Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts wants shoppers to think of a gift of live entertainment by holding a Black Friday sale for most ticket purchases. Sales on BCPA events made from 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27 through 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 are 25 percent off. (Photo Bloomington/Normal Tourism)

McLean County

YWCA McLean County to hold RSVP veteran pinning ceremony

The YWCA chapter of McLean County will hold a pining ceremony for members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at its Community Room, 1201 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington. The ceremony will include a presentation of the American flag by the American Legion Color Guard and comments from state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. The pinning ceremony has become an annual event at the local YWCA. “Our goal is to recognize RSVP volunteers for the community service they provide through volunteerism,” Nora Harrison, assistant director of adult services at YWCA McLean County, said in a statement. “We are honored to be able to recognize our volunteers for their service to our country and to McLean County.”

Bloomington

Bloomington Police recover stolen items from 21 residences

Bloomington Police have announced the recovery of items stolen from 21 residences. The discovery came on the heels of the Tuesday, Oct. 27, arrest of three men. Once the men were apprehended, the department’s Criminal Investigation Division closed the 21 cases, which occurred along Arcadia Drive, Croxton Avenue, Currency Drive, Keisha Drive, Park Street, Rainbow Avenue and Willedrob Road. The 21 cases occurred throughout September and October. Property owners were able to begin retrieving items at the police station Monday, Nov. 9.

Juvenile arrested on suspicion of auto theft within Prairie Land Estates

Nearly a day after the incident occurred, Bloomington Police recovered a vehicle that was taken from a driveway within the Prairie Land Estates subdivision. The vehicle was unlocked, and the keys were in the ignition when it was taken without consent between 2:30 and 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. On 9:29 p.m. the say day, a Bloomington patrol officer located the vehicle near Empire Street and Fairway Drive, and a perimeter was established around the area. According to department officials, one juvenile was arrested for involvement, and other suspects are being sought. Bloomington Police are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Curtis Squires at (309) 820-8888.   

Former council member and mayor Walt Bittner dies at age 97

Walt Bittner, a 44-year veteran of the Bloomington City Council, died Wednesday, Oct. 28. He was 97. Bittner’s time in public office included eight years as the city’s mayor. One of his most notable accomplishments included a tie-breaking vote on keeping the zoo at Miller Park. Years after he left public office, Bittner regularly participated in the Ewing Zoo Foundation’s annual meetings. His influence also came through his roles as owner of a local business, Bittner’s Confectionary, and as vice president of National Bank of Bloomington.

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts to get into the Black Friday action

After a pilot launch a year ago, organizers within the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts are once again holding a Black Friday sale for most ticket purchases. Sales on BCPA events made from 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27 through 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 are 25 percent off. The sale applies to in-person ticket purchases at the box office and those conducted online.

Normal

Panel votes to raze historic Mecherle Hall site

Despite a previous recommendation to the contrary, it appears Mecherle Hall, an aging standalone building located on the grounds of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, will have a date with the wrecking ball this spring. The Normal Planning Commission on Thursday, Nov. 5, voted unanimously in favor of razing Mecherle Hall, 403 W. Virginia Ave., which was built in the early 1940s. Because of its age, the town’s Historic Preservation Committee had recommended saving the structure when it weighed in on the issue in mid-October. But members of the Plan Commission sided with Advocate BroMenn, owner of the underutilized facility, which initially petitioned the town and sought approval to raze the structure. Assuming plans continue to move forward, BroMenn staffers have indicated they would like to repurpose the space for a meditation garden.

Uptown Normal slates date for holiday open house event

As a prelude to the upcoming holiday season, Uptown Normal will hold its annual holiday open house event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Festivities will include an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will stroll the streets of the Uptown area, spreading cheer with the Mt. Pisgah Sunbeam Choir. Visitors also will have an opportunity to take a free ride in the Hileman Carriage. A number of merchants throughout Uptown also will offer special promotions throughout the event.

Uptown Normal’s Santa Station event slated for Dec. 5

Organizers within Uptown Normal have announced the date and time for the annual Santa’s Station event. It will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Festivities will include an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will travel throughout the community by way of a horse and carriage. A community marching band will usher in the duo at 1 p.m. Free hot chocolate, carriage rides and visits with Santa will take place throughout the four-hour program. Santa’s Station will remain in Uptown through Thursday, Dec. 24. It will be located between Uptown Station and Children’s Discovery Museum. Visits to the station are free, though donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.

–McLean County News Briefs–