Illinois State University kicks off homecoming week on Oct. 19. The annual homecoming parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. (Photo courtesy ISU)

McLean County

Center leads household hazardous waste collection drive

The Ecology Action Center is spearheading a household hazardous waste drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the parking lot of the Mitsubishi Motors North America plant, 100 N. Mitsubishi Motorway, Normal. In accordance with state statutes, only residents are able to dispose of hazardous waste materials. The free drive is not open to commercial contractors and similar enterprises. The drive is only available to residents living within McLean County, and a proof of residency will be required. A sampling of the items that will be accepted at the drive include oil-based paints, household batteries, paint thinners, used motor oil, mercury, outdated medications and double-bagged and wetted asbestos. For information on the initiative, visit www.ecologyactioncenter.org or call (309) 454-3169.

Poverty simulation exercise planned at Lawrence Irvin Neighborhood Center

The McLean County branch of the University of Illinois Extension, in collaboration with several local organizations, will hold a poverty simulation exercise at the Lawrence Irvin Neighborhood Center, 1615 Illinois St., Bloomington, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The program, dubbed “Living on the Edge,” is designed to give participants a first-hand glimpse into the challenges of being in poverty. For information on the event, call Carolyn Hansen, 4-H youth development educator, at (309) 862-4041 or email cshansen@illinois.edu.   

Bloomington

18-year-old accused of robbing gas station

An 18-year-old Normal man was arrested on suspicion of robbing a Citgo gas station at 807 S. Main St. The incident is believed to have occurred about 9:35 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. According to Bloomington police, the man entered the gas station, brandished a gun and demanded money. He fled with an undisclosed amount. No injuries occurred. While responding to an unrelated incident involving a fight, Bloomington Police noticed a person running through yards, matching the description of the robber. After a brief struggle, the man was taken into custody and is currently being held at the McLean County Jail. The man could face charges of armed robbery, unlawful use of weapons, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug possession and resisting and obstructing police.

Citywide Halloween house decorating contest announced

For the second consecutive year, the Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department will hold a Halloween house decorating contest. From now through Tuesday, Oct. 27, residents can nominate a home, including their own. Judges will review the entries Wednesday, Oct. 28, and winners will be announced in a number of categories, including best light display.

Nominations, which should include the home address and an image, can be submitted to the department’s Facebook page or by emailing Adam Hucek at ahucek@cityblm.org.

Illinois Wesleyan alumnus to perform tuba recital

Max Briggs, a 2012 alumnus of Illinois Wesleyan will perform a free tuba recital in the Westbrook Auditorium at the school, 1312 Park St., Bloomington, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Since graduating from Illinois Wesleyan, Briggs has gone on to earn a number of awards and recoginitions, including a first-place win at the 2015 Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival. He took second place in the same competition a year prior. Briggs currently is a doctoral student at Northwestern University.

Normal

Normal water utility crews testing, flushing fire hydrants

In an effort to remove sediment and stagnant water from the municipal distribution system, town of Normal water utility crews are in the process of testing and flushing fire hydrants throughout the community. The testing and flushing will take place through Sunday, Oct. 18. The town has placed a map on its website, www.normal.org, with details of when exactly the flushing and testing will take place in each specific quadrant of the community. For information on this effort, contact the water department at (309) 454-9563.

Uptown homecoming tree lighting ceremony coming up

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz and Normal Mayor Chris Koos will be on hand for the annual Uptown Normal tree lighting ceremony Monday, Oct. 19, which will kick off homecoming week. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by the ISU cheerleaders, followed by the lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. After the ceremony, a gallery showing will take place in the Uptown Circle until 8 p.m.  Free carriage rides also are part of the program and will continue through 9 p.m.

Illinois State University to hold homecoming parade Oct. 24

Illinois State University will hold its annual homecoming parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Festivities will kick off at the corner of College Avenue and University Street in Normal’s Uptown neighborhood. A range of floats will be displayed, and a juried contest will take place.

–McLean County News Briefs–