McLean County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

The University of Illinois Extension in welcoming these 18 new interns to its McLean County and Livingston County Master Gardeners program. Laura Baue, Jan Capodice, Steve Castleman, Linda Corban, Jan Crump, Carol Csanda, Delilah Finnegan, Laura Friday, Sara Garrett, Lisa Larkin, Mark Larsen, Lana Miller, Manjula Mohan, Barb Moore, Michael Parker, Dan Slagell, Joan Smeltzer, and Judy Wurth. (Photo courtesy of U of I Extension)

McLean County

Interns earn way into Master Gardeners program

University of Illinois Extension’s branch for McLean and Livingston counties recently welcomed 18 interns into its master gardeners program, following a 14-week horticultural immersion process. The participants gained high-level knowledge of a range of topics, including insects, plant diseases and propagation.

“Our new master gardener interns will ascend on the county to complete their volunteer hours and share their newfound knowledge in a range of approved projects,” Kelly Allsup, U of I horticulture educator, said in a statement. The list of projects includes work on the historic Sarah’s Garden at the David Davis Mansion and the healing gardener at the Community Cancer Center.

Streator boy named honorary Cubs bat kid

Luke Hiltabrand, 6, of Streator, served as an honorary bat kid at a Chicago Cubs game Wednesday, June 7. Hiltabrand, who is in his second season of t-ball, had the opportunity to step onto Wrigley Field when the World Series champions faced off against the Miami Marlins.

The honorary bat kid opportunity was possible through an Advocate Health Care program. Hiltabrand was born with hearing loss and began wearing hearing aids at 3 months of age. At age 4, he also was diagnosed with Celiac disease.

Aaron Traeger, a pediatrician with the Advocate Children’s Medical Group in Bloomington, has worked with Hiltabrand since birth. Hiltabrand, for the record, said his favorite Cub is Anthony Rizzo.

Bloomington

Man arrested on suspicion of child pornography

Bloomington Police on Wednesday, June 7, arrested a 32-year-old resident on seven counts related to the manufacture and possession of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, the man was incarcerated at the McLean County Jail.

Local law enforcement is asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact Detective John Heinlen at (309) 434-2672 or jheinlen@cityblm.org. Anonymous tips also can be provided via McLean County Crime Stoppers at (309) 828-1111.

Police assist man after multiple ‘shots fired’ calls

A 25-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his leg near the intersection of Gettysburg and Todd drives about 9:30 p.m. Monday, June 5. The victim reportedly walked to a nearby gas station and asked for help. At the same time, Bloomington Police received multiple calls of shots being fired in the immediate area. Illinois State Trooper deputies assisted Bloomington Police in the incident.

A subsequent investigation revealed a bullet hole in a vehicle in the 2200 block of Todd Drive. A number of spent shell casings also were found in the area. No arrests have been made in the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.

Lincoln girl struck by vehicle on Bunn Street

A vehicle struck a 6-year-old Lincoln girl attempting to cross Bunn Street eastbound in the 2400 block about 2:11 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Several agencies arrived on the scene to assist the girl, including Bloomington Police, Bloomington Fire and Rescue, Bloomington Township Fire Department and the McLean County Sheriff’s Department.

The girl was unconscious, but breathing, following the accident. She was initially transported to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and subsequently sent via Flight for Life to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. The driver in the incident was interviewed at the scene and underwent mandatory testing. According to Bloomington Police, no criminal charges will be brought against the driver.  

Committee seeks nominees for beautification awards

The Bloomington Citizens’ Beautification Committee is seeking nominees for the city’s annual beautification awards program through Friday, June 23. The committee will accept residential and non-residential properties through the program.

The only prerequisite is the property must be within the city’s municipal limits.

“For nearly 30 years, the city of Bloomington has recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that go above and beyond the call to enhance and beautify the appearance of the city,” Robin VanDermay, committee chair, said in a statement. “Each year, we are surprised by the number of excellent nominees, and I expect 2017 to be no different.” For information on the awards program, visit the city’s website at www.cityblm.org.

Normal

Council allocates taxpayer money for arts grants

The Normal Town Council on Monday, June 5, voted unanimously in favor of a proposal to allocate $50,000 in municipal funds toward assistance benefiting nonprofit arts organizations. The funding comes via taxpayers’ dollars. Twenty-three organizations will receive a disbursement of the funding. The largest single recipient is Illinois State University’s Shakespeare Festival, which received a $5,000 grant.

Koos joins consortium of mayors in ‘climate pledge’

Normal Mayor Chris Koos recently announced he would be joining select counterparts across the U.S. in taking a so-called climate mayor’s pledge, essentially meaning he will take whatever steps possible in local town ordinances in ensuring the community acts in an environmentally responsible manner. Koos’ pledge specifically zeroes in on clean energy.

“The town of Normal has historically incorporated environmental responsibility and sustainability into our planning and operations,” Koos said in a statement. “These ideals continue to be pillars of town’s future vision, most recently affirmed in our Vision 2040 comprehensive plan.”

 

–McLean County News Briefs–