Kate Stinson recently joined the Bloomington Police Department (Photo courtesy of Bloomington Police Dept.)

McLean County

Sheriff’s deputies seize 49 pounds of marijuana   

McLean County Sheriff’s deputies recently confiscated a high volume of marijuana during an otherwise routine traffic stop. According to officials within the agency, the sheriff’s department’s K-9 unit found 49 pounds of marijuana after searching a vehicle on Friday, Aug. 26.

Two women were arrested for possessing the drug. They told police they were passing through McLean County, driving from Chicago to Oklahoma.  

McLean County teen dies in crash over Labor Day weekend   

A 17-year-old boy from rural McLean County died in a car crash over the Labor Day weekend, Livingston County coroner Danny Watson confirmed. Jose Carlos Baeza-Padilla, who lived in Meadows, was involved in a two-car crash about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, and succumbed to injuries he sustained.

The incident occurred on Livingston County Roads 1800 North and 1900 East in Owego Township. Watson said Baeza-Padilla was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Bloomington

Bloomington Police investigate home invasion report

After fielding a call at 10:32 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, Bloomington Police responded to an Oxford Court home on reports of an invasion. According to authorities, three black men wearing masks entered the home shortly before the call.

One of the men brandished a handgun and struck one of two adult victims in the head. The suspects subsequently took a number of undisclosed items and fled the scene. No arrests were made at press deadline, and police say the investigation is ongoing.

Police seeking whereabouts of 17-year-old boy

Ian Michael O’Neill, 17, of Bloomington, was reported missing as of press time.

Bloomington Police are seeking information on the location of Ian Michael O’Neill, 17, who was last seen by his parents Wednesday, Aug. 24. O’Neill instant messaging family in the ensuing weeks, but ceased all communication Wednesday, Sept. 7. At that point, he was reported missing. O’Neill is white and stands 6 feet tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes. Bloomington Police are asking anyone with information to call the department at (309) 820-8888.

Police Department welcomes its newest member

Kate Stinson recently joined the Bloomington Police Department as an officer after receiving all necessary training, officials within the agency have announced. When asked in a Q-and-A session about why she chose the profession, Stinson said, “I want to make a difference and have a positive impact in the community. Every day is different and poses new challenges.”

Officers recognized for DUI enforcement tactics

Five Bloomington Police officers were recognized recently by the advocacy group Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for their impact on cracking down on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.

AAIM organizers specifically singled out the officers for their individual enforcement of DUI vehicle accidents, which kill hundreds of people and injure thousands others across Illinois.

Those officers are James Clesson, Paul Jones, Brandt Parsley, John Fermon and Jacob Law. AAIM presented each officer with a certificate of appreciation.

Normal

Unit 5 school officials continue to scramble with busing issues

Weeks into the new school year, officials in the Normal-based McLean County Unit 5 district continue to scramble with busing-related issues as a growing shortage of drivers has ensued. Superintendent Mark Daniel said the challenges in providing students with adequate transportation peaked immediately after Labor Day as a number of bus drivers called in sick or did not appear for their scheduled shifts.

First Student, the district’s contracted transportation provider, had to call in drivers from other areas to accommodate the shortage. In some instances, Daniel said students have arrived up to 90 minutes late for school because of route-related issues and overcrowding. First Student is in the midst of seeking additional drivers, Daniel said.

Details of Portillo’s entry into Normal expected soon

Portillo’s, the Oak Brook-based eatery known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, is expected to announce a specific location for its new Normal store, company executives announced last week. Earlier this year, Portillo’s announced its intention to enter the Bloomington-Normal market, citing consumer demand. In 2013, diehard fans in the Twin Cities region created a Facebook page, “Bring Portillo’s to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.”

–McLean County News Briefs–