The Pedal Power! Exhibit, which features dozens of pedal-powered vehicles from the Bruce Callis Pedal Car Collection, at the McLean County Museum of History will close on March 20. (Photo courtesy of McLean County Museum of History)

McLean County

Toys in our culture lecture at Museum of History

When we were children, toys were the center of our universe. They accompanied us on our adventures, comforted us when we were scared, and taught us important life lessons.

Tattered and battered, they are eventually retired to closets, attics, and basements, but they continue to occupy a special place in our memories.

Visit the McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St, Bloomington, on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:15 p.m., as we welcome Laura Taylor, curator of interpretation at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, who will discuss the significance of toys in the realm of material culture.

This free program will take place in the Governor Fifer Courtroom on the Museum’s second floor.

The Pedal Power! Exhibit, which features dozens of pedal-powered vehicles from the Bruce Callis Pedal Car Collection, at the McLean County Museum of History will close on March 20. (Photo courtesy of McLean County Museum of History)

More than mere playthings, toys are cultural artifacts that symbolize the social values and technological advances of our society. And, most importantly, they help children navigate the complicated path to adulthood.

This discussion is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s temporary exhibit, Pedal Power!, which features dozens of pedal-powered vehicles from the Bruce Callis Pedal Car Collection.

This exhibit features dozens of child-sized autos which spans 50 years of pedal car production from the 1920s through the 1970s.

This exhibit ends Sunday, March 20.

Discover who designed these popular toys and interact with these icons of childhoods past. Pedal Power! is sponsored by State Farm.

State Police seize 12 pounds of cocaine

Twelve pounds of cocaine were seized in a traffic stop on Interstate 74, near Carlock, on Wednesday, Feb. 27, according to information from Illinois State Police.

A trooper in ISP’s District 6 jurisdiction made the traffic stop and, after a thorough search, located the drug, which was vacuum sealed and contained in multiple bricks.

A 60-year-old Utah man was arrested for transporting the cocaine. He was placed in the McLean County Jail and is being held on a $200,000 bond.

ISU hosting professor emeritus’ book launch

Illinois State University’s Publications Unit within the Department of English is hosting a book launch celebration for Professor Emeritus Tim Hunt’s new book, “Ticket Stubs and Linear Notes.” The event will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at the Williams Hall Annex, 424 S. School St., Normal.

The event is free and open to the public. Hunt’s book was the winner of the 2018 Main Street Rag Poetry Book Award.

Bloomington

Police make arrest in drug-induced homicide          

Bloomington Police this past week arrested a 35-year-old Bloomington man on a warrant linked to a drug-induced homicide. According to a news release from the department, Christopher Barker was arrested about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, for an outstanding McLean County warrant related to the homicide.

Barker’s bond has been set at $1 million. According to BPD officials, Barker’s warrant and arrest is the result of a joint effort between the McLean County Coroner’s Office, McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office and the BPD.

Three men arrested on suspicion of shooting

Three Bloomington men — one age 23, the other two age 21 — have been arrested in connection with a mob-like scene that ensued as multiple shots were fired.

According to Bloomington Police, officers arrived at the scene of the incident, in the 800 block of East Washington Street, at 1:26 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The scene was unfolding as officers arrived, according to an agency news release, and a number of people fled on foot. After gathering physical evidence and taking witness statements, the men were taken into custody.

No injuries were reported in connection with this incident, and an investigation is ongoing. BPD officials are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Steve Moreland at 309-434-2359 or smoreland@cityblm.org.   

Police investigating robbery on East Locust Street          

Bloomington Police are seeking suspects in connection with an armed robbery in the 300 block of East Locust Street that occurred about 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

According to BPD officials, a 31-year-old man was attacked from behind by three to four men and was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim was transported to the hospital for injuries that were not life threatening. According to the victim, the men who approached him were described as black and between 25- and 30- years-old.

At the time of the incident, the victim said the men were wearing dark-colored clothing. BPD officials are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Jared Bierbaum at 309-434-2807 or jbierbaum@cityblm.org.

New Route 66-themed ‘experience hub’ unveiled

A new experience hub with information about attractions related to Route 66 has been installed in a high-profile area of Bloomington. Several organizations — including the city of Bloomington, Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway — have worked in tandem to create the experience hub at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Main streets.

Mayor Tari Renner officially unveiled the attraction at a ceremonial event Monday, March 4.  

Normal

ISU police arrest alleged robbery victim for obstruction

A young adult claiming to have been the victim of a robbery has been arrested on suspicion of lying to law enforcement during an investigation, according to information from Illinois State Police.

The adult, whose age and gender have not been revealed, claimed to have been the victim of a robbery. He or she was staying as a guest in a dormitory room within ISU’s Hewett Hall.

During the investigation, the alleged victim said property and money were taken during the robbery, but further information revealed it was marijuana.

The adult was arrested for obstructing justice during the investigation.

Eatery reopens 3 days after SUV crashes in door

The Normal location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, 1730 Bradford Lane, reopened late this past week after the driver of an SUV plowed through the front door of the establishment.

Moe’s was temporarily closed after the incident, which occurred before the lunch rush on Tuesday, Feb. 26. During the incident, panes of glass were shattered, and several interior features — including tables, chairs and booths — were damaged or destroyed.

The driver of the SUV told police she accidentally used her accelerator, instead of the brake.   

–McLean County News Briefs–