The Pantagraph Bloomington, IL

Towns May Form Ambulance Service

FARMER CITY -- The Farmer City, Bellflower and the Mansfield- based Northern Piatt fire districts are considering creating a tax- supported ambulance authority that would spread the cost of emergency medical service among the three communities. Members of the three fire districts and Farmer City officials met Wednesday to review a proposed intergovernmental agreement that would establish the Farmer City-Bellflower-Northern Piatt Ambulance Authority. Voters would have to approve a referendum t...

Senator's Bill Asks: Is Governor Driving Jobs From Springfield?

SPRINGFIELD -- A Republican state senator from Springfield has introduced legislation aimed at answering whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich truly has triggered an exodus of state jobs from the capital city. State Sen. Larry Bomke said Wednesday he fears the governor has been shifting more state jobs to Chicago, which could result in a economic downturn in the city he represents.

Shake Up That Garden This Year

Garden DayGO!Date: Feb. 21Time: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. workshops; keynote at 9:15 a.m.Location: Heartland Community College, Community Commons Building, 1500 W. Raab Road, NormalCost: $25; pre- registration is required, deadline Feb. 13sponsors: University of Illinois Extension-McLean County, local master gardeners and Heartland Community CollegeContact: (309)663-8306 for a registration form or download it at www.mcleanextension.org ------- Flats of melampodium don't get a second glance. Not when...

Ryan Cronies Help Illinois Be Among Corrupt States

The corruption that went on within the office when George Ryan was secretary of state is a major factor in giving Illinois the dubious distinction of being named the fifth most corrupt state in the nation. And that was not even including the indictment of George Ryan himself or some of the top insiders in his office when he was governor those came after the statistics were compiled.

It's Time to Rediscover 'Art' of Shoveling Our Sidewalks

Every winter it's the same old song: People forget how to drive on snow and ice. But this year, it seems, many have forgotten how to shovel, too. Perhaps that last couple of mild winters have spoiled people.

Don't Bring Bush Back Over Intelligence Gaffes

In Bush's State of the Union speech, he touted the capture of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. I wonder what is so proud and notable for capturing Saddam Hussein, when the world knew where Saddam was prior to the war. Who did the U.S. troops capture? A leader who told the truth. That is more than what I can say for Bush.

Heavenly Hash Delight at Boylan's Appreciated

I would like to express my thanks to the reader who wrote a letter, (Jan. 29, YourViews) "Boylan's a sweet success because it's a fine store." Being a great lover of chocolate, I, too, hated to see Fannie May going out of business. Their "Pecan Marsh Bars" were one of my favorites.

Arena Referendum

This question will be on the ballot for the March 16 election: "Shall the City of Bloomington use public funds or its bonding authority to finance the construction of a Downtown Arena?" I encourage the registered voters in the city of Bloomington to voice their opinion and vote on this important issue.

Olympia School Referendum

Where is the community that cares about the Olympia children? Where does the attitude "I haven't had a child in school for 40 years, I'm voting 'no' to the referendum" come from? Don't they realize 40 years ago people were burdened with the taxes that sent their children to school? If passed, tax increase on a $125,000 home: $437.50 -- $1.20 a day.

Ready to Die at 18 for Your Country?

I don't know what the purpose of adding a military recruitment clause to an education funding act is, but the "No Child Left Behind Act" requires schools which receive federal funds to give military recruiters access to high school students' names, addresses, and phone numbers, and to inform the parents they have a right to opt out of this. I had no idea in this age of privacy concerns that public schools are required to give out this information to receive federal funds to improve our childr...

Conflicts of Interest in Bush Administration

This administration, is a joke and embarrassment for America. Starting with that farce of an election, it's never stopped. They've broke every rule, re-written anything that didn't suit them. Now this president gets to name the council to investigate him. Do you really believe he'll name someone that will find him guilty, ha.

County May Have to Re-Bid Dome Work

BLOOMINGTON -- Renovation work on the McLean County Museum of History's dome may be put out for bids again if McLean County authorities can't figure out why bids have come in so far over estimates. The dome was expected to cost about $450,000, but the lowest bid was almost double that.

Neighbors Feel 'Betrayed' by Panel ; Say Developers Have Upper Hand

NORMAL -- Neighbors who offered opinions on guidelines for future development in an area south of downtown told the planning commission Thursday they feel betrayed. "We're clearly not being represented in the new guidelines," said Chris Bock, 412 W. Vernon Ave., who served on a focus group that considered building options. "This is a cosmetic call for more student housing."

Blagojevich Introduces Bill to Put Education Under Governor's Power ; but He Doesn't Offer School-Funding Solution

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich says his plan to take control of the state's education bureaucracy eventually will produce higher test scores and fairer school funding. But he and legislators supporting his plan acknowledged Thursday they don't know how long it will take for either of those goals to be met.

Wrestling Regionals

Class A SATURDAY

Red-Hot Rivals Set for Rematch

BHS vs. NCHSWhen: 7:45 tonightWhere: Normal Community High School Records: Bloomington 17-3 overall, 8-1 Big 12 Conference; Normal Community 13-5, 7-2Radio: WJBC - AM(1230)------- NORMAL -- Fresh off Tuesday's 55-41 road win over archrival Normal West, things get a little more interesting for the Normal Community High School basketball team. The Ironmen tip off a brutal weekend slate at 7:45 tonight by hosting Intercity rival and No. 15-state ranked Bloomington in a key Big 12 Conference batt...

'Victory' Could Result in Losses Over Long Haul

It is being hailed "a total victory" by lawyers for Maurice Clarett, the Ohio State running back who challenged the National Football League draft eligibility rule and, at least for now, has won. Thursday, a federal judge ordered the NFL to allow Clarett to enter its April draft, stating the league's rule that a player must be out of high school three years before becoming draft eligible violates antitrust laws.

Deaths

Sean Landrus GRIDLEY -- Sean Gregory Landrus, 31, of Thompson Township, Ohio, grandson of a Gridley couple, died Jan. 29, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq.

Deaths

Alvin F. Leach PONTIAC -- Alvin F. Leach, 79, of Pontiac died at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2004) at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac.

Deaths

Dr. Robert Morin CLINTON -- Dr. Robert Louis Morin, D.V.M., 85, of Clinton died at 10:40 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2004) at the family residence in Clinton.