Willis Kern
Correspondent, Retired News DirectorWillis is a Bloomington, IL, native. During his senior year at Bloomington High School, he finished third in the "Radio Speaking" division of the state speech contest, the only year he competed.
Willis began his radio career in 1975 at a now-defunct station in Normal. He worked swing shifts at WJBC in Bloomington while attending ISU. He served a 14-year stint as the nighttime announcer. Willis joined WGLT in 1993 and was named news director in 1997. He has won numerous awards for reporting and news writing and has been named Downstate Best Reporter four times by the Illinois Associated Press, once in 2004 and three consecutive years 2007-2009.
Willis volunteers at his church and is involved in prison ministry. He is married with two sons and loves the St. Louis Cardinals.
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Realtors in the Peoria area are touting improved consumer confidence and attractive mortgage rates for a slight gain in first quarter home sales.There…
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A 35-year old Bloomington man has been arrested on child pornography charges.Carthell Nibbelin was jailed after being picked up by police from both Normal…
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Faculty and students at Illinois Wesleyan University are expressing disappointment 13th District Congressman Rodney Davis has decided to pass on an…
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The final canvassing of ballots has taken place and incumbent Chris Koos has been re-elected as Mayor of Normal. Koos' margin increased by four votes as…
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Police in Normal are searching for a suspect in connection with a home invasion that reportedly occurred Saturday afternoon.Police say just before 5 P.M.…
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Longtime central Illinois State Representative Dan Brady says he's not ready to announce if he'll run for re-election next year.During a Sound Ideas…
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Mid Central Community Action is partnering with Commonwealth Edison for another year of low-income energy assistance for customers in Livingston County…
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There is no "one-size fits all" when it comes to personal finance. There aren't many areas of life where the same rules apply to everyone, and personal…
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Republicans in Springfield voted against the so-called 'lifeline' budget that cleared the Illinois House house last week.The plan appropriates $815…
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Illinois State University President Larry Dietz is set to appear before two legislative committees in Springfield this month to testify about the…