Male officers with the Bloomington Police Department skipped shaving in November to raise $1,880 for the American Cancer Society. (Photo courtesy of the Bloomington Police Department)

McLean County

Officials exploring landfill options as site reaches capacity

With a projected maximum capacity less than a year away, municipal leaders across McLean County are reportedly attempting to find a long-term, cost-effective solution for trash hauling. Bloomington, Normal and other communities within the county have long used the existing county facility at 2105 W. Oakland Ave. in Bloomington.

While there is adequate space within Central Illinois for additional landfills, the overarching question officials need to weigh into 2017 is cost. If trash is hauled significantly further from the existing Bloomington site, user fees could skyrocket. Existing sites within DeWitt and Livingston counties are eyed as possibilities. More specific details are anticipated in the months ahead.

Bloomington

Olive Street home damaged after being struck by bullets  

An undisclosed amount of damage occurred on a home in the 900 block of West Olive Street after bullets struck it. According to Bloomington Police, officers responded to the scene about midnight Monday, Nov. 28, after fielding numerous shots fired calls.

Department officials said the bullets entered a bedroom within the home. It was occupied at the time of the incident, though no injuries were reported. At press deadline, police had not made any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Bloomington Police at (309) 820-8888 or McLean County Crime Stoppers at (309) 828-1111.

Bloomington man arrested on suspicion of robbing grocer   

Bloomington resident Devan Maurer, 21, was arrested Tuesday, Nov. 29, on suspicion of robbing Pop’s Grocery Store, 918 W. Market St. Maurer was apprehended by the Bloomington Police Department and U.S. Marshals Task Force.

Maurer is suspected of taking an undisclosed amount of money from the grocer after brandishing a handgun at 10:42 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28. Law enforcement officials have yet to comment on what evidence led to Maurer’s arrest. He has been transported to the McLean County Jail.  

Police respond to multiple shots fired calls   

Bloomington Police responded to and are investigating multiple incidents of shots being fired in various locations of the city. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. The occurrences took place between Thursday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 26. Shots were reported at the following locations:

• 1900 block of South Main Street about 7:09 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24; bullet holes were found in a business and two vehicle windows
• 800 block of West Mulberry Street at 1:36 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25; several rounds truck a home
• 1900 block of Tracy Drive at 10:19 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26; bullets struck a parked vehicle
• 2100 block of East Empire Street at 2:44 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

Police have a suspect for the Empire Street incident, but are otherwise continuing their investigation. Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with information to call the department at (309) 820-8888 or the McLean County Crime Stopper hotline at (309) 828-1111.

Male officers forego shaving, raise funds   

Men on the Bloomington Police force skipped shaving throughout this past month and, in the process, managed to raise $1,880 for the American Cancer Society. Local officers decided to take part of the No Shave November initiative in an effort to help advance the conversation about the virtues of cancer awareness.

Public meeting slated for redevelopment of Quinn Shell site    

The Bloomington Public Works department will host an informational public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Bloomington Creativity Center, 107 E. Chestnut St., to address the redevelopment of the Quinn’s Shell site.

Public officials will be on hand to discuss environmental cleanup efforts at the former gas station, 802 N. Main St., which was found to have leaking underground tanks while it was in operation. The open house-style meeting will include exhibits. Representatives of a contracted engineering firm, Geocon Professional Services, also will be on hand to discuss what is being done to ready the site for redevelopment.

Normal

Medical marijuana dispensary opens its doors in Normal

The Green Solution, the oft-discussed, long-awaited medical marijuana dispensary has officially opened its doors at 501 Northtown Road in Normal. TGS Illinois Inc., a subsidiary of Colorado-based Green Solution, is the only entity to receive a retail dispensary license within Illinois State Police District No. 6, which encompasses McLean, DeWitt and Livingston counties.

The retailer is selling a variety of marijuana-infused products, including edibles, flowers, concentrates, creams and oils. State lawmakers recently authorized medical marijuana as part of a pilot program that will be reviewed in 2020. Persons suffering from a number of conditions — including terminal illness and post-traumatic stress disorder — could be eligible to legally obtain medical marijuana with a doctor’s consultation.  

Speaker and ticket information announced for MLK luncheon

Officials of the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards luncheon have announced details. The event, in its 41st year, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Bone Student Center on the campus of Illinois State University, 100 N. University St., Normal.

Monica Pearson, considered a broadcast media pioneer, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Tickets for the upcoming luncheon, honoring King’s legacy, are available through members of Bloomington and Normal human relations commissions and can be purchased at both municipalities’ city halls. Tickets are $20 per person, and reserved tables are available. In addition to paying homage to King, the event recognizes local students and leaders who have done an exemplary job of promoting tolerance and understanding between different ethnic and minority groups.

–McLean County News Briefs–