Babies born in the month of February at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal will be given red hats in honor of American Heart Month.  (Photo courtesy of Advocate BroMenn)

McLean County

Advocate BroMenn launching newborn red hat campaign

In an effort to raise awareness of American Heart Month, the Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal is distributing red crocheted hats to all babies born within the hospital in February. The goal, according to hospital officials, is to put the spotlight on heart disease and congenital heart defects.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect in the country,” Advocate BroMenn cardiologist Dory Jarzabkowski said in a statement.

According to estimates, more than 40,000 newborns have a heart defect each year. “The more people are aware of their risk factors, preventative measures and the latest advanced treatments and surgical interventions, the better,” Jarzabkowski said.  

County Board gives highway workers pay increase

Eighteen full- and two part-time highway workers will receive 2.5-percent pay increases annually through 2019 as part of a new collective bargaining agreement reached with the local union of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The agreement impacts a number of employee groups, including snowplow operators, equipment operators, truck drivers and laborers. The ratified agreement comes on the heels of a County Board motion to grant 1.75-percent wage increases to all full-time employees not represented by a union.

Founder, executive director of child services agency resigning

Lynn Willard, founder and executive director of ABC Counseling and Family Services, will retire from her longtime post June 30. Willard, a licensed professional clinical counselor and social worker, founded Normal-based ABC in 1992 and has worked in the human services profession since 1975.

Described by Willard as a “hybrid agency,” ABC provides a number of specialized services, including evaluation and treatments for children victimized by sexual abuse. The organization works closely with a number of other organizations and agencies, including the McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Bloomington

Prior felony conviction may bar candidate from serving

State statutes could prevent a Bloomington City Council candidate from serving on the elected body if he is voted into office. Recent reports have revealed Sonny Garcia, who is running this spring to represent Ward 7 on the council, pleaded guilty in 2001 to a felony charge of driving with a revoked license.

The incident was linked to a second offense of operating while intoxicated. At the time, Garcia served 14 days in jail and a subsequent 18 months on probation. Language in the Illinois Municipal Code states a person cannot take an oath of office in the state if he or she has been convicted of crime, bribery, perjury or another felony. The Ward 7 race is contested. Neither Garcia nor his opponent, incumbent Scott Black, have publicly commented on the revelation by press deadline.  

Longtime historic bed and breakfast site has closed

After 20 years as a bed and breakfast spot, the Burr House, 210 E. Chestnut St., has closed the latest chapter in its long, storied history. Mary Ann Brady-Rhodes, who owned the property and used it as a bed and breakfast, has sold the site. As part of the transition, the bed and breakfast ceased operating Wednesday, Feb. 1. Brady-Rhodes said the new owners intend to use the 1864 home, which features seven bedrooms, as a private residence.

History museum to feature Abraham Lincoln-themed classic

The McLean County Museum of History has announced the latest screening as part of its Movies Under the Dome series. The museum, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington, was showcase, “Young Mr. Lincoln,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. The film stars Henry Fonda and depicts Lincoln’s early life, including his time in McLean County. The screening is free, and refreshments will be available for purchase. For information, visit the museum’s website, www.mchistory.org.

Normal

New Normal pizzeria to feature Davis Bros. recipe

Cardinal Place Pizza, an eatery slated to open in March in Normal, will feature a line of Italian dishes inspired by a venerable Central Illinois establishment. Cardinal Place has secured the rights to feature the recipe of Davis Bros. Pizza, an East Peoria-based restaurant that has roots going back to 1948.

Cardinal Place, slated to open at 1608 Northbrook Drive, is operating independently of Davis Bros. Pizza, but the agreement allows the new establishment to feature a menu closely mirroring the one at Davis Bros.

New co-working incubator space announced

Slingshot CoWork, a new incubator startup, will soon have a perch in Normal as part of a partnership with tech giant Microsoft. The agreement states Slingshot and the startups operating out of it will have access to Microsoft’s vast resources within the shared workspace that is dedicated specifically to the startup and entrepreneur community in Bloomington-Normal. “Collaborative spaces like Slingshot will be able to provide the opportunity to help startups get what they need … to build and scale their businesses,” Microsoft representative Adam Hecktman said in a statement. For more information on the arrangement, visit https://bizspark.microsoft.com.

–McLean County News Briefs–