McLean County Independent News

Boy Scout world tour
When he started Cub Scouts at seven years old, Evan Rensch, now 12, would have never guessed that it would take him halfway around the world.
Mayor speaks out on city’s policing future
As the city has been wondering what policing will be like come 2020 when its current contract with the sheriff’s office expires, Mayor Stuart Merry says he and city council members have been coming up with a plan for a local force.

Art in the park
Award-winning artist Karen Bakke spent a week painting at Fort Stevenson State Park as the Artist in Residence.
Can Garrison have its own police force?: Two officers weigh in
Garrison is staring down the barrel of a year without a sheriff’s department contract.

Sheriff’s office moves on
After years of disagreements, the tension between Garrison and McLean County over police contracts came to a head Monday afternoon with the county deciding to cut ties in a brief, 12-minute meeting.
Homemade 5K: How one new resident dreamt up a nonprofit
It’s said that the name “The Beatles” came to John Lennon in a dream. Terrel Officer took a cue from one of his dreams too, and it was only slightly less ambitious than starting the most successful band of all time.

Scheresky starts ‘Dinner on the Prairie’
Bonnie Scheresky of Max had an idea, and she wasn’t afraid to give it a shot.
‘Garrisoning’ the forts Part IV: Old Garrison
Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final article in the series of “Garrisoning the forts.” Ft. Stevenson had a direct impact on the area, as well as Garrison’s existence.

It’s a family thing
In small towns everyone seems to be related to everyone.
Mountain Lion spotted
A Mountain Lion was spotted south of Garrison near Fort Stevenson State Park recently. Mountain Lions have been known to attack and maul their victims in other states, so area residents need to exercise caution when outdoors.