McLean County News Briefs

Chronicle Media
Volunteers with the Central Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross are in Florida helping with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. (Photo courtesy of American Red Cross)

Volunteers with the Central Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross are in Florida helping with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. (Photo courtesy of American Red Cross)

McLean County

Next hearing set for East Side Highway Project

Representatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration will be on hand to discuss the latest steps in the Bloomington-Normal East Highway Project at a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Central Catholic High School, 1201 Airport Road.

Speakers will discuss the final steps in the environmental assessment process that is a pivotal part in the highway’s multi-pronged planning effort. The hearing will begin with a presentation, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions afterward.

In addition to state and federal officials, representatives of Clark Dietz, the private engineering firm contracted to plan the work, will be on hand. For information, call (217) 373-8900.

Local Red Cross volunteers head to Florida for clean-up

Volunteers with the American Red Cross’ central and southern Illinois regions descended on Florida the day after Hurricane Matthew made landfall and caused extensive damage to homes across the state.

The local Red Cross chapters have been coordinating several volunteer efforts and have been sending down caravans of people to provide mental health services to impacted residents and emergency response expertise in the storm’s aftermath.

Additionally, Bloomington’s Red Cross chapter sent an emergency response vehicle, equipped with food, water and supplies, on the same date the storm impacted the state.

UI Extension recognizes county’s top ‘master gardeners’

The University of Illinois Extension recently recognized six McLean County residents for their green thumbs. The honorees included Diane Boeck, Lenore Clark, Tom Creswell, Pat Epsicokhan, Lucy Kelly and Sharon O’Neall.

The award recipients were deemed master gardeners and issued outstanding awards for maintaining high-quality gardens and exuding a number of qualities, including leadership, determination, positivity, initiative and a high level of involvement.

About 2 percent of all master gardeners across Illinois receive UI Extension’s outstanding awards.  

Bloomington

Police sergeant retiring after three decades of service

Bloomington Police Sergeant Henry Craft recently announced he was retiring from the force on Tuesday, Nov. 8, after 30 years of law enforcement service. Craft began his career with the Coles County Sheriff’s Office in 1986 and joined the BPD two years later.

Craft’s milestones on the Bloomington force over the years included a role on the department’s K-9 Unit, when he worked with Niko, his four-footed partner. He later joined the department’s criminal investigations unit. In 2002, he was promoted to sergeant.

Throughout his career, Craft received numerous letters of commendation, including one for performing lifesaving techniques on a young girl who was choking at the McLean County Fair.

City asking participants to take survey on signage

The city of Bloomington is asking residents, business owners and other interested persons to take a 20-point questionnaire via Survey Monkey on the downtown district.

The responses will help officials make decisions on branding and providing wayfinding signage for various attractions. Questions touch on such issues as parking and pedestrian accommodations and the amount of green space in the heart of the city. To access the survey, visit the city’s website, www.cityblm.org.

Park and rec holding fitness challenge at U.S. Cellular Coliseum

The Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has announced a new fitness challenge event, Conquer the Coliseum, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. As the program’s name suggests, the challenge is taking place at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Participants will be tasked with running, climbing stairs and completing more than 15 obstacle courses. In keeping with the coliseum theme, there is an additional component: Participants can wear togas, though the attire is not required to compete.

“We hope this new event will get community members active in a fun way,” Adam Hucek, the department’s program manager, said in a statement.

Registration is $39 on or before Friday, Oct. 14 and $49 afterward. Same-day registration is $60. To register, visit www.itsracetime.com. For information, visit www.bpard.org or call (309) 434-2260.

Normal

Town announces fall hydrant flushing schedule

Officials within Normal’s water department will perform fire hydrant flushing in the weeks ahead to remove sediment and stagnant water from the distribution system and to test fire hydrant operation. Throughout the flushing process, water might be temporarily discolored.

The hydrant flushing began Sunday, Oct. 9 and will continue through Sunday, Oct. 16. For a full schedule of where specifically the flushing is taking place, visit the town’s website, www.normal.org.

According to town water officials, the water remains safe throughout the flushing process. However, staffers recommend not washing clothes between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. throughout the flushing cycle. For information, call the water department at (309) 454-9563.

Shelleigh Birlingmair is the new executive director of the Normal-based Children’s Discovery Museum

Shelleigh Birlingmair is the new executive director of the Normal-based Children’s Discovery Museum

New executive director appointed to children’s museum

Shelleigh Birlingmair has been named executive director of the Normal-based Children’s Discovery Museum, Town Manager Mark Peterson has announced.

Birlingmair holds a number of past and present positions in the community, including board chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington/Normal and board chair of the Advocate BroMenn Philanthropy Council.

She works full-time as vice president and wealth management consultant with Commerce Trust Company.

“We are extremely pleased to have Ms. Birlingmair join the Children’s Discovery Museum and the town of Normal in this new leadership role,” Peterson said in a statement. “Her history of community involvement, as well as her extensive experience as a leader, volunteer and advocate with not-for-profit organizations will complement the talented museum staff.”

–McLean County News Briefs–