That Burger Joint and the Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store, a two-part eatery for fans of hamburgers and shakes, recently opened on North Veterans Parkway. (Photo courtesy of That Burger Joint)

McLean County

More opioid-related deaths recorded in October

Ten deaths linked to opioid-related overdoses occurred in Bloomington, Normal and other areas of McLean County, coroner Kathy Davis reported recently. According to the most up-to-date statistics in her office, the county’s total 2017 drug overdose death toll stands at 33 incidents in the first 10 months of the year — more than double the amount tallied at the end of October 2016.

Twenty-six of the county’s 33 drug-related deaths are opioid-related, Davis said. Fentanyl is considered the primary source of the opioid overdoses, Davis said.

Charlie Moore, president and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce

Statewide organization recognizes County Chamber

The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, a statewide agency, has named the McLean County Chamber of Commerce to its annual Outstanding Chamber of the Year awards program. The statewide organization recognized McLean County chamber officials for demonstrating advocacy, finance, governance and leadership.

In a statement, Charlie Moore, president and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, said the recognition was gratifying. “It’s an incredible honor and very humbling to be recognized by peer organizations from across the state of Illinois,” Moore said.

Bloomington

Springfield man dies in rollover crash on I-55

A 45-year-old Springfield man died last week of injuries sustained from a single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 55. The incident, on Bloomington’s southwest edge, occurred late on Monday, Nov. 6. Officials from the McLean County Coroner’s Office declared the man dead at 11:35 p.m. Coroner Kathy Davis said the man died of multiple blunt force injuries.

Police were called to the scene about an hour before the man was declared dead. After rolling over, the vehicle landed back on its wheels and caught on fire. Numerous agencies assisted the Bloomington Police Department, including fire departments from the city of Bloomington and Bloomington Township, in addition to the Illinois State Police and McLean County Sheriff’s Department.  

City touted for progressive, sustainable practices

Utility provider Ameren Illinois recently named Bloomington to its 2017 Progressive Cities list. The recognition was based on the municipality adopting a range of environmentally friendly, sustainable practices, including replacing fluorescent light bulbs at city hall with LED bulb and helping spearhead a citywide campaign that shines a spotlight on the virtues of energy efficiency.

In a statement, Mayor Tari Renner said the recognition is a reflection of the core values within the walls of city hall. “The award reinforces our commitment to implementing projects that promote efficiency and sustainability,” Renner said. Bloomington was one of seven cities named to this year’s list.

New two-part restaurant opens along Veterans Parkway

That Burger Joint and the Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store, a two-part eatery for fans of hamburgers and shakes, recently opened its doors at a retail space at 2105 N. Veterans Parkway.

The separate, but conjoined chains, are occupying a space previously assumed by Carlos O’Kelly’s. That Burger Joint and the Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store operate four other locations across the state, most in the Chicago area. A location in Champaign also opened recently.  

Normal

Town to raise taxes again to cover pension costs

In an effort to keep pace with its pension obligations for current and former public safety workers, town of Normal officials have announced plans of increasing property taxes for the municipal portion of next year’s bills.

Based on preliminary estimates coming out of the town’s finance department, the town’s tax rate is set to increase 6.38 percent for Fiscal Year 2018. Based on the projected numbers, the owner of a home valued at $165,000 — the median value in the town — would pay an additional $44 for municipal services next year.

KBL Design Center to close its showroom in Normal

KBL Design Center, which has long operated a showroom at 107 Mall Drive, announced last week it is closing its Normal store and consolidating it with an existing retail location in Peoria. The closure will occur on an as-yet unspecified date in January. KBL has used its Normal store to showcase kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

In a statement, Walter Zich, president and CEO of the company, said a variety of economic factors played into the decision. “Unfortunately, retail and economic realities, especially in Central Illinois, have changed dramatically in recent years,” Zich said.

ISU organizers receive national recognition for fix-it program

Illinois State University students recently caught the attention of a national organization focused on promoting the virtues of sustainable practices.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recently recognized ISU students for their role in Fix It Friday, a program that gives residents the opportunity to bring in clothing with minor tears, rips or other blemishes and have it fixed for free. The association recognized the ISU students for keeping still-useful clothing out of landfills.

–McLean County News Briefs–