McLean County Area News Briefs

Chronicle Media

McLean County

County Clerk: Foreclosures at lowest point in more than a decade

Following years of decline from the 2008 economic recession, officials within the McLean County Clerk’s office recently announced a cheerful piece of news: recent home foreclosure data reveals the number of foreclosures is at its lowest point since 2002. Numbers crunched within the office revealed 279 foreclosure filings were reported in 2015 — the lowest figure since 2002, when the office filed 261 foreclosures. In year-over-year comparisons, last year’s foreclosures dropped 18 percent. In 2014, there were 329 filings.

Naperville man acquitted on allegations of sexually assaulting ISU student

After deliberating for 20 minutes, a McLean County jury on Wednesday, Jan. 13, acquitted Sheldon Roberts, 21, of Naperville, on allegations he sexually assaulted a female Illinois State University student, also 21, at an off-campus party in July 2014. Roberts’ defense attorney, Stephanie Wong, said the jury’s quick decision pointed to the weakness in the state’s case against Roberts. Prosecutors attempted to portray Roberts as a man who took advantage of a woman who was heavily intoxicated. The jury consisted of 10 men and two women.

Local groups team up to provide mentoring opportunities

Several McLean County organizations recently banded together to provide mentoring opportunities that will benefit at-risk youth. In recent weeks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois began working with the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal and the Promise Council. Through promotional and outreach efforts, the three groups have been putting out a call for more adult mentors, particularly men, who will work with the at-risk students and assist them on their schoolwork. For information, visit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter website at www.bbbscil.org.

Bloomington

National used-car retailer to open in Bloomington in February

CarMax, a national retailer specializing in used-car sales, plans to take the wraps off a new showroom and dealership lot in Bloomington on Thursday, Feb. 4. The 7,000-square-foot showroom will be housed in a new facility at the former Clarion Hotel property at 1219 Holiday Drive. At any given time, CarMax’s Bloomington showroom will sell upward of 150 used cars. The retailer also has access to upward of 50,000 cars through an online database. Clarion Hotel closed in 2009, and its building was razed to accommodate CarMax.

National sub sandwich eatery to open in Lakewood Plaza

Local franchisees have announced plans to bring Firehouse Subs to Bloomington this spring within the Lakewood Plaza shopping center, 1407 N. Veterans Parkway. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based company, known for its fire department décor, was founded in 1994 by brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, both of whom have served as firefighters. According to corporate officials, Firehouse Subs has more than 900 locations in 37 states.

IWU faculty to perform their own compositions

David Vayo, Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music

David Vayo, Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music

Joseph Plazak, Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music

Joseph Plazak, Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music

Two Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music faculty members will present a recital of their own compositions and other works at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31. The recital, which is free and open to the public, David Vayo, Fern Rosetta Sherff Professor of Composition and Theory, will premiere his piece Chambers. Assistant Professor of Music Joseph Plazak will present two pieces for guitar, including the debut of Les Sacres, an acoustic guitar piece he began composing two years ago.

The two will also perform improv with Vayo playing piano and Plazak on guitar.

Normal

Medical marijuana dispensary to lay roots in Normal

TGS Illinois Inc., a subsidiary of Denver, Colo.-based The Green Solution has announced plans of opening a medical marijuana dispensary at 501 Northtown Road. TGS was the only company to receive a retail license from state officials within the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police department’s sixth district that encompasses McLean and surrounding counties. Twenty dispensaries have been licensed to operate across Illinois.

Normal Police team up with local auctioneer to sell unwanted items

The Normal Police Department recently announced it has forged a relationship with Neighborhood Auction House, 705 E. Lincoln St., Bloomington, to sell unwanted items, including an assortment of electronics and jewelry. As with anything up for bid, items up for grabs go to the person placing the highest bid. The NPD does not expect to make money from auctioning items, but it does satisfy a state statute requiring law enforcement agencies liquidate unclaimed property.

Grove Elementary School to receive traffic signal, crossing guard

Hoping to enhance student safety in a highly trafficked area, the Normal Town Council recently approved plans to install a traffic signal and hire a crossing guard at an intersection near Grove Elementary School, 1101 Airport Road, this fall. The traffic signal will cost the town $256,000, and it will be placed near Airport and Shepard roads. The Normal Police Department will staff the crossing guard position. Both expenditures have been included in the town’s municipal budget.

–McLean County Area News Briefs–