Good morning, Bloomington.

Ameren Illinois employees toured ISU’s new College of Engineering campus Wednesday, delivering a $5,000 check to fund a power lab — designed for renewable energy training — that readies students for work on a planned $16.5M solar array on G.E.

Road.

At the Aug. 19 Unit 5 meeting, Superintendent Kristen Weikle discussed upcoming capital work — the plans aim to improve school facilities with further details expected soon.

Heartland Community College board approved a voluntary separation incentive plan for full-time employees with 15+ years + a healthcare payment to ease budget pressures; qualifying staff can enroll now and departures begin on Dec.

31. The plan is expected to save $1.5 million annually when fully implemented.

District 87 Superintendent David Mouser previewed the new D87 United campaign during a Wednesday board meeting to unite parents, students, and staff around key goals such as achievement, belonging, culture, stewardship, and innovation.

He also shared updates on dual enrollment classes, a planned budget deficit, and ongoing facilities projects.

Illinois Wesleyan welcomed new students on move-in day today as they moved in and joined campus tours and orientations (video available).

McLean County Emergency Management tested an Autel Evo II 640T drone during a simulated rural fire training at the former Camp Peairs site near Lake Bloomington in Hudson on August 19.

The thermal imaging pinpointed an 800-degree fire, giving Towanda Fire Department a precise view to direct their response.

Normal Police Department launches the Blue Envelope Program with Autism McLean to ease traffic stops for neurodivergent residents.

Residents can pick up envelopes at Life Center for Independent Living, Normal Fire Department headquarters or Lifelong Access on Jacobssen Drive; the program becomes mandatory for Illinois police on Jan. 1, 2027.

County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said wind farm permits frozen by the Pentagon are expected to ease, enabling recovery of planned battery energy storage projects in McLean while Connect Transit’s rural fares change and Comlara Park will launch a glamping program to boost local recreation.

OSF St. Joseph in Bloomington incurred at least $17 million in damage from last Thursday's microburst and heavy rain.

Eleven spots on the hospital roof were damaged, forcing patient relocations and closing trauma services while adjusters assess repair needs.

ISU athletics had a banner fundraising year plus on-field successes including a national championship run and multiple MVC awards.

Director Jeri Beggs said early planning is underway for a new football facility in the north endzone of Hancock Stadium, with details on cost and timing still pending.