City of Pontiac's Liz Vincent presents information to the Pontiac City Council Monday. Pontiac saw a 67 percent tourism increase from January through June 2025 compared to the same period this year. “That’s a pretty astounding number,” Director of Community Enrichment Liz Vincent told members of the Pontiac City Council Monday evening. The city recorded visitors from in and out of Illinois – with many coming from different countries. Vincent noted that one of her summer worke

The door is blown off of a Bloomington barber shop Thursday, Facebook photo/submitted. Plenty of damage was observed throughout Bloomington-Normal and McLean County following severe storms which rolled through the area Thursday afternoon. McLean and Tazewell counties appeared to be the hardest hit with about 31,000 outages reported mid-afternoon. Roof damage occurred at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and the Rivian Plant while the Illinois State University campus in Normal suf

Jeff Hamilton, left, takes the oath of office from Livingston Co. Clerk Kristy Masching Thursday. The Livingston County Board has a new member. Jeff Hamilton was appointed to fill a vacancy in the county’s District 1 following the resignation of Jim Blackard. The appointment of the former sheriff to the board seat was officially approved at Thursday’s county board meeting in Pontiac. Chairman Jim Carley made the motion to approve Hamilton and Livingston County Clerk and Recor

The Bloomington Police Department is increasing traffic enforcement efforts along Veterans Parkway throughout the month of August in response to continued community feedback regarding unsafe driving behavior. Residents have reported ongoing concerns involving speeding, red-light violations, distracted driving related to cellphone use, and excessive vehicle noise that can be heard more than a mile from Veterans Parkway. In many cases, the excessive noise disrupts nearby neighb

The McLean County Coroner is releasing more information on a fatal accident involving a bicyclist on West Washington Street in Bloomington. Wayne W. Fisher, 88, of Bloomington was pronounced dead on the scene Sunday as the bicyclist struck by a sport utility vehicle. Preliminary cause of death was listed as multiple blunt injuries. Toxicology tests are pending. The incident remains under investigation by the McLean County Coroner’s office, Sheriff’s Department and McLean

Route 116 looking west in Pontiac at the intersection with Old Route 66. Pontiac residents can soon access a survey about the transportation network, primarily in the Route 116 west corridor. Mayor Kelly Eckhoff says the improvements necessary there are based on the needs of residents. “There are about 13 questions, maybe 15, to take about five minutes and it’s asking where you live, how frequently you travel to that service area, what modes of transportation you use to get o

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles are vital to our world—they’re responsible for nearly a third of the food we consume and support the growth of more than 80% of flowering plants each year. Their role is crucial not only in sustaining ecosystems but in supporting human life, too! The University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Art Station are partnering to present this event celebrating the wonderful world of pollinators. The Pollinator Palooza will

Vermillion Valley Show Chorus will hold their annual show at Dwight High School this year. The chorus will present LET’S SING AGAIN featuring a variety of music genres in a cappella four part harmony, barbershop style on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Guest performers will also appear on the show. The chorus has been in existence for over 40 years. Based in Pontiac, with weekly rehearsals held every Thursday at Futures Unlimited, members attend from all over central Illinois and be

During a quick Chenoa City Council meeting Tuesday, the group discussed the sale of city property. This includes an area behind TNT Cycles. “There is a well on that property,” explained Commissioner Jay Bell. According to Bell, the EPA would prefer the well be abandoned which would be expensive. If it is sold, the well can be used. “We originally kept (the property) for the fire department to use for fires,” noted Mayor David Shane. “This could get involved,” admitted City At

Dairy Queen has announced the return of its annual Miracle Treat Day® – the sweetest way for fans to give back. On July 30, fans can enjoy a sweet treat at their local DQ restaurant and help raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network®. The local DQ restaurants in Chenoa, El Paso and Fairbury are proud to partner with OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in support of children and families in the area. On Miracle Treat Day, every Blizzard® Treat purchased at participating U.S

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 investigation lead to the arrest of 35-year-old Shamarr A. Greenlee of Peoria, IL for one count of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Injury Crash (Class 1 Felony) related to a fatal hit and run crash in Peoria. ​On July 23, 2026, at approximately 1:33 a.m., the Peoria Police Department (PPD) initiated a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle, but the vehicle fled. PPD did not pursue. The suspect subsequently st

The McLean County Coroner is releasing details of a fatal two-vehicle wreck which occurred last week at Northbound I-55 mile marker 173 near Towanda. Jacey N. Buresh, 17, of North Bend, Nebraska was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary cause of death was multiple blunt injuries due to an automobile and sport utility vehicle collision, reportedly sustained as the driver of the car that struck an SUV. Toxicology tests are pending. The incident remains under investigati

Route 24 Radio, the newest local radio station, has announced an expansion of farm programming on 93.7 FM effective immediately. The station is now an affiliate of the Illinois Farm Bureau's RFD Radio Network based in Bloomington, delivering high-quality ag news, markets, weather and livestock information to farmers in the state. This is in addition to the current Central Illinois Farm Network programming offered weekdays. Here is the complete ag broadcast schedule on the rad

It’s a big race week with Route 24 Radio as we have coverage from the Prairie Dirt Classic festivities in Fairbury. Join us Thursday live from the grounds prior to the Shriner’s children’s auction as we interview guests from Bank of Pontiac and others at the track between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on 93.7 FM. The auction starts at 6:45 p.m. with a FALS Draw drawing at 8:15 and a performance from the Stone Cold Cowboys from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. We will also have our Saturday morning Rou

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage and donors will have the chance to step up to help next week in Flanagan. The Flanagan Community Blood Drive is Tuesday, July 28 from 1:30 to 6:30. Go to RedCrossBlood.org or call Elynor Pomeranke at 815-674-7005 to schedule an appointment. All donors are needed to ensure patients receive lifesaving care without delay. American Red Cross reports blood supply fell nearly 25 percent in June and blood and platelet d

Rick Phillips of Phillips & Associates speaks about the Pontiac audit Monday evening at City Hall. A pair of ordinances were approved by the Pontiac City Council Monday night pertaining to vacant buildings and public comments during meetings. Ordinance 2026-O-018 adds a section on vacant buildings to the Municipal Code. This is something the city has talked about for some time. “We have a number of vacant buildings, they’re not just vacant but they are falling into disrepair,

This year’s Livingston County Fair king also found success out in the show ring. Cole Rapp of the Wide Awake Timberline 4-H Club won Master Showmanship on Saturday at the fair. He described the feeling as surreal, unlike anything else. “It feels awesome,” Rapp told the media following the event. “This has been a goal of mine for the last five years.” Rapp is a cattle guy but had to also learn to show hogs and sheep. He is excited about heading to compete at the Illinois State

A crowd greets the Big Boy 4014 steam train Friday afternoon in Dwight, Todd Lowery photo. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive drew some stares up and down the historic Chicago and Alton Railroad corridor Friday with a stop in Dwight. Dwight Village Administrator Crissy Livingston reported 10,000 people came to the area to catch a glimpse of history. Union Pacific’s famous Big Boy No. 4014 is on a historic tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This include

File photo of a previous Livingston County Board meeting this past spring in Pontiac. Livingston County Board business matters were handled in a timely manner at its meeting on Thursday, July 16. This was done despite having just 11 of the 17 seats filled. Jack Vietti, chairman of the Rules, Legislation, Veterans and Community Services committee, proposed a resolution to move a polling site in the county. He also called for certification of election judges. Certification

The famous Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey through the area Friday and Saturday. This historic coast-to-coast tour celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with more than 50 whistle stops in 10 states. Whistle stops generally last 15 to 30 minutes. Big Boy departs South Holland, Illinois at 9 a.m. Friday then is scheduled to arrive in Dwight at 1:15 p.m. and departing at 1:45 at South Washington Street and Odell Road.