Good morning, Bloomington.

The nonprofit CORE of McLean finished renovating the old water tower with a colorful mural featuring local landmarks (including the Dixie truck stop and a biking path) that celebrates the Route 66 Centennial and was showcased at the 6.6 km run/walk, a project that is already drawing more tourists.

Clara Matteson embraced new dance styles (beyond ballet) at a summer intensive that boosted her passion for movement; the video captures her creative journey in a supportive setting.

McLean County Unit 5 has hired firms for school expansion projects, with Design Mavens Architecture PLLC handling Parkside Junior High School and Farnsworth Group managing Towanda Elementary.

Each project is set to cost between $4 million and $4.5 million.

First Presbyterian Church in Normal (at 2000 E.

College Ave.) turned more than two acres of mowed grass into a native prairie, celebrating the weekend with tours and activities. The church’s Green Team worked with local conservation groups to plant over 100 native varieties to create a natural, educational habitat for community members.

A community forum on data centers is set for Wednesday at Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (5-8 p.m.) where local leaders and experts will discuss whether existing energy capacity can support future projects.

Attendees will examine concerns over rising costs and grid reliability if a new data center is proposed.

Local tourism groups are discussing a new fee for hotel and short-term rental guests to fund community events and marketing in Bloomington-Normal.

The proposed fee — up to 5% — would let hoteliers have a say in how revenue is spent and mirrors similar districts in Chicago and Peoria.