The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts has added, “Jingle Bell Rock: A Raucous Holiday Variety Revue,” to its holiday lineup. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. For ticket information, go to www.artsblooming.org. (Photo from BCPA)

McLean County

Advocate BroMenn to offer program on Affordable Care Act

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, 1304 Franklin Ave., Normal, will offer a free course on the basics of the Affordable Care Act from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Throughout the hour-long lecture, experts will outline some of the new provisions concerning healthcare reform. Topics discussed will include tax credit eligibility and cost-sharing assistance to help fund coverage. Registration is required and can be completed by calling (800) 323-8622 or completing an online form at www.advocatehealth.com/bromenn.    

Bloomington

Scams on the rise across Bloomington, police say

Assorted scams related to identity theft have been on the rise in Bloomington, according to law enforcement authorities. On more than one occasion, scammers have been attempting to unlawfully gather persons’ identification through computer repair phone scams, promises of a Caribbean vacation, persons posing as IRS agents and summons for jury duty. Bloomington Police are suggesting residents review a department brochure that outlines potential scams and cases of identity theft.

Bloomington Police respond to multiple shots fired calls

Bloomington Police responded to multiple shots fired calls on Monroe and Oak streets on Nov. 15. The first call came at 3:36 p.m., and the second was reported at 6:05 p.m. Officers did a cursory review of the area and did find empty shell casings. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been reported in connection with the incident. Bloomington Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Steve Moreland at (309) 434-2359 or smoreland@cityblm.org.    

Bloomington Police arrest two males for fleeing police, gun possession

While out on a routine patrol, several Bloomington officers on Nov. 16, arrested a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old man for several offenses, including gun possession. According to a police report, officers observed the boy putting on a pair of latex gloves before traveling eastbound on Washington Street. The boy hid behind a parked vehicle in the 500 block of W. Washington Street. The man then accompanied the boy to a location near the Bloomington Regional Alternative School. Police also observed the boy concealing an object in his waistband. When officers made contact, the man and boy fled, and the boy discarded a handgun. A short while later, officers arrested the man and boy without incident. The boy was transported to a juvenile detention center, while the man was sent to the McLean County Jail.

BCPA adds ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ to holiday performance lineup

The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts recently announced a new addition to its 2015-16 season. A performance, “Jingle Bell Rock: A Raucous Holiday Variety Revue,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. The family friendly show will include renditions of such yuletide classics as “Deck the Halls,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The performance also includes a two-minute send-up of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and an audience-participation rendition of “A Christmas Carol.” There also will be an appearance by Suzy Snowflake. Tickets are $20 for adults and 15 for youth, seniors and military. For information or to purchase tickets, call (309) 434-2777 or visit www.artsblooming.org. 

Garbage, recycling pickup will occur during Thanksgiving

Garbage and recycling pickup will occur as regularly scheduled on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) and Nov. 27. Other services — including bulk waste pickup and the city’s drop-off facility at 402 S. East St. — will not be open either date. 

Normal

Town Council adopts Uptown Normal 2.0 Plan

In an effort to map out long-range development plans for the town of Normal’s Uptown region, officials have minted a document that lays the groundwork for planning activities in the next five to 10 years. The Town Council on Nov. 16, adopted the master plan, which serves as an update to the original plan that was passed in 2000. The revised document touches on  opportunities to continue intermingling retail and housing developments, the potential to increase mobility and redeveloping the southerly portion of Uptown, which has been considered underutilized.       

Normal Town Hall closed Thursday and Friday

In observance of Thanksgiving, Normal Town Hall will be closed for operations Nov. 26 and 27. All town offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 30. Although town hall is closed, garbage and recycling pickup will occur as regularly scheduled throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.

–McLean County News Briefs–