The Miller Park miniature golf course in Bloomington has opened for the season. (Photo courtesy of city of Bloomington)

McLean County

Advocate BroMenn recognized for workplace environment      

Advocate BroMenn’s Normal-based facility has been named to a publication’s list of the 2018 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Modern Healthcare, which conducts the annual survey, will release its rankings in an issue in October.

The magazine’s ranking system was based on a variety of criteria, including employee satisfaction.

“To me, this award represents much more than the tangible benefits we provide to our team members,” Colleen Kannaday, president of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, said in a statement. “It is a testament to the culture that our team members create with every interaction. Part of what makes us unique is our ability to blend the resources and talents of a large organization with the intangible connection common to a smaller community.”    

U of I Extension holding Trails Day celebration     

The University of Illinois Extension’s Grand Prairie Master Naturalists will hold their annual Trails Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Sugar Grove Nature Center, 4532 N. 725 East Road, in Funks Grove.

This year’s program includes a presentation from the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, a bird learning station and a special animal tracking activity.

Also planned are appearances from several other visitors, including a live bald eagle, owl, hawks and a special show at 11 a.m. The raptors will be on display for viewing from noon to 3 p.m.

Bloomington

Veteran cop promoted to sergeant position on force     

Todd McClusky, a 17-year veteran of the Bloomington Police Department, has been promoted to the position of sergeant.

McClusky, who assumed his new position Thursday, May 10, joined the department in 2001 as a patrol officer. He later served as BPD’s street crimes unit, special weapons and tactics team, vice unit and a field training officer.

He most recently served as a detective on the force.

Throughout his more than decade-and-a-half tenure, McClusky received multiple distinguished achievement awards and unit citations.

City crews complete spring bulk waste collection

The city of Bloomington’s Public Works Department has concluded its curbside bulk waste collection for the season.

Beginning this year, DPW crews have begun a new policy of picking up bulk waste twice annually — spring and fall — as opposed to every other week. The spring and fall bulk waste pickups are offered at no additional charge to residents.

In the months ahead, residents can drop off unwanted bulky items at the city’s citizen convenience center, located at the corner of East and Jackson streets, or request a special pickup at a cost of $25 per bucket.

DPW staffers recognized by professional organizations

Seven employees within the city’s public works department were presented with awards earlier this month at the Illinois chapter of the American Public Works Association’s annual conference in Peoria.

The recognitions included professional excellence and work on such endeavors as the Benjamin School Trail.

“It is truly an honor to receive this level of recognition,” Jim Karch, public works director, said in a statement. “This really speaks to the level of talent we have available to us in-house, and the skills and dedication of our employees. I am very proud of our team.”

Miller Park’s miniature golf course open

The Miller Park miniature golf course has opened for the season, officials within the department of parks, recreation and cultural arts announced recently.

The amenity, offered near the Miller Park Zoo grounds, will be open throughout the week after Memorial Day.

The cost per player is $5 for the first round and $4 for each additional round. For additional information, visit www.bloomingtonparks.org or call 309-434-2250.

Police officers speak to local teens at recent event    

Bloomington Police officers Kate Stinson and Ashley Stacey spoke to a local group of teens earlier this month at a Girls World Expo event. Stinson and Stacey shared with the teen attendees the perspective of women in law enforcement.

According to department officials, the goal of the talk was to provide the teens with inspiration as they consider their own career paths.

Merry Ann’s Diner closed its Normal location, 100 S. Fell Ave., on Wednesday, May 16. (Photo courtesy of visitbn.org)

Normal

Merry Ann’s Diner shutters in Uptown Normal   

Merry Ann’s Diner abruptly closed its Normal location, 100 S. Fell Ave., on Wednesday, May 16. The eatery, known for its round-the-clock service and catering largely to college students, laid stakes in Normal in 2011. Merry Ann’s Diner has three additional locations in the Champaign-Urbana area.

 –McLean County News Briefs–