McLean County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

Miller Park Zoo staffers will be holding three information meetings on this summer’s junior zookeeper program. For information, visit www.millerparkzoo.org. (Photo courtesy of city of Bloomington)

McLean County

Venues could receive federal historic recognition

Normandy Village and the former Bloomington High School could join a federally recognized list of historic sites after clearing the way through the state’s review process. Officials on the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council reviewed applications for the two sites at a meeting Friday, Feb. 23, and recommended advancing them on to the National Park Service for consideration.

If NPS representatives have similar sentiments, one or both sites could be added to the National Register of Historic Places this spring.

Edge football team unveils summer schedule

Local professional indoor football team the Bloomington Edge will kick off a summer schedule that includes six home games and a variety of warm-weathered festivities, franchise officials announced this past week.

The Edge’s regular season is set to begin July 7 — a change in strategy that General Manager Charles Welde said is aimed at providing a platform for pre-game tailgating and block parties.

“In taking feedback from our fans and community, we found there was an immense desire for more pre-game activities, as well as on-field programming during the week for kids when they are out of school,” Welde said in a statement.

In the months ahead, Welde said the Edge will be partaking in community outreach activities. For information on the upcoming season, visit the franchise’s website, www.bloomingtonedge.net, or call (484) 840-3343.  

Actress and author Gabourey Sidibe

Actress, author to headline ISU women’s event

Actress and author Gabourey Sidibe will be the featured speaker at Illinois State University’s upcoming women’s history cultural dinner.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center, 100 N. University St. Tickets are $20 and will be available through Thursday, March 29.

Sidibe rose to fame for her role in the popular film, “Precious.” For information or to purchase tickets online, visit http://housing.illinoisstate.edu.  

Bloomington

Shots fired into Olive Street home

Bloomington Police fielded multiple calls for gunshots fired into a home in the 900 block of West Olive Street about 3:09 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20.

According to officials within the department, a subsequent investigation revealed several rounds had entered the property. No injuries were reported.

At press deadline, no arrests had been made, though an investigation is ongoing. Bloomington Police are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Tim Power at (309) 434-2579 or tpower@cityblm.org.  

Heffner to hear residents’ concerns at meeting

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner will hold his next meeting with constituents at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the Osborn Room of the Bloomington Police Department, 305 S. East St.

Heffner has been holding the periodic gatherings, described as “focus meetings,” in an effort to field concerns. The upcoming meeting will touch on BPD’s K-9 unit, but also will have an open time to address questions and concerns.

Zoo holding program for  junior zookeepers

Miller Park Zoo staffers will hold three information meetings on this summer’s junior zookeeper program. The sessions will take place Monday, March 5; Tuesday, March 6; and Thursday, March 8. All meetings will be held from 7 to 8 p.m.

Junior zookeeper is open to students in grades 5 and up and serves as an opportunity for students to gain experience working with people, learn leadership and time management skills and spend time with the zoo’s animals.

For information, visit www.millerparkzoo.org or contact Shannon Reedy at (309) 434-2256 or sreedy@cityblm.org.  

Normal

Town issues reminder on reporting potholes to DPW crews

As winter begins giving way to spring, Normal officials are issuing a reminder of how residents can most expeditiously report potholes along municipal streets. The town’s hotline, (309) 454-9571, is one of the most effective means of addressing issues that crop up.

A pothole report form also can be filled out on the town’s website, www.normal.org. Public works crews will begin making permanent fixes to damaged areas this spring, once local asphalt manufacturing resumes. In the meantime, temporary fixes, such as “cold patches,” are applied to impacted areas.

New Normal West High School football coach named

After a two-month search, Unit 5 School District officials have announced a new head football coach has been installed at Normal West High School.

This past week, Nathan Fincham, a science teacher, was named to the position. Fincham has been assistant coach at West the past 11 years. He succeeds Darren Hess, who resigned in December after 15 years of service.

 

–McLean County News Briefs–