McLean County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

Habitat for Humanity of McLean is asking for financial help from the city of Bloomington on its The ReStore ReNewal project that is expanding its local Habitat ReStore by approximately 20,000 total square feet. (Photo courtesy of Habitat of McLean)

McLean County

IWU launching new First-Year Experience program

Illinois Wesleyan University this fall will launch a new program, First-Year Experience, aimed at giving students an opportunity to dive deeper into specific ideas. According to university officials, IWU will accept up to 150 incoming students into the program this fall.

Participants will be admitted into one of nine distinct fellowships, including first-year humanities fellows, police and ethics partners and scholars for youth advocacy.

“Unlike typical first-year seminar courses, Illinois Wesleyan’s FYE program builds very strong academic relationships among faculty and students from the get-go,” Mark Brodl, provost and dean of the faculty, said in a statement.      

Racial justice explored at Latino Council event    

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education will kick off its 26th annual local conference Thursday, April 19, with a screening of the documentary, “Latino Resistance in Higher Education: A Legacy of Struggle.”

The film explores the life and work of Dolores Huerta, who fought for racial and labor equality alongside Cesar Chavez. The screening, free and open to the public, is at 4 p.m. at the Normal Theater, 209 W. North St. Illinois State University is sponsoring the screening.  

U of I Extension announces spring-themed webinars    

The University of Illinois Extension’s horticulture department has announced a series of upcoming spring-themed webinars in anticipation of the upcoming planting season.

The schedule of topics begins with “A Garden Calendar” at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19; “Living with Japanese Beetles” at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3; and “Preserving Flowers” at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17.

There is no cost to view any of the webinars, but Extension staffers do ask virtual attendees to register. For information, contact Reid Young, Extension program coordinator, at ryoun@illinois.edu or call 309-663-8306.  

Bloomington

City levies fines for soil erosion violations    

The city of Bloomington levied $141,470 in fines against two construction companies for improperly controlling soil erosion, following a recent court ruling.

The Bloomington Administrative Court on Wednesday, March 28, granted the city the pair of judgments. Bentley Builders, of Champaign, and Hadden Construction, of Flanagan, were issued the citations of $57,110 and $84,360, respectively.

The city took aim at the contractors’ practices, asserting inadequate soil erosion precautions will loosen dirt and could cause for a number of adverse impacts, including clogged sewer systems.   

Local Habitat chapter seeking municipal contribution    

Organizers associated with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter have asked city of Bloomington officials for an upfront $135,000 financial contribution toward a new solar panel installation planned for the new ReStore wing.

The energy-efficient project, according to Habitat for Humanity representatives, would yield $300,000 in electricity savings over a 30-year span, according to estimates. The City Council did not take any action amid deliberations Monday, March 26, and the request is expected to be revisited in 60 days.

Green Top Grocery cooperative, which opened in May 2017 in Bloomington, is facing financial struggles, according to the social media posts. The team promises some changes to make improvements. (Photo courtesy of Green Top Grocery)

City’s grocery cooperative facing some struggles

Green Top Grocery, which opened its doors last May in storefront space at 921 E. Washington St., is facing financial struggles as it rounds out its first year in operation.

Recent social media posts and correspondence to member owners of the cooperative have revealed sales figures are below initial projections, and the organization is eating up its cash reserves.

Several changes have been announced, including a turnaround plan entailing a new general manager and new operational practices for pricing, inventory management and marketing.

Normal

Officials name new electric aggregation supplier  

MidAmerican Energy Services has been named town of Normal’s new electric aggregation program supplier, beginning this July.

Town officials announced the new 24-month contractual arrangement, which kicks in July 1.

The agreement includes a standard rate of 4.98 cents per kilowatt hour and 5.07 cents per kilowatt hour for a so-called green option. The town’s current electric energy supplier is Constellation Energy.

New trustee sought in Normal Twp. following resignation  

Officials in Normal Township have announced plans of appointing a resident to a recently vacated trustee seat.

Samantha Quigle, who held the position as a Democrat, announced Tuesday, March 27, she was resigning because she was pursuing a new job opportunity and moving outside the community.

Township Supervisor Sarah Grammer said letters of interest will be accepted through Monday, April 9. An appointee could be named later in April.   

 

 

–McLean County News Briefs–