Heyworth

Rules regarding cell phone use in school varies by district, and sometimes even by school, across McLean County. The Illinois Senate has passed a bill aimed at ending phone use during class instruction.

Eric Moore has a long list of service activities in his hometown of Heyworth, including a decade as a volunteer firefighter. The political newcomer ran for mayor as a long-shot write-in candidate — and won.

Using lead-based paint has been outlawed for decades, but many homes in the state — and in McLean County — were built prior to that, contributing to Illinois being a leading state in lead exposure nationwide.

Schools could use the extra cash to fund mental health resources, upgrade and maintain facilities or lessen community property taxes.

Homecoming will bring scores of alumni and parents to Illinois State this weekend. Community members can join the fun with several open-to-all activities.

Heyworth is hosting a free concert on June 19 that will feature music that tells local veterans' stories of their time in the military. The challenge: the songs will be written the same day they're performed.

Studies spanning the past several years have shown mental health conditions are common among agriculture professionals and their families, but women aren't always a focus of the conversation.

Heyworth native Al Pierson, who brought his Big Band sound all over the globe, returned to his hometown to share memories from a 77-year career in music.

The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program will grant McLean County $2.7 million to extend the Route 66 hiking-and-biking trail from near Funks Grove to the village of McLean. The state also is giving Heyworth $1.2 million to build a trail along U.S. Route 136 from Centennial Park to east of U.S. 51.

A Heyworth educator who colleagues call a student favorite, and a real innovator, could be Illinois’ next Teacher of the Year.