Michele Steinbacher

Nov 7, 2023 | wglt.org | Michele Steinbacher

Normal will require landlords to give tenants advance notice before entering their residences, after the Normal Town Council's approval Monday night. A new ordinance - set to take effect later this month - means renters will be afforded a 12-hour notice prior to non-urgent access to the units. Exceptions include emergencies, or requested repairs. The vote followed renewed c alls from Illinois State University students to add the protection.

Oct 24, 2023 | wglt.org | Michele Steinbacher

The Bloomington City Council on Monday OK'd the fire department's plan to ease hiring rules tied to paramedic licensing. Previously, the city mandated only licensed paramedics be considered for open firefighter positions. But that no longer is the case with Monday's vote. The Bloomington Fire Department still expects its first responders to be paramedics. But under the new policy, if a new firefighter doesn't have the paramedic certification, BFD staff will train them.

Oct 18, 2023 | wglt.org | Michele Steinbacher

Unit 5's strategic planning initiative is gaining momentum, with a draft expected by March, the school board heard during its meeting on Wednesday. Superintendent Kristen Weikle updated the board with a slide presentation that touched on data collected so far. About 6,600 teens, families, and staff took the initial survey after the initiative's kickoff this fall. More than half of the surveys are from students in grades 6 through 12.

Oct 16, 2023 | wglt.org | Michele Steinbacher

Normal will expand some employee benefits as part of a recruiting and retention effort, after the town council approved the changes at its meeting on Monday. Notable changes include expanding how far away from Normal town staff can call home, and adding paid parental leave. The city's personnel code hasn't been evaluated and modified like this in many years, said City Manager Pam Reece.

Oct 12, 2023 | wglt.org | Michele Steinbacher

Randall Knapp is the new McLean County Board representative for Normal's District 5, after the board on Wednesday approved his appointment on a 17-2 vote. Knapp was seated after the vote. He replaces longtime board member John McIntyre, who until September served as board chair. The Republican stepped down last month due to health issues; board rules required a fellow party member fill his seat.