Category: Local Coverage

NORMAL– After confirming on Wednesday that the show would go on, singer Gavin DeGraw has announced that he is postponing his concert at Illinois State University. The show that was set for 7:00 p.m. in ISU’s Braden Auditorium, will have to wait for another day.

DeGraw was put on vocal rest earlier this week by his doctor until summer, when he will begin a tour with artists Colby Callait and Andy Grammar.

University representatives are keeping in contact with representatives of DeGraw trying to find a date to reschedule the show. Those who bought tickets for the concert have been assured that their purchases will be valid for a rescheduled show.

While no information on refunds are available right now, those looking for more information are being instructed to contact the Braden Box Office or University Program Board Office.

Though media outlets are waiting for autopsy results on both of the ISU students’ bodies, administrators are commenting about resident hall policies regarding an event of this magnitude. Maureen Blair, Director of Student Housing, spoke about how the ISU Residential Hall staff is trained to handle residents in these particular situations.

“Resident assistants and staff are fully equipped to handle their residents when things like these happen,” said Blair. “In some cases, however, resident assistants just need to seek outside help.”

Student Counseling Services has been available since the two deaths occurred last night, and will continue to make their services known throughout the weekend.

“In the event of student deaths, we immediately notify Student Counseling Services,” said Blair. “Though students might prefer to talk about what they saw with their friends, sometimes a trained professional is better-equipped to deal with those emotions.”

Stay tuned to WZND for more information on this story.

Surrounded by his large family and group of supporters, Judge Paul Lawrence shared news of his victory as circuit court judge last night. Polling results came in around 9:30pm, and Lawrence gave an acceptance speech in the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington at 9:45pm.

Lawrence’s speech focused on the hard work put into this year’s campaign, giving thanks to his six children and strong support team.

The campaign’s message this year centered around Lawrence’s experience, as he has served as circuit court judge in the previous years.

“We knocked on more than 2,000 doors around the four counties in Central Illinois,” said Lawrence. “But overall, I think it was my experience in law that edged me to the top.”

Lawrence also received campaign support money from more than 350 donors.

Judge Paul Lawrence gives an acceptance speech late last night in Bloomington.

At an election party held at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington last night, Republican hopeful Jason Barickman was congratulated by friends and campaign supporters as he received the good news of his nomination.

In his acceptance speech, Barickman showed gratitude to his family and friends, citing that his late grandmother always reminded him to “never forget your family.”

Barickman edged out opponent Shane Cultra, but said he still has a lot of work to do before the November elections. With a troubled state and yet another governor sent to jail just this month, Barickman said that he plans to make significant changes in how the state makes financial and ethical decisions.

“That’s why I am running in this election,” said Barickman. “This state needs conservative leadership, and  I plan to make an impact with my views.”

Barickman is an Illinois State University graduate.

Republican Jason Barickman shares the news of his nomination for State Senate with friends and family at the Double Tree Hotel.

Normal Fire Department responds to fire on Tuesday night at the Bone Student Center.

On Tuesday night at 9:45 pm, a student reported smoke coming from the Old Main room of the Bone Student Center. The building was evacuated by 10 pm and the fire was extinguished  by 11 pm.

The fire was said to have to started in Burger King and began to spread before the fire was put out by Normal Fire Department. Upon further investigation by the NFD, the origin of the fire was the exhaust hood in the kitchen of Burger King.  The second floor of the Bone Student Center sustained light smoke damage and moderate water damage from the fire being put out.

Jay Groves, Director of Media Relations,  released several statements in regards to the fire. He said that there was about 200 students in the building at the time of the fire.

Students said that there was no panic as they evacuated the building.

Matt Swaney, Normal Fire Department Spokesperson, said now that the fire is out, the fire department will be cleaning up for approximately an hour before turning further clean up over to Bone Student Center personnel.

The cause of the fire and estimations of the damage are still unknown.

This story will be updated.

Dan O’Brien’s Hyundai dealership wants to move from Bloomington to the city of Normal because his business is expanding. Normal is in negotiations with O’Brien to move to the former site of the Saturn Automobile Dealership on Greenbriar Drive. O’Brien wants to move his dealership to Normal because he found that Bloomington does not have land suitable for his addition to his business. His search went for several weeks while looking at a number of properties in Normal.   O’ Brien’s dealership is expected to move within a couple of weeks.

NORMAL– The Illinois State Women’s basketball team took a 21-home game win streak into their contest Sunday afternoon against the Bradley Braves on Doug Collins Court in Redbird Arena.

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BLOOMINGTON–The City of Bloomington Water Department will be repairing a water main on Fort Jesse Road between Blair Dr. and Towanda Ave.

The repairs will begin on Tuesday January 31, 2012. Due to the area where the water main is located the street will be closed through traffic. The street will be closed until the water main and street repairs are completed by the city crews. An alternative route would be Blair Drive, College Ave and Towanda Ave.

NORMAL–Beaufort Street between Broadway and Uptown Circle will be closed to all traffic beginning Tuesday, January 31, 2012 through Friday, February 17, 2012, for work associated with the Uptown Station and Uptown Plaza projects.

Normal–The Constitution Trail RR crossing at the AMTRAK Station will be permanently closed to all traffic beginning Monday, January 23, 2012.

Closure at this time is required to complete the Uptown Plaza landscaping project associated with Uptown Station.  Until further notice Constitution Trail will be detoured at Phoenix Street on the south side of the RR tracks, and at the north side of Uptown Circle on the north side of the RR tracks.