The Bloomington Police Department placed first in this year’s U.S. Department of Justice community policing in action photo contest.

McLean County

Bloomington-Normal jobless rate drops to 3.3 percent      

The number of jobless persons in the Bloomington-Normal area in late May declined 0.4 percent, year over year, according to recently released figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The region’s jobless rate by the end of last month was 3.3 percent. By comparison, it was 3.7 percent in May 2017. According to the state agency, Bloomington-Normal has one of the lowest rates of jobless persons across Illinois as new job opportunities come into the region. Bloomington-Normal slightly edged out the statewide average at the end of May, which was 3.5 percent.   

IDOT earmarking $37.8 million for local highways     

Illinois Department of Transportation officials have announced the allocation of $37.8 million toward infrastructure improvements in the Bloomington-Normal area.

The revelation was made in the state agency’s recently minted 2019-2024 multi-year proposed highway improvement program. The document includes $28 million in state highway projects and $9.8 million in local highway projects in both municipalities.

In addition to standard resurfacing work, several upcoming projects will include intersection improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For specific details on the projects, visit IDOT’s website at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.  

First confirmed case of West Nile Virus discovered       

The first confirmed case of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus has been confirmed. Experts within the McLean County Health Department said an insect tested positive for the virus in the 61705 ZIP code.

The discovery was made during a roundup of mosquito pools across the Bloomington-Normal area on Friday, June 8. Local health experts continue to encourage residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Last year, more than 60 counties across Illinois reported positive West Nile Virus results. Eight persons died from conditions linked to the virus.

Bloomington

Decatur official tapped to as new city manager  

Tim Gleason, manager of the city of Decatur, has been selected to fill a vacant top-level position at Bloomington City Hall, edging out dozens of candidates from 15 states.

“It speaks to the strengths of our community and the opportunities that exist here that the city of Bloomington received the high caliber of applicants for the city manager position that we did,” Mayor Tari Renner said in a statement.

While reviewing applicants’ materials, Renner said finalists were selected based on qualifications and how they would fit into the community and city government as an organization. Applicants also were asked to provide a compelling reason and desire to be in Bloomington.

“Mr. Gleason is poised and ready to bring the depth of his ability and experience to capitalize on our community’s opportunities and navigate our challenges,” Renner said in the statement. Gleason is slated to begin his duties in Bloomington on Monday, July 23.

Police Dept. wins national  DOJ photo contest    

The Bloomington Police Department was recently recognized by peers in a federal agency for a contest aimed at depicting the virtues of community policing. BPD placed first in this year’s U.S. Department of Justice community policing in action photo contest.

The department’s winning entry featured Police Chief Brendan Heffner assisting a young boy during an event, Project with a Cop. The DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, oversees the annual photo contest.

City accepting application for next Bloomington 101     

Residents and other persons interested in learning more about local government and decision-making processes can participate in the city’s Bloomington 101 program.

Applications for the next 10-week installment are currently being accepted. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 6 to Nov. 8.

Participation is capped at 25 participants, who are asked to attend at least eight of the 10 classes. For information, email Nora Dukowitz, communications manager, at ndukowitz@cityblm.org.

Normal

New multi-family housing ordinance under review

A recycling ordinance aimed at multifamily residences in Normal is under review and could be enacted in August 2019.

Town officials recently laid out details of the proposed document, which would require property managers, landlords and other persons overseeing properties not currently served by the municipal contractor to have in place a plan for recycling service.

The goal, according to Normal officials, is to provide equal recycling opportunities for all residential property classes. The Town Council could vote on the ordinance in July.

Town awards 19 programs with Harmon Arts grants

Grant funding totaling $26,500 has been collectively given to 19 local arts groups through this year’s Harmon Arts grant program, which the town of Normal oversees.

Individual grants ranged from $2,000 to $600. Several programs were associated with Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

The full list of this year’s awardees is available on the town’s website, www.normal.org.

–McLean County News Briefs–