Robert Willan, 27, of Downs

McLean County

Downs man facing 16 counts of selling various illegal drugs

A man accused of selling cocaine, ecstasy pills and other illegal drugs faces 16 counts for the various offenses in McLean County court.

Downs resident Robert Willan, 27, was arrested after a multiagency group of law enforcement officials, known as Task Force 6, investigated Willan over a two-month period. His arrest came on the heels of selling the illegal drugs during four different transactions in Normal.

Willan, who went before a judge on a bond hearing Thursday, Oct. 26, has also been accused of threatening a person who acted as a confidential source during Task Force 6’s investigation.

Bloomington-Normal jobless rate dropped in September

The Bloomington-Normal area notched the lowest jobless rate across all metro areas in the state, according to recently released data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The local metro rate as of Sept. 30 was 3.6 percent, down 1.4 percent from the 5-percent rate recorded at the end of the third quarter of 2016.

According to statistics from the state agency, new jobs in a variety of sectors were added, including professional and business services, government and construction. Statewide, the jobless rate averages 4.6 percent. Nationally, it is 4.1 percent.

Local women join Advocate in combating breast cancer

Three Central Illinois women recently joined dozens of breast cancer survivors, fighters and family member across Illinois to help “pink out” Soldier Field in Chicago.

The event, which occurred Sunday, Oct. 22, was part of Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bears’ efforts to raise awareness for a disease that one in eight women develop.

Advocate invited breast cancer survivors Chris Jones, Germantown Hills; Karen Schaffer, Ellsworth; and Janice Weber, Minonk; to attend the game.

“Breast cancer is absolutely curable if it’s detected early,” Heidi Memmell, a breast cancer surgeon with Advocate Health Care, said in a statement. “It’s so important for women to know their family history, to consider genetic testing and to come in and get their screening mammogram.”

Nominations sought for 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards

The human relations commissions in Bloomington and Normal are currently seeking nominations for the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards. The commissions annually honor King’s legacy by recognizing two local high school students and two adults for their efforts in promoting tolerance and understanding among people of different backgrounds.

The deadline for nominees is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Application materials can be submitted online via the Bloomington or Normal websites. Paper copies also can be obtained and dropped off at either municipal building. Winners will be recognized at an annual awards luncheon Saturday, Jan. 20.

Teachers invited to apply for agriculture grant

University of Illinois Extension officials have announced the John Maitland Agricultural Awareness Grant is being made available for a 15th consecutive year.

The grant, named after a retired state senator, is available to educators of all grade levels across the county. Grant recipients will be able to use the funds to increase student awareness and understanding of agriculture and the role it plays in people’s lives and the economy on a daily basis. Each applying teacher has the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 for an agriculture-related lesson. Application materials are due Friday, Nov. 24, and can be obtained at http://bit.ly/2yK9id4.

Steve Rasmussen, is now the acting city manager for Bloomington

Bloomington

City Council appoints new acting city manager

The Bloomington City Council last week named Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen acting city manager. The appointment, made at a special meeting Thursday, Oct. 26, comes as City Manager David Hales departs for a new position in Joliet. Hales’ last day of employment in Bloomington is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The council’s vote in support of appointing Rasmussen to the position as a search for a permanent successor gets underway was unanimous. City officials have indicated it might take as long as six months to name a permanent successor to Hales. The council is in the midst of seeking out an executive search firm to assist in the process.

World-renowned choreographer to host free dance class

World-renowned choreographer Kenneth Von Heidecke will offer a free master class to the community from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St.

The master class is open to students ages 12 and up. Students under the age of 12 are invited to watch the class. The class size is limited. For information or to reserve a spot, call Ann-Marie Dittmann at (309) 434-2766.

Normal

OSF HealthCare breaks ground on Normal office facility  

Construction on OSF HealthCare’s new medical facility in Normal is officially underway. The 13,125-square-foot facility, expected to cost $5 million, will be located at 1765 Bradford Lane. The new facility will feature 24 exam rooms and offer accommodations for 10 providers. The new facility is expected to open in July of next year.

–McLean County News Briefs–