McLean County

Lack of funds may shut down bus service

Connect Transit, the busing service offered in Bloomington and Normal, could cease operations by early next year, officials within the organization announced recently. Andrew Johnson, general manager of Connect Transit, said the state’s ongoing financial stalemate has caused a sizable deficit in revenues.

Based on its funding formula, Connect Transit receives 65 percent of its operating income from the state, and Johnson said nearly $5 million in income has yet to arrive this year from Springfield. Without a change in course from state decision-makers, Johnson said Connect Transit would have to halt operations in January.  

Health Department: West Nile Virus confirmed in fourth bird

A fourth bird within McLean County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus disease, health department officials announced recently. The bird was found in the 61704 zip code, which is southeast of Bloomington-Normal. With colder weather setting in, and the prevalence of mosquitoes rapidly diminishing, health officials do not expect any more West Nile Virus reports this year.

County Board members aim for more transparency with public

Technology and timing were two buzzwords tossed around recently as a contingent of the McLean County Board has begun looking into giving the public more of a glimpse into its governing functions. A bipartisan group of board members have backed a plan to harness technology to share more information about the issues facing the board each month.

Those efforts could include streaming meetings online. Another proposal recently presented calls for shifting the time of the board’s monthly meetings from mornings to afternoons or evenings so more people would have an opportunity to attend. The issues have been brought before County Board Chair John McIntyre and board member Jim Soeldner, who chairs a Rules Subcommittee.

McLean County 4-H seeking new participants

The McLean County chapter of the national 4-H organization is in the midst of an ongoing campaign for new members. The venerable group has long touted its array of extracurricular offerings, which are aimed at fostering such life skills as independence and confidence.

Carolyn Hansen, youth development coordinator for the McLean County chapter, said the organization continues to evolve, pointing to a recent menu of new offerings focused on robotics. For information on the chapter, call (309) 663-8306.

Bloomington

Police arrest 16-year-old for alleged armed robbery

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbing two juveniles at gunpoint in Bloomington. According to the Bloomington Police Department, the incident happened near Clearwater Avenue and Royal Pointe Drive about 5:11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

The boy allegedly approached the juveniles, demanded they empty their pockets and brandished a handgun. He fled with the victims’ phones.

The boy was arrested Monday, Oct. 24, in Chenoa through a collaborative pursuit that included assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force. The boy is currently at the McLean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Longtime restaurant heavily damaged by fire

Parkview Food and Pub, a staple on Bloomington’s west side, incurred about $300,000 damage after a fire erupted in the kitchen area in the evening hours of Friday, Oct. 21.

Customers reportedly were having dinner in the dining area as the fire grew from an exhaust hood to other areas. Parkview, 1003 S. Morris Ave., is situated along Route 66 and has origins dating back to 1928.

The restaurant’s current owners have gone on social media and have indicated they plan on rebuilding and reopening at some point in the future.

Curtis Webb, former executive director of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Police investigating former exec director of coliseum

The Bloomington Police Department has confirmed it is actively investigating fraudulent purchases made by Curtis Webb, former executive director of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Webb was fired Wednesday, Oct. 12, after being questioned and confirming he used employer VenuWorks’ debit card for personal purchases.

In April, the city of Bloomington issued a contract to VenuWorks for oversight of the coliseum. Once completed, the results of the department’s investigation will be turned over to the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and possible charges.

Webb’s fraudulent, personal purchases are believed to hover around $16,000 and included purchases for airline tickets to Cleveland to visit family. VenuWorks President Steve Peters said his company will reimburse the city for all unauthorized purchases.  

Normal

Normal DPW crews beginning leaf collection pickups this week

The town of Normal began its vacuum leaf collection for residents this week. The service will continue throughout November. Public works staffers are asking residents to rake leaves to the back of the curb on the grass or the shoulder of the roadway.

For safety reasons, leaf piles should not exceed three feet, nor should they be raked into the gutter or the street. Additionally, crews are asking residents not to place sticks or any other yard debris in leaf piles because it can cause equipment to malfunction. For information, call (309) 454-9571.

–McLean County News Briefs–