The Bloomington Edge will open their summer season on Saturday, July 7. (Photo courtesy of The Edge)

McLean County

Region’s  unemployment rate continues to fall     

Unemployment statistics in the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area continued to decline in the first quarter of 2018, based on recently released year-over-year comparisons from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Unemployment figures in the Twin Cities were at 3.8 percent at the end of March, a 0.6-percent decrease from the 4.4-percent unemployment rate in March 2017. Bloomington-Normal is faring better than the state and nation for median unemployment figures. The state average is 4.4 percent, according to the IDES, and the national figure is 4.1 percent.

Relations between ISU, community explored in report     

The relationship between the Illinois State University campus and the broader community in Normal and Bloomington will be uncovered in an upcoming report initiated by the ISU Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.

Last fall, staffers within the center surveyed 50 community organizations for input, and the results are being outlined in the report, which is being released in early May.

“This information is essential because CESL is responsible for growing and formalizing the institution’s service-learning practices, or how students learn through volunteering and being engaged in the community,” Harriett Steinbach of ISU’s CESL said in a statement.

subhed: Chamber names insurance employee top professional      

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce recently named Cheryl Reeser to its annual top administrative professional awards program.

For three decades, Reeser has worked as a receptionist at Bloomington-based Snyder Insurance. Awardees are honored through a process that includes receiving nominations and reviewing candidates. The chamber has given out the award since 2009.

Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is now allowing the public to view its two new otter pups. (Photo courtesy of city of Bloomington)

Bloomington

Miller Park Zoo’s otter pups now on display  

The two otter pups born early this year are available for public viewing at Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave. The as-yet unnamed pups, born Feb. 13, are posing with their mom, Tallulah. While the zoo commonly has births across species on its grounds, the pups’ arrival is notable, according to officials. North American river otters rarely reproduce in zoos and aquariums.

“This is a big step for the pups,” Zoo Director Jay Tetzloff said in a statement. “We’re enjoying them grow up, and I encourage people to stop by and see them.” The pups will be named this fall amid an auction at MPZ’s annual Zoo Do fundraiser.

Bloomington Edge announces season opener

Local professional indoor football team the Bloomington Edge have announced preliminary details of the upcoming summer season.

The Edge will host their first summer game at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Grossinger Motors Arena, 101 S. Madison St.

Before kickoff, a series of daylong community and family-oriented festivities are planned, including a block party through several major roadways, a cook-off competition and a singing competition. Further details of the upcoming season are available at www.bloomingtonedge.net.  

Miller Park Zoo hosting Star Wars-themed day on Saturday    

Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave., is hosting a series of Star Wars-themed festivities from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Star Wars characters will be stationed throughout the zoo grounds, and visitors will have opportunities to pose for photos.

For information, visit the zoo’s website, www.millerparkzoo.org, or call 309-434-2250.

Normal

Two people dead following apartment shooting

Two men died of gunshot wounds inside an apartment complex in the 1400 block of East College Avenue, officials within the Normal Police Department and McLean County coroner’s office have confirmed.

The men reportedly died after multiple rounds of gunfire, which occurred about 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Emergency responders reportedly found the two men unresponsive at the doorway to the apartment complex with visible signs of being struck by gunfire.

Multiple weapons also were found at the scene, according to officials. At press deadline, Normal Police were working with other authorities as an investigation into the incident continues.

Applicants sought to fill Library board vacancy

The Normal Public Library is seeking applicants for a recent vacancy on its board of directors. Registered voters within Normal who are interested in serving on the board can submit a letter of application with a brief biography and an explanation for the interest.

A timeline for naming the appointee has not been announced. He or she will hold the position for the next year, until voters can select a successor in next April’s spring consolidated election.

The vacancy occurred after Rebecca Rossi resigned from the post due to moving outside the community.

–McLean County News Briefs–