The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is promoting  “A Century of Shakespeare on Screen” with screenings on Monday evenings throughout June at the Normal Theater, 209 W. North St. (Photo courtesy of Illinois Shakespeare Festival)

McLean County

Normal man arrested on suspicion of killing Bloomington man

Normal Police arrested a 22-year-old man from the town on suspicion of fatally shooting a 22-year-old Bloomington man. The shooting occurred at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Golfcrest Road about 1:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 31.

When Police arrived, the victim was unresponsive. The Normal man, who was named a suspect as the investigation unfolded, was arrested in Lincoln about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1. In a news conference, several local officials said the rapid arrest came after a thorough investigation and mutual aid between multiple departments. The suspect is currently in the McLean County Jail.

Region’s jobless rate continues to drop

Bloomington-Normal and most of the state’s other regions reported a decline in jobless rates in year-over-year comparisons in April, according to Illinois Department of Employment Security data. By the end of April, 4.4 percent of residents in Bloomington-Normal were jobless, compared to 5.6 percent at the same time in 2016. The only area within the state with higher joblessness, year-over-year, is Rockford.

Red Cross chapter holding blood drive this week

In anticipation of an expected drop in blood donations in the months ahead, organizers with the local American Red Cross chapter are holding a blood drive this week. Donations typically drop off in the summer months.

The drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8, at Eastland Mall, 1615 E. Empire St. Red Cross is celebrating 100 years of service to Central Illinois this year. As part of the milestone, organizers say they aim to collect 100 pints of blood during this week’s drive.

Normal resident and McLean County’s public defender Carla Barnes

Public defender named to cabinet post in Springfield

Normal resident Carla Barnes, who serves as McLean County’s public defender, has been named to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority office in Springfield. Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the appointment this past week. In her current role, Barnes represents clients who are unable to pay for legal representation. Barnes previously worked as a former assistant state’s attorney.   

Bloomington

Officers investigate shots fired over holiday weekend

Bloomington Police responded to two instances of shots fired at the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend. The first report was in the 2100 block of Todd Drive at 3:29 a.m. Saturday, May 27. There was no evidence of bullet holes or structural damage in the first call.

The second report came “later on the same day,” according to a news release. A bullet hole was found in a window and on drywall inside an apartment complex. No injuries were reported in either incident. At press deadline, Police had not made any arrests.

Western Ave. Community Center closes food pantry

In an effort to consolidate resources, the Western Avenue Community Center closed its food pantry recently and is redirecting persons in need to visit a similar operation overseen by the Salvation Army of McLean County Food Pantry.

Western Avenue, 600 N. Western Ave., had been serving 250 to 300 families each month, according to agency officials. Western Avenue remains in operation and is providing such services as summer camps, an after-school club and senior services. Salvation Army’s food pantry is located at 611 W. Washington St.

Normal

State Farm donates $3 million to ISU’s new cybersecurity program

State Farm Insurance recently donated $3 million to Illinois State University’s new cybersecurity program. ISU in a news release said State Farm’s donation will assist in adding components to the burgeoning program and renovate existing office space.

As part of its donation, State Farm will have a hands-on role in helping shape some the curriculum within the program. ISU is the first university within Illinois offering cybersecurity as a major. The program rolls out this fall.

Shakespeare film series coming to Normal Theater this summer

Organizers with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival have announced a partnership with the Normal Theater for a series, “A Century of Shakespeare on Screen.” The series will run Monday evenings throughout June and serves as a commemoration of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s 40th anniversary.

Each screening begins at 7 p.m. at the Normal Theater, 209 W. North St. Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for students and children 12 and under. For information, including specific films, visit www.illinoisshakes.com or www.normaltheater.com.

–McLean County News Briefs–