By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News This week kicks off the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Illinois, culminating with the opening ceremonies of the summer games in Bloomington-Normal Friday. Local bicyclists, comprised of law enforcement from throughout Livingston County, will arrive Thursday afternoon. They will join a parade of local athletes in downtown Pontiac…… MORE
Bill Handling Wrongful Convictions Sits on Gov. Rauner’s Desk
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News The payback for a wrongful conviction could include eight semesters of college tuition. A bill passed by the legislature makes this possible. With a then-governor emptying Death Row (2003) and Illinois eventually outlawing capital punishment (2011), the state has had a sorry history with wrongful convictions. “About $26 million a year…… MORE
“Anything Goes” Begins Thursday
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News The Vermillion Players will be starting their season with Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” beginning Thursday and running through Sunday. Director Tom Ramseyer said the cast and crew have come together to put forth a great production. “Our cast for the show is comprised of about 35, maybe a few more people,…… MORE
Illinois Continues to See Abortion Numbers Decrease
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News Abortions in Illinois are declining, following a nation-wide trend. The state’s yearly abortion numbers remain low after reaching the lowest number of 40,750 abortions. Between 2010 and 2013, the state saw a 2.6 percent decrease in abortion numbers. The state normally channels woman from other states to receive abortions here due…… MORE
Gilders Hold Ribbon Cutting
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting was held for the grand opening of the Museum of Gilding arts on Mill Street Saturday, bringing a busload of gilders from around the world. Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell said this museum is a welcome addition to Pontiac’s lineup of attractions. “It’s…… MORE
Ribbon Cutting Held for Farmers Market
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News The Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Saturday for the Farmers Market, sponsored by P.R.O.U.D. Joycelyn Miller of P.R.O.U.D. said the markets will be held on the courthouse lawn at the corner of Washington and Mill streets and Saturday brought out a lot of vendors. “Gary House was…… MORE
Former Prison Employees Charged with Official Misconduct
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News A Livingston County Grand Jury returned two bills of indictment charging two former employees of Pontiac Correctional Center with official misconduct and obstructing justice. Livingston County State’s Attorney Seth Uphoff said those charges state Angela Creech and Sherry Lasek allegedly violated rules on socializing with inmates or a relative or known…… MORE
Inmate Charged with Murder
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News A grand jury issued a bill of indictment Thursday charging Michael Bragg, inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center, with six counts of first degree murder. Bragg was serving 22 years for aggravated criminal sexual assault when his cellmate, Fabian Carrillo, was found unresponsive in their shared cell. Livingston County State’s Attorney Seth…… MORE
Anti-Heroin Bill Awaits Rauner’s Approval
By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News If the governor signs an anti-heroin bill, it would be one of the legislative highlights for Illinois lawmakers in 2015. Heroin is the drug cited most frequently when addicts are admitted for treatment said bill sponsor, State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge). “In the most recent year available, about 1,200 people…… MORE
Aerospace Special Interest Club Sign-ups Drawing Near
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News The 4-H Aerospace Special Interest Club, geared toward children ages eight and older, is set to begin June 22. Students will learn the basics of aerospace, building their own rocket and an opportunity to launch that rocket. Classes will be from 1 to 3 June 22 through 27 at the University…… MORE
