Inkspot

Social Buddies: Episode Seven – A lot of cognitive dissonance [podcast]

Jul 28, 2020

In this episode of Social Buddies, the Buddies, with special guest Mr. Chris Belt, discuss what has been happening this summer and the possibility of returning to in-person school amidst an ongoing global pandemic.

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Unit 5 announces Return to School plan

Charlotte Calmes, Editor-in-Chief • Jul 21, 2020

Unit 5 released the Return to School plan for the 2020-2021 school year Monday afternoon which will be voted on during the July 22 School Board meeting at Normal West. An email sent to Unit 5 families included the Return to School plan and video explaining the available schooling options to ensure...

Adding a closet into the MIX: ISU alum on radio hosting during COVID

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave • Jul 15, 2020

Shifting from a spacious radio studio to a close-quarters closet did not faze Chris Petlak, host of Chicago's 101.9 THE MIX's evening radio programming when the Stay at Home order was issued in March. Although the circumstances looked unusual, Petlak's wife's closet's sound quality was the best his home...

Senior Showcase Galleries

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger • May 26, 2020

The Class of 2020 was showcased on the Inkspot Instagram account, taking advantage of the opportunity to share their high school achievements, favorite memories, and their future plans.

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Crave Chronicles: Episode Two – Wing Stop v. Buffalo Wild Wings [video]

Jessalyn Baer, Jaxon Creasey and Olivia Plangger • May 21, 2020

In the second episode of Crave Chronicles, Jessalyn Baer, Jaxon Creasey, and Olivia Plangger compare wings from Wing Stop and Buffalo Wild Wings.

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BACC culinary students roast the competition at SkillsUSA regional; COVID simmers State competition hopes

Olivia Plangger and Jessalyn Baer • Apr 25, 2020

Four Bloomington Area Career Center Culinary Arts students -- Emma Feit ('21), Madelyn Burton ('21), Kennedy Coe ('21), and Gavin Regnier ('20) -- qualified for the SkillsUSA State competition after participating in the Regional culinary competitions at Southwestern Illinois College in Granite City on...

Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Satya Garapati

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger • Apr 24, 2020

IHSA cancels spring tournaments

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger • Apr 21, 2020

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors announced its decision Tuesday, April 21 to “cancel all IHSA spring state tournaments” in a statement released at noon. Though the IHSA has made efforts to keep the slim possibility of a spring season alive, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s...

COVID-19 Update: In-person schooling suspended in Illinois through end of year

Charlotte Calmes, Editor-in-Chief • Apr 17, 2020

Governor J.B. Pritzker suspended in-person learning in Illinois schools for the remainder of the school year during his daily coronavirus press briefing Friday afternoon. The suspension of in-class learning comes as a result of the 27,575 reported cases of coronavirus in Illinois and 1,072 total deaths...

Q & A: Senior Athletes Speak Up

With Kailah Carter

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave • Apr 17, 2020

Tonight, Friday, April 17, NCHS would have hosted the 2020 Normal Community Co-Ed Track Invitational and recognized the senior athletes of the boys and girls track teams. However, like so many other events, that meet is canceled. Kailah Carter (‘20), a 2018 and 2019 State track and field qualifier,...

Feeney named Lady Iron basketball head coach

Reid Watkins, Sports Editor • Apr 17, 2020

Mr. Dave Feeney has been named head girls varsity basketball coach during a virtual meeting of the board of education Wednesday night. The position was vacant after Mr. Marcus Mann stepped down after the 2019-20 season. In eight years as head coach, Mann amassed a record of 130-107. Athletic director...

Sewing for safety: Coe family combats coronavirus

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave • Apr 12, 2020

The struggles of those combating COVID-19 have hit home for the family of Kennedy (‘21) and Piper (‘20) Coe. Utilizing their sewing skills and passion for helping others, the sisters started crafting homemade masks a month ago, distributing them to friends, family, health-care workers,...

Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Sheri Stewart

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger • Apr 12, 2020

School closures due to COVID-19 present unique challenges for all students. However, for senior athletes in their last semester at Normal Community, the experence is on a different level. Missing out on their senior season, and that final chance to make memories in Normal Community colors has led to seniors running the gamut of emotions. This is the second installment in a series of articles where seniors detail their experiences through the COVID-19 crisis, featuring soccer player Sheri Stewart.

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Q & A: Seniors Speak Up

With Sabrina Chang

Mantra Dave and Olivia Plangger • Apr 8, 2020

School closures due to COVID-19 present unique challenges for all students. However, for seniors in their last semester at Normal Community, the experence is on a different level. Possibly missing out on a variety of senior memories, and having to transition to E-learning has led to seniors running the gamut of emotions. This is the first installment in a series of articles where seniors detail their experiences through the COVID-19 crisis, featuring Sabrina Chang who spoke to the Inkspot during Spring Break.

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IHSA remains hopeful for return of spring sports seasons

Olivia Plangger and Mantra Dave • Apr 6, 2020

In response to Governor JB Pritzker extending the ‘shelter in place’ order until April 30, the IHSA has announced that they are hopeful a shortened spring sports season will remain possible. “We continue to support the possibility of our member schools completing both regular and postseason...