McLean County Nursing Home received a top-level 5-star rating for clinical outcomes in a recent federal assessment. (Photo courtesy of McLean County)

McLean County

County-run nursing home receives high marks

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a federal agency, recently recognized the McLean County Nursing Home in its annual assessment report.

The facility received a top-level 5-star rating for clinical outcomes, in addition to a 4-star rating for overall service. The centers’ analysis came after reviewing a variety of criteria within the facility, including quality of care, resident safety and resident satisfaction. As a result of the increased ratings, the nursing home has been given an “advanced accreditation” status through the federal agency.  

ISU recognizing Black Heritage Month with weekend event

Illinois State University is holding an event open to the community in honor of Black History Month. The program will include student recognitions and a traveling museum display of black history artifacts.

Additionally, performances, stories and a celebration of excellence are a part of the itinerary. The free event begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, and will take place at the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center, 100 N. University St. For information, visit ISU’s website, www.illinois.edu.

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center’s OB unit recognized

The Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, a statewide organization, recently designated Advocate BroMenn Medical Center’s obstetrics unit with a gold quality award. The recognition was based on outcomes through a statewide maternal hypertension initiative, where Advocate BroMenn’s Normal facility achieved high rankings.

Research has shown hypertension has been linked as one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths before, during and after delivery.

“We were very pleased to participate in an initiative that improves the care and outcomes for our patients,” Lori Harper, director of obstetrics at the local medical center, said in a statement.  

Bloomington

City considers outsourcing solid waste haulers

As it grapples with anticipated budgetary constraints in the next fiscal year budget that begins in May, Bloomington’s elected officials are considering the possibility of outsourcing solid waste pickup service.

The measure, if approved, means 35 employees would be off the city payroll. As news of the proposal spread this past week, representatives of the union representing the employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, said they would demand to be a part of the bargaining process. Bloomington’s municipal leaders have contended the city has a projected $2.9 million shortfall to fill in the upcoming fiscal year. The outsourcing proposal is one of multiple items on the list of cost-cutting possibilities.

Man arrested on suspicion of selling meth in city  

Bloomington Police on Thursday, Feb. 8, arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine. According to officials within the department, the man was arrested in the 400 block of Brock Drive. He was approached as part of a drug investigation.

A subsequent search revealed the man was in possession of 128 grams of meth and equipment used to manufacture the drug. Police also seized assorted drug paraphernalia from the man. He was immediately transported to McLean County Jail.

The town of Normal’s Parks and Recreation Department soon will be accepting registration for the 2018 organic community garden program. (Photo courtesy of town of Normal)

Normal

Registration dates for community garden coming

The town of Normal’s Parks and Recreation Department will begin accepting registration for the 2018 growing season’s organic community garden program. Normal residents can begin claiming a plot at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13.

Non-residents can begin claiming a plot at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15. Department officials will only accept in-person registration, which can be accomplished at their office at 100 E. Phoenix Ave. The town has two community garden plots — one at Ironwood Park, 1900 N. Linden St.; the other at One Normal Plaza, 1110 Douglas St. For information, call (309) 454-9540.   

Music store closing after nearly five decades

Guitar World, a staple in Normal’s downtown and uptown areas since 1970, is playing its last tune. The store’s current owners, who have overseen operations for 40 of the business’ 48 years, have announced they are ceasing operations and liquidating remaining merchandise and other assets online. Over the years, Guitar World has been perched at several locations in Normal. Most recently, it has operated out of a multi-tenant building at 129 E. Beaufort St.

–McLean County News Briefs–