The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center?in Bloomington

McLean County

Unemployment rate falls in McLean County

The unemployment rate for McLean County fell to 4.5 percent in June, the lowest overall point since 2007, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. For the Bloomington metro area, which includes McLean and DeWitt counties, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent in June 2015, down from 5.8 percent in June 2014. The last time the June rate was equal to or lower was in 2007, when it was 4 percent. “The Bloomington-Normal area tied with Springfield for the lowest rate in the state and that 4.6 percent figure is well below the comparable state and national averages,” said Ron Payne, a labor market economist with the IDES in Springfield. “That is mostly attributed to a number of very stable employers in the McLean County area.”

McLean County

Tourism in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois on the rise

Thanks to such draws as the historic Route 66 corridor, tourism across McLean County not only has remained steady, but it has grown in year over year comparisons, Illinois tourism officials announced recently. The Illinois Office of Tourism recently crunched numbers from 2014 that revealed visitors pumped $352.9 million into McLean County’s economy. The figures are an increase of more than $100,000 from the tourism dollars reported within the local region in 2013. The new Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center is credited with some of the increase in tourism-related income.

Bloomington

After more than a half century, bowling alley closes

Bloomington-based AMF Circle Lanes, 1235 Holiday Lane, hosted bowlers for the last time July 26. Company owners decided to shutter the bowling alley, which first opened in 1959, citing a recent analysis of all of AMF’s properties. The local AMF site initially had 32 alleys, but over time was expanded, and upgrades were made to the facility. AMF acquired the alley a decade ago.

Bloomington officials weigh options as budget cuts loom

Facing a $7 million deficit in next year’s municipal budget, Bloomington officials are in the process of assembling an exhaustive list of what could be trimmed from the budget alongside efforts to continue maintaining many of the programs and services residents have enjoyed and expected over the years, according to reports. A nine-member task force, formed by the City Council, met July 27 to begin assembling a proposed list of cuts, which will be forwarded on to the full council in the months ahead as budget deliberations get underway, according to reports. The list of the task force’s recommended cuts thus far include closing the municipal pool at O’Neil Park, selling the Highland Park golf course and reducing several services, including snowplowing and pothole patching.

Bloomington City Council halts proposed mobile home park

A proposed mobile home park on Bloomington’s south side remains in limbo as city officials seek resolve to issues concerning private storm water and sewer connections to the city infrastructure. The council on July 27 denied a site plan submitted to the city by PMO Properties because of the unresolved issues. For PMO’s plans to proceed, the council stated the property management company will need to obtain a written agreement about the private connections between all of the parties involved in the planned development.

Bloomington residents can sign up for government course

The city of Bloomington is accepting applications for its upcoming Bloomington 101 program, which is meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 3 to Nov. 5. The course, according to city officials, will give a cursory overview into decisions impacting many of the municipal departments, including parks and recreation, police, fire and public works. Bloomington 101 includes a number of hands-on activities throughout the two-month program. There is no cost to participate, and the course is open to anyone age 16 and up. For information or to apply, visit the city’s website at www.cityblm.org.

Normal

Fire damages Normal apartment building

An undisclosed amount of damage occurred at an apartment complex July 28 after a fire blazed through a section of the property. Normal firefighters were called to the complex, 101 College Park Court, about 1 p.m. after receiving a call from a resident who saw smoke billowing out from beneath her kitchen sink, according to reports. Firefighters located where the fire started, and an investigation into what caused it is underway. The fire was extinguished within an hour.

Le Roy

Juveniles arrested for several acts of vandalism, theft

Le Roy Police on July 27 arrested three juveniles suspected of breaking into the city’s public works building and taking two municipal vehicles. The juveniles also were taken into custody on allegations of breaking into a vehicle at a local dealership. In a news release, Le Roy Police said those arrested include two boys and a girl, all minors. They face multiple counts of burglary, trespassing, motor vehicle theft and damage to state-supported property.

State

Edgar Fellows organization announces 2015 candidates

Forty Illinois leaders on both the public and private section have been chosen for the 2015 Edgar Fellowship, according to reports. The fellowship, named after former Gov. Jim Edgar and funded mainly through donations, promotes bipartisanship and regional cooperation statewide. This year’s Fellows class includes ?several Illinois legislators, as well as business leaders and heads of civic groups, according to reports. The fellowship program is designed by Edgar and the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs and takes place from Aug. 2-6 in Urbana-Champaign. More than 140 people were nominated for the program with 40 chosen, according to reports.

–McLean County news briefs —