McLean County Times

Weekly recap of McLean County home sales during week ending Dec. 9

By McLean County Times | Dec 16, 2023

There were 52 reported residential sales in McLean County in the week ending Dec. 9, according to BlockShopper.com.

Report reveals Black students face more discipline at Benjamin Elementary School in 2021-22 school year

By McLean County Times | Dec 16, 2023

Black students, constituting 6.6% or 38 of Benjamin Elementary School's total student population of 577, accounted for four out of the 12 total suspensions (33.3%) in the 2021-22 school year, averaging roughly one suspension per 10 students, according to the latest student discipline report by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Livingston County residents pay $4.2 million in County School Facility Tax in 2022

By McLean County Times | Dec 16, 2023

In 2022, Livingston County saw an increase in County School Facility Tax collection compared to the previous year.

McLean County Times area weekly mass times

By McLean County Times | Dec 16, 2023

The following parishes in the McLean County Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

City of Pontiac City Council met Oct. 16

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Dec 16, 2023

City of Pontiac City Council met Monday, Oct. 16

From Rockford Sun

McGraw: ‘It is devastating to watch the Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies wreak havoc across our home state’

By Rockford Sun | 11 months ago

Judge Joe McGraw, who is running for the 17th Congressional District, has voiced his concern over the escalating car theft incidents in Illinois. He stressed his commitment to public safety.

McLean County home valuation prices rose in November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022

By McLean County Times | Dec 15, 2023

In November 2023, the median sale price of a home in McLean County rose by $5,000 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 8.8%.

State Revenue Declines in November, IDOT Seeks Snowplow Drivers, Law Enforcement Advisory Group Meets, and Traveling Office Hours Scheduled

By McLean County Times | Dec 15, 2023

State revenue in Illinois experienced a decline in November compared to the previous year, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Income tax revenue dropped by $113 million, with sales tax revenues also falling by $20 million. This decrease in revenue can be attributed to job losses and a drop in tax payments from investment income and other non-paycheck sources.However, it's worth noting that personal income tax payments had been up in the first four months of the state's fiscal year. This additional revenue allowed the state to cover...

Saunemin Community Consolidated School District 438 Board of Education met Nov. 14

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Dec 15, 2023

Saunemin Community Consolidated School District 438 Board of Education met Tuesday, Nov. 14

From Rockford Sun

McGraw: ‘Everything from Christmas trees to groceries is more expensive this year’

By Rockford Sun | 11 months ago

Judge Joe McGraw, who is vying for the 17th Congressional District seat, has voiced his concerns about the escalating cost of living. He holds President Joe Biden and incumbent Representative Eric Sorensen responsible for what he describes as their "out-of-control spending agenda." McGraw underscored the increasing expenses and attributed the soaring prices to the economic policies of the present administration.

Despite Setback, Legal Challenges to Dems’ Firearms Ban Continue

By McLean County Times | Dec 14, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has denied a request for a preliminary injunction against Illinois Democrats' firearms ban. The decision comes as a setback for those challenging the ban, but it does not mark the end of legal efforts to overturn it.The request for a preliminary injunction was filed by a group of gun rights advocates in Illinois who argued that the ban violated their Second Amendment rights. They sought to block the ban from going into effect while their legal challenge was ongoing.In her denial of the request, Justice Barrett made it clear...

Livingston County residents paid 31st-largest sum in sales taxes in Illinois during 2022

By McLean County Times | Dec 14, 2023

Livingston County residents paid $6.2 million in sales taxes, the 31st highest total paid per county in 2022.

City of Bloomington City Council met Oct. 9

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Dec 14, 2023

City of Bloomington City Council met Monday, Oct. 9

City of Le Roy City Council met Oct. 16

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Dec 14, 2023

City of Le Roy City Council met Monday, Oct. 16

City of Chenoa City Council met Nov. 14

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Dec 14, 2023

City of Chenoa City Council met Tuesday, Nov. 14

From Rockford Sun

McGraw on border visit: ‘What I saw was horrifying, and it affects every single one of us’

By Rockford Sun | 12 months ago

Judge Joe McGraw, a candidate for the 17th Congressional District, recently shared his alarming experience after a recent visit to the southern border in Yuma, Arizona, calling it horrifying and insisting it affects every American.

Q3 2023 Recap: 1 parolee from McLean County convicted of a sex crime set for supervised release

By McLean County Times | Dec 13, 2023

There was one offender convicted of a sex crime living in McLean County released on parole during the third quarter of 2023, according to Illinois Department of Corrections data obtained by the McLean County Times.

From Macon Reporter

Deering: ‘The spirit of community and collaboration is on full display this week at the Christmas Care & Share event!’

By Macon Reporter | 12 months ago

As the holiday season draws near, a local initiative named the Christmas Care & Share event is rallying volunteers for a range of activities intended to spread cheer and support throughout the community.

Registration Rules for Democrat Gun Ban Still Up in the Air

By McLean County Times | Dec 13, 2023

Law-abiding gun owners in Illinois are facing confusion and frustration as the registration rules for the Democrats' firearms ban remain unresolved. With the deadline fast approaching, uncertainty looms over the process of registering assault weapons.The lack of clarity surrounding the Democrat gun ban has left citizens uncertain about how to comply with the new regulations. One gun owner expressed their frustration, stating, "I want to follow the law, but without clear guidelines on how to register my assault weapon, it's impossible to do so."The Illinois State...

Illinois Wesleyan names co-MVPs and most improved player for men's soccer

By McLean County Times | Dec 13, 2023

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team held its annual banquet on December 12, where they announced the award winners for the 2023 season. Senior Brody Seaton and sophomore Sam Kedzior were named as the team's "Co-Most Valuable Player." Junior Will McNulty received recognition as the team's "Most Improved Player."