A recent survey by TimesNewspapers found that Morton was among a list of seven communities in Woodford, Peoria and Tazewell counties not in compliance with the state’s new Freedom of Information Act.
Only four public bodies were in compliance. That is a dismal record. (Click here for full story)
What would you do if you were given $500 with no strings attached?
When I got started in journalism, a friend immediately compared me to Carrie Bradshaw. While I’m not quite up to par with her fashion sense or courageous enough to try out even the most “fabulous” hat, I am about to prove my friend right. Today, I’m blogging about shoes.
However, you will see no mention of Manolos or Jimmy Choos here. Oh no, I’m talking running shoes and even — cover your ears Carrie — no shoes.
If a Tazewell County sheriff’s deputy’s sworn duty is to protect and serve the citizens of the county, and instead he uses on-duty time to carry out personal business, that is one offense that should justify firing that employee. That is common sense, right?
If a video shows corrections officers using what many felt was excessive force in controlling a female prisoner — a prisoner that was half the size of the male officers — they should be disciplined for their actions. That is common sense, right?
We have a very nice online tool here in the newsroom that measures our website visits.
Back-to-school shopping may leave families waiting a little later than normal to get all their supplies bought, but if they do so, they will reap the benefits.
Beginning Friday and ending Aug. 15, the state of Illinois will forego its 5 percent portion of sales tax on back-to-school supplies. Local portions of sales tax still will be collected for those 10 days.
Have you noticed a new feature on our websites called “Morning Minutes?”
I had a nice conversation with a Morton resident who has some ideas that could add some historical value to this newspaper.
Matt Nance of Morton, a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, called me a couple of weeks ago interested in encouraging the Morton Times-News to launch a series of historical pieces relating to the village. His ideas were simple, but also interesting.
Children always come first — it is a theme that seems to have faded amid a statewide financial crisis. Budget cuts throughout the state have impacted a variety of children’s programs — whether they are for education, financial assistance or even physical care.
I got my start running on a treadmill, but to be honest, I would happily never set foot on one again if I weren’t a mother.
The Morton Community Foundation recently hosted a 1950s fundraising event called “Shake, Rattle and Roll” at Mike Murphy Ford. It’s amazing how many poodle skirts, bowling shirts, saddle shoes and letterman jackets came out of the closet for this event. While the theme suggested a step back in time, the MCF is always looking to the future of Morton and how we can serve this community and make it better.
Disregarded? In one ear and out the other? The editors of this newspaper recently chided Mortonites for lack of attention/interest/response to the mayor’s annual state-of-the-village presentation. As I read it, the editorial contended that the mayors annual speeches are packed with facts and useful information about village business, but are disregarded except for “hot button” items that some folks oppose or favor.
Lyndon B. Johnson was long before my time, but after Morton Mayor Norm Durflinger quoted him during his state-of-the-village speech, I was intrigued ...
What can we take from the annual state-of-the-village speech?
In its fifth year, the mayor’s state-of-the-village speech is still disregarded by the silent majority of Mortonites. For many, it is in one ear and out the other. Some people talk about the mayor having his own agenda. But, each year, this 40-minute speech is jam packed with information.
In high school, I quit the soccer team because I hated running.
Perhaps the title of this blog gave it away, but things have changed.
I would never have believed I would become a runner. I always thought a runner was somebody who eagerly bounced out of bed at 4:30 a.m., threw on his/her running shoes and skipped out the door, grinning in anticipation of the upcoming 10-mile jog.
It’s doubtful that many people stop to think about where they are spending their money, but they should.
Is it just me, or do a lot of us return from work only to find that local businesses are closed?
Every year the Morton Relay For Life Committee and its teams create an outstanding community event. This year, as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary, is no exception. Our Relay will hold an opening ceremony noon Saturday and last for 20 hours. Some folks set up campsites and spend the night, but there is a lot that you can enjoy just by coming out for a couple of hours.
I’m on a quest for the Bret Michael’s Snapple Diet Trop-A-Rocka™ Tea.
