Tari Renner, here at a recent Mayor’s Open House, has announced his intention to seek a second term as Bloomington’s mayor. (Photo courtesy of Tari Renner)

McLean County

Former County Board chair strikes plea deal on fraud charges

Former McLean County Board chairman Matt Sorensen has reached a plea deal with the federal government on allegations he defrauded State Farm and other insurance contractors through his private business.

Sorensen’s lawyer recently announced the change-of-plea hearing, which is scheduled at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Chicago. Specific terms of the agreement between Sorensen and the federal officials have not been disclosed.

Navdeep Arora, Sorensen’s co-defendant in the fraud charges, has entered a not guilty plea. Arora’s case is scheduled to go to trial next year. Sorensen abruptly stepped down from his high profile elected post early this year. After conducting an internal investigation, county officials said they did not find any irregularities throughout Sorensen’s term in office.

Bloomington

Renner makes bid for second term as city’s mayor

It’s official: Tari Renner, who will complete his first term as Bloomington’s mayor in April, is seeking a second go-around. Renner recently announced his intentions as the timeline for circulating petitions begins.

In his announcement, Renner touted some of the city’s achievements during his first term, including the opening of the Route 66 Visitors Center and a number of economic developments. Renner kicked off his four-year term in 2013 after he defeated opponents Lex Green and John Hanson.

Renner previously served on the McLean County Board and ran unsuccessfully for Congress a dozen years ago. Thus far, Renner is running unopposed for the city’s top elected position. Candidates have a seven-day window to submit their petitions for consideration on the ballot. That period begins Monday, Nov. 21 and wraps Monday, Nov. 28.   

Man arrested on suspicion of robbery on Constitution Trail

Bloomington Police arrested a 21-year-old man after responding to a call of a robbery on the Constitution Trail at 9:11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12. According to police, the victim, a 32-year-old woman, was walking on the trail and was approached by the suspect who brandished a handgun and demanded her phone.

Police found the suspect in Franklin Park. A replica handgun was recovered. Several agencies assisted Bloomington Police in locating the suspect, including the Normal Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

Hamilton Road expansion subject of upcoming public hearing

The city of Bloomington’s Public Works department will hold a public hearing on the proposed expansion of Hamilton Road from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Prairie Vista Golf Course, 502 W. Hamilton Road. Participants will learn about the city’s plans of extending Hamilton Road, from Bunn Street to Commerce Parkway.

In addition to offering feedback, participants will learn about the rationale behind the road expansion and the potential impacts of the project. For information on the hearing, call Kurt Bialobreski at Hanson Professional Services at (309) 713-1408 or Ryan Otto with the city of Bloomington at (309) 434-2225.

City closes two streets to tend to sewer repairs

Portions of Macarthur and Roosevelt avenues have been closed, following a decision by city of Bloomington officials. The city’s Public Works department has closed Macarthur Avenue, from Lee to Madison streets, and Roosevelt Avenue, from Oakland to Macarthur avenues. The closures have been implemented through an unspecified date to tend to sewer repairs.

Normal

Busing crisis continues at Unit 5 district; alternatives considered

The McLean County Unit 5 school district could soon switch transportation providers as busing-related concerns continue one month into the new school year. Last week, Superintendent Mark Daniel revealed he was in discussions with the Peoria Charter Coach service. The district’s current contractor, First Student, attributes overcrowded buses and late pickups to a bus driver shortage.

Executives within First Student recently revealed they were offering a $2,000 sign-on bonus to qualified drivers in an effort to boost staffing up to a point where all regular routes would resume and students arrived at their respective schools on time.

‘Worldwide Day of Play’ slated in Uptown Normal

Uptown Partners, the organization behind many of the activities within the Uptown Normal neighborhood, has announced the return of the Worldwide Day of Play. The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, throughout the area. Festivities include a so-called Uptown Block Party that includes a street festival and a range of free activities, including booths, stage performances, a bike rodeo and a touch-a-truck area. For information, visit www.uptownnormal.com.

Town of Normal to host free screening of ‘Big Dream’

The town of Normal will host a presentation of the 90-minute film, “Big Dream” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Normal Theater, 209 North St. Tech company Microsoft, which recently entered into a strategic digital alliance with the town, underwrote and co-produced the documentary.

“Big Dream” touches on many of the core principles in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, programs. A panel discussion with women working in STEM-related professions follows the film.

–McLean County News Briefs–