Stories | McLean County Times

On the Issues: Extreme vs. Mainstream

By Carl Wenning | Oct 31, 2023

The great divide between Republicans and Democrats results from political extremism.

Anderson: ‘So many challenges facing our communities here in the 91st that she could be talking about’

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

Desi Anderson, a candidate for the 91st State House District, has criticized her opponent, incumbent State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington), for her social media focus on the United Nations. Anderson accused Chung of being "out of touch" and emphasized the need for a more local focus by state representatives.

Illinois Wesleyan volleyball hosts Webster for midweek non-conference match

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team is set to host Webster University for a non-conference match at the Shirk Center on Wednesday, November 1. The Titans, with a record of 14-12, will face off against Webster following their recent victory over the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Illinois Wesleyan concludes fall golf season with fifth-place finish

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team concluded its fall season with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Preview in Las Vegas. The tournament, held at Boulder Creek Golf Club, saw the Titans end with a score of 877 after rounds of 301, 289, and 287.

Families Urged to Increase Safety Measures for Halloween

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

As Halloween approaches, families are being reminded to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their loved ones during trick-or-treating activities. Fires, traffic accidents, and allergic reactions are common hazards associated with this festive holiday.One important safety measure is to ensure that costumes are made of flame-resistant materials or marked as "flame resistant" when purchased. Additionally, costumes should be bright and reflective to enhance visibility during the twilight hours, which are the most popular time for trick-or-treating. If costumes are...

Illinois Wesleyan faces Wheaton College in CCIW soccer semifinals

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team is set to compete against Wheaton College in the CCIW semifinals on Wednesday, November 1. The match will take place at Joe Bean Stadium with a kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Illinois Wesleyan’s Taylor French receives national volleyball honor

By McLean County Times | Oct 31, 2023

Taylor French, a sophomore from Romeoville, Illinois, has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association/GameChanger Division III National Player of the Week. This announcement was made by the organization on Tuesday, October 31. French plays for the Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team.

McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals met October 3

By Corazon L. Gonzales | Oct 31, 2023

McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals met Tuesday, October 3.

McLean County Land Use and Development Committee met Oct. 3

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Oct 31, 2023

McLean County Land Use and Development Committee met Tuesday, Oct. 3

Taylor French earns third consecutive CCIW Hitter of the Week honor

By McLean County Times | Oct 30, 2023

Sophomore Taylor French from Illinois Wesleyan University's women's volleyball team has been recognized as the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Hitter of the Week for the third consecutive week. The announcement was made by the league's office on Monday, October 30. This accolade marks her fifth weekly award this season and the seventh in her career.

Illinois Wesleyan golf team stands third at NCAA Preview in Las Vegas

By McLean County Times | Oct 30, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team is positioned in third place at the NCAA Preview, following a one-under 289 score during the second round. The tournament is being held at Boulder Creek Golf Club's Desert Hawk-Coyote Run in Las Vegas. With one round remaining, Illinois Wesleyan trails the leading team, Methodist, by six strokes. Carnegie Mellon holds second place with a score of 589.

Great visit to the IDOT yard

By McLean County Times | Oct 30, 2023

I had a great visit at the Watseka IDOT yard on October 30, 2023. During the visit, we had productive discussions about staffing, resources, and equipment. It was clear that the team at the IDOT yard has been working diligently on various projects throughout the year, including tasks such as tree removal, mowing, patching, and more.As the winter season approaches, it is crucial for motorists to exercise caution when encountering snowplows on the road. In this regard, one of the IDOT representatives emphasized, "Please be sure to use caution when you are approaching a...

First Week of Veto, Sanctuary State, Harvest Progress, and More

By McLean County Times | Oct 30, 2023

After the first week of veto session in the Illinois House concluded on Wednesday, several important issues remain unresolved. One of these is Senate Bill 76, which aims to lift the ban on new nuclear energy construction permits. Illinois has been prohibiting new nuclear construction since 1987, despite being a nuclear power with the most operating reactors of any state. House Republicans are demanding action on this bill, as well as on the Invest in Kids program, a State-backed scholarship program that helps students attend private schools.Representative Dennis Tipsword,...

Village of Colfax Board of Trustees met Oct. 4

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Oct 30, 2023

Village of Colfax Board of Trustees met Wednesday, Oct. 4

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REPUBLICANS, LET’S GET BACK IN THE GAME!

By Carl Wenning | Oct 30, 2023

I’m an elected precinct committeeman for McLean County Republicans. I’m also a sports fan. Because of these interests, I sometimes use sports analogies to make political points with others. The word analogy is rooted in the Greek word logos, which means “reason.” It is often easier to reason or make a point using an analogy. “She’s as blind as a bat” and “He’s as busy as a bee” are two common analogies that drive home specific points.

City of Le Roy City Council met Oct. 2

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Oct 30, 2023

City of Le Roy City Council met Monday, Oct. 2

Town of Normal Town Council met Oct. 2

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Oct 30, 2023

Town of Normal Town Council met Monday, Oct. 2

Illinois Wesleyan trails by four strokes after first day of NCAA preview

By McLean County Times | Oct 29, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team, ranked third nationally, is four strokes behind the leader after the first round of the NCAA Division III Preview. The team tied for second place by scoring 301 at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 29.

Illinois Wesleyan celebrates women’s golf success amid NCAA Division III anniversary

By McLean County Times | Oct 29, 2023

Illinois Wesleyan University's women's golf team recently claimed their 18th CCIW Championship, setting new conference records. This achievement highlights the program's growth into a national contender under the leadership of Kathy Niepagen. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the team, Niepagen reflects on the development of the Titan women's golf program.