The very nature of elections brings the victors to the limelight, often the losers get swept under the rug and forgotten. But Chemberly Cummings is a local politician who refuses to give up. She recently ran and lost against incumbent Dan Brady for the seat in the Illinois 105th. But her reaction was not as extreme as one may expect. “We knew we were going to put in a lot […]
BLOOMINGTON-Ill. - Last night the Bloomington City Council was presented with the Public Arts Commission ordinance again. This topic was delayed after council members had questions about their funding for this project. If approved, a seven person commission would be created to oversee all art put in public spaces in Bloomington. Three council members still had the same doubts and questions carried from the initial discussion about funding for this […]
Photo courtesy to City Hall Facebook page BLOOMINGTON, Ill. --- Mike Straza has officially announced he will be running for Mayor of Bloomington. Mayor Tari Renner has announced he will not being running, and he has been mayor for the past eight years. Straza announced his intentions on his Facebook campaign page via video. “Since I announced my intention to run for Bloomington City Council, I’ve shared with several people […]
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The Bloomington City Council was presented with a plan to extend the Constitution Trail last night. The Council was asked to vote on an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Grant that would fund the construction for the project. The extension of the trail would go from Lafayette Street to Hamilton Road. It would give more neighborhoods, such as the Hilltop Mobile Homes, better access to commercial areas. “There are […]
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Democratic Socialists of America in Bloomington organized a vigil last week on the night of a city council meeting calling on the town to enact the “Welcoming Cities Ordinance”. This is not the first time the city has heard of this ordinance. Two years ago, both Normal and Bloomington were given this ordinance to vote on, but only the town of Normal approved it. The “Welcoming […]
NORMAL, Ill.- On Tuesday, January 21 the Normal Town council gathered for their regular meeting and were pressed by the Climate Action campaign to adopt and implement a plan that is designed to protect Normal citizens from extreme weather. The Bloomington and Normal councils have not had any plans in place to protect and serve those within the community who are exposed to the elements. During public comment, lead organizer on the Climate […]
BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Planning Commission held a public hearing taking a closer look at zoning. The hearing focused on adult-use permits in the agriculture, business, and manufacturing zones in the City of Bloomington. The Planning Commission wanted to gather the public for comment so that they can make a recommendation back to council.The commission was reminded that with opting in the city may then chose to allow permitted on-site […]
BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington City Council approved the 2019 Tax Levy earlier this week. City Manager Tim Gleason said that the council was in a position to hold property tax. The purposed tax rate is similar to the tax rate of 2018 which was $20.5 million tax levy estimate with a similar rate. Mayor Tari Renner asked if there was more put into the levy because of growth and strength […]
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Mayor Tari Renner opened the regular meeting with public comment. People from all over the community came forward yesterday to present their position on the Cannabis Zoning regulations and ordinances. Councilwoman Kim Bray asked if the council could opt-out of the specific agricultural zoning ordinances as a sub-motion. The motion was denied with a 2-7 vote. The discussion of how the revenue could help new lunch programs and […]
