McLean County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

One of fall’s annual events, the Evergreen Cemetery Walk, returns for two weekends, Sept. 29 and 30 and Oct. 6 and 7. Tickets are on sale now. Visit http://www.mchistory.org/ for more information.

McLean County

Early voting in McLean County for fall election begins Sept. 27      

Residents across McLean County can begin voting early for the fall general election on Sept. 27. Bloomington residents can register and vote at the Bloomington Election Commission’s office, while residents in all other municipalities can register at the McLean County clerk’s office. The clerk’s office and BEC are located at the Government Center, 115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, in rooms 403 and 102, respectively.

ISU launches new scholarship program for McLean County students       

A new initiative, the full tuition scholarship program, is being launched next fall for McLean County students. Under the terms of the program, five students annually will be awarded free tuition throughout a 4-year span of time. An extensive application process is required, and students will receive a one-time $500 scholarship to ISU for submitting an application during the initial rollout next fall. ISU officials will unveil additional details in the near future.   

Bloomington

Super 8 Motel employee battered during robbery

A motel employee in Bloomington was battered during a robbery, according to details from the city’s police department. According to preliminary details available at press deadline, a man entered the motel, 818 IAA Drive, at 4:09 a.m. Sept. 21. He pointed a long-barreled black handgun at the employee and demanded cash. When the robber was informed there was no cash in an employee-accessible area, the suspect battered the employee and fled the area on foot. The employee described the suspect as black, in his 20s and 5 feet, 11 inches to 6 feet, 1 inch tall. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants, small goatee and had a medium build.

Traffic changes in place on Front Street amid construction

Traffic patterns along portions of Front and Center streets will change in the weeks ahead as the city’s public works and utilities crews undergo a series of changes. The traffic signals that have been in place will transition to stop signs as the signals are deactivated. Curb and sidewalk removal and replacement began Sept. 24, and will continue into the coming months. Throughout construction, city officials are reminding motorists to use caution when traveling through the area. Pedestrians are asked to use caution as they use the sidewalks.

Extensive street work slated for areas near airport

Bloomington Public Works crews will begin extensive street work near Fort Jesse and Airport roads, according to information from city officials. The project, which began last week, includes intersection improvements. DPW crews are suggesting motorists consider other routes. The streets will be reopened when the work is completed.

50-year anniversary of local parks department set for Sept. 29

City officials will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department with a series of festivities from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 29, at Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave. The golden gala includes sand volleyball throughout the program, hayrack rides around the park, lawn games, paddle boat rides, mini golf and live music. A small recognition ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. in the Miller Park Pavilion. Cake and ice cream will be served. For information, visit the BPRCA’s website at www.bloomingtonparks.org.   

Normal

Town officials: Mandatory water meter replacement notice is legit    

A notice on town of Normal letterhead about the need to replace water meters is legitimate, according to municipal officials. The water department is in the process of replacing meters. Residents in receipt of the notice are asked to call Ferguson Waterworks at 855-895-9707 or make an appointment online at www.fergusonscheduling.com.

State chapter of planning association recognizes Normal’s comp plan    

The Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association has recognized Normal officials for the recently completed long-range comprehensive plan that delves into future goals and strategies concerning development and other matters across the community. The state APA is honoring Normal with its Daniel Burnham Award at a conference in Springfield on Sept. 26. Mayor Chris Koos said he is pleased with the recognition and believes the comprehensive plan sets a new standard for development in the future. “The times are changing when it comes to the style of development and preferences of our residents,” Koos said in a statement. “Even the development community is changing how it does business.”

 

 

–McLean County News Briefs–