Central Illinois Jazz Society’s house band will perform its next concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at the Trailside Event Center within Trefzger’s Bakery, 4416 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights.

McLean County

Woman found dead in Funks Grove; coroner identifies her

Several McLean County agencies — including the sheriff’s department and the coroner — are investigating the death of a woman, who was found at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove July 2. Coroner Kathy Davis in a news release said her office was able to identify the woman as Teresa Poehlman, 47, of East Peoria. Few details are available at press deadline, but Davis said she believes Poehlman’s death was a homicide. The incident remains under investigation. The sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Cory Beverlin at (309) 888-5048. 

Charges dropped in last summer’s ISU campus rape incident

Sexual assault charges against Shawn Childs Jr., 19, of Chicago have been dropped, McLean County prosecutors announced this past week. According to prosecutors, the case against Childs Jr. was dropped because the alleged victim did not want to pursue the case any further.

Central Illinois Jazz Society planning concert for July 16

Central Illinois Jazz Society’s house band will perform its next concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at the Trailside Event Center within Trefzger’s Bakery, 4416 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights. Bloomington native John Campbell will perform at the event during a special guest musicians performance after the CIJS house band entertains the crowd. The cost for CIJS members is $6 and for nonmembers is $8. For information, visit www.cijs.org or call (309) 243-1582.

Bloomington

Michael to face at least one challenger in clerk’s race

It might still be 16 months away, but McLean County clerk Kathy Michael will have at least one challenger in the November 2018 election. Nikita Richards, an employment coordinator with the city of Bloomington, has announced she is running against incumbent Michael, who announced last month she would throw her hat back in the ring when her seat was up next fall. Michael is running as a Republican, while Richards is running as a Democrat.

Council reviewing Washington Avenue bike lanes

A decision on whether bike lanes will be installed on Washington Avenue could be made as soon as this month. The Bloomington Planning Commission last month reviewed the proposal, which calls for adding the bike lanes along the heavily traveled Washington Avenue corridor, between Lee Street and St. Joseph Drive. Several groups have supported the lane, including Bike BloNo and Friends of the Constitution Trail. If the Bloomington City Council gives the proposal a “yes” vote at a meeting this month, the bike lanes will be incorporated into the city’s bicycle master plan.

Normal

Newly opened Destihl to produce cider, wine and mead

Destihl, the Normal-based brewery that opened earlier this year, has obtained licenses from the town to brew hard cider, wine and mead. The latter is an alcoholic beverage created by mixing it with fermented honey, water and an assortment of fruits, grains, hops and spices. According to Destihl representatives, the company’s first hard cider was brewed in late May and is currently available for a draft-only release in the Beer Hall within the distillery’s grounds.

Mayor remembers longtime parks, recreation director

Normal Mayor Chris Koos recognized Ron Blemler, the town’s former parks and recreation director at a council meeting Wednesday, July 5. Blemler died on Independence Day. He was employed by the town for 33 years, retiring from his post in 2002. Before calling for a moment of silence in his memory, Koos reflected on Blemler’s role in the community and said he “left a legacy that will endure for many, many years into the future.” Koos also recognized Blemler’s wife of 54 years, Sandy, and their children and grandchildren.

–McLean County News Briefs–