McLean County

Chenoa woman killed in car crash on I-55     

A 25-year-old woman was killed in a car crash on Interstate 55, south of Lexington, in the early evening hours of Friday, June 15.

According to information from McLean County coroner Kathy Davis’ office, the crash occurred about 7:10 p.m., and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Davis in a statement said an autopsy is being conducted as an investigation with Illinois State Police continues.

In addition to the deceased driver, a woman passenger was in the vehicle. She is being treated for injuries. Neither Davis nor the state police released the victim’s names at press deadline.  

Connect Transit is adding more routes serving Bloomington/Normal in August.  (Photo courtesy of Connect Transit)

Connect Transit adding hours to several routes      

Connect Transit, Bloomington-Normal’s mass transit service, has announced plans of extending route service in select areas late this summer.

Several routes, particularly those with high ridership numbers, could go as late as 10:15 p.m. The changes, according to officials, come on the heels of a recent survey.

Findings reportedly revealed riders were dissatisfied with the level of service in the late evening hours. The extended routes are slated to begin Sunday, Aug. 19. For information, visit www.connect-transit.com.

Bloomington

Police investigating double homicide on Orchard Street     

A 20-year-old woman and 18-year-old man, both of Bloomington, died in what local police are ruling a double homicide in the 1200 block of Orchard Street.

According to a department news release, officers responded to the scene at 1:09 a.m. Sunday, June 10, after receiving reports of shots fired. The two victims were declared dead at the scene a short time later.

Two additional victims — a man and woman — had non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Bloomington Police are asking anyone with information to call Detective Paul Swanlund at 309-434-2373 or Detective Steve Fanelli at 309-434-2457.

Pedestrian-friendly features under consideration on Front St.   

Bloomington public works officials continue to investigate pedestrian-friendly features along Front Street, between Madison and East streets, in lieu of traffic signals.

The city in recent months has discussed different scenarios for one of the main thoroughfares in the heart of the community because of the age of the traffic signals.

DPW crews conducted a pilot test of a possible pedestrian-friendly configuration last week in advance of upcoming meetings on the issue this summer.

Public works officials continue to seek public feedback, which can be provided by emailing the department at traffic@cityblm.org.

City accepting applications for homeowner rehab   

The city of Bloomington will begin accepting applications for its homeowner rehabilitation loan program and Fiscal Year 2019 partner projects on Monday, July 2.

According to city officials, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Funding for the projects is possible from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, by way of its community development block grant program.

CDBG funding could be applied to about 25 households with minor to moderate home repairs. For information, contact Jennifer Toney at jtoney@cityblm.org or 309-434-2342.  

Normal

Town expanding electronics recycling building

Normal’s electronics recycling facility within the town’s public works yard will soon be on the move, municipal officials announced recently.

The facility, available to all McLean County residents, accepts unwanted computers, TVs and other electronics that cannot be discarded with regular household trash. Town officials have revealed plans of expanding the service to a new standalone site beyond the current shed in the rail yard.

The change, according to the town, partially comes in response to stiffer laws that are the outgrowth of the state’s newly minted Consumer Electronics Recycling Act. Details of where and when the recycling facility will be relocated are forthcoming.  

Former city manager receives lifetime achievement award

Mark Peterson, who retired from his longtime leadership post in the town of Normal in March, has been recognized for his accomplishments.

The Illinois City/County Management Association on Thursday, June 14, presented Peterson with the Robert B. Morris Lifetime Achievement Award.

The organization gave Peterson the award for several reasons, including his long tenure, which included 20 years of leadership to the town.

McLean County Unit 5 School Board  is looking to fill two vacancies.

Unit 5 officials seeking candidates for board vacancies

The number of vacancies on the McLean County Unit 5 School Board increased to two last week, following another official’s resignation. Joe Cleary, who was appointed to Unit 5’s board two year ago, has announced he is leaving the area for a job opportunity in California.

Cleary’s resignation early this year comes on the heels of a resignation early this year when former board member Jim Hayek gave up his seat for similar reasons. Efforts are underway to fill both vacant seats on the School Board.

–McLean County News Briefs–