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🌱 Will Bloomington combine key commissions to fix its volunteer shortage?

Hello Bloomington! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Bloomington combine key commissions to fix its volunteer shortage?
  • What $1 million in upgrades will change at the McLean County Fairgrounds
  • How the ongoing ISU strike could affect Bloomington-area students and staff

Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, windy and warm, with a high of 82 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cooler; a little morning rain, temps: high: 55, low: 35.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and cool, with a high of 55 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Bloomington wants volunteer service help — and lots of it — as term expirations loom (wglt.org) — Bloomington is facing a major shortage of volunteers for its city boards and commissions, with more than half of appointed seats vacant or expiring this year. Mayor Dan Brady is actively recruiting residents and considering combining some commissions to ensure quorums, keep development projects moving, and maintain vital services that shape everyday life in the city.
   

2. McLean County Farm Bureau investing $1 million into fairgrounds for upgrades (centralillinoisproud.com) — Bloomington’s McLean County Fairgrounds are set for a $1 million upgrade over the next three years, funded by the McLean County Farm Bureau. Planned improvements include HVAC, electrical and concrete work, barn repairs, and kitchen updates to keep the long-running fair comfortable, safe, and enjoyable when it returns July 29–Aug. 2.
   

3. Illinois State University employee strike continues after latest mediation session (wjbc.com) — Illinois State University employees in Normal are extending their strike after a mediation session Wednesday ended without movement on a new contract, a situation that directly affects many Bloomington-area students and staff. About 300 buildings, grounds, and dining workers represented by AFSCME Local 1110 are seeking higher pay and what they call a fair contract, while the university says its final offer already includes multiple wage increases.
   

4. Illinois Wesleyan Titans Make History with Record-Breaking $3.6 Million Day of Giving (iwu.edu) — Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington just set a McLean County record by raising over $3.6 million in a single “All In for Wesleyan” giving day. Thousands of alumni and friends contributed 2,184 gifts to support scholarships, research, technology, athletics, and other opportunities for current and future Titans, coinciding with the university’s 175th anniversary.
   

5. Top Cities to Live Include Illinois Locations (q985online.com) — Bloomington earns a spot on Livability’s new list of the 100 best small to mid-sized cities in America, highlighting its balance of affordability and quality of life. The ranking, which also features several other Illinois communities, focuses on places where middle-class families can stretch their money while still enjoying strong amenities, safety, and job opportunities.
   

📸 Around Bloomington

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thank you for prayers Coco has been found.
    21 days later. Her owners said she was found by a young girl in Normal off Broadway. She is fine, she’s being checked out by vet and had a few ticks… (Nextdoor Rollingbrook Park)
  • I would like to plant a community garden in my backyard.
    With the price of food rising we really need to start planting our own. I have the space but I need volunteers to till the soil, plant the seeds and… (Nextdoor Fairway Knolls)
  • Chilli's posted a job opening for Janitor - Normal Chili's - No Experience Required in Bloomington. Apply here.
  • Crown Equipment Corporation posted a job opening for Mechanic - Auto / Diesel / Forklift Technician in Bloomington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bloomington here.

Ok Bloomington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Bloomington

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Bloomington

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.