Bloomington Police Officer Scott Sikora, Christopher Robles, James Trammell and Police Chief Brendan Heffner. Trammel and Robles were honored for assisting the police in a recent arrest. (Photo courtesy Bloomington Police Department)

McLean County

County, municipalities reaping savings from mild winter

Although the region was walloped with a massive snow and ice storm in the midst of the holidays, this winter, thus far, has been mild, compared to recent years. Higher temperatures, overall, has meant deploying less manpower toward road cleanup efforts. According to Bloomington officials, the city generally spends about $250,000 for road salt at this point in the winter. To date, however, the city’s public works crews have devoted about $61,000 toward the expense. Similar results have been reported by the county’s Highway Department and in other municipalities.

McLean County Clerk’s office to hold voter registration drive

With a busy election year on the horizon — including the upcoming March 15 primary — the McLean County Clerk’s office will hold a voter registration drive from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 and from 10:15 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 24, at Heartland Community Church, 1811 N. Linden St., Normal. Volunteers will be seated at a table in the main corridor of the church and will have forms available. Registrants do not have to be church members. Voter registration is open to all county residents, with the exception of Bloomington residents, who need to handle the task through the city Election Commission.

McLean County Museum of History unveiling new exhibit

The McLean County Museum of History this week opened a new exhibit, “Making a Home.” According to museum officials, this will be the first in a series of new permanent exhibits at the facility, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington. “Making a Home,” the museum’s first new exhibit in 25 years, gives visitors an opportunity to experience living, working, farming and creating a community from the time settlers came to the area to more modern times. The exhibit was officially unveiled to the public Monday, Jan. 18.

Bloomington

Two Bloomington men honored for offering assistance in dangerous situation

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner recently awarded residents Christopher Robles and James Trammell letters of commendation and a pair of the department’s challenge coins. Robles and Trammel on Sunday, Jan. 3, witnessed an officer struggle with an uncooperative man who was under arrest for disorderly conduct near Market Street and Brock Drive. The man attempted to take the officer’s gun. Robles and Trammell heard the officer yell, “Let go of my gun.” They both subsequently offered assistance to help subdue the man so he could be handcuffed.

Normal

Normal government organizations partnering with Nextdoor

The town of Normal, in conjunction with the Normal Police and Fire departments, announced on Tuesday, Jan. 12 a partnership with Nextdoor, a private, social network for neighborhoods. The goal, according to town officials, is to improve relations between municipal leaders and residents, as well as neighbor-to-neighbor communications. “We are excited to officially partner with Nextdoor,” Normal communications manager Heather Wagner said in a statement. “Nextdoor will provide residents with an avenue to easily and effectively connect with town departments, and each other, about the issues that matter most to them.”

Stage company to hold informational meeting on upcoming musical

The Penguin Project McLean Co. will hold an informational meeting on an upcoming modified Broadway musical performance at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 at University High School’s Stroud Auditorium, 500 W. Gregory St. The Penguin Project is open to children and young adults, ages 10 to 24, with a disability and peer mentors ages 12 to 21. For more information, visit www.penguinprojectmclean.org.

Normal organizers unveil plans for St. Patrick’s Day parade

Details surrounding Normal’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade were announced recently. The event, dubbed Sharin’ on the Green St. Patrick’s Day, will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Uptown Normal neighborhood. The parade will begin on North Street and travel down toward East Beaufort Street. For information, visit the town’s website, www.normal.org.

–McLean County Area News Briefs–