Milner Library in Normal, is hosting a photography exhibit by Illinois State University senior  Lyndsie Schlink through Friday, Aug. 31. (Photo courtesy of ISU)

McLean County

Bloomington man killed walking on interstate      

A Bloomington man walking along Interstate 74 over Memorial Day weekend was struck and killed, coroners have confirmed.

According to reports, Jared Kelch, 26, was hit by a semi-trailer truck motorist near Farmer City. DeWitt County coroner Randy Rice pronounced Kelch dead at the scene at 4:25 a.m. Sunday, May 27, not long after the incident occurred.

Multiple agencies are investigating the incident, and Rice said the driver involved has been cooperating with authorities.     

Prairie foundation awarding more than $157,000 in grants      

The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation has announced the distribution of 2018 grants to 73 programs across McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties.

According to organization officials, this year’s grant proceeds totaled, $157,347 — the highest allocation in the organization’s history.

A number of Bloomington-Normal programs received grant proceeds, including the Bloomington Public Library, Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal and the McLean County chapter of the YWCA.  

New ISU exhibit focuses on photographer’s works      

Illinois State University has taken the wraps off a summer exhibition, open to the public, running throughout the season. The showcase, dubbed “View Finder,” looks behind the lens of ISU senior photographer Lyndsie Schlink’s works.

The show is on the second floor of the Milner Library, 201 N. School St., Normal, and runs through Friday, Aug. 31.

Bloomington

Grossinger Motors Arena grappling with red ink

When the books on Fiscal Year 2018 were closed, Grossinger Motors Arena incurred a deficit of more than $600,000, according to a recently released report on the amenity’s financial condition.

Executives with VenuWorks, the firm operating the facility, attributed several reasons to the deficit, including low hockey attendance and overall operating costs.

Officials name top finalists for city manager post      

Three candidates, all from Illinois, have been named finalists for the vacant Bloomington city manager position.

A total of 31 candidates threw their hats in the ring, according to a news release, and the top-three prospects were named after a vetting of applications and several rounds of interviews.

The candidates include Jim Culotta, Washington city administrator; Tim Gleason, Decatur city manager; and Steve Rasmussen, interim city manager in Bloomington.

The selected candidate will be named after several additional steps, including input from Bloomington residents. The city manager post has been vacant since last fall, when David Hales left for a similar position in Joliet.

City Council allocates more funds for local roads

Despite ongoing financial constraints, the Bloomington City Council has allocated additional funding toward the municipal roadway program through several efforts aimed at extending the life of existing infrastructure.

One way of addressing the city’s streets needs through this fiscal year is a technique known as reclamite, which is preventative and designed to extend a pavement’s lifespan and prevent against deterioration.

City officials in the public works department have also pledged the exploration of other efficient techniques.

Matthew Everly, of Bloomington and former pastor with Eastview Christian Church in Normal

Normal

Former pastor charged with child assault     

Matthew Everly, a former pastor with Eastview Christian Church in Normal, is facing up to 11 counts of child abuse, according to a recent criminal complaint.

McLean County prosecutors allege Everly, a 25-year-old Bloomington resident, broke both of his infant daughter’s legs in March, just weeks after she was born. Everly could face charges of aggravated domestic battery and reckless conduct.

The newborn reportedly is in her mother’s care. Everly joined Eastview in 2013 and subsequently went on to serve as associate pastor of Worship Arts, where he resigned last month.

Police issue warning about ‘grandparent scam’     

The Normal Police Department is asking residents, particularly seniors, to be vigilant of unexpected phone calls from persons asking for money.

According to police, an elderly resident recently received a call from a man claiming to be her grandson.

The fraudulent call from the unknown person stated he had been involved in a car crash in Florida and needed money for a rental car and to pay hospital bills. The victim had reportedly sent thousands of dollars to the scammer.

–McLean County News Briefs–