Miller Park Zoo’s male otter pup born on February 21 is on exhibit now at the facility, along with his mom, “Tallulah.” Photo courtesy of Miller Park Zoo.

McLean County news briefs

Bloomington

Nominees sought for heritage recognition

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission is sponsoring its Heritage Awards and the city is now accepting nominations. Both public and privately owned properties that can show exterior improvements are eligible for an award, according to the city. The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission will select award winners. To submit a nomination, visit http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=254 and print a nomination form. For more information, contact Mark Woolard at (309) 434-2341 or mwoolard@cityblm.org. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, July 2.

Bloomington

New otter pup out at Miller Park Zoo

The baby otter and his mom are now on exhibit for visitors to view at Miller Park Zoo. The male pup was born on Feb. 21. The public will have the opportunity to name the pup through an auction in September. The zoo also looks to a new river otter exhibit as part of its master plan for which the Miller Park Zoological Society is currently fundraising. This is the second consecutive year the zoo has had the birth of an otter pup. This occurrence is considered rare for North American River Otters in captivity, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information on the master plan and the otter exhibit, contact Jay Tetzloff at (309) 434-2250.

Normal

Town schedules hydrant flushing

The Town of Normal has released its spring fire hydrant flushing schedule. The hydrants are flushed to remove sediment or stagnant water from the system and to improve the overall water quality and its delivery, according to the town’s web site. In addition, the flushing is conducted to test the fire hydrants themselves. Those on the Normal water system may notice water becoming temporarily discolored during the week of their scheduled flushing. Residents are advised to not do laundry between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. while flushing is in progress in your area. For a full schedule, visit http://www.normal.org/index.aspx?nid=522

Normal

Town seeks proposals for North St. property

The Town of Normal is looking for proposals for a 400 sq ft. space it owns at 102 W. North St. The Town prefers a retail use but terms of lease are negotiable based on the potential economic impact on the Central Business District, according to the Town of Normal website. Interested parties must submit the following information: Nature of business; proprietor’s background/qualifications; business summary including hours/days of operation and proposed products/services offered; proposed terms of lease; and required leasehold improvements. Contact via email to jtulley@normal.org or between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Town of Normal City Hall, 11 Uptown Circle. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 21. For more information, visit https://www.normal.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=999.

McLean County

Projects begin on major roadways

The McLean County Highway Department is getting into construction mode with with two major projects slated for this month. One project involves Towanda Barnes Road, from just north of Ireland Grove Road to just south of Illinois 9, for resurfacing, according to the county highway department.

Work also is underway to widen Towanda Barnes Road on a stretch from Fort Jesse Road to Raab Road from two lanes to four lanes with a middle turn lane, according to the county. Motorists should notice temporary traffic signals have been installed at the intersections of Towanda Barnes and Fort Jesse and Towanda. In addition, the county plans improvements to two water transmission mains and to replace the Main Street bridge between Virginia Avenue and Cullom Street, according to the county.