Aldi is putting $1 million into renovation of its Normal store at 301 Greenbriar Drive.

McLean County

Four organizations pool resources for assessment initiative

In a first-ever partnership, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, the McLean County Health Department and United Way of McLean County are banding together and conducting a community health needs assessment. The effort is an outgrowth of several mandates, including a provision outlined in the Affordable Care Act. The assessment will include a review of the current state of health care within McLean County. Future recommendations of improving services could bubble to the surface once the review is complete.

Bloomington

Man arrested on allegations of home invasion, assault

A 41-year-old Bloomington man was arrested for entering a home in the 1000 block of Park Street and striking the 55-year-old woman who lived at the residence. The incident was reported at 1:18 a.m. Aug. 7. According to Bloomington Police, the man and woman knew each other. The man entered the woman’s residence and subsequently choked her and struck her in the face. The man fled the scene before police arrived. The U.S. Marshals Task Force and Bloomington Police took him into custody about 9 a.m. Aug. 7.

Bloomington man struck by train, dies of injuries

Jeffrey T. Goujon, 54, died of multiple blunt injuries after being struck by a train near the intersection of Miller and Pancake streets about 12:30 a.m. Aug. 7. McLean County coroner Kathleen Davis made the announcement of the cause of death in a news release Aug. 10. Davis also stated toxicology tests have been ordered. Results were pending at press deadline.

Veteran Bloomington officer promoted to rank of sergeant

Robert Kosack, a 10-year veteran of the Bloomington Police Department was promoted to the rank of sergeant July 27. In a news release outlining the promotion, Police Chief Brendan Heffner pointed to Kosack’s assorted accomplishments on the force in the past decade, including his being honored with a Unit Citation and several letters of commendation for his work. “Robert has engaged in various aspects of training that is critical to our department and has worked in some positions that have given him experience that will benefit both him and our department as he assumes the role of sergeant,” Heffner said in the news release.

City of Bloomington names new water director

Robert Yehl, Bloomington’s assistant city engineer since 2013, has been promoted to the position of water engineer, City Manager David A. Hales announced Aug. 13. Prior to joining the city, Yehl was employed by the Farnsworth Group and served as the company’s engineering manager from 2008-13. Yehl holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and bachelor’s degree in physics from Illinois State University. He holds a number of accreditations, including membership to the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.

Normal

German grocer Aldi pumps $1 million into renovation of Normal store

Aldi, the German-based grocer noted for its extensive line of house brands and its efficient operating model, recently took the wraps off its renovated store at 301 Greenbriar Drive in Normal. Company officials said the revamp to the site clocks in at $1 million and include a series of natural lighting enhancements and wider isles aimed at helping customers better navigate through their shopping expeditions. Aldi held a grand re-opening celebration at the Normal store Aug. 13.

Quincy Cummings named Normal Citizen of the Year

Quincy Cummings has been named Normal’s citizen of the year, Mayor Chris Koos announced July 23 at the town’s annual appreciation reception. Cummings’ recognition was based in part on his advocacy work on behalf of diversity. He is current president of the Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP, a member of the Not in Our Town organization and serves on the town’s Human Relations Commission. Additionally, Cummings is a charter member of the Minority and Police Partnership program and chairs the McLean County Jail Committee.

Stanford

Two-story brick building partially collapses; neighboring structures evacuated

A vacant, two-story brick building at 114 W. Main St. partially collapsed Aug. 7, causing an as-yet unknown amount of damage. Two adjoining buildings at 110 and 108 W. Main St. were posted with “no occupancy” signs while a building inspector examined the complex. The cause of the collapse was not publicly disclosed by press deadline, nor was a damage estimate available. In a statement, village officials said they intended to begin the legal proceedings of ensuring the privately owned structure was either repaired or razed.

— McLean County news briefs —