The Mango Mango Creamery, a sweet shop specializing in Thai ice cream, has opened within the Eastland Mall, 1615 E. Empire St., Bloomington. (Photo courtesy Mango Mango Creamery)

McLean County

IPCF accepting nominations for annual award program

Representatives of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation are again hoping to put the spotlight on a person, couple or family making a difference in the Heartland. The organization is bringing back its Philanthropist of the Year program.

Persons interested in submitting a nomination can do so by writing an essay of 250 words or less and sending it to Kathi Davis, associate program director, by email, kdavis@ilprairiecf.org, or mail to Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, 2401 E. Washington St., Suite 300B, Bloomington, IL 61704. Nominees must live in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston or Logan counties and have demonstrated some form of civic responsibility. The selected recipient will be honored at a ceremony in November.    

Bloomington

Bloomington teen girl shot in drive-by shooting

A 16-year-old Bloomington girl was shot in what city police are describing as a drive-by shooting in the 300 block of South Madison Street at 10:29 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Police responded to the scene after fielding calls from nearby residents who heard the sound of gunshots three times, in quick succession.

At press deadline, police declined to release the girl’s name and would only confirm she was transported to the Advocate BroMenn Medical Center for treatment. The extent of her injuries was unknown, and police have not made any arrests.

Officials are asking anyone with information to contact detectives Paul Swanlund at (309) 434-2373 or John Atteberry at (309) 434-2348. Anonymous calls can be made to the local Crime Stoppers hotline at (309) 828-1111.

Man shot near Euclid St., Olive Avenue

A 26-year-old man was shot in the chest about 12:02 a.m. Monday, June 13, and the injuries he sustained from the incident are not believed to be life threatening, police have confirmed.

Police and emergency medical services technicians found the man lying in the street near Euclid Street and Olive Avenue, and crews transported him to the Advocate BroMenn Medical Center for treatment.

The incident remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Todd McClusky at (309) 434-2380.

Thai-themed ice cream shop opens in Eastland Mall

A slice — or, rather, a roll — of Thailand cuisine has made its way to Central Illinois. The Mango Mango Creamery dessert shop has opened its doors within the Eastland Mall, 1615 E. Empire St., Bloomington. Mango Mango Creamery specializes in Thai-based ice cream rolls.

The delicacy, which reportedly is readily available along the streets of Thailand, features fresh, made-to-order ingredients and involves turning liquid cream into actual ice cream. The process is completed in less than five minutes.   

City seeking applicants for homeowner rehab loans

Low- to moderate-income residential property owners could receive financial assistance through loans and grants, Bloomington officials have announced. The city will begin accepting applications of the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program and the municipal-run Partner Program.

The Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program is administered through funding supplied by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant initiative. The Partner Program is geared toward organizations spearheading public service, housing, public facility and infrastructure programs.

Applications for both programs are being accepted through Wednesday, Aug. 31, and are available online through the city’s website, www.cityblm.org, or by hard copy at the city development department office, 115. E. Washington St.

Firefighters to partake in training exercises

Members of the Bloomington Fire Department are holding a series of training exercises in the weeks ahead, and city officials are asking anyone frequenting the Market Street Garage site to be vigilant as the activities occur through Tuesday, June 28. The training exercises include entering the stairwell with fire hoses, closing some of the stairwells to public access and using the garage’s third floor for a simulated hose deployment activity.

The Radisson name will soon go on the building of the former Holiday Inn at 8 Traders Circle, in Normal.

Normal

Radisson to fill dormant hotel building

After sitting vacant for a decade, a former Holiday Inn building, 8 Traders Circle, will soon come back to life with a new look and new branding. Swift Hospitality Group, which owns the building, has secured the rights to use the Radisson nameplate on the property. The management company overseeing the project has garnered the financing needed to bring the extensive overhaul to fruition. Plans call for the major site revamp to begin soon and take about nine months to complete.

Water director to step down after 3 decades of service

Steve Gerdes, head of the town of Normal’s public water treatment plant, is stopping down from his longtime post within municipal government and retiring in mid-August. Gerdes, 60, began working for the town in February 1997 and held other similar jobs that amassed 36 years of service total.

Before he officially leaves local government, Gerdes plans to complete a grandiose, long-range capital improvement plan for the plant. Gerdes’ retirement will take affect in mid-August. Town officials have begun casting their net and are seeking qualified applicants for the position.

–McLean County News Briefs–