department in Denver and then in the Oakland, CA branch.
After his father passed away in late 1966, Bernie, Carol and family returned to Bloomington to take over Nybakke Vacuum Shop. Bernie and Carol were involved with the Vacuum Dealer Trade Association helping vacuum dealers across the nation. Bernie and Carol retired in 1973 and moved to Meza, Arizona.
They loved to travel throughout the western part of the United States in their RV every year stopping in Bloomington to visit their sons in the spring. One of their favorite experiences was attending Elvis Presley concerts. They were able to see Elvis perform live 40 times once in 1956 to 39 times from 1971 to 1975.
Bernie and Carol loved watching the Chicago Cubs, including spending their honeymoon attending a Cubs game. They were also avid basketball fans watching any level of basketball from high school to professional.
Bernie was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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https://pantagraph.com/blogs/dear-abby/dear-abby-theres-plenty-to-chew-on-after-dinner-with-in-laws/article_7cdf8adc-0ee4-5ebc-aa2b-c775b531a1b0.html
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Dear Abby: I once hosted a holiday dinner for which I had made a ham and a turkey with all the sides and three different pies. I even made a special mince pie for one of the guests. The guests — my brothers-in-law, my brother and his family of four and his mother-in-law — all showed up carrying empty Tupperware. At the end of the day, all I had left was dirty dishes.
The same family then invited me and my husband for a holiday dinner. My husband wasn't feeling well and couldn't go. When I asked my sister-in-law if I could take a plate home for him, she said, "Nope! If he doesn't want to come to the house, he can't have any of the food." Yes, Abby, she was serious.
My sister-in-law cooks the meat she received as a gift from her employer, and the rest of the guests prepare the sides and desserts. I NEVER go empty-handed. At the end of the meal, she transfers any leftovers to their own Tupperware and gives us back the cleaned bowls. If I ask for a little of something to take home, she protects her leftovers like they were her children.
What's your take on leftovers? Is asking for a little fruit salad off limits? Is relieving your host of the burden of storing all of their leftovers out of line? Are there rules of etiquette here? — HOPING FOR A SANDWICH LATER
Dear Hoping: If you would like the living, breathing definition of presumptuous guests and ungracious hosts, look no further than your in-laws' contact file. The fault, however, may not lie solely with them. If this has happened more than once and you cannot summon the courage to tell these greedy folks to put away their Tupperware and help with the dishes, you can't blame them for assuming you don't mind being imposed upon in this way.
As to the sister-in-law who refused to allow you to bring any of her food to your sick husband, I wouldn't blame you if you chose not to grace her table again after telling her the reason why.
Dear Abby: I am an adopted 17-year-old high school senior, and I live with four people who all have a disability. I want to move out when I'm 18 if I am able to. I have several older brothers and sisters, but they each have a family to take care of. My oldest brother is in his 60s, and my youngest in his 40s.
I don't want to seem selfish for wanting to live independently, but I don't know how to tell them. I don't know how to tell them anything because, in the past, they haven't listened to me. If you have any advice on how to tell them, I would be very grateful. — NERVOUS GIRL IN NEW YORK
Dear Nervous Girl: I wish you had mentioned when you will be turning 18, because at that point you will be legally entitled to live wherever you wish, and your parents and siblings will HAVE to "listen to you."
Because you are determined to move, it is crucial that you start preparing now. You will need to find a job so you can afford a security deposit and pay for rent, food, etc. You may also have to find roommates until you can afford a place that is all your own. A counselor at school may be able to guide you, particularly if you plan to continue your education.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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Gerald D. Tuftie
May 7, 1938 - Sept. 18, 2021
FLANAGAN- Gerald D. Tuftie, 83, of Flanagan, passed away surrounded by his wife and children, on Saturday September 18, 2021, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
His memorial mass and celebration of life will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday September 23, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flanagan with Fr. Bill Keebler officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 22, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the church and one hour prior to the mass on Thursday. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Flanagan.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home in Flanagan is handling arrangements.
Gerald was born on May 7, 1938, in Ottawa, IL. He was the son of Mervin and Mary Corrigan Tuftie. He married Theresa Ernestine Russell on August 26, 1961, in Earlville, IL. They recently observed their 60th wedding anniversary at a party with family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ernestine; four children: Julie (Randy) Corfman; Coleen (David) Kennedy; Kim (Kurt) Albertson; and Tim (Barbara) Tuftie; 11 grandchildren: Nick, Melissa, Nathan; Mitch, Katie; Dana, Brent, Brian; Brooke, Tyler, Brianna; and five great-grandchildren: Quinn; Riley, Ellie, Lincoln; Declan.He was preceded in death by his parents. Gerald was a teacher and coach, sold insurance, and for more than 25 years he owned, along with his wife, Almonds and More, a fixture at fairs and festivals. For many years they were a Christmastime tradition at Eastland Mall.
Gerry was an avid golfer all his life. Ernestine and he would play together often. He enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball. He was a true Cub fan and attended their Spring Training in Arizona. A high point of Gerry's life was watching the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. His wife and he truly enjoyed attending and watching his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He was a very social person and talked easily with those around him- family, friends, and strangers alike. Most importantly, Gerry loved his family with his whole heart, and they loved him.
Online memories and condolences may be sent to his family at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Tony L. Daniels
April 4, 1942 - March 25, 2020
NORMAL - Tony L. Daniels, 77 of Normal, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:28 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Grace Church, Normal. The Rev. Len Thebarge will officiate. Cremations rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Inurnment will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL at a later date. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Church of Normal, 1311 W. Hovey, Normal, IL 61761.
Tony was born April 4, 1942 in Springfield, IL, the youngest of 12 children of Jerome and Dorothy Daniels. He married, 30 years ago, the love of his life, Sharon Crutchfiled on February 2, 1990 in Springfield, IL. She survives.
Also surviving are four children: Tricia (Paul) Gudgel, Kimberly Blotcky, Jeff Ashworth and Michael Ashworth; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers and sisters.
In 1960 he joined the United States Marine Corps and studied intelligence and languages. He traveled to California, Japan and Vietnam where he practiced the fascinating Vietnamese dialect that he later taught at Quantico. After 10 years of service, in 1970 he received an honorable discharge.
In 1977 Tony was sworn in as a Normal Police Officer, the career of his dreams. Throughout his NPD career he served as Lieutenant in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division. Throughout his law enforcement career of 20 years his main goal was to work for justice.
Tony's interests included golf, yard work, huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and loved the Duke, John Wayne.
1976 brought Tony a mountain top experience when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Tony will always and forever be loved by his beloved wife, family and his precious little dog JazzZ. Semper Fi.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Patricia (Pat) Rae Ellenberger
May 4, 1929 - May 7, 2021
EL PASO - Patricia (Pat) Rae Ellenberger, Wife, Mom, Grandma, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the age of 92.
Pat was born May 4, 1929 in Bloomington, to the late Calvin and Nell (Kirwan) Ethington. She was the middle child of nine.
Pat graduated from Gridley High School in 1947, where she met the love of her life, Joe Ellenberger. Joe called her the prettiest girl in school. They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in December. Early in their marriage, Pat worked as a roller-skating messenger for State Farm. A true team, they worked together at the family filling station in Gridley, El Paso Golf Course, and finally living and working at Hazy Hills Golf Course. Pat loved flowers and planted them at every tee on Hazy Hills. She was always very active. If she wasn't working, she was sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting or cooking. Items made for grandkids always had a tag sewn in it that said "made with love by Grandma." Grandma always made holidays and birthdays very special for her family. Everyone received small "table gifts" at your seat at the table. For kids, even if it wasn't your birthday, you would receive a small present, so as not to feel left out. Pat was a fountain of youth. An avid golfer, Wednesday mornings was Ladies Day. Her group golfed together for nearly 40 years. For 30 years, Fridays would be her day to take family or friends living in the nursing home to lunch in Gridley. At 60 she taught herself to play piano. Nothing in her life matched her love for Joe. What made Pat so great? Joe says it best, "She was a true friend." She was caring, selfless, confident, generous, modest, and intelligent. Anyone who knew Pat, was better for knowing her. She will be missed every day.
Pat's devoted husband, Joe Ellenberger, survives. She was a loving Mom to her daughter, Patti (Larry) Uphoff and son, Tom (Michelle) Ellenberger. She was lovingly known as "Gram" to her five grandchildren: Chrissie (Ellenberger) Strong; Sam, Ed, Mike and Dorothy Uphoff; Seven great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
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Hugh "Art" Kennedy
Dec. 16, 1929 - June 10, 2021
DEER CREEK - Hugh "Art" Kennedy, 91, of Deer Creek, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice in Peoria.
He was born on December 16, 1929 in Deer Creek, IL, to Hugh and Carrie (Mabee) Kennedy. He married Susie Kincaid in Goodfield, IL, on November 14, 1954.
Surviving are his wife, Susie Kennedy of Deer Creek; son, Jim (Valerie) Kennedy of East Peoria; two daughters: Miriam (Rick) Patrick of Goodfield, IL and Carrie (Todd) Mull of Mapleton, IL; four grandchildren: Jason Kennedy, Devon Kennedy, Kelsey Mull and Cody Mull; and three great-grandchildren: Joshua Vargas, Rhyen Kennedy and Kalel Kennedy.
He was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.
Art was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Germany during the Korean War. He worked 42 years at Caterpillar, Inc. as a machinist, retiring in 1988, last working in the office.
Art enjoyed playing all kinds of games with his family, gardening, reading, woodworking, music, hunting and fishing.
He served for many years on the Mt. Zion Cemetery Board in Deer Creek, IL.
Art attended New Castle Bible Church in Deer Creek, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, with Pastors Phil Somers and Kevin Sauder officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, and also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Deer Creek.
Memorials may be made to New Castle Bible Church. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www. knappjohnson.com.
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Question: The Baby Boomer and Gen X generations produced the marrying-est — and then later divorcing-est — generations yet. Has that trend continued in Illinois?
Answer: Not if you believe a 2022 survey by QuoteWizard, a financial polling website. It finds the marriage rate in Illinois has dropped by a rather whopping 51% since 2009. Also found: Since 2009, Illinois has the seventh-lowest percentage in the U.S. of people getting a divorce, and these days the seventh-highest percentage of people who have never married.
Photos: Competition for a cause at Pantagraph Media's '80s Trivia Night 🎉
Dan Adams, Nancy and Bill Flick
Nancy and Bill Flick
Ed Neaves and the A-Team
'80s Trivia Night
Christina Rogers and Kathleen Lorenz
Ann Harding
Kathy Yoder and Don Knapp
Amy McFarland and William Yoder
Jason Reif, Erin Martiens
Pam Eaton channeling Dynasty
Jolene Aldus
State’s Attorney Don Knapp
Pantagraph president Dan Adams, Tracy Patkunas, Jonell Kehias
Herb Eaton
Dan Adams
Jen Hooker, Reed Walters
Cheryl Magnuson, Don Knapp, Leann Seal
Honorable Amy McFarland
Bellying up to the bar
Packed house
Bill Flick
Jason Reif, Tracy Patkunas
Tony Morstatter, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
Tony Morstatter, Tracy Patkunas, Jason Reif, Dan Adams
Nick the bartender, Inchol Chong
Judges Amy McFarland, William Yoder, Kathy Yoder, Don Knapp
Bill with his I Heart Bill Flick stickers
Bill Flick
Santino Lamancusa table
Steve Kubsch
Enjoying the evening
Christina Rogers, Sahan Kuruppuaratchi
Kim Schoenbein, Dan Adams
Julie Kubsch
Jen Hooker wishing her team were #1
Flick’s Followers table
Stayin' Alive table
Inchol Chong, Dan Adams
Pretty in Pink table
Mark and Melissa Isenburg-Tremper
Jolene Aldus, Bill Croff
Amanda Wycoff-Neaves, Ed Neaves
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Nellie M. Koons
March 1, 1928 - June 4, 2021
CLINTON - Nellie M. Koons, 93 of Clinton, IL passed away 9:52 PM Friday, June 4, 2021 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.
Graveside services will be 1 PM Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh officiating. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to Texas Christian Church or the Little Galilee Christian Assembly.
Mrs. Koons was born March 1, 1928 to Lee L. Crawford and Nellie (Fern) Wasem in Patoka, IL. Nellie married Robert E. Koons June 16, 1946 in Clinton, IL. He passed away December 1, 2007.
Preceding her in death are her parents, brothers: Dean Crawford and Carl Crawford, daughter-in-law, Julie Koons and granddaughter-in-law, Nikki Welch.
Survivors include her children: daughter, Karen Welch (Roy Peddycoart), Clinton, IL, sons: Keith Koons and Kenneth Koons, Clinton, IL; sister, Carol Crabb; and sister-in-law, Lona Donahower; grandchildren: Gary Welch, Clinton, IL, Chris Welch, Decatur, IL, Zack Koons (Samantha), Clinton, IL, Jenny Smiddy (Jared), Jessica McCleary (Mark) and Kyle Koons; great grandchildren: Clayton Welch, Jacob Smiddy, Juliette Smiddy, Isaac McCleary, Ezekiel McCleary, Samuel McCleary, and Carver Koons. Also survived by a special friend, Michelle Stephenson; and several nieces and nephews.
Nellie was the Owner of Triple K Konstruction, a member of the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL, Golden Eagle with the Clinton Eagle's Lodges, DAR, Beta Sigma Phi, Artist Alley, White Shrine and Commandary.
She was an avid Illinois fan and spent many hours working in her flowers. Nellie also enjoyed cooking, sewing, and painting. She loved spending time with her family and most of all loved her Lord and Savior.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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Vauna C. Smith
May 17, 1934 - June 12, 2021
PEORIA - Vauna C. Smith, 87, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 8:44 a.m. at OSF Hospital after suffering a stroke.
Her services will be held on Thursday, June 17,, 2021 at Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington, Illinois. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with a graveside service immediately following with Rev. Garry Gromley officiating. Burial will be in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington.
Vauna was born May 17, 1934, to Lettie Henline and Leo James May, in Chenoa, IL. She married Don R. Smith on October 3, 1954. Don passed away on August 29, 1995. Vauna was currently living in Liberty Village Estates in Peoria, IL.
Vauna is survived by her five children: Don Douglas (Joan) Smith, Johnstown, CO; Regina (Jeff) Broughton, Columbia, TN, Stephanie (Mike) Wiesehan, Peoria, IL, Timothy Smith, Dallas, GA and Amanda (Edward) Herlein, Elkhorn, NE; also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Tanisha (Jeff) Herder, Clayton Frye, Pamela Smith, Gregory (Anne) Broughton, Jillian (Jeff) Green, Robert (Nikki) Broughton, Benjamin Wiesehan, Sydney Wiesehan, Timothy (Rita) Smith, Nikki Smith, Katelyn (Brandon) Cheek and Jared (Mandi) Herlein; and 22 great grand-children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters: Vivian Powell and Verneil Leake, one granddaughter, and one great grandson.
Vauna attended Chenoa Community Schools. Her first job was at her father's Kroger store in Chenoa. She then went on to work at Bank of Chenoa for 31 years. She continued her banking career at Commerce Bank as an Assistant Trust Officer until the age of 74. She enjoyed working at the Lexington Ace Hardware store for five years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lexington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.
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Genevieve Elaine Stang, PhD
July 2, 1930 - June 9, 2021
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Genevieve Elaine Stang, PhD, 90, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Danbury Senior Living in Brunswick, Ohio.
Services will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Southside Cemetery Mausoleum in Pontiac, Illinois with Pastor Carlin Ours officiating.
Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements.
Born July 2, 1930 in Pontiac, Illinois, Genevieve was a daughter of Harry and Alverda (Street) Stang. She was raised in Pontiac; graduated from Pontiac Township High School with the Class of 1948 where she was a class officer as well as Salutatorian and active in groups such as Torch, National High School Honor Society, Yearbook, GAA, and Future Homemakers Association. A member of the Lutheran Church in Pontiac where she taught Sunday School and assisted with Bible Schools. Genevieve attended Illinois State University earning her B.S. Education in 1953 and M.S. Education in 1960. She taught full time with District 186 at Dubois Elementary School in Springfield, Illinois between 1953-1964 - many years of which was spent as a teacher of intermediate grades as well as those students 'academically more able'. Between 1956 and 1963 she furthered her education at institutions such as the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Michigan before going on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1967.
Genevieve began a career at Bowling Green State University in 1967 and retired in 1995. She was regularly active in the Department of Education as Associate Professor and devoted much time to professional organizations, research projects and grants, academic advising, consultantships, as well as several non-academic positions and committees including the Faculty Senate.
Genevieve was an active member of Honor Societies including Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Kappa, Pi Lambda Theta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a Life Member of the National Education Association. She is listed in Who's Who in American Women of 1970.
Survivors include two nieces: Peggy (Bill) Raube and Cherry Slaton and a nephew, Rick (Anita) Stang. Also surviving are many grandnephews/grandnieces and her special friend, Richard Dancsok.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: (Harold and Jim) and two sisters: (LaDonna and Mary Shay Rogers).
Genevieve was an accomplished pianist, enjoyed knitting, fly-fishing, traveling, and, of course, a passionate educator more than willing to help others. Until just recently she always made it a priority to join her family during the holidays and special occasions. Throughout the years, she kept in close contact with her entire family as well as former students and colleagues alike. In an era dominated by men with advanced degrees, who also owned a home, she always took great pride in her accomplishments and encouraged others to follow the same path. She will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/gayle-west-obituary?id=14698886
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Gayle E. (Miller) West
Sept. 18, 1940 - May 31, 2021
LUFKIN, Texas - Gayle E. (Miller) West, of Lufkin, TX formerly of Brenham, TX and Clinton, IL, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 80 on Monday, May 31, 2021.
Gayle was born on September 18, 1940 in Lincoln, IL to Floyd and Neva (Jett) Miller. She grew up on farms in Beason and Chestnut, IL, with her parents, two older sisters, Marilyn and Beverly, and her beloved Aunt Inga Jett. Gayle graduated from Mt. Pulaski Township High School and attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO and Brown's Business College in Decatur, IL.
She married Walker West, Jr. on July 1, 1961 at the Assembly of God Church in Clinton, IL. They raised two sons, relocating to Texas in 1973. A talented typist and stenographer, Gayle worked full time as an administrative assistant while also caring for her home and family. Known for her red hair and loving personality, Gayle was a faithful church pianist, Sunday School teacher and prayer warrior. She dearly loved her many nieces and nephews and her pride and joy were her two grandsons. Gayle took an interest in genealogy, spending many hours researching both the Jett and West family histories. Her many talents also included cooking, sewing and baseball scorekeeping.
Gayle is survived by her husband of 59 years, Walker, Lufkin, TX; son and wife Norman and Susan, Lufkin, TX; son Stuart, Bryan, TX; grandson Brock, Lufkin, TX; grandson and wife Cuyler and Caitlin, Mansfield, TX; sister, Beverly (Miller) Krogh, Des Moines, WA; and her many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Marilyn (Miller) Schmidgall.
Visitation will be held at Calvert Funeral Home, 201 South Center Street in Clinton, IL on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the funeral home, with Reverend Doug Lowery, Pastor of Decatur Maranatha Assembly of God Church officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL.
In lieu of flowers, Gayle's family would like to encourage contributions to the Clinton Assembly of God Building Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/eureka-college-to-offer-tuition-match-to-lincoln-college-students/article_f34b5850-ad8f-5282-b416-0045e64c84db.html
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Eureka officials said Friday that the college would expedite admissions for Lincoln College students, waive the application fee and accept students from all programs. The two institutions are about 55 miles apart.
Some Lincoln students may also qualify for the Eureka Promise, which gives students who meet specific requirements a full tuition scholarship. Eureka expanded the program to graduates of all Illinois high schools in December.
Eureka President Jamel Wright expressed her condolences to the Lincoln College community in a statement to The Pantagraph last week.
"On behalf of Eureka College, my heart goes out to the students, faculty, staff and the entire Lincoln College community affected by this unfortunate situation," she said.
Photos: Lincoln College through the years
March 2018
October 2015
January 2020
February 2015
July 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2020
January 2017
Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Members of a union representing more than 300 employees at Illinois State University have voted to give their bargaining team the ability to call for a strike if they feel it is necessary.
Lincoln Christian University plans to make major changes in how it operates, eliminating most of its undergraduate programs as it focuses on its graduate programs and seminary.
A yearslong effort culminated this month in state approval for Illinois State University's new College of Engineering, but a long road remains ahead before the anticipated opening to students in fall 2025.
High school students in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties can apply to learn about philanthropy by allocating grant funds to local nonprofits.
Fourth and fifth graders on Grove Elementary School’s Chess Club are being recognized for big brain moves that won their section in the state championships last weekend.
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https://pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/basketball/watch-now-kloe-froebe-of-lincoln-named-pantagraph-girls-basketball-player-of-the-year/article_b610af2c-5410-5c16-9cab-ada437ebc79e.html
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Kloe Froebe Highlight Film 2021 https://t.co/WY1ZTXflxR via @YouTube
— Kloe Froebe (@kloefroebe) February 28, 2021
LINCOLN — When the Froebes play basketball, they prefer the whole family be involved.
“My parents always say they were born with a basketball in their hands,” said Kloe Froebe, the third of Kent and Kari Froebe’s four children. “If we weren’t in the gym, we were outside practicing in the front yard. We always had something going, some sort of basketball.”
At Lincoln High School, that basketball is in Kloe’s hands. Having surpassed the 1,000-point milestone in just two seasons and holding several Division I scholarship offers as a sophomore, Froebe is the Pantagraph’s girls basketball Player of the Year.
Following in the footsteps of not only her parents but older siblings Kaden and Kaelyn, Kloe was an Associated Press Class 3A all-state selection and a finalist for the Miss Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year award after averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 steals and 3.8 assists in her second varsity season with the Railsplitters.
Kent and Kari Froebe both played basketball at Monmouth College. Kari is one of Kloe’s summer coaches with Illinois Elite and the junior high coach at West Lincoln-Broadwell. Kent is superintendent at Lincoln Elementary School.
Kaelyn is a senior starter at McKendree. The 2020 Pantagraph boys Player of the Year, Kaden is a sophomore starter at Missouri S&T.
“I don’t think I quite realized what I was capable of doing until watching my sister and going to her tournaments,” said Kloe. “Seeing her accomplishments. I thought maybe I can do that, too.”
The fourth Froebe child, fourth grader Kruz, has already played a role in Kloe’s basketball development.
“He was just learning to walk, and we used him as a cone,” Kloe said with a laugh. “We had to dribble around him. Only one time we ran into him.”
Kloe began running through the thoughts of college recruiters early on.
“It was Saint Louis University, eighth grade year,” she said of her first scholarship offer. “I was not expecting it. I can remember Mom being with me. I just started crying ‘oh my gosh, this is real.’ ”
The number of Division I scholarship offers has grown to around 15 and includes Illinois State and Illinois.
College programs are drawn to the 5-foot-8 Froebe’s basketball acumen and well-rounded skills.
“The game comes very natural to her,” said Lincoln coach Taylor Rohrer. “She’s a very intelligent basketball player. She knows what to do in certain situations.”
Rohrer believes Froebe’s well-rounded game makes her extremely difficult to defend.
“She can shoot the 3, but she also has a great attack from both the left and right side,” Rohrer said. “If you guard her too close, she goes to the rim. If you’re too far away, she’s going to hit the 3. She has a great pull-up jumper, too. She’s just a dynamic player. That sets her apart from the competition.”
The Lincoln coach also gives Froebe high marks for leadership.
“The most special thing about her is the way she leads our team. She’s very inclusive,” said Rohrer. “She’s an excellent passer. She gets teammates open and believes in them. It’s all about her helping the team to have success. She’s so humble, so selfless. She does it with such grace.”
Froebe, who has been working on the Euro step move since second grade, made a smooth transition to high school varsity as a freshman because of extensive time on the summer club circuit.
“With the summer ball competition, it wasn’t a new thing for me,” she said. “The size of the court is a little different so I had to get in a little more shape.”
Froebe believes there is plenty to concern herself with in the present that looking too far into the future isn’t wise.
“I personally like to think about the now and striving to achieve my goals and helping my teammates achieve our team goals,” said Froebe. “I want to become a more consistent shooter and become stronger and faster. Those are my two main goals.”
She also knows the time to plot her college basketball future lies ahead.
“We’ve talked about it. I’m hoping to have it decided by the end of my junior year,” Froebe said. “But I have a lot to do today so we can push everything in the future for another time.”
Contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 820-3403. Follow him on Twitter: pg_reinhardt
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/dorothy-erickson-smith-obituary?id=7336602
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Dorothy Erickson-Smith
Jan. 4, 1928 - Mar. 4, 2021
GIBSON CITY - Dorothy Erickson-Smith, age 93, of Gibson City, and formerly of Morris and Coal City, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Born January 4, 1928 in Coal City, Dorothy was a daughter of James and Rose (Sistek) Lamie. She married Eugene Erickson who preceded her in death. She later married Robert Smith who also preceded her.
Survivors include her four daughters: Rita (Rick) Meyer of Gibson City, IL, Jackie (Frank) Dohman of Canton, MO, Wendy (Larry) Boundy of Melvin, IL, and Beth Lemons (Michael deceased) of Mount Vernon, IL; stepchildren; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren (one on the way).
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, son, Greg Erickson, two granddaughters: Chondra Dohman and Shelly Rae Meyer, grandson David Zeller, sister Sylvia Reeves and her special little friend Meeka.
Per Dorothy's wishes, private graveside services will be held at Lisbon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family or to charities of their choice.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Dorothy's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris (815) 942-2500.
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/carole-powell-obituary?id=7335282
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Carole Dean Powell
Oct. 5, 1935 - Feb. 28, 2021
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota - Carole Dean Powell passed away peacefully on February 28, 2021 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
She was born October 5, 1935, in Piggott, AR, to Pauline and John Ort. She graduated Gibson City, IL High School and worked as an assistant in a local doctor's office for several years. She married Wayne Powell of Atlanta, IL and together they raised two sons: Gregory (Rebecca) of Towanda, IL and Edward "Joe" (Tracy) of Waconia, MN.
"Nana" adored her two grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Ashlyn. They were her pride and joy and she cherished every moment with them.
She is survived by her brother Steve Ort of North Carolina, and was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne, and her brother Jim.
Carole was a keen bridge player and over the years pocketed more dimes than she lost, by a healthy margin. She enjoyed entertaining and going out with friends, all while showcasing her engaging wit and sense of humor. She loved every moment she spent with her family. She particularly enjoyed Joe grilling in the summer. She was an avid reader and liked to watch golf and football while rooting for the Vikings and the Bears. Carole filled her life with hard work, friendships, and a strong devotion to family. She will be dearly missed by all of us.
A private service will be held for the family at Mount Joy Cemetery in Atlanta, IL. Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or Midwest Food Bank. The family would like to thank mom's closest friends and caretakers, as well as the staff and residents at Summit Place for their care and compassion.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pantagraph/name/dean-scarbrough-obituary?id=7337158
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Dean Wesley Scarbrough
Dec. 20, 1924 - March 6, 2021
FARMER CITY - Dean Wesley Scarbrough, 96, of Farmer City passed away at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at home.
Private services are being held at a later date. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home of Farmer City is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dean Scarbrough was born on December 20, 1924 to Alva Raymond and L. Pearl Wheeler Scarbrough in Farmer City, IL. He married Norma M. Heape on June 7, 1947. They were married for 56 years.
Dean is survived by sisters: Anna Lamb Farmer City, Helen McKay Kermit, TX, and sister-in-law Judy Scarbrough Rochester, IL. His surviving children: Raymond (Connie) Scarbrough Mahomet, Donna Scarbrough Farmer City, William Scarbrough Calgary, Canada, Robert Scarbrough, Dana (Maurie) Bettinger, Farmer City. Along with 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He also has lots of nieces and nephews.
Dean was a proud World War II Combat Veteran, machine gunner, foreman of McKinley rodeo, livestock truck driver, ran Maple Grove Cemetery then retired from Santa Anna Township Assessor. Also a member of Knights of Pythias, and Joe Williams American Legion.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, (Nonny); his daughter Dena and daughter-in-law Lorraine; five sisters and two brothers; granddaughter and great-grandson.
Memorials to Joe Williams Post #55 American Legion.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/illinois-state-universitys-women-and-gender-symposium-turns-25/article_4f1fda5a-20c4-5707-976f-90f8ae7537a0.html
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NORMAL — An Illinois State University event has reached its 25th year allowing students to go beyond writing papers about their research to presenting and finding interdisciplinary connections to their topics.
The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Student Research Symposium features student panels and presentations along with keynote speakers. It gives students a unique opportunity to interact across disciplines and learn by presenting their work, said Alison Bailey, ISU’s director of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS).
“It’s really helpful and empowering for (students) to not only be able to write about these ideas but to speak about them clearly and concisely,” she said
The keynote speakers this year are covering the topic “Queering Gender,” generally focused around the intersection of trans and gender non-conforming people, transphobia and politics.
“Transphobia has become a very powerful cause in politics,” Bailey said
The keynote speakers include Arlene Stein, who kicked off the symposium on Friday with a talk comparing her work on culture wars and pushback and acceptance of LGTBQ+ identities. Stein is the director of Rutgers University’s Institute for Research on Women.
Organizers have been hoping to bring Stein to talk at the event for several years now, Bailey said. Stein connected the situation today to research she did 20 years ago.
"It's the same stuff in a different bottle," Bailey said.
The sessions are all on Zoom except for the awards ceremony that concludes the symposium at noon April 15. Upcoming keynote speeches are:
Scholar and trans athlete Veronica Ivy talking about trans participation in sports at 7 p.m. Monday
University of Texas at Austin associate professor Karma R. Chávez talking about queer migration and immigration at 7 p.m. Thursday
Author and Illustrator Maia Kobabe, who wrote “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” talking about depicting gender in graphic novels at 7 p.m. April 14
Along with the keynote speakers, there are also panels for students to present their research and panels of professors and professionals working in the field.
The WGSS Symposium started in 1996, led by history instructor and part-time women’s studies director Sandra Harmon and graduate students Jenny Howell and Tesa Brager, according to the university. Bailey has been involved since the event began.
The symposium missed a year in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The event has grown since then and featured many prominent feminist and gender scholars, as well as activists and artists involved in similar work. Not every year has such a timely theme, Bailey said.
“There are some issues that are timeless, like when we brought in Dolores Huerta,” Bailey said.
The 2007 event featured Huerta, who coined the “Sí se puede” slogan of farm worker’s movement and co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers.
The event is by nature interdisciplinary, Bailey said. Women’s, gender and sexuality studies have almost always been, as the departments often pull in faculty from fields like English literature, philosophy, history and sociology.
The interdisciplinary approach to the event is helpful for the student too, she said.
“They’ll have a cross-pollinated conversation about the ideas they’re excited about,” Bailey said.
Area college and university presidents react to Lincoln College closure
Keith Cornille
Silas McCormick
Georgia Nugent
Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy
Jamel Wright
James Reynolds mug, Millikin
Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood
Lincoln College senior Zak Luken described campus as a "ghost town" Thursday morning as students and employees processed the fact the college plans to close in May.
Members of a union representing more than 300 employees at Illinois State University have voted to give their bargaining team the ability to call for a strike if they feel it is necessary.
Lincoln Christian University plans to make major changes in how it operates, eliminating most of its undergraduate programs as it focuses on its graduate programs and seminary.
A yearslong effort culminated this month in state approval for Illinois State University's new College of Engineering, but a long road remains ahead before the anticipated opening to students in fall 2025.
High school students in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties can apply to learn about philanthropy by allocating grant funds to local nonprofits.
Fourth and fifth graders on Grove Elementary School’s Chess Club are being recognized for big brain moves that won their section in the state championships last weekend.
Janaya Khan, international ambassador for the #BlackLivesMatter Network, speaks at the 23rd annual Women's and Gender Studies Symposium on April 20, 2018, at Illinois State University's Prairie Room in Normal.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/illinois-democrats-anti-crime-measures-focus-on-victims-communities/article_89c404da-6124-5c66-bf9a-d84f1c10326a.html
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Democrats outlined anti-crime measures Friday amid pressure from rising violence and Republican critics, promising more in the final days of the Legislature's spring session.
Four pieces of legislation focus on establishing social-service networks for crime victims, expanding anonymous crime tip lines and a witness protection program and increasing by $185 million funding for programs for young children, teen parents, child care, after-school activities and needs-based college scholarships before a scheduled April 8 adjournment deadline.
Violent crimes have been on the rise nationwide. Democrats additionally have been battered by criticism over police- and bail-overhaul measures they adopted early last year in response to a spate of police-involved shootings. Republican election-year opponents have even blamed that legislation for the rise in crime — even though it hasn't yet taken effect.
House Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth of Peoria noted that police accountability remains key while understanding that violent crime has grown from "the divestment that's happening in many of our communities."
"We want to meet those needs where they are, but we also are clear, there's a need for accountability and responsibility," Gordon-Booth said. "So we want to provide law enforcement tools that look a lot more like a scalpel than an ax."
Gordon-Booth's legislation would create pilot programs in East St. Louis, Peoria, Springfield and Waukegan to link crime survivors with social services they need, including mental health, substance abuse treatment and housing.
East St. Louis is lacking in mental health treatment and has no trauma center, let alone a hospital, said Gloria Hicks, whose brother was killed and who serves as St. Louis coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. "This bill will bring us one step closer to protecting the most vulnerable in our greatest time of need."
Other measures in the package include Chicago Sen. Robert Peters' plan to create a crime reduction task force to review the latest research, programs that are working and hear expert testimony before reporting suggested solutions by March 2024. It also would create an anonymous cash-for-tips line similar to Crime Stoppers, which Peters said isn't available everywhere, and a funding stream for a rebuilt violent crime witness protection program.
"Our job here is to be smart on crime," Peters said. "What we know is that we're in the midst of a crisis and we've got to respond to it."
Peters is proposing $20 million for witness protection and $1 million for a tip line. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed $20 million for witness protection in his budget proposal.
Chicago Sen. Celina Villanueva has proposed increasing funding by $185 million, or 4.6%, for programs to help children and teenagers who face poverty, mental health or other issues that could lead to crime.
"Programs that support these initiatives help to reduce crime and tackle inequity and inequality at its source," Villanueva said.
The cities with the most break-ins and burglaries
Cities With the Most Break-Ins / Burglaries
Over the past decade burglary and larceny rates have declined
Daytime break-ins of homes are most common
Southern states experience the most property crime
A judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the case of an Illinois man charged in a 2017 crash that killed a pregnant woman and her three sons after jurors said they were deadlocked.
As of Saturday evening, police had not announced charges for a person of interest who was pulled over in a 2008 Honda and arrested about 9:30 p.m. Friday on Chicago’s West Side.
A man was critically wounded early Saturday morning when he tried to walk away from a fight that he was involved in at the 95th Street Red Line station, Chicago police said.
Offended when his roommates kicked him out because he was late on rent, a 33-year-old man set three fires at his South Shore building, including one that erupted when he lit a baby stroller ablaze, prosecutors said.
A man who pleaded guilty to charges for his role in the fatal shooting of an Illinois State Police trooper was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday in the 2019 case.
A shooting at a suburban Chicago shopping mall left one man dead and two other people wounded, including a teenage girl, while shoppers ran for cover, police said.
Illinois state Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, proposes legislation to increase funding for programming for young children and teens on Friday in Springfield.
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BLOOMINGTON — A 36-year-old Bloomington man walked out of prison last May in a pair of joggers and a T-shirt.
Coming off a 10-year prison sentence, he had no money. He had nothing but the joggers and a T-shirt.
But the man, who asked only to be identified as Richard, heard about the Jobs Partnership Program at the Joy Care Center in Bloomington, a program that assists mostly ex-incarcerees with finding jobs, housing and essential items like clothing and food.
The organization is volunteer- and faith-based, and it’s solely operated by donations. Clients connect whenever they wish at their “home” — a basement floor apartment in south Bloomington with a sign reading “Joy Care Center” hanging from the wide-open front door.
“Let go of what was,” is painted on the main room wall alongside a blue, green and pink dragonfly. “Accept what is. Have faith in what will be,” is painted on the other side of the dragonfly.
April is recognized as Second Chance Month, started in 2017 by the nonprofit Prison Fellowship, as a campaign to raise awareness of the challenges people with a criminal record face.
The Pantagraph spoke to four members of the Joy Care Center. While all credited the program with helping them turn their lives around and get good jobs, they asked not to be identified by their full names because of concerns about public scrutiny and the safety of their families.
The clients and the program’s director, Michelle Cook, were surprised to hear that a recent report ranked Illinois atop the nation in re-integrating ex-incarcerees into society.
“If we’re No. 1, it must be really bad for other states, because it’s rough enough here in Illinois,” Cook said. “But having said that, there are resources; it’s just more of the public attitude toward folks coming home. That just shows you how far behind we are as a country for this particular population.”
An author of the recent report that examined all 50 states’ restorative rights laws mirrored Cook’s point.
“There is still a long way to go before people with a record are treated fairly in getting a job and supporting a family, securing a place to live, and participating fully in civic affairs,” Collateral Consequences Resource Center Executive Director Margaret Love wrote.
The report, released in early March by the nonprofit Collateral Consequences Resource Center, studied laws aimed at restoring rights after incarceration, such as voting rights, felony and misdemeanor relief, non-conviction relief, and abilities to obtain employment and occupational licensing. It ranked Illinois as No. 1 for the second year in a row.
That left the agency unable to meet a quorum to conduct its quarterly clemency hearings this month.
The state's top ranking shocked clients of Joy Care Center who have experienced the challenges of re-entry.
Joy Care Center consists of a 12-week class session that provides services to “empower participants to improve personal and work place performance, change attitudes, and build a firm foundation for a positive, successful future,” its website states.
Members are paired with a mentor, who is “someone from the community with a caring heart that wants to help them,” Cook said. They’re also paired with an accountability partner, someone with a similar past who also has been in the program.
There are about 40 people active in the program and more than 80 others are on a waiting list to be admitted.
About 2,500 people have gone through the program. Since 2010, when the Jobs Partnership started, 21 members have returned to prison, Cook said.
Joy Care Center partners with more than 70 employers and several landlords and real estate agents who accept its clients. The program also helps clients to expunge or seal criminal records.
The organization is one of many within the McLean County Reentry Council, which formed in early 2021 after a group of organizations, including the Fully Free Campaign, came together to address how to connect people coming home from incarceration with resources in the community.
"We’re about breaking barriers for the formerly incarcerated by providing resources and educating the community about what reentry is,” said Toy Beasley, a community advocate and founding member of the council. “We want to make the community aware that these are not bad people, these are people who are dealing with trauma in the past."
The McLean County Reentry Council will host a resource fair from 1 to 4 p.m. April 30 at the Miller Park Pavilion in Bloomington to celebrate Second Chance Month. During the event, organizations that can help with expunging records, job searching and housing will be available. It also will include testimonials from people who have been incarcerated and their experiences when reentering the community. Contact Beasley at toy.beasley@yahoo.com for more information.
Richard, the 36-year-old man of Bloomington who ended his 10-year prison sentence last May, grew up in Chicago and said that since he was young, “I was on the streets and that’s all I knew ... Without (Joy Care Center), I don’t know if I’d still be out right now because the life I lived, it was just a rotating door, always in and out.”
He added that Cook "loves us like we're her kids."
In fact, they call each other family. Members call Cook “Momma” or “Momma Michelle,” and in turn, Cook, 80, calls the members her children.
“We are a family. We love each other as a family. Family is not 9 (a.m.) to 5 (p.m.), Monday through Friday,” Cook said, referring to other re-entry programs. “A family is 24/7, 365. It takes a 24/7, 365 commitment. Emergencies don’t happen just 9 (a.m.) to 5 (p.m.), Monday through Friday.”
Mina, 52, of Normal, has gone full circle in the program. She joined about nine years ago after spending a week in the McLean County jail on bond for a felony.
Since then, she has worked a couple of jobs and is now an accountability partner for the program, helping current members to navigate hurdles that people with a criminal record face.
“We want to do new hurdles, which means future, bigger prospective goals to reach,” said Mina, whose felony record has been expunged. “Those are the great hurdles we want to jump instead of having somebody with their foot on our neck saying, ‘You’re always going to be a convict.’"
Mina, along with David, 55, of Towanda, shared similar stories. They each now hold commercial driver’s licenses and drive trucks.
David, who spent a total of 19 years in prison between two sentences, said still faces obstacles despite the program’s support and despite expunging part of his record. But without the Joy Care program, David doesn't think he would be where he is today.
“Most jobs kids get coming out of high school is what they want to give us, so it’s hard to get a prevailing wage job,” he said. “It’s something that’s not going to make you a millionaire, but it’s going to give you a life that’s a little bit more comfortable.”
Members of the Workers Center for Racial Justice held a rally in front of the Capitol Wednesday morning demanding the Illinois General Assembly pass the Safer Communities Act.
"This is the result of failed tough-on-crime rhetoric meant merely to incite fear and score cheap political points," said Jennifer Soble, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project.
The Senate Executive Appointments Committee moved six appointees to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board through committee on Tuesday, but the only appointee of Gov. J.B. Pritzker that came for a vote before the full Senate was rejected.
For Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s PRB appointees awaiting Senate confirmation, the clock is ticking. The five pending appointments must be approved by the Senate by close of business on Monday or they are automatically approved.
Michelle Cook, Joy Care Center/Jobs Partnership Board president, talks March 22 with clients in an apartment she uses to network with those seeking a better life for themselves.
Joy Care Center is a Bloomington nonprofit that assists mostly ex-incarcerees with finding jobs, housing and essential items. Director Michelle Cook, shown March 22, refers to the program's members as her children.
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BLOOMINGTON — After decades of run-ins with law enforcement and years spent in and out of prison, Jeffrey Ray Walls says he is dedicating his life to serving his community.
The 53-year-old man has served around 16 non-consecutive years in prison on charges related to burglary, forgery and selling cocaine. Nearly two years after his most recent sentence, Walls said he is taking accountability for his life by volunteering with local churches and support groups.
"Jeffrey Walls tears down walls of hate that divide us to build up bridges of love that unite us, that's what I do. It is my whole purpose in life."
April is recognized as Second Chance Month, an effort that began in 2017 led by the nonprofit Prison Fellowship, as a campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with criminal records, such as finding jobs and housing. Later this month, Walls will speak about his experiences during a resource fair sponsored by the McLean County Reentry Council, a group formed last year to help connect people released from incarceration with resources.
Advocating for reform
Since he was a young child, Walls said he faced racial discrimination that led him down a dark path. He has spoken since his release from prison about instances of discrimination he said he faced during interactions with the legal system and law enforcement.
Walls was sentenced to prison in 1989 after pleading guilty to commercial burglary, forgery and criminal damage of property. The offenses carried a consecutive sentence of 10 years and released in 1993.
It wasn't long after his release from prison when Walls said he began selling powdered cocaine. McLean County court records show Walls was in and out of prison between 1994 and 2004 on charges related to manufacturing and selling cocaine.
While in prison, Walls said he was able to attend a college class on state and local government, where he became interested in prison reform. As part of the class, Walls wrote a proposal that he presented to former Illinois Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Director Michael O'Leary about the formation of gang-free and drug-free institutions.
Walls pulled from his experience in the Illinois prison system and from what he learned in the class. In his proposal he wrote that, while Illinois prisons are intended to be gang- and drug-free, the rules are often ignored.
The proposal makes suggestions for how the state can create drug-free and gang-free institutions, such as instituting disciplinary actions and transferals for prisoners who attempt to form any gangs or who test positive for drugs while in prison.
With the help of friends and family, Walls distributed a petition that got hundreds of signatures in support. He also received letters from former McLean County State's Attorney Charles G. Reynard and former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun acknowledging the proposal.
"Based upon his description of such a facility as well as his personal experiences, his proposal strikes me as being a worthy one," Reynard wrote. "It is my hope that the true extent of the problem can at least be recognized so that we can then work on solutions."
After 2004, Walls said he stayed out of prison for 14 years. He was arrested in 2016 on felony burglary and theft charges and sentenced in 2018 to two years in prison, with 237 days of credit for time served. Walls was then released in early 2020, and he began focusing on turning his life around again.
A 'serving heart'
When coming home after incarceration, many people face challenges in finding jobs or housing. In early 2021, the McLean County Reentry Council began to form as a way to connect people with local resources and organizations to help them overcome such challenges.
Toy Beasley, a local advocate and founding member of the group, said one of the most important steps upon returning home from prison or jail is to find a support group.
"People come out and say they need a job, and they do need a job," said Beasley. "I think the most important thing is that they have a support group. They get that job, they get that apartment, but how do they keep it? They need those support groups.”
In his free time, Walls volunteers with Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program. He first became interested while he was incarcerated, when volunteers would visit jails and prisons as part of the Celebrate Recovery Inside program.
As an accountability partner, Walls shares his story with other people who attend Celebrate Recovery, some who have been incarcerated, and works to build relationships with them and encourage them to continue attending support group meetings.
"He's got an incredible serving heart," said Scott Kemp, Celebrate Recovery program director with First Assembly of God, and regional director of the national organization. "He would give the shirt off his back to anybody who needs help for anything."
Celebrate Recovery is centered on helping people through any "hurts, habits and hangups" they might be experiencing, such as drug and alcohol addiction, Kemp said. The program was founded in 1991 by John and Cheryl Baker of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
Beasley said Celebrate Recovery is just one of many support groups available in McLean County, but he added that it is highly recommended due to its success rate.
"It is a great organization to help the formerly incarcerated, because I consider it a one-stop-shop support group," Beasley said. "You can talk about depression, you can talk about substance abuse, anything."
Walls said he recommends the program to many people because, "Celebrate Recovery helps out anybody."
"It's not just drugs and alcohol addictions. This is a true recovery for anybody that's dealing with mental health, dealing with emotional issues, dealing with sexual issues, food, overeating, anything.
While Walls has slid back into old habits in the past, he said he now considers himself a qualified accountability partner because of his experience.
The biggest advice he gives is for people to start volunteering in any way possible once they are released from prison.
"If you volunteer — because a lot of them can't get jobs because of their criminal background — you show what you can do," Walls said. "Prove to the community that you are here to help the community."
A singer-songwriter with roots in Normal returns to national television for the kickoff of "Hollywood Week" on "American Idol." The show airs at 7 p.m. Monday, March 28, on ABC.
“If we’re No. 1, it must be really bad for other states, because it’s rough enough here in Illinois,” said Michelle Cook, director of the Joy Care Center in Bloomington.
Jeffrey Ray Walls, right, talks with Celebrate Recovery's Scott Kemp as they prepare for a Celebrate Recovery event at First Assembly of God Church in Normal on March 15.
Jeffrey Ray Walls presented a virtual paper trail as he talked about his efforts to seek reforms in the Illinois Department of Corrections before a meeting at First Assembly of God Church in Normal, Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Jeffrey Ray Walls credits Celebrate Recovery as helping him find his place in the community before an event at First Assembly of God Church in Normal, Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/beer-nuts-snags-spotlight-as-senators-snack/article_c3e08f91-607b-5816-88ed-389bc3d7b527.html
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BLOOMINGTON — A beloved Twin Cities snack recently caught some attention on the national political stage.
Television cameras captured U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, munching on Beer Nuts during a break in the committee’s hearings on Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Having lived a block from the Beer Nuts factory in Bloomington, nice to see Sen Durbin snacking on a home state treat pic.twitter.com/MOn8H71xiu
— Bernie Schoenburg (@bschoenburg) March 22, 2022
The appearance sparked a number of social media posts from eagle-eyed viewers. “Having lived a block from the Beer Nuts factory in Bloomington, nice to see Sen. Durbin snacking on a home state treat,” tweeted longtime political journalist Bernie Schoenburg on March 22.
But it wasn’t a one-time occurrence. A photographer captured Durbin and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa sharing a bag before a meeting on Monday. The image of bipartisan snacking made Roll Call’s “Photos of the Week” collection on Friday.
Bipartisan snacking — Sens. Grassley Durbin share Beer Nuts before a business meeting🥜 pic.twitter.com/jIGS8JYJya
— Anna Rose Layden (@RoseLayden) March 28, 2022
Asked about the occurrence, Durbin’s office said the senator wanted Illinois snacks available for his colleagues during the long days of nomination hearings. “And Bloomington’s Beer Nuts were one of those snacks. He and his colleagues enjoyed a variety of Beer Nuts products including Beer Nuts cashews, original peanuts, and almonds.”
His favorite item? “While he is a fan of all Beer Nuts products, his favorite is the original peanut,” a spokeswoman said.
Beer Nuts President Andy Shirk said Friday that the company has been sending products to Durbin’s office for a few years, ever since Shirk noticed other snacks while on a visit there.
"It's good to see he's actually eating them," Shirk said.
Shirk has also met Grassley and said it was nice to see the two senators he had met in person sharing Beer Nuts. The significance of the Supreme Court hearings also made the event more special.
People have been reaching out to Shirk and the company, letting him know they had seen the products during the hearings.
"It definitely lit up my phone for a couple days,” he said. “Hopefully it lights up our website too.”
Iconic symbols of Bloomington-Normal
Nearly 50 iconic symbols
Lucca Grill stands the test of time in downtown Bloomington
Karen Hansen | khansen@pantagraph.com
The venerable Lucca Grill always extends a warm welcome to friends, whether gone a day or a decade. The downtown Bloomington landmark, 116 E. Market St., is long on comfort and short on pretense; hang around long enough and you’ll join an extended family.
The eatery is an octogenarian now, begun in 1936 by immigrant brothers Fred and John Baldini near the end of the Great Depression.
Over time, many superlatives have described its special ambiance: painted tin ceilings, a working dumbwaiter and Lilliputian-sized bathrooms. “A delightful old-time saloon” gushed The New York Times; “one of the most congenial bars ever founded,” fawned The Washington Post.
Its long love affair with Democrats was trumpeted by John Baldini No. 2, revered leader of McLean County’s liberal wing until his 1994 death. The grill dispenses Kennedy half-dollars in change and one manager – John Fitzgerald Koch – is even named for the 35th president.
Oodles of celebrities have walked through the doors but it’s regulars and folks like 46-year employee Lois Durbin who have been vetted with a picture on the wall or a plaque on a barstool or a menu item named in their honor.
That menu’s most-favored meal is the “A La Baldini,” the dime-thin Italian pie with sausage, pepperoni, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and pepperocini.
Slide into a stool along the timeworn mahogany bar and savor some. It’s a family rite of passage.
Watterson Towers is a sight that stands out for miles and miles
Lenore Sobota | lsobota@pantagraph.com
You can see Watterson Towers for miles. It’s among the tallest residence halls in the world.
Pretty much everyone in Central Illinois knows the Illinois State University’s scion is the tallest building in Bloomington-Normal and among the tallest buildings outside of Chicago.
It’s also among the most populous, called home each year by about 2,200 students.
Arthur W. Watterson was not a major financial donor to the university, the primary way people and corporations get their names on buildings these days.
Instead, Watterson was a geography professor who died in 1966, a year before construction began on the 28-story building. He had joined the ISU faculty in 1946, after serving in the Office of War Information in Washington and later with the Office of Strategic Services, mostly in Europe, during World War II.
He led the geography department for 15 years, from 1951 to 1966.
Selected in 1961 for the Outstanding Citizen Award by the Normal Chamber of Commerce, he was described as a “tireless worker on the ISU campus, in his church and in his community.”
His name - rescued from relative obscurity - isn’t the only one attached to the residence complex.
The 10 “houses” within the towers are named for the first 10 secretaries of state, some of whom later became president: Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Timothy Pickering, John Marshall, James Madison, Robert Smith, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay and Martin Van Buren.
What makes Central Illinois unique can be found in the ground
Randy Kindred | rkindred@pantagraph.com
The stores have plenty of it in bags … top soil, garden soil, potting soil. Any will do in a pinch.
Yet, at our house we want the best for our plants, and we know what that is.
How?
Husband and wife both came from dirt … that is, we grew up on family farms. So each spring, a plea is sent out to a brother and/or brother in-law for dirt.
Not just any dirt. Central Illinois farm dirt.
It is transported in buckets and transferred to pots large and small. The plants take off like crazy, even when mixed with that city-bought soil.
The brother and brother-in-law grow corn and soybeans, just as our dads did. They plant seeds in the darkest, richest, most fertile ground you’ll find … the brother in Logan, McLean and Tazewell counties, the brother in-law in Hancock and Henderson to the west.
They worry about rain or the lack of it. They fret about wind or hail or droughts. They take out their pocket knives and dig in the dirt. All the while, they know there is no better place to raise a crop.
Why?
“I would say it’s the fact we have a deeper top soil than a lot of other parts of the country that grow crops,” the brother said. “That probably helps us as much as anything. The top soil is really rich and productive.
“We’re flat here, we have a lot of top soil and our soil drains fairly well, but it also retains water very well. Moisture seems to be readily available to the crop most of the time because it’s not draining away real quickly, yet it is draining.”
So give our dirt a thumb’s up … with a little under the nail, of course.
Normal Theater still lighting up uptown with movie nostalgia
Dan Craft | dcraft@pantagraph.com
There’s nothing remotely normal about the 80-year-old Normal Theater: the sleek Art Deco/Art Moderne building at 209 North St. remains among Illinois’ handful of surviving, still-functioning single-screen bijous.
It was designed by famed Bloomington architect Arthur F. Moratz and financed to the tune of $100,000 by local lawyer Sylvan Kupfer, who leased the theater to Great States Corp.
The first of Hollywood’s movie legends to visit the Normal’s silver screen: Bing Crosby, whose new musical comedy, “Double or Nothing,” graced the marquee on opening night in 1937.
Crosby remains a Normal fixture thanks to the annual showings of his seasonal classics “White Christmas” and “Holiday Inn.”
Among the Normal’s distinctions: It was the first B-N cinema designed for sound movies and it was equipped with air conditioning, a rarity for 1937.
There was rough sledding ahead as the movie business changed, reaching a nadir in 1985, when its then-owner shoved a wall between the balcony and the main floor to create a cramped twin-screen theater.
The ploy failed and the theater closed in 1991, reduced to seedy second-run, bargain house status.
Salvation and rebirth came via the Town of Normal, which purchased the theater and committed to a meticulous three-year restoration that included a return to its single-screen origins.
The grand re-opening occurred Oct. 7, 1994, with “Singin’ in the Rain.” In the two decades since, the theater has remained an iconic symbol and focal point of uptown renaissance.
ISU, IWU alumni know where to eat when they return to town
Jim Benson | jbenson@pantagraph.com
When Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan celebrate homecomings in the fall, alumni taste buds immediately start salivating down memory lane.
Time to get a gondola or some thin-crust pizza, that comfort food they loved – and devoured – during their college days at two special places burnt into the brain forever.
Thus, the packed parking lots at Avanti’s in Normal and Tobin’s Pizza in Bloomington when former ISU and IWU students roll into town.
The Avanti’s on Main Street near the ISU campus may have changed some inside since it was opened by Guido and Albert Zeller in 1971. What hasn’t changed is Avanti’s fresh Italian bread, which is prepared and baked in the restaurant’s kitchen and, of course, the trademark “Avanti’s famous gondola” of ham, salami, American cheese and lettuce.
You can get a half gondola, but a whole gondola is usually the way to go for hearty eaters. There are plenty of other options on the menu, but the gondola always is the first remembered.
South from Avanti’s, on Main Street near the IWU campus, sits Tobin’s Pizza, a community staple since 1963 when Jim Tobin opened the doors. It looks almost the same inside as 1963, too, which just adds to its unique charm.
The thin (but not paper thin) crust pizza has remained the same even after Moe and Karen Davis bought the business in 1998. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Moe Davis on the 50th anniversary in 2013.
Good thinking — regardless if your college colors are red and white or green and white.
Adlais, Abe & David lead the Twin Cities' political list
Edith Brady-Lunny | eblunny@pantagraph.com
Mention the names Stevenson, Lincoln and Davis and three common themes come to mind: politics, lawyers and Bloomington.
Maryland-born David Davis settled in Bloomington in the 1830s, presiding over a judicial circuit where Abraham Lincoln, an up-and-coming lawyer, was building his career.
That’s where Lincoln also crossed paths with Adlai Stevenson I, the first in a succession of Democrat office-holders with the same last name.
So impressed with Lincoln were Davis and several other prominent local leaders that they provided the support Lincoln needed in May 1860 to secure the Republican presidential nomination.
After Lincoln was elected, Davis was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he remained until he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1877.
Stevenson, who had moved to Bloomington with his family when he was 16, later served as vice president under Grover Cleveland and in the U.S. Congress.
The second Stevenson named Adlai (grandson of Adlai I) was governor of Illinois, a presidential candidate and a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. His son, Adlai III, was a U.S. senator and candidate for governor.
The Bloomington home of Adlai II still stands. The David Davis Mansion is a popular state historic site that includes Sarah’s Garden.
A statue of Stevenson II is in the lobby of Central Illinois Regional Airport. A statue of Lincoln, Davis and Pantagraph founder Jesse Fell is in Lincoln Park, directly in front of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Nutty little Bloomington sideshow is now world famous
Bill Flick | flick@pantagraph.com
In a town known for its insurance and higher education, only one name lives in the same famed-name stratosphere of Kleenex, Xerox, Band-aid or Play-Doh.
That’d be Beer Nuts, of course.
They are so famous, people around the world automatically call any nut glazed in a salty sugary mix a Beer Nut.
There’s an irony there, too.
In the beginning, back in 1953 when Russell and Betty Shirk ran a downtown Bloomington restaurant, their claim to fame was their homemade orange juice.
People came from all over to drink it.
That’s when, as an added attraction to make people thirstier, Shirk went into a back room at his restaurant and poured a special glaze onto a baking platter of unskinned Virginia-grown peanuts.
A star was born.
You never heard Norm on “Cheers” clamor for another orange drink.
You don’t see comedienne Sarah Silverman (she’s a Beer Nuts fanatic) jogging in Manhattan and onto the cover of People magazine wearing a Shirk’s Orange cap.
Instead, Beer Nuts – while still low-profile in Bloomington-Normal (when have you EVER seen a Beer Nuts semitrailer truck?) – have catapulted “Shirk” into inexorably lasting Twin City fame.
That was ensured into perpetuity when the harvests of that red-skinned partner to a glass of orange juice led to development of the Russell O. & Betty Shirk Foundation and, in 1994, opening of the $15 million Shirk Center Athletic Complex on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University.
Steak ’n Shake has been right and in sight since 1934
Julie Gerke | jgerke@pantagraph.com
That second apostrophe is about the only thing missing from Steak ’n Shake, the black, white and red restaurant famous for sizzling steakburgers and handdipped shakes.
The chain restaurant, which includes a sit-down dining room and drive-through lanes, was founded in 1934 in the Twin Cities.
Gus Belt opened the first Steak ’n Shake at Main Street and Virginia Avenue (now home to Monical’s Pizza), after he added food to a Shell service station line-up of gasoline, tires and turtleburgers.
A finicky Belt ground the steak by hand, in front of his customers, charging 20 cents and a penny tax for a burger and shake. He didn’t like either item, yet mandated a pickle with every bite — which is why you still get two long slices on each steakburger.
Along the way, he also coined (and trademarked) the term “cheeseburger” and determined the secret to good chili is a hint of cocoa.
He and his wife Edith bought the former Maplewood Country Club property in 1940 and used the land to pasture cows. In 1953, the acreage was platted into Maplewood subdivision, which fronts Jersey Avenue. Belt Avenue is named in his honor.
Belt died in 1954, and Edith ran the chain until 1969. Current owner Biglari Holdings Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has more than 500 Steak ’n Shake restaurants in 27 states.
Steak ’n Shake is memorialized in a collection at McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington, and in an exhibit at the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, 110 W Howard St., Pontiac.
Festival provides summer fun for Shakespeare fans
Joe Deacon | jdeacon@pantagraph.com
One Bloomington-Normal location has been the site of murders, mayhem and mischief, notorious deeds occurring out in the open among plenty of witnesses.
Yet that same spot has seen romances blossom, hosted fantastic celebrations and filled the air with laughter every summer for more than 35 years.
Where — not wherefore — might this location be?
Although “all the world’s a stage,” these acts have taken place on stage at Ewing Manor (Ewing Cultural Center), where the Illinois Shakespeare Festival has become a Twin City summer staple since its debut in 1978.
The first performances took place on a temporary wooden stage built over a tennis court, with about 250 spectators sitting in folding chairs.
Now, the plays are held in a 438-seat open-air theater that debuted in 2000.
The festival, which features at least three plays in a rotation each year, has become nationally recognized among professional Shakespearean actors as a top venue.
The attraction has grown as well, with patrons able to picnic on the grounds and occasionally take in bonus acts performed in the courtyards.
All but three of William Shakespeare’s plays have been produced in the festival’s 37 years, along with other Shakespeare-related works.
If you wish to witness a little murder and mayhem, or perhaps some bard-style romance and laughter, “get thee to” the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.
Miller Park Zoo offers a roaring good time to visitors
Bruce Yentes | byentes@pantagraph.com
“Worldly” and “exotic” are not terms that immediately come rolling off the tongue when most Bloomington-Normal residents describe their neighbors.
However, there’s an enclave on the west side of Bloomington where those attributes are more the norm than the exception among those who call it home.
Since 1891, when the city of Bloomington began allocating funds for the care of animals at Miller Park, the zoo established there has been home to a wide variety of critters from all corners of the globe.
“We’ve had animals from from every continent on earth except for Antarctica,” said Miller Park Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff.
Many of the zoo’s earliest denizens were housed at the Koetthoefer Animal Building, a structure that opened to the public 100 years ago and was designed by renowned Bloomington architect A.L. Pillsbury. The building is still in use today and is a site for daily feedings, a popular attraction of the venerable facility.
The zoo was expanded in 1960 and grew exponentially in the 1990s after the Entrance Building/Education Center opened in 1992.
Culminating with the Tropical Rainforest Exhibit that debuted in 2004, the zoo more than doubled in size in a little over a decade.
The zoo and its foundation currently are working with the city on a long-term expansion plan.
Miller Park Zoo is located at 1020 S. Morris Ave. and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Actors’ passion helps bring record-setting play to life
KEVIN BARLOW | KBARLOW@pantagraph.com
The longest-running “continuously performed” passion play in America is right here in Bloomington.
The American Passion Play, unlike others, dramatizes Jesus’ entire ministry, rather than just events from Passion Week onward. The play is historically accurate, with settings and costumes recreating first-century Galilee. Text is taken from the King James version of the Bible.
“My theory is that we can do more and tell a story better in four hours than churches can in several months,” said Wally Crouch of Normal, who has been business manager for the play for the past 10 years and associated with the play for more than 35.
The play, staged every spring at Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, presents the story of Jesus in 11 performances that begin with the beheading of John the Baptist and end with Christ’s ascension. About 230 characters participate in 56 scenes. The play is directed by J. Garrie Burr and codirected by John Capasso. The actors are non-professionals with a spiritual dedication to their parts.
“It’s the people that make the play special,” Crouch said. “Some have been acting in it for 60 years and we have had several generations of the same families as actors.”
Next season will be the 92nd consecutive season the play has been presented in Bloomington.
“I’ve seen it every year for the past 40 years,” said Heyworth resident Patricia Benson. “Every year, you see something different. But one thing never changes and that is the fact that it is simply amazing.”
When your day is done, Pub II is the place to have fun
RANDY SHARER | RSHARER@pantagraph.com
When your day is done and the rat race lost or won, you need a place to celebrate or commiserate.
A prime confine to unwind for college students and the work weary has been Pub II, the iconic sports bar and restaurant perched like a 4,000-square-foot fort at 102 N. Linden St., where it has protected free time in Normal the past 43 years.
While other local watering holes have their devotees, none can match the longevity of Pub II, which received one of the first liquor licenses after Normal ended its self-imposed prohibition in 1974.
Pub II further separated from its competitors in 1998 when Playboy magazine named it one of the top 100 college bars in the country. The business drew kudos for affordable food, drink specials and “college bar” atmosphere.
Keeping the red, white and blue bedecked celebrants well fed and thirst-free in front of six big-screen and 25 smaller TVs were many of Pub II’s 50 employees.
Standing sentinel over the jubilation were walls festooned with sports memorabilia honoring ISU and Illinois Wesleyan along with Chicago’s Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears, Cubs and White Sox among others.
On the day this story was first published, June 18, 2014, co-owner Terry Stralow left a thankful voicemail at The Pantagraph. That act of kindness became poignant 10 months later when he died at age 64 in a plane crash with six others returning from the NCAA basketball tournament in Indianapolis.
Stralow's legacy is honored as well as those of Scott Bittner, Andy Butler, Tom Hileman, Jason Jones, Aaron Leetch and Torrey Ward thanks to a campaign called Project 7, which asks everyone to perform seven acts of kindness each April 7.
Three Olympians called Bloomington-Normal home
RANDY REINHARDT | RREINHARDT@pantagraph.com
Doug Collins earned a silver medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Many believe to this day he actually earned a gold.
The former Illinois State All-American was a central figure in perhaps the most controversial moment in Olympic history as a member of the United States basketball team.
Collins sank two free throws with three seconds remaining to give the Amercans a 50-49 lead in the gold medal game against the Soviet Union.
The Soviets inbounded the ball and the clock hit zero only to have time put back on the clock after a claim that a timeout had been called. Time ran out again as the Soviets failed to score, but they were given a third chance when it was decided by an international basketball official that a timing error had been made.
On the third attempt, Alexander Belov turned a long pass into a game-winning shot.
Collins and the rest of the U.S. team, who had celebrated victory twice, were devastated and steadfastly refuse to accept the silver medal more than 40 years later. A silver medal that holds considerably better memories belongs to former University High School volleyball star Ogonna Nnamani.
Nnamani, who also enjoyed an All-American career at Stanford, was part of the American women’s volleyball team that competed in Athens, Greece, in 2004 before earning a silver medal in 2008 at Beijing, China.
Bloomington High School also has produced an Olympian in distance runner Christin Wurth-Thomas.
Wurth-Thomas qualified for the 2008 Games in the 1,500-meter run. She finished eighth in a preliminary round race and did not advance to the finals.
Constitution Trail links fitness and fellowship in B-N
PAUL SWIECH | PSWIECH@pantagraph.com
Constitution Trail is Bloomington-Normal’s path to fitness, fellowship and fun.
Meandering through neighborhoods and subdivisions and stretching alongside backyards, creeks and parks, the trail stretches for 37 miles from inner-city neighborhoods to the countryside surrounding the Twin Cities.
Older adults take their dogs for a walk, families have a leisurely bike ride, teens practice skateboarding skills, college-age couples jog, overweight people return to exercise and cyclists and runners have fun.
Conversations are common.
Even for people who don’t know each other, there are starters: Was that a groundhog that just ran in front of us? What plant is in that trail-side garden? What’s going on at Connie Link Amphitheatre?
Along the trail, there are benches for people to take a break, shelters for people to chat or for groups to meet. Six signs describe and honor key parts of the U.S. Constitution.
Some people use parts of the trail to commute to work or to head to uptown Normal for an evening on the town.
While the original leg of the trail was provided by the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad line, the trail now extends well beyond that line and continues to expand.
For the uninitiated and for trail users who want to check out different parts of the trail, go to the Friends of Constitution Trail website — ConstitutionTrail.org — which has a trail map that includes trail heads.
You’ll start with walking. You’ll end with belonging.
Ice cream shops drive memories of summer in B-N
MARIA NAGLE | MNAGLE@pantagraph.com
For more than 40 years, two ice cream shops have shaped the summer memories of many Bloomington-Normal children and brought back grown-ups for another sample when they return to the Twin Cities.
Carl’s Ice Cream Factory, 601 W. Locust St., and Gene’s Dairy Delight at 1019 S. Main St., both in Bloomington, serve up not only homemade ice cream, but nostalgia as walk-up neighborhood ice cream stands.
In 2007, Carl’s added a location at 1700 W. College Ave., Normal, that is open year-round, provides indoor seating and a drive-up window.
But spring officially starts in the Twin Cities when Carl’s and Gene’s seasonal stands open. Throughout the summer, crowds congregate there day and night, offering frosty balm to sooth nerves seared by a hot summer day or the incentive to put on walking shoes or ride a bike to reach nirvana.
Family nights out or get-togethers with friends are often capped off there.
Carl’s and Gene’s are the source of treats after a holiday meal or to mark a birthday, anniversary or life’s other significant milestones.
For passing motorists, they prove irresistible.
Candy “googly eyes” served on the ice cream make the shops into a favorite stop for many children.
You may debate which shop has the better ice cream, but there is no doubt that Gene’s and Carl’s are the must-go destinations for ice cream in Bloomington-Normal.
Tourists on Route 66 are still getting their kicks
BILL FLICK | BFLICK@pantagraph.com
U.S. 66, recognized across America as an archetype of the early American highway, carved a 2,500-mile path of road from Chicago to Los Angeles, with roadside attractions and marvelous vistas.
It wound through Bloomington-Normal, from its entry in northeast Normal on what is today Pine Street, to Willow, to Main. That’s where it intersected with U.S. 51 and traversed south, wandering out of town on what is today largely Interstate 55.
“It was a way of life and I loved it there,” said Chester Henry, a retired Illinois State Police trooper who for more than 25 years patrolled the “Mother Road” around Bloomington-Normal. Highways then, said Chester, were a much more personal, friendly place and he knew all the great places to dine, sleep and take a break.
To this day, Route 66 remains a point of pride and its legacy continues to grow, even 30 years after the road was decommissioned.
Kicks, a popular pub in Towanda, is devoted to the Route 66 legend. So much so, in fact, it was the destination of El Paso High Class of ‘66 when its class members turned age 66.
The circa-1931 Sprague Super Service Station at 305 E. Pine, Normal, once housed a cafe, gas station and garage. Starting this summer, it has opened as Ryburn Place, a gift shop and information center.
With the assistance of several grants and the town of Normal, the site was rehabbed and restored by town workers and Terri Ryburn, a Route 66 enthusiast and retired Illinois State University administrator.
And at the old McLean County courthouse (today’s McLean County Museum of History) is a “Route 66 Visitors Center” in the basement of the museum. Just look for the bench with Abe Lincoln and walk in the door.
From print to canvas to web, The Pantagraph covers the news
PANTAGRAPH STAFF
Whether it’s reporting local happenings or national headlines, The Pantagraph has been a main source of news in Central Illinois since the 1800s.
And like many things in the Twin Cities, Jesse Fell was at the newspaper’s forefront, first founding the Bloomington Observer and McLean County Advocate in 1837 and then as editor of the McLean Register, renamed The Pantagraph (from a Greek phrase meaning “write all things”) in 1853.
The newspaper went from a weekly to a daily edition in 1856 and added a direct telegraph wire so that it could publish wire service news.
But getting the news to the public hasn’t been limited to just the printed page.
During the election of 1900 — Democrat William Jennings Bryan and running mate Bloomington’s Adlai E. Stevenson I ran against Republicans William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt — The Pantagraph hung a large canvas on a building across Madison Street and used a stereopticon machine to project running vote totals.
It also announced that at 11 p.m. on election night, it would fire off one rocket for a Bryan victory; two for a McKinley victory.
In 1920, a magnetic player board was mounted on the building so baseball fans could follow every play of the World Series. The board was used until the late 1930s.
Today, The Pantagraph not only delivers a printed paper to doorsteps, but takes advantage of electronic media including a web page, Facebook, Twitter and mobile apps to get news to its thousands of readers.
Special Olympics has its heart in Bloomington-Normal
JOE DEACON | JDEACON@pantagraph.com
In a crowded sports market that includes several high schools, two NCAA universities and a handful of professional franchises, one Normal-based organization has spent decades nurturing the state’s most inspirational athletes.
Those athletes take center stage in the Twin Cities each June when Special Olympics Illinois holds the State Summer Games, with more than 4,000 competitors participating in six different sports.
These Summer Games, as with everything Special Olympics does, are embodied best through the agency’s oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
By giving people with intellectual disabilities an avenue to grow through competition, Special Olympics helps these athletes achieve a sense of pride and accomplishment while combating intolerance.
Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first competition held at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 1968 and has grown to include 18 programs statewide, providing opportunities for more than 20,000 athletes annually.
The agency’s headquarters moved from the Chicago Park District to the Illinois State University campus in 1977 before opening its own offices on Willow Street in 1989.
Through 180 competitions each year, Special Olympics uses 19 Olympic-type sports to fulfill its stated mission of helping its athletes “develop fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship” — all while inspiring the spectators whose lives are touched by these athletes.
Long medical history in B-N births successful hospitals
JIM BENSON | JBENSON@pantagraph.com
Their names have changed over the years as their buildings kept getting bigger and bigger. What hasn’t changed is the mission of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington: providing us with the best health care possible.
BroMenn’s history at its current site began when Deaconess Hospital opened May 8, 1896, on eight acres between Bloomington and Normal. The name changed in 1901 after Abram Brokaw, a wealthy plowmaker, made a $10,000 contribution. A nursing school was established at that time.
In 1984, Brokaw Hospital merged with Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington and Eureka Hospital to form BroMenn Healthcare. A major expansion in 1991 turned Brokaw into BroMenn Regional Medical Center; Mennonite became BroMenn Lifecare Center but closed in the late 1990s.
A merger with Oak Brook-based Advocate Health Care in 2010 resulted in Advocate BroMenn Medical Center (and Advocate Eureka Hospital). A 136,000-square-foot addition opened in 2012, giving the facility 221 beds.
St. Joseph’s Hospital was opened in 1880 on Jackson Street in Bloomington. The hospital moved to East Washington Street in 1968 and is now part of OSF HealthCare System. OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is a 149-bed notfor-profit acute care facility and level II trauma center.
OSF St. Joseph was the first hospital in McLean County to offer open heart surgery in 1990. Other “firsts” include successful birth by cesarean section, nuclear medicine, laser surgery, coil embolization and anterior hip surgery.
Historic Castle makes the transition to concert house
JOE DEACON | JDEACON@pantagraph.com
What was once a popular downtown Bloomington movie theater, comedy club and even an auto storage facility is now the Twin Cities’ best concert house in the eyes — and ears — of Pantagraph readers.
With its classic marquee prominently illuminating the 200 block of East Washington Street, Bloomington, the landmark Castle Theatre cemented itself as impossible to miss. The venue continues to be a favorite among Twin City area concert-goers, earning -- once again – the title of Best Live Music Venue in the most recent Pantagraph’s Reader’s Choice Awards competition.
And it continues to draw an eclectic assortment of acts since its’s 2010 opening, ranging in the past couple of years from Sevendust and Suzy Bogguss to The Smithereens and The Jayhawks.
And, that trend seems certain to continue.
Built in 1916 by Charles U. Williams, the current Castle not only housed the 1,000-seat theater but also accommodated storage for his adjacent auto dealership, with a freight elevator that carried cars to the upper floors.
But the prospect of the Castle seeing its 100th anniversary seemed highly remote when GKC Theaters shuttered the cinema in 1988. As the building remained dormant through the ‘90s, a plan to make the Castle one of the centerpieces in Bloomington’s cultural district gained momentum.
Following a $1.5 million renovation, the theater reopened in 2003 as a film house featuring couch seating and beer on tap. That incarnation lasted just three years as the Castle was shuttered again, although Clearview Christian Church continued to hold services there.
Insurance industry is Twin Cities’ long-standing crop
derek beigh | dbeigh@pantagraph.com
Farmers are to thank for two of the Pantagraph-area’s biggest white-collar businesses, and the local insurance industry has grown much like a bumper crop.
State Farm and Country Financial employ thousands of Central Illinois residents. In fact, chances are good to excellent that you either know someone in the industry or are yourself employed in it.
State Farm, which employs about 15,000 people in Bloomington, was founded by G.J. Mecherle in 1922. He was a retired Merna farmer who also sold farm implements, and he wanted to help others like himself.
Mecherle sold insurance for a company in Bloomington and from that experience decided to start his own company down the street. Since then, State Farm has grown to a net worth of $87.6 billion in 2016 and is now No. 33 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.
Company-wide, State Farm has nearly 70,000 employees. The insurer has hubs in Georgia, Arizona and Texas.
A group of farmers from the Illinois Farm Bureau started Country Financial in 1925 to provide insurance on farm buildings and their contents. Country Financial moved its home office from Chicago to Bloomington in 1960, and it now has about 2,000 employees in the Twin Cities among 5,000 nationwide.
Country Financial serves more than a million households and businesses in 39 states. On Jan. 1, the company grew through a merger with MiddleOak companies, based in Salem, Mass., and Middletown, Conn.
McLean County Museum of History keeps it interesting
RANDY SHARER | RSHARER@pantagraph.com
The McLean County Museum of History has resided since 1992 in that grand mountain of limestone and marble that is the pillar-festooned McLean County Courthouse, built in 1903.
The museum’s history traces to 1892 when meetings were held to hear presentations on local history. Without solicitation, community members began donating related objects.
By 1904, the collection was big enough to require a curator and the first museum opened on the third floor of the courthouse. It moved to the McBarnes Building in 1922.
The collection had outgrown its confines by 1972 when a fire left the museum homeless for five years.
Today, the 40,000-square foot museum, which preserves nearly 20,000 objects, is nationally accredited, a designation enjoyed by only 3 percent of the nation’s 33,000 museums.
The public has access to more than 15,000 books along with historical papers and images, some of which came from The Pantagraph archives.
This not-for-profit museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (until 9 p.m. Tuesdays). Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for members, students and those under 12.
A frequent award winner, the museum boasts five permanent and two rotating galleries. Among the newest exhibits is one examining Abraham Lincoln's work as an attorney in McLean County and on the Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit.
The museum, which has 17 paid employees, welcomed more than 27,000 visitors in 2016 on-site and approximately 9,200 off-site.
The 1,200-square foot "Cruisin' With Lincoln on 66" Visitors Center opened on the ground floor in 2015. Outside, a statue of Lincoln makes for a popular photo prop.
Small but mighty Illinois Wesleyan University perseveres
JIM BENSON | JBENSON@pantagraph.com
For as long as there has been a City of Bloomington, there has been an Illinois Wesleyan University.
IWU, with an enrollment of 1,771 students in fall 2016, was founded in 1850 by a group of 30 civic and religious leaders, supported by the United Methodist Church. That’s how “Wesleyan” was added to the name “Illinois University.”
Seventy-eight percent of last year’s students enrolled in liberal arts and sciences. The College of Fine Arts, which combined schools of art, music and theater, was established in 1948; the School of Nursing began in 1959 (previously in conjunction with Brokaw School of Nursing).
The central portion of the 80-acre campus was acquired in 1854; the oldest building, Stevenson Hall, was built in 1910. Seventeen buildings have been constructed since World War II. Recent additions include Shirk Center (1994), Center for Natural Science Learning and Research (1995), Harriett Fuller Rust House and refurbished Center for Liberal Arts (1996), Ames Library (2002), Minor Myers, Jr. Welcome Center (2008) and State Farm Hall and The Gates at Wesleyan (2013).
Athletically, IWU has shined in NCAA Division III. The Titans’ 20 athletic teams have won national championships in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and women’s track and field.
Famous alumni include Ed Rust, Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of State Farm Insurance Cos.; Oscar-nominated actor Richard Jenkins; seven-time NBA All-Star Jack Sikma; and Kansas City Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews.
Veterans Parkway is among nation’s best commutes
RANDY SHARER | RSHARER@pantagraph.com
In 1999, The Pantagraph surveyed readers to determine the worst thing to happen to Bloomington-Normal in the 20th century.
Thirty-seven percent named Veterans Parkway, the Twin Cities’ eight-mile, six-lane, 22-stoplight mother road.
Mapquest says the trip from southwest Bloomington to northeast Normal takes 13 minutes. A recent trek took a reporter 12.
Twin City history can’t be told without including Veterans Parkway, but why is the tale so often one of derision? After all, the road paved the way for the cornucopia of retail development that, apparently, we can’t do without.
The time sitting at all those red lights can create a level of road rage beyond the evidence of stopwatches. Census data shows B-N drivers have an average commute of just 15.6 minutes compared to the national average of 24.8.
Motorists’ ire also comes from traffic and accidents. BN’s busiest intersection is Veterans and GE Road, with more than 60,650 cars per day. The past decade, most accidents happened at Veterans and College Avenue.
None of this was evident when its predecessor, Beltline Road, opened in 1941 so war munitions could quickly be moved between St. Louis and Chicago.
The “soft” southeast curve was created so traffic could move at speeds up to 100 mph. Federal law mandated the road remain stoplight free.
That edict stood until the 1950s, when businesses began moving east. After several bad accidents, Illinois 9 got a light. When State Farm moved, another light was added. And so it went.
Lake Bloomington more than the city’s water source
Lenore Sobota | lsobota@pantagraph.com
The reason for Lake Bloomington’s existence may be to provide water to the city after which it was named, but the 635-acre reservoir also plays a more varied cultural, historical, recreational and environmental role.
Its 18 miles of shoreline include more than 220 residential sites, three camps and parks with picnic and playground areas.
What was once the home of small cabins to which Bloomington-Normal families fled the summer heat now is the host of far fancier and larger year-round residences.
Creation of Lake Bloomington began in early 1929 with the clear-cutting of 40,000 to 50,000 trees in what would become the lake bed. A dam was built to capture the waters of Money Creek and the first water from the project was piped to the city, about 15 miles away, in March 1930.
The lake is popular for boating, fishing and wildlife watching. An important stopover for migrating birds, you could even see a pelican.
One-time Boy Scout facility Camp Heffernan was purchased by Easter Seals Central Illinois in 1989. Renamed Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, the 170-acre site is used primarily for camps for children and adults with disabilities.
The Girl Scouts’ Camp Peairs, located on 88 acres, has a lodge, six cabins that sleep 10 each and areas for platform tents.
East Bay Camp and Retreat has been used by a variety of religious groups since its founding in 1930. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church has owned the 40-acre camp since the 1980s.
Quietly famous David Foster Wallace begat ‘Jest’ here
DAN CRAFT | DCRAFT@pantagraph.com
“The greatest novel to finish a century yet” (The New York Times) was largely begun and finished right here in B-N, whether we knew it or not.
Most Twin Citians knew it not.
“Infinite Jest,” by the late David Foster Wallace, was published to dizzying international acclaim in 1996, three years into his nine-year stint as a faculty member of ISU’s Department of English.
The book spills over a daunting 1,079 pages, a chunk of which are devoted to thickly annotated footnotes demanding as much concentration as the main text.
The setting is a near-future North America, with the action shuttling between a junior tennis academy and a nearby substance abuse recovery center (both tied to Wallace’s real-life obsessions).
The conflict turns on a film called “the Entertainment,” which causes anyone who views it to become addicted to its content, completely zoning out of reality, and watching it over and over in a continuous loop.
The film was created by an artist as a way to reach his emotionally stunted son, but eventually becomes the center of a dense espionage/conspiracy scenario.
The reclusive, eccentric Wallace was internationally hailed during his time here, when he dined regularly and unnoticed at Denny’s and Cracker Barrel; and hung with his students at The Coffeehouse and Babbitt’s Books in Normal.
Five years after his departure from ISU for a teaching position at a private California college, Wallace, 46, ended a 25-year battle with depression by hanging himself from the patio of his home.
Long before State Farm, railyards drove growth
BRUCE YENTES | BYENTES@pantagraph.com
While most of Bloomington’s growth in recent years has been primarily fueled by State Farm and focused eastward, it was an industry centered in a west-side neighborhood that once spurred a five-fold increase in the city’s population in the span of a mere decade.
The 1850s arrival of the Illinois Central and the Chicago and Alton railroads is credited with increasing Bloomington’s population from about 1,600 to 8,000 in the late 1800s.
The Illinois Central began running cars into Bloomington in May 1853, followed by the soon-to-be burgeoning presence of the C & A just five months later.
Bloomington would become a vital center in the latter’s efforts to provide faster transportation and shipping throughout the nation.
The company built the Chicago and Alton Railroad Shops two blocks northwest of the corner of Locust and Catherine streets and the facility grew into the city’s largest employer for a span of about a half century.
Workers flocked to the area for jobs at its roundhouse, locomotive repair shop, foundry, paint shop, wheel and axle shop, powerhouse and offices. The operation employed approximately 2,500 on a 50-acre tract of land.
After serving as the industrial heart of Bloomington for the better part of a century, activity at the shops began to wind down in the early 1950s with the automobile becoming America’s most popular mode of transportation and the advent of mass-produced engine parts. The yards were virtually vacant by 1960.
Murals paint history of Twin City education, labor
BRUCE YENTES | BYENTES@pantagraph.com
A pair of murals stand out among the finest works of public art in Bloomington-Normal.
One was designed to pay tribute to the area’s labor movement. It is at the former Laborers Local 362 union hall, 2005 Cabintown Road, Bloomington; the union has relocated its headquarters to Fox Creek Road.
The other, “Development of the State Normal School,” (known today as ISU), hangs in the Normal Post Office in honor of public education and the teaching profession.
The artwork at the union hall was created in the mid-1980s. The oil on canvas that’s featured at the post office was begun by New York artist Albert Pels in 1937 and unveiled in the summer of 1938.
Contrary to popular belief, the Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) had no hand in the Pels mural.
Instead, Pels was commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Section of Painting and Sculpture to create the mural after his talent was discovered in regional and national competitions.
Pels was paid $630 (equivalent to about $10,000 today) for the work that he completed at the age of 28. The 11- by 4-foot mural was one of two that Pels painted with funding from the Treasury Department. The other hangs in a post office in Wilmington, Del.
The Laborers Local 362 mural was painted by local artist Kari Sandhaas between 1984 and 1986 and depicts local labor history. It spans a 1917 visit by Mary Harris “Mother” Jones in support of striking streetcar workers to the 1978 strike by Normal firefighters.
Wind farms have become staple on Central Illinois land
RANDY KINDRED | RKINDRED@pantagraph.com
Yes, we live in farm country here in McLean County, with Bloomington-Normal surrounded by corn and soybean fields. Cattle graze on nearby pastures as well.
Yet, farm country is more than bushels of grain and wellfed livestock. This also is wind farm country, and you don’t have to look far for evidence.
Large white wind turbines dot the landscape to the east and west of Bloomington-Normal, producing electricity with each of Mother Nature’s exhales.
The Twin Groves Wind Farm rises above open fields near Saybrook, Arrowsmith, Ellsworth and other eastern McLean County locales. Constructed from 2007 to February 2008, there are 240 turbines spread over 22,000 acres. Each is 270 feet tall with
three 85-foot blades.
They are easily visible from the Twin Cities day or night, their blades glistening in the midday sun and red lights flashing in the night sky.
North and west of Normal we have the White Oak Wind Farm, another energy producer that has helped Illinois rank fourth nationally in installed wind capacity and in the number of utility-scale wind turbines.
McLean County is ideal for wind turbines.
Why?
Among Illinois’ largest cities, Bloomington has the highest elevation at 797 feet above sea level. An area near Saybrook is 955.7 feet above sea level, the highest point in America in a line between Canada and New Orleans, La.
So call us farm country. We embrace it. Just be sure to call us wind farm country as well.
Aerialists, circus folk wintered in Bloomington-Normal
DAN CRAFT | DCRAFT@pantagraph.com
In Bloomington-Normal, the circus came to town and never really left.
As a result, the Twin Cities’ three-ring heritage is among the richest in the country, rivaling that of Baraboo, Wis. (birthplace of Ringling Bros. Circus) and Sarasota, Fla. (present-day home of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus).
From the early 1920s to the 1940s, B-N was known as the “Circus Aerialist Capital of the World,” courtesy of the more than 17 world-class trapeze acts who wintered here.
Though that heyday ended around 1950, B-N is is still home to ISU’s Gamma Phi Circus, America’s oldest collegiate circus, founded in 1929 at the peak of local circus mania.
It all began with the first local aerialist, Fred Miltmore, who joined the circus in 1871 and retired by 1900. Along with Miltmore, fellow B-N residents Harry Green, Harry Foreman, Eddie Ward and Charles Waller established their own acts.
Eventually, the Twin Cities became a hotbed of aerialists-turned-trainers, whose students either came here to study or were recruited from the local ranks.
Bloomington’s YMCA was equipped with an aerial rigging, and its directors recruited dozens of local youths to develop their talent.
More training sites mushroomed, including Eddie Ward’s Ward Barn and Circus Park, located in what is now State Farm Park on Bloomington’s south end.
Eventually, roughly 90 percent of America’s top aerialists, including the Flying Wards and the Flying Concellos, called B-N their winter home and training ground.
Evergreen cemetery holds famous links to the past
EDITH BRADY-LUNNY | EBLUNNY@pantagraph.com
If Evergreen Memorial Cemetery were a book, it would hold the stories of thousands of McLean County residents dating to the early 1800s.
The 87-acre cemetery on East Miller Street in Bloomington links the culture of past generations with current history.
The service of veterans is recognized with the Avenue of Flags, a collection of about 200 individually mounted flags that include a plaque with the veteran’s information.
The publicly owned cemetery is a resting place for people from all walks of life in the community, including several with famous resumes.
The gravesites of U.S. Vice President Adlai Stevenson I, and Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson II, are located at Evergreen.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice and Abraham Lincoln supporter David Davis is buried in the Bloomington cemetery.
Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourne, who set a record for major league pitching that still stands, died in Bloomington in 1897 and is buried there, too.
Evergreen also honors a little girl who died as an infant and was the inspiration for Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy Gage was the niece of author L. Frank Baum, creator of the successful book and movie. Her death so distressed the family that he changed the name of the character to assuage their grief.
Revolutionary War soldier David Haggard is among the many military burials.
Renowned opera singers Marie Litta, Minnie Salzman and Grace B. Wagner also are at Evergreen.
Diverse acts make BCPA stand out from the crowd
RANDY REINHARDT | RREINHARDT@pantagraph.com
The outward appearance of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts was not meant to be flashy.
“We don’t want the building to overpower the event or function,” facilities manager David Young said in 2006. “We want the building to stay in the background.”
Yet the BCPA has stood out in other ways, mainly through the more than 500,000 patrons who have attended events there since its opening in 2006.
The former Scottish Rite Temple was built in 1921 and served as home of the American Passion Play for several decades as well as hosting many concerts, plays and social functions.
As the centerpiece of the City of Bloomington’s Cultural District, the Scottish Rite Temple underwent a $14.5 million renovation and was renamed the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts upon its unveiling.
The BCPA is operating under an original mission of a programming schedule of 15 to 20 percent of its events geared toward minority interests or out of the mainstream art forms.
Among the acts to grace the stage of the 1,200-seat venue are B.B. King, Glen Campbell, comedian Tracy Morgan, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Golden Dragon Acrobats.
The BCPA also serves as home for the Pantagraph’s Holiday Spectacular each year in early December.
Bloomington’s Cultural District also features the Creativity Center, Festival Park and the McLean County Arts Center.
Heartland college has expanded beyond imagination
RANDY REINHARDT | RREINHARDT@pantagraph.com
From humble beginnings, Heartland Community College has blossomed into a Central Illinois educational juggernaut.
Born in 1990 with its first location at Normal’s Landmark Mall, Heartland has rocketed to a student population of of just under 5,300 while serving an area from Lincoln to Pontiac in Community College District 540.
The two-year public college began classes at a location in Bloomington’s Towanda Plaza in 1992 before opening its current campus in north Normal in 2000.
Jonathan Astroth was appointed the school’s first president in 1991 and served until 2010 when Allen Goben took over as president. Rob Widmer, longtime vice president of business services, succeeded Goben to become the college’s third president.
Heartland has had a nursing program since 1993, opened a Workforce Development Center in 2004 and dedicated the Astroth Community Education Center and Challenger Learning Center in 2010.
Heartland’s academic departments include Health and Human Services, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Business and Technology with more than 60 available areas of study.
The college launched an athletic program in 2007 and features teams in baseball, softball and men’s and women’s soccer.
The Hawks’ softball team captured the Junior College Division II national championship in 2009.
Heartland boasts one of the nation’s top junior college sporting venues in the Corn Crib. The Hawks share the facility with the Normal CornBelters of the independent Frontier League.
Illinois State University a big player after humble start
RANDY KINDRED | RKINDRED@pantagraph.com
Illinois State University’s 2017 football team has 96 players, 11 of whom play at any one time in a game. Nothing out of line with those numbers, but they do lend perspective regarding the school’s roots.
Enrollment for Illinois State’s first term, in fall 1857, was 43 students. The first commencement ceremony, in 1860, honored a graduating class of 10.
From those humble beginnings has emerged a university of more than 20,000 students that is synonymous with Bloomington-Normal.
Illinois’ oldest public university, ISU has been around as long as the state’s Board of Education, which was formed in 1857 and hired an attorney you may have heard of, Abraham Lincoln, to draw up the legal documents for the school’s funding.
It was founded by Jesse Fell as a training school for teachers under the name Illinois State Normal University, which changed to Illinois State University at Normal in 1964 and to Illinois State University in 1968.
ISU’s enrollment ballooned from 4,469 in 1960 to 17,549 in 1970. Last year, 21,039 students attended, including 18,643 undergraduates.
With the growth came a jump to NCAA Division I status in athletics in the early 1970s and the emergence of one of ISU’s most famous alums, basketball star Doug Collins.
Other well-known alumni include actor John Malkovich, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Donald McHenry and actors/actresses Laurie Metcalf, Gary Cole and Jane Lynch.
They represent a university that is a big, big part of Bloomington-Normal ... no matter how small it all began.
Downtown arena draws headliners, headlines
EDITH BRADY-LUNNY | EBLUNNY@pantagraph.com
Out of a dream of drawing superstar performers and winning local sports teams to downtown Bloomington grew the Grossinger Motors Arena, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
The $35.8 million concrete giant that includes the Pepsi Ice Center and adjoining parking deck has created more than its share of entertainment since the 2004 vote by the Bloomington City Council to build the public arena.
The 8,000-seat concert facility has hosted country shows, hockey and cheer-leading competitions, flu shot clinics and religious conventions.
Along with its use for entertainment, the arena has also generated its share of controversy.
The city’s fiscal prudence has been questioned by some in the community who are not convinced that taxpayers reap an adequate award for the ongoing expense of maintaining the structure and paying off building bonds. The city-owned venue ended its 2017 fiscal year in June with a $674,000 operating loss.
Supporters of the arena counter that restaurants, hotels and other businesses benefit from the dollars that visitors spend in the community.
Central Illinois Flying Aces hockey, Bloomington Flex basketball and Bloomington Edge football teams have attracted thousands of fans to the downtown venue, which also has held major charitable events, high school graduations and wedding receptions.
In the coming months, the arena will open its doors for the Sept. 28 Hank William Jr. concert and the December 3 appearance by comedian Jim Gaffigan.
A century ago, another building at that site also was a convention center and stage-play venue.
Needs of children are first, foremost in Twin Cities
PANTAGRAPH STAFF
Lucy Orme Morgan had a vision to help children in need more than 130 years ago that still is embraced in the Twin Cities today.
Morgan founded the Women’s Industrial Home of McLean County, later known as the Girls’ Industrial Home, then the Lucy Orme Morgan Home. The facility at 403 S. State St., Bloomington, now is home to the Children’s Home + Aid Society of Illinois, which serves low-income McLean County families.
Originally, the Girls’ Industrial Home was open to any woman or girl in need. By 1895, it was devoted mainly to girls and a few boys.
When the need for a boys’ home increased, a separate facility — Victory Hall — was built at 904 Hovey Ave., Normal. The home served more than 700 boys during its heyday.
When numbers started declining in the 1970s as the state shifted from institutional homes to foster homes, Victory Hall began caring for troubled boys. In 1981, the Hovey Avenue home was sold to Illinois State University for a fraternity house. The few remaining Victory Hall boys were moved to a smaller home on East Lincoln Street, Bloomington.
That home closed in June 2003.
Meanwhile, in 1968, the Lucy Orme Morgan Home merged with the Booker T. Washington home, first opened in 1920 to serve black children, to form the Morgan Washington Home. The homes were under the umbrella of the John M. Scott Center, then The Children’s Foundation and now Children’s Home + Aid Society of Illinois.
Vrooman Mansion a monument to opulence, politics
ROGER MILLER | RMILLER@pantagraph.com
As the story goes, John F. Kennedy was told Julia Scott Vrooman, a wealthy and well-connected Bloomington widow, was willing to donate to his presidential campaign, but he had to come to her home to get the money.
“I think he came to tea,” said Pam Kowalewski, who has owned the Vrooman Mansion, now a bed-and-breakfast, with her husband, Dana, since 2000. She said the story may be a legend, but it illustrates the significance of the opulent Victorian mansion at 701 E. Taylor St., Bloomington, and the family who called it home.
Landowner Matthew T. Scott, who founded Chenoa, bought the then-3-year-old house in 1872, but it didn’t assume its 36-room, three-story final form until a radical expansion in the mid-1890s by Scott’s widow, Julia.
Always in competition with other grande dames of Bloomington society such as Sarah Davis, she created a brick, Romanesque-style edifice once described as looking like the officers’ quarters at West Point.
The home was inherited by the Scotts’ daughter, Julia, whose husband, Carl Vrooman, was assistant secretary of agriculture for President Woodrow Wilson. She hosted such Democratic notables as William Jennings Bryan and Eleanor Roosevelt, and a monument on the wooded, 1.25-acre property marks where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas supposedly spoke.
Julia Scott Vrooman died in 1981 at age 104. “We don’t consider it to be our home; it’s Julia’s, and we’re just taking care of it,” said Pam Kowalewski.
Meandering creek is the namesake to favorite festival
MARIA NAGLE | MNAGLE@pantagraph.com
Twin City residences are filled with treasured, one-of-a-kind objects purchased at the Sugar Creek Arts Festival.
The annual summer festival in Normal has drawn art and music enthusiasts long before downtown became uptown.
Started 34 years ago, Sugar Creek is among the longest lived festivals in the Twin Cities, and it reigns supreme when it comes to local art.
Sugar Creek, as its called, was the Twin Cities’ first-ever juried art fair, started by Kup Tcheng when he was president of Normal’s Downtown Business Association and well-known local artist Fred Mills, who died in 2008.
Named after the stream that passes through both Normal and Bloomington, the festival has morphed from around 30 local artists exhibiting at its premiere to 130 artists and craftsmen who come from all over the country.
The festival, considered a mainstay cultural events, draws out-of-towners as well as community residents.
For two days each July, uptown streets are lined with booths of pottery, jewelry, sculptures, handbags, lawn decorations, photography, paintings, ceramics and glassware.
The offerings range from exquisite, finely crafted jewelry to yard decorations made from old golf clubs and other recycled items.
The often unique objects frequently find a permanent home in a cherished spot of the purchaser.
The hunt for that special piece is half the fun.
It’s the perfect atmosphere to mingle or get lost in the crowds while deciding what to buy.
Fans fork over dough at Twin Cities’ farmers markets
PANTAGRAPH STAFF
Nothing says summer like a fresh-from-the-dirt tomato, a loaf of homemade bread or a dozen freshly laid eggs from a nearby chicken coop.
With agriculture among the largest economic engines in McLean County, it is not surprising that thousands of Central Illinois residents turn up each week at farmers markets and farm stands to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, plants, preserves, soap, dairy, crafts and jewelry produced by local farmers.
The markets offer shoppers the unique opportunity to directly interact with the person who grew the vegetables, farmed the land, fed the chickens or created the product.
The largest, the Bloomington Farmers Market, finds its home downtown during the summer months, drawing a crowd every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
The market has more than 70 vendors and features kids activities, growing in size like Jack the Beanstalk since the first market in 1974.
Vendors at the Bloomington market now accept LINK cards as payment, allowing families from all income levels to enjoy fresh, local produce.
The Downs Village Market, with regional produce, meat, honey, baked goods, plants, flowers and quality crafts, is open late Wednesday afternoons from June through September.
Gailey Eye Clinic respects its legacy and looks ahead
PAUL SWIECH | PSWIECH@pantagraph.com
Gailey Eye Clinic is thriving after 76 years because it doesn’t act its age.
The eye care practice continues to add physicians, procedures and locations, preserving or improving vision for thousands of people throughout Central Illinois.
“We are trying to live up to the standards set by Dr. Watson Gailey and the doctors who followed him,” Dr. Robert Lee once told The Pantagraph.
That’s a tough act to follow.
Gailey already was a leader in ophthalmology when he opened the clinic at 1008 N. Main St., Bloomington, in 1941. Several years later, he opened the Watson Gailey Eye Foundation Eye Bank to preserve tissue for corneal transplants that he performed.
The eye bank, now called Eversight Illinois, is at 301 S. Prospect Road. The clinic expanded several times. In 1977, it became the first downstate clinic to use an argon laser to treat certain eye conditions.
Gailey opened a satellite clinic in 1983 and now has 16 locations throughout Central Illinois, staffed by 14 ophthalmologists, six optometrists and 200 full- and part-time employees.
The expanded and renovated building on Main Street remains the home office. Other Bloomington locations include its outpatient surgery center, Bloomington Eye Institute, 1008 N. Center St., and Gailey Eye Clinic Retina Center, 2501 E. College Ave.
Services include retinal surgery, plastic surgeries of the eye and face, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, laser vision correction, pediatric ophthalmology, general ophthalmology and laser cataract surgery.
McLean County proud of its fair and the crowds prove it
PAUL SWIECH | PSWIECH@pantagraph.com
McLean County loves its county fair.
Just ask any of the 1,200 4-Hers and their families who spend every early August at the county fairgrounds, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, showing 4,000 projects ranging from livestock to visual arts to robotics.
Then ask the 40,000 people who attend the fair each year to do everything from watch a horse show to walk a llama around an obstacle course to listen to country music and meet the fair king and queen.
Along the way, they learn a thing or two. Did you know that 97 percent of Illinois farms are family owned?
And don’t forget the carnival rides and fair food. A lemon shake-up and funnel cake, anyone?
McLean County has the largest 4-H fair in Illinois and claims to be the largest 4-H fair in the country. No one has disputed the assertion.
Where else can a cross-section of Central Illinoisans spend a day listening to baa-ing sheep, biting into a corn dog, talking with people with whom they may not normally associate, and watching kings and queens of yesterday, today and tomorrow?
For some families, it goes even deeper. Many former 4-Hers who showed their projects when the fairgrounds were off East Empire Street or even when it was off South Main Street are now 4-H volunteers who help their children or grandchildren or other kids with their cakes or sewing or rockets.
The location of the fair doesn’t matter. The spirit does.
For that, McLean County, here’s your blue ribbon.
Avenue in Normal a humped reminder of another time
KAREN HANSEN | KHANSEN@pantagraph.com
In 1906, a timber and metal bridge along what was then Sill Street solved a problem for the Bloomington-Normal community.
Today, the Camelback Bridge on what’s now Virginia Avenue in Normal allows a peek into a bygone era at 10 mph.
The barely-two-cars-wide bridge was built by the Illinois Central Railroad during a fast-paced expansion; its distinctive humped shape allowed steam engines to glide beneath without disrupting activity above.
Ironically, it’s not a camelback bridge, but rather a king post pony truss bridge, the only such functioning one in Illinois. The style refers to the timber triangle that holds the bridge’s weight.
Also conspicuous are supporting wrought iron columns from the Phoenix Iron Co., dating to the 1860s and likely recycled from another structure. It’s one of two bridges in the Land of Lincoln with such supports, also found on the Washington Monument.
A town survey once described the bridge as a “reference point and cultural center of gravity” that was “woven into the very sensibilities of the community.”
Normal bought the bridge and some right-of-way from the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for $89,000 in 1986. After that, there were years of squabbles over whether the structure — which now canopies the Constitution Trail — should be moved, saved or demolished.
Supporters nominated it for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and its acceptance in 1997 helped assure it would stay just where it was, a working reminder of a slower time.
Vacuums have storied history in Bloomington-Normal
PANTAGRAPH STAFF
A staple cleaning tool that is in every household, or at least should be, has a long history in the Twin Cities.
The vacuum cleaner.
For a period of time, Bloomington was the North American headquarters for The Eureka Co., which became the Electrolux vacuum cleaner company. From the 1940s until 2011, vacuums and other products were manufactured in Bloomington-Normal.
It all started in 1909 as the Eureka Co. in Detroit. By 1927, the company sold one-third of all vacuums in the U.S.
The company merged with Williams Oil-O-Matic, a Bloomington company that made heating and refrigeration equipment in 1945. It then became known as Eureka-Williams Corp.
In 1974, AB Electrolux purchased the company and it became known as The Eureka Co. Over the years, the company had several locations in Bloomington-Normal, including 1201 E. Bell St., Bloomington, and its final headquarters at 807 N. Main St., Bloomington.
Sadly, after decades as a major employer in the community, Electrolux made a clean sweep out of Bloomington-Normal in 2011.
Today, Electrolux sells more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year.
Eureka still offers a line of vacuums, including uprights, canisters, sticks, handhelds, home built-in systems, battery-powered vacuums, steam cleaners and home cleaning systems, but the company is now based in Charlotte, N.C.
Eureka is a brand of Electrolux, based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Baby Fold helping children for more than a century
MARIA NAGLE | MNAGLE@pantagraph.com
In Bloomington-Normal, The Baby Fold is recognized as helping, for more than a century, many of the community’s most vulnerable children.
Children orphaned, in need of foster care, with mental illness, in need of special education, with behavioral and emotional disabilities — The Baby Fold helps them all.
It has grown from a faith-based orphanage started around the turn of the 20th century to serving more than 1,000 children and families with adoption, foster care, pregnancy counseling and special education needs.
Its residential treatment center was closed in June because it wasn’t getting state support that it was due.
It started when Nancy Mason donated her residence in Normal in 1899 to the Methodist Episcopal Deaconess Society as a home for both active and retired deaconesses.
Deaconesses were trained nurses, educators, evangelists, social workers and administrators who performed mission work. They operated Bloomington Deaconess Hospital from 1897 to 1901.
By 1904, the agency changed its name to N.A. Mason Deaconess Home and School. But people were calling it the “baby fold,” a biblical reference to Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
Four years later, the name changed to Mason Deaconess Home and Baby Fold. It officially became The Baby Fold in 1941.
Today, the agency has Hammitt Elementary School and Hammitt Junior-Senior High School, which offer specialized education for children with behavioral, emotional, learning and pervasive developmental disabilities.
The junior-senior high school, now at 1500 Fort Jesse Road, Normal, is being moved to 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal, where office space is being remodeled into classrooms.
In 2001, the agency began offering international adoptions.
Powwow at Grand Village honors Kickapoo history
Lenore Sobota | lsobota@pantagraph.com
Long before there was State Farm, Illinois State University, the city of Bloomington or even the state of Illinois, there was the Grand Village of the Kickapoo.
The large American Indian settlement located near present-day LeRoy was home to between 2,000 and 3,000 Kickapoo when a surveyor passed through the area in 1824.
But the settlement is believed to have been there since at least 1752, when a French explorer/soldier wrote home about the site.
With the loss of buffalo herds on the prairie and tensions from the Black Hawk War in 1832, the village faded away and the tribe fractured, moving to Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico.
In 1998, a Homecoming Powwow took place at the former site of the Grand Village.
The powwow, which attracted about 7,000 people, was hosted by Bill and Doris Emmett, who owned the land at that time, and by Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancesters Remains & Resources Indigenous Network Group). The organization educates the public about American Indian cultural issues.
Among the Kickapoo who attended that first homecoming powwow was Margarita Salazar, then 104, who said through an interpreter, “All our grandmothers lived here. …I feel good over it, that I can be around where my ancestors once roamed.”
The one-acre Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park was dedicated during the powwow and buffalo were returned to roam. Powwows have taken place periodically since then. The most recent was Sept. 9 and 10.
Davis mansion was focus of Twin City Victorian era
KEVIN BARLOW | KBARLOW@pantagraph.com
Just a few blocks east of downtown Bloomington sits a three-story, 36-room Victorian mansion made of yellow brick.
If those walls could talk, oh what stories they could tell.
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site was the residence of Sarah and David Davis, who were at the center of American politics and society. He rode the circuit with Abraham Lincoln, was a U.S. senator and eventually Supreme Court justice from 1862 to 1877.
The house, its garden and five outbuildings remained in the Davis family until 1960, when the buildings and 4.1 acres were donated to the state of Illinois. From 1990 until April 2014, Marcia Young was the site manager.
“It really takes a lot of people working together to keep this going, but we have had a lot of great people helping us out over the years,” she said.
The home is open to the general public from Wednesday through Saturday and hosts several seasonal events. During the winter, the mansion is lavishly decorated for the Christmas holiday. Gaslight tours are offered during December.
Inside the mansion is a collection of mid-19th century decorative arts and technological conveniences, illustrating the life of a prosperous Victorian-era family.
The mansion is located at 1000 Monroe Drive; tours are available every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Tours start with a 17-minute video; tours last about 45 minutes.
Third Sunday Market a longtime Twin City tradition
KEVIN BARLOW | KBARLOW@pantagraph.com
It’s not hard to figure out when the Third Sunday Market is.
For 29 years, the monthly flea market has brought thousands of customers and vendors to the grounds of the Interstate Center in Bloomington on the third Sunday of May through October.
Don and Carol Raycraft started the market in 1988 and continues as a family business. What began as a hobby with just a handful of vendors and a few hundred customers has grown to more than 450 vendors from at least 17 states who want to sell antiques, collectibles or assorted items.
“Collecting is a disease, but it’s better than drinking or womanizing,” said vendor Andy Magnafici of LaSalle.
General manager Mike Raycraft, son of Don and Carol, says the market continues to be a family-oriented business.
“Many of our employees have been here for more than two decades,” he said. “Everyone knows their job and knows it well.”
Many of the vendors have been there just as long.
“We have had customers that have turned into vendors to support their collecting habit,” Raycraft said.
The indoor/outdoor sale features a little bit of everything, from the finest in antique furniture to folk art, vintage advertising, sports memorabilia, antique linens and clothing.
Occasional special shows are scheduled during the fall and winter months as well, Raycraft said.
CIRA, Bloomington-Normal have grown up together
ROGER MILLER | RMILLER@pantagraph.com
In the 1950s, an Ozark DC-3 made so many stops between Bloomington and St. Louis that an airport leader joked it was faster to drive.
Today the airport has six nonstop destinations — Atlanta, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando and Tampa. In 2015, it also added a FedEx facility with daily 757 flights handling more than 12 million pounds of cargo annually.
“CIRA is an integral part of the fabric of the Bloomington-Normal community. We actually grew up together,” said Carl Olson, the airport’s executive director.
There was an airfield north of Normal in the late 1920s, but local aviation took off with the opening of Bloomington Municipal Airport in 1934. Commercial passenger service began Nov. 6, 1950, when Ozark Air Lines added the city to the Moline-Peoria-Champaign-Danville-Indianapolis run.
The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority was established in 1964, a year that saw 8,485 passengers (the number of fliers topped 579,265 in 2011). The 1960s and ‘70s saw a new runway, terminal, control tower and flights to Chicago.
The 1980s and early 1990s added airlines and service to Detroit, but 1996 was the turning point. That’s when the longer Runway 2/20 opened, attracting AirTran Airways’ full-size jet service to Florida and Atlanta, Ga., and necessitating a $40 million terminal project, completed in 2001.
CIRA has weathered airline changes, post-Sept. 11 rules, the Great Recession and swings in passenger numbers, but as former authority board Chairman Neale McCormick said, “It has grown from a ‘hobby’ airport into something Bloomington-Normal can be proud of.”
Beich’s sweet career started in downtown Bloomington
karen hansen | khansen@pantagraph.com
Paul F. Beich made Bloomington a sweeter place.
Beich founded a sugar-coated dynasty that included such timeless confections as Laffy Taffy, Katydids and Golden Clusters. Sweet success started with hard work as an immigrant teen at a downtown Bloomington confectionery begun in 1854 by J.L. Green, a stint as a traveling salesman for a St. Louis candy company, and a return to Bloomington to buy the candy store of his youth.
Beich and a partner convinced candy czar Milton Hershey to move manufacturing for his Lancaster Caramel Co. from Chicago to a vacant buggy factory at Front and Lumber streets. By about 1905, the two partners were gone and Beich was running the Paul F. Beich Candy Co. Soon it had hundreds of employees.
In the 1920s, Beich’s sold chocolate-peanut-marshmallow bars touted as “Whiz – Best nickel candy there iz-z.” Its nutritional survival bars were given to soldiers and astronauts. In 1967, another factory on the city’s southwest side opened; it’s still used today.
Beich’s descendants remained at the helm until the business was sold to Nestle in 1984. Later, Nestle sold the Kathryn Beich fundraising arm.
In June, Nestle said it's considering “strategic options” that could include the sale of its U.S. confectionery business, including its southwest Bloomington factory.
The west-side factory was destroyed in a 2005 fire, shortly before a planned demolition. Afterward, great-grandson David Beich wrote a letter in tribute:
“The building refused to die by the wrecking ball, instead waiting for the right moment in time to display her glory and die a dignified death,” he said.
But melt-in-your-mouth memories live on.
Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood
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FIRST TEAM
Ellie Cahill, Jr., 5-10, Eureka
Second team 2A all-stater scored 20.5 per outing
Olivia Corson, Soph., 5-10, NCHS
All-Big 12 performer was leading scorer for super-sectional team
Mallory Cyurlik, Sr., 6-0, Clinton
Led Area in rebounding at 11.4 and scored at a 19.1 clip to earn second team 2A all-state honors.
Kloe Froebe, Soph., 5-8, Lincoln
3A first team all-stater averaged 24.3 points and was finalist for state Player of Year
Marissa Hilt, Sr., 6-0, Bloomington
Honorable mention 3A all-stater was second in Area rebounding (11.1) and ninth in scoring (15.0)
Ashlyn May, Jr., 5-9, Fieldcrest
Second team all-stater led 2A fourth place team in points, assists and steals.
Taylor Nowaskie, Sr., 5-9, Olympia
Spartans' all-time leading scorer topped Area at 24.7 per game
Whitney Rumbold, Jr., 5-10, Tremont
Averaged a double-double at 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds
Chloe Sisco, Jr., 5-6, Prairie Central
Unanimous all-Illini Prairie first team pick topped Area with 109 3-pointers
Megan Williams, Sr., 5-10, Normal West
Contributed 14.5 points, 6.2 rebounds to earn all-Big 12 honors
HONORABLE MENTION
Katie Barger (Bloomington), Jordyn Cannon (El Paso-Gridley), Haley Carver (Fieldcrest), Karleigh Creasey (Normal Community), Naomi Elliott (University High), Sophie Feeney (Normal Community), Ella Goodrich (Fieldcrest), Bailey Masching (Pontiac), Kayla Petersen (University High), Kaitlyn Rauch (Clinton), Peyton Rinkenberger (Ridgeview), Addison Ritchie (Tri-Valley), Elyssa Stenger (Central Catholic), Cate Uhren (Central Catholic), Alexis Wade (Mount Pulaski), Callie Warlow (LeRoy), Ashley Wilcox (Normal West), Brooke Vigna (Dwight)
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Each week The Pantagraph profiles a different community member. Know someone we should talk to? Email kheather@pantagraph.com.
Name: Cecilia Ruffin
Position: Executive director of the Multicultural Leadership Institute, 1309 Park St., Bloomington. Ruffin was named executive director March 14.
1. What is the Multicultural Leadership Institute and what is its mission?
The Multicultural Leadership Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Central Illinois since 2009. We strive to create a more diverse and inclusive community, one leader at a time. The mission of MCLI is that we develop leaders to engage the power of diverse perspectives to improve our world.
2. What did you learn from the program?
The Multicultural Leadership Program is a nine-month investment. There was a plethora of learning that I received while a participant in the program that has become woven into the fabric of who I am. I learned that leadership development begins and ends with being a servant leader focus. I learned the richness of our community and all the local nonprofits that actively perform to make our community a better place for all. MCLP opened additional windows of opportunity for me by strengthening my voice regarding advocacy and community involvement.
3. You've written two children's books since graduating from the program. What are they about and how can people find them?
The first book is "Kiss Me Goodnight and Tell Me You Love Me." This book is a wonderful parent/child bonding book. The story involves Lizzy, who wakes at all times of the night for a kiss good night and a love lullaby. It has become a nighttime favorite.
The second book is "I Miss You Big Grandma." This book tells the story of Bella, a little girl whose grandmother has passed away. Bella learns that love never dies but remains in your heart. The story is told as a poem.
The books are available on Amazon.com.
4. How will you bring your past experiences at the McLean County Detention Facility, the Department of Juvenile Justice and apply them to your new role?
What I have learned and will strive to apply each day in this role is an empathetic ear, innovative ideas, strategic planning, team building, abundance mindset, and collaborative processes as we build upon the MCLI foundation.
5. Why did you want this position?
I accepted this position because as a 2018 MCLP graduate, I know firsthand the benefits of this phenomenal program and its positive impact in our community. MCLP has graduated nearly 300 community leaders who are making strides in this community and beyond this geographical landscape.
The things that I will build upon are expanding our virtual collaboration to allow additional participants from other states to attend online and the yearly recognition and honoring of our esteemed volunteers, donors and alumni. Finally, I will collaborate with local and global thought leaders to build upon our membership program benefits and offerings. This includes expanding our curriculum and learning events to facilitate the most conducive learning environment for action-oriented leaders.
Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather
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RORA, Barbara Sue, 71, Secor, died Wednesday (March 30, 2022). Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke.
WHALS, Robert G., 78, Lexington, died Friday (April 1, 2022). Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home in Lexington.
RORA, Barbara Sue, 71, Secor, died Wednesday (March 30, 2022). Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke.
WHALS, Robert G., 78, Lexington, died Friday (April 1, 2022). Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home in Lexington.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.
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