Annual Report 2013 Part 2 by Panta Graph

ANNUAL REPORT

Mark Pickering, managing editor, 309-829-9000, ext. 252, email: newsroom@pantagraph.com

SATURDAY, March 23, 2013

Duane Farrington

State Farm adapts or State Farm, change has been a constant over our 90 years as a company. Technology continues to change our world and the marketplace. As consumers, we find that technology is changing our behaviors and our expectations of the companies we do business with. State Farm is impacted by these same changes and yet our core values remain the same as we help our customers manage risks, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. In 2012, we continued to grow while building new platforms that will allow us to better adapt to customers’ ever-changing needs and expectations. This positive momentum was created by the collective energy and focus of State Farm associates. We recently shared information with our employees about our plans to expand in Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix. In addition to these locations, we will continue operating in a number of communities where we have an established presence. These types of changes are not new for State Farm. We continuously review our operations and facilities to make sure employees are in the right places to provide the best possible service to our customers. We know these types of decisions have an impact not only on our associates, but also to the communities we live and work in. As far as our presence in Bloomington, while there have been reports to the contrary, our headquarters will remain here. State Farm strives to be a good neighbor, helping to build stronger, safer, better-educated communities. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Heartland Community College to present a gift from the State Farm Foundation. The $1.5 million grant will be used in part to support students from low-income backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a degree in information technology. In today’s society, a foundational understanding of technology is an essential skill for anyone entering the workforce, regardless of the industry. As the leader in the insurance industry, technology plays a big role in our success. To continue that success, we look for associates with technical skills in the areas of advance programming, network management and systems application architecture, just to name a few. We believe supporting educational programs like Heartland’s information technology degrees is a win-win for all involved. State Farm and State Farm Companies Foundation partner with other higher education institutions throughout Central Illinois. We continue to work with the University of Illinois Research Facility in Champaign and are also providing scholarship money for UI students interested in the IT field. In

SEE FARRINGTON / PAGE 2

The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Katy Nichols of Clinton, left, and her husband, Sam, move their newborn son,Jackson, from the former birthing unit to the hospital's new nursery on June 25 as patients from intensive care and obstetrics occupy the new addition.

Health care’s new look Area hospitals add new services, care centers By Paul Swiech pswiech@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — New places for medical care and rehabilitation and new weapons in the battles against stroke and youth sudden cardiac death are among patient advances at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. Advocate BroMenn’s mother-baby, intensive care and progressive care units have been busy since moving last summer from BroMenn’s 1967 building to a new, larger building constructed on the west side of the existing hospital, 1304 Franklin Ave., Normal. That 136,000square-foot addition — which cost $53.5 million — is a four-story, triangleThe Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER shaped building that Dan OSF Healthcare RN Michael Lehner monitors patients in July from the OSF ConstantCare in Peoria. Cooper, planning and design manager, noted was built on schedule and on budget. tum (including for mothers women’s and children’s nursery for newborns whose Sixty larger, private rooms who have had a Caesarean services, and Doug Brown, mothers need a break, a sevinclude 20 for labor, delivery, section); 18 are for progresdirector of surgical, neuroen-bed special care nursery recovery and postpartum sive care (for patients who science and acute rehabilita- for higher-risk or ill newcare, which allows most need a higher level of care tion nursing. borns, two suites for multiple mothers to stay in the same but not intensive care); and The addition also includes births, a room for tub births room throughout their hos12 for intensive care, said Lee two rooms for Caesarean and three isolation suites for SEE HEALTH / PAGE 2 pital stay; 10 are for postpar- Ann Wallace, director of sections, a 12-bed respite

Bloomington moves to get on solid financial footing By Rachel Wells rwells@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — In coming years, the city of Bloomington must address about $114 million in pension debt, a $60 million backlog in street repairs and possibly even more expensive needs in sewers and other infrastructure. In order to meet those needs, the city requires study and stability, said finance director PattiLynn Silva. “These aren’t things you can really kind of wing it,” she said. Silva became the city’s permanent finance director on May 1, after a series of temporary hires over the prior fiscal year. She took the helm of the department after its staffing was cut almost in half between 2006 and 2011, as attrition and an early retirement package wiped out most of its institutional knowledge. The city in that time began rolling out city-wide financial software and delved into study after study of the city’s financial needs. As a sign of the department’s instability, the city’s re-

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Workers for Stark Excavating lay a 30-inch sewer line into a trench as the Locust-Colton sewer separation project crossed Towanda Avenue at East Locust Street in 2012. The $9 million project is designed to remove sewerage from storm water across a large portion of Bloomington's near eastside. quired annual financial report was two months late in 2012 and Silva said they were “lucky to have it done then.” By early 2013, though, Silva said the city was further along toward a stable, more technically competent finance team with 11 full-

time employees (there were 17 in 2006 and a low of nine in 2010 and 2011) and the number of certified public accountants up from one in 2011 to four. A proposed budget for the next fiscal year would bring department staffing up to 13.

The city also continued to see progress toward more stable finances. The general fund had a negative balance in 2008 but has continued to rebound, with $14.4 million in reserves at the close of fiscal year 2012, which ended April 30. The city expects $17 million in reserves for the end of fiscal year 2013. At the same time, the city faces major long-term liabilities, including a requirement to improve pension funding, and continues to see some funds, including storm sewer, operate in the red. Though the city has built up its water fund to more than $17 million, Silva said the need for infrastructure will far exceed the savings. Some of that infrastructure will come in the form of facilities to expand the city’s water supply, which — as residents were reminded during 2012 — is vulnerable to drought. Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake were full by early 2013, but residents earlier saw water use restrictions set in a new ordinance, one of several steps taken SEE FINANCIAL / PAGE 2

ANNUAL REPORT

2 • The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013

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Justice center flaws hit Livingston By Kevin Barlow kbarlow@pantagraph.com

PONTIAC — Noise made news in Livingston County in 2012. In their first full year in the new Livingston County Law and Justice Center, county officials noticed problems. County board and committee meetings were filled with complaints, suggestions, plans and promises to fix the $16 million building, which opened in November 2011. The water was not even safe to drink for most of the year. In January 2012,county officials were told there were 99 violations of the Environmental Barriers Act, the Illinois Accessibility Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office threatened to fine the county up to $250 per day for non-compliance issues ranging from signs to curbs and ramps that were not up to code. As officials were dealing with those problems, Judge Jennifer Bauknecht informed the county that cooling towers for roof air conditioning were creating too much noise in the courtrooms. “The best way to describe the noise is that is sounds like you are in a tool shed with a metal roof during a driving rain storm,” she wrote in a

FARRINGTON FROM 1

addition, Illinois State University is home to the State Farm Hall of Business. Our chairman and CEO, Ed Rust Jr., is a strong champion for education reform and leads our philanthropic efforts. That energy flows throughout the company. Thousands of

The Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY

Among issues at the Livingston County Law & Justice Center in Pontiac, the red tactile bumpy panels, which are designed to assist blind pedestrians into the crosswalk, have been installed in such a manner that they could aim a blind person into the intersection, rather than the crosswalk. memo to the board. The county is spending $17,000 for acoustical work to correct the problem. The remainder of the violations have been addressed and are either resolved or near completion.The cost to the county has not been finalized, said Jack Hayes, president of Frederick Quinn Corp., the construction management company. Meanwhile, the former courthouse on the square in Pontiac was reopened to the county’s non-judicial offices after a $6 million renovation. The 138-year-old courthouse is now fully restored and is becoming a popular spot for tourism, one of Pontiac’s State Farm agents, team members, employees and retirees give generously of their time and talents to help their communities grow. That energy also motivates me. I’m proud to be in my 33rd year with State Farm, working for a company that shares my values and has the customer’s best interests at heart. Farrington is executive vice president and chief administrative officer at State Farm.

leading industries. Nearly 30,000 tourists visited Pontiac in 2012, according to Tourism Director Ellie Alexander, an increase of 25 percent over 2011. The Route 66 Association of Illinois’ Hall of Fame and Museum continues to be the main attraction, although the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center is also popular, she said. While bus tours continue to drive the numbers, Alexander said that tourists often tell her that they hear about Pontiac via word of mouth or through research. “We have found that people have written letters to travel magazines, websites

FINANCIAL FROM 1

in an effort to maximize supply both in the shortand long-term. Besides water, the city continued to think green when it came to solid waste. The public works department moved into automated recycling pickup, with the introduction of carts late last year. Since the change, recy-

and blogs about their experience here and that has also played a part,” she said. Another local effort that has gained attention is the Pontiac Township High School student-developed National Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2). It was chosen the top environmental education program in the U.S. and second in the world at the Volvo Adventure Awards in Gothenburg, Sweden. The team attended the awards ceremony in Sweden in June. The program promotes awareness that improperly discarded drugs can pollute groundwater and return to our bodies through drinking water and food. “What is amazing to me is that students from Pontiac Township High School are making a real difference all around the world,” said science teacher Paul Ritter, who led students in the effort. Two longtime Kmart stores in the area closed in January. The Pontiac Kmart store, located in the Vermillion Plaza for more than 40 years, announced in October it would close, affecting 47 full- and part-time employees. Later, the Streator Kmart store, located in Northpoint Plaza for 26 years with 45 employees, also announced it would shut its doors.

cling participation has increased to about 65 percent. Garbage pick-up continued to see a tax subsidy, though a $2 fee increase to $16 per month helped bring the subsidy level down. Meanwhile, “quality of life” initiatives, though drawing record-breaking crowds, continued to draw on tax money. The U.S. Cellular Coliseum’s private manage-

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highly infectious patients. Meanwhile, at OSF St. Joseph, 2200 E. Washington St., Bloomington, the Center for Healthy Lifestyles and cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation joined forces and moved in December to the first floor of the Birthing Center addition.The center opened in 2011 but the first floor remained unoccupied in anticipation of the CHL/rehabilitation move. Previously, the two units were in separate locations elsewhere in the hospital. “This is an opportunity for two departments to align, with the goals of community health, disease prevention, disease management and education,” said CHL Director Erin Kennedy. Cardiac/pulmonary outpatients have been exercising side by side with people without a history of disease. “The culture is changing to emphasize preventive medicine, not just acute care,” said Larry Wills, vice president of hospital operations. The moves and alignment are part of St. Joseph’s $21 million fa-

ment team again reported operating losses, and the City Council in spring 2012 reluctantly approved a $450,000 boost to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts’ sales tax subsidy. Miller Park Zoo received a one-year accreditation extension during an Association of Zoos and Aquariums review in summer 2012. But the city believes the adoption of a master plan and a formal

cility master plan to renovate some existing areas and move outpatient services closer to hospital entrances to make it easier for outpatients and visitors. Other patient advances include: ◗ Opening of Advocate BroMenn Outpatient Center, 3024 E. Empire St., in August. The 84,000-squarefoot, $23.4 million building includes Advocate Medical Group’s Immediate Care and Occupational Health Services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; women’s imaging services, including mammography and bone density testing; outpatient lab services; offices for three family medicine physicians and three pediatricians; and specialty clinics for skin care, cardiology and pulmonary care and general surgery. ◗ Addition at both hospitals of the Solitaire revascularization device procedure, a way to remove blood clots in the brain to reverse some stroke symptoms. ◗ Advocate for Young Hearts — free, voluntary cardiac screenings for high school students by Advocate BroMenn. The first screenings were at Central Catholic High School in November.

agreement with the zoo’s fundraising arm last year will help it receive full, five-year accreditation this summer. In public safety, the city opened a fire training tower at a cost of $780,000 and the Bloomington Police Department in December learned of the retirement of Randy McKinley, the city’s police chief for about four years and a 28-year veteran of the department.

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Illinois State continues on path to growth s I look ahead to retirement, I find myself reflecting on my more than 30-year career at Illinois State as both a faculty member and as president. I’ve seen the university grow and change in many positive and exciting ways, advancing in academic excellence while remaining a dedicated community partner in BloomingtonNormal and McLean County. Illinois State has distinguished itself as a firstchoice institution for academically talented students. Our incoming freshmen have proved themselves to be highly motivated, with an ACT average at an historic high of 24.3. An increasing number of those freshmen are students from under-

Al Bowman represented groups, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Once students arrive on campus, they become part of a community that challenges them academically and gives them the support they need to succeed and thrive. Personalized attention from faculty members and a wide array of academic and social support services have played a vital role in raising our freshman-to-

sophomore retention rate to an all-time high of 85.1 percent. The university’s standard measure graduation rate is also an historic high of 71 percent. Those numbers, combined with top-notch academic programs, dedicated faculty members and a welcoming campus atmosphere, have earned the university national recognition as a great value in higher education. Illinois State has been consistently ranked in the top 100 universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. There is also no denying the important role that the physical campus plays in attracting students to Illinois State. Our easily walkable campus, with its historic buildings and treefilled Quad, has again been

named as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Student Fitness Center, which opened in 2011, is busy from early morning until late at night and recently celebrated its one millionth student visit. Renovated dining centers and residence halls give students a comfortable home away from home. Our recently opened Cardinal Court complex provides the convenience and independence of apartment living in an on-campus setting. Illinois State boasts a number of venues that provide enriching experiences for members of the community. Bone Student Center’s Braden Auditorium and Brown Ballroom routinely host well-known performers and speakers. The Center for the Performing Arts is home to

university theater productions and performances by student and faculty music ensembles. Redbird Arena and our other sports facilities are visited by thousands of fans every year. Renovations to Hancock Stadium will provide new grandstand and club seating for Redbird football fans this fall. We also look forward to proceeding with plans to update aging classrooms and studios in our fine arts complex. Illinois State’s growth and success in recent years would be considered remarkable in the best of times. It is all the more notable because that success came against the backdrop of a state fiscal crisis and continuing cuts in higher education funding. In times of stress, we pulled together as a cam-

pus and as a community to keep this institution thriving. It is in this fact that I find my greatest source of pride. Like all colleges and universities, Illinois State will continue to face the challenges of economic uncertainty, increased competition for prospective students and the demands of a rapidly changing world. The university has been on a solid footing for more than 150 years and I am confident it will continue to grow and prosper. As I return to the slightly less hectic but fundamentally important life of a professor, I look forward to a continuing role in Illinois State’s success story. Bowman is president, Illinois State University, Normal.

IWU women claim trophy; ISU gets new coach By Randy Reinhardt rreinhardt@pantagraph.com

It was an eventful and extremely successful 2012 in Bloomington-Normal college basketball. The Illinois Wesleyan women’s team completed a dramatic season in Holland, Mich., at the Division III Final Four. During a season marked by head coach Mia Smith’s battle with breast cancer,the Titans claimed their first national championship with a 57-48 victory over George Fox. The pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER IWU senior Olivia Lett was selected national Player Illinois Wesleyan University coach Mia Smith talks about her national championship winning of the Year, while Smith team during a celebration at Shirk Center on March 27, 2012. earned national Coach of the Year honors. The Titan men made their game was contested. Creighton to overtime in the Tournament berth. ISU defifth Final Four trip to Salem, Illinois Wesleyan senior Missouri Valley Conference feated Mississippi in the NIT Va., and were defeated, 81- Jordan Zimmer earned third Tournament championship before dropping a second78, in the semifinals by team All-American honors. game but were defeated, 83- round game at Stanford in Cabrini. No third-place The Illinois State men took 79, and denied an NCAA overtime.

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BLOOMINGTON — Topping Central Illinois Regional Airport’s most wanted list for 2013 is more flights and more seats. Officials are working to lure added service in hopes the airport will recover from a 16 percent drop in passenger traffic in 2012. The June departure of CIRA’s second largest carrier, AirTran Airways, is blamed for the decline, said Paul Harmon, chairman of the B l o o m i n g to n - N o r m a l Airport Authority. “Attracting service; that’s our number one priority,” said Harmon, adding that both Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, which began flights out of the Twin Cities in May, have helped restore some of the lost service. Frontier connects passengers to both Denver and Orlando, Fla. Las Vegasbased Allegiant offers flights to Orlando. Harmon said officials are now in communications with airlines, although no announcements are expected in the short-term. Airport officials have their work cut out for them as regional airports across the country compete for dwindling air service, brought on by cutbacks among airline carriers. But a $500,000 federal grant will serve as an incentive as officials work to secure service to the East Coast, either to Washington, D.C., or New

York. The federal grant is augmented by another $200,000 in revenue and in-kind marketing services from the airport and the Community Air Service Initiative, a fund launched in early 2012 by the Mclean County Chamber of Commerce. The fund helped secure Frontier’s Denver service from the Twin Cities by offering a safety net should the company not meet its financial goals during its first year. The initiative raised up to $450,000 in donations from businesses and local governments. “We have a great investment here in CIRA; it’s in a central location and it’s a great transportation hub for us, for corporate bases, small businesses and leisure travel,” said Charlie Moore, chief executive officer for the chamber. Moore said investors for the fund are scheduled to meet this month to discuss priorities for the initiative this year. So far, Frontier has had success with its Denver route, said Moore. Seven months after the first flight, the carrier switched from a 99-seat aircraft to a 138-set Airbus in January. Delta also recently announced it would expand seats, said Harmon. “We’re getting some full-size aircraft,” said Harmon. “Even though they are not adding flights, by increasing the size of the planes, they are increasing the number of seats.”

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winning season for the first time since the 1940s and was part of the Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time since 2006. The Redbirds edged Appalachian State on the road before losing to Eastern Washington in the quarterfinals. Another highlight for Coach Brock Spack’s team was the beginning of construction on a new east side for Hancock Stadium. The $25 million project is scheduled to be completed by the start of the coming season. ISU junior Tim Glover earned his second straight NCAA championship in the javelin, while Redbird Brittany Smith took second at the national meet in both the shot put and hammer throw. The Heartland College baseball team placed third at the NJCAA Division II national tournament.

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Head coach Tim Jankovich left the Redbirds after the season to take an assistant coach position at Southern Methodist with the understanding he would become head coach when Larry Brown retires. ISU dipped into its past for Jankovich’s replacement. The Redbirds hired Vanderbilt a s s i s ta n t Dan Muller, a former ISU player. The Redb i r d Dan w o m e n ’s Muller t e a m earned a WNIT bid for the fourth straight season and defeated Central Michigan before losing to Villanova in the second round. The ISU football team posted its fourth straight

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ANNUAL REPORT

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Bloomington prepared for future vision s this will be my last report to you, I’m pleased to say our city has made excellent progress in recovering from financial adversity. The new mayor and aldermen elected in April will inherit a stronger city that can grow and undertake new improvements. Bloomington also is gaining valuable insights into future needs through penetrating assessments of infrastructure and pension obligations. Predicting challenges is necessary to set priorities, which are important because our city’s revenues are limited. There is never enough money to do all the worthwhile projects at once. Our financial reserves are stronger than ever. Pre-recession, we had a 10 percent reserve; we have restored that to 15 percent. We also have reduced our bonded indebtedness and accelerated repayment of other debts. These factors are important in achieving a good credit rating, and Bloomington was recently upgraded to AA+ with a stable

Steve Stockton outlook — one step away from the highest rating possible. Beyond its emergency reserves, the city has built up a savings account that can serve as “seed money” for important projects future councils may deem desirable. In City Manager David Hales, the city has someone who can control budgets and increase efficiency. With the cooperation of city employees, he has given us budget surpluses. Over the past three years, we kept a stable property tax levy until now, when we are able to reduce it. There are no new fee increases planned for the upcoming year. Even prior to Hales’ hiring we had instituted workforce cuts and we remain

about 11 percent below our previous staffing, saving millions every year. The city also has been studying “managed competition,” which is an analysis of what the city does and how well we do it. Managed competition is sometimes mistaken as synonymous for outsourcing, but it really is just a way of systematically exploring efficiency. All functions are continuously monitored for improvement, which could include outsourcing if an outside firm can ultimately be more efficient. But outside firms also can lose their contracts if we find city employees are better at the task. For example, though it wasn’t called “managed competition” then, the city took over paramedic services from a private contractor, and now provides better service through firefighters. The City Council has been supportive of performance improvements because it saves tax dollars. Recently, the city began single-stream recycling and is now using automated

trucks to lift and dump the new recycling containers. This not only reduces the number of employees needed, it also cuts down on the chance of lifting injuries. We are now examining opportunities to automate regular trash collection. A number of road projects have just been completed, notably, the city’s cooperative project with the state — Morris Avenue has been improved south from the zoo; Tanner Street has been widened; and the intersection of Six Points Road and Veterans Parkway has been modified. Eight years ago, the city was only allocating $500,000 annually for road resurfacing; we plan on spending $4 million next year. Similarly, the longanticipated $10 million project to construct a new east-side sewer line was completed. We also are continuing to diversify our water supply, planning to incorporate wells. Completed studies have indicated wells on the southwest side of the city

would be most promising, and long-term testing is under way to assure the area can actually support the proposed withdraw of water. We have formulated plans for our parks, too, including the master plan for Miller Park Zoo that was released in 2012. After 10 years of delay, the city opened Gaelic Park last year, and plans for another are pending. Just as important as infrastructure are the city’s pension obligations. The recession caused losses in the funds’ investments, increasing the future liability to taxpayers. We have contracted with an actuary for a plan so workers will receive promised pensions without putting all the burden on current taxpayers. Government’s mission is optimizing quality of life for its citizens, but with reasonable taxes and fees. Quality of life is important to both current residents, and for attracting future jobs and job seekers. We have been fortunate to have good jobs in our community, but they are always at

risk. Just to stay even, we must ensure that our city compares well to other communities. To attract prosperity, we must stand out in some way, we can’t just be “average,” but we can’t afford to “do it all” either. That means making choices — and having a deliberate “vision” to be better than our competition. This future vision is so important that we must ensure citizens have an opportunity to understand our options and provide input. Every citizen has a stake in our city’s direction — both as a resident and a taxpayer — and should have an opportunity to be heard. I have urged the city council to facilitate a community vision process, possibly jointly with other local governments. For our future, the financial stabilization and planning we have accomplished will prove beneficial, and the adjustments already made will leverage even greater prosperity. Stockton is mayor of Bloomington.

Communities bargain for cheaper electricity rates By Kenneth Lowe klowe@pantagraph.com

The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

An Ameren utility tower supplies power to a westside Bloomington subdivision.Ameren customers will now be able to obtain power through outside contractors.

BLOOMINGTON — Numerous Central Illinois towns and counties decided in 2012 to enter electric aggregation agreements in the hopes of cheaper electrical rates. The practice allows groups to bargain as a larger group, leveraging their buying power with utilities. Individual residents can opt out, or can change their minds for free within 30 days of adopting a new provider. Normal, Heyworth and Randolph Township were among 51 communities that voted in favor of the practice in November. About 5 percent of Normal residents have decided to opt out, according to figures provided by Homefield Energy, a company through which Normal bargains its price. Some current Homefield clients have a rate of about $0.049 per kilowatt hour through June 2014, lower than $0.054 through Ameren Illinois, though Ameren rates are scheduled to change in June of

this year. Normal voters originally rejected the idea, as did those in Bloomington. City voters will give the idea another try on the April 9 ballot. Generally, some who opt out just want to make their own decision about suppliers. Others think it allows too much government involvement. “In theory, I would think the residents would be happy their municipal governments took this step

and allowed the citizens to voice their opinion on the matter in an election process,” said Samantha Hager, spokeswoman for Homefield. “In the end, communities that have moved forward with the municipal aggregation process have done so based on the voice of their constituents.” Bloomington Deputy City Manager Barb Adkins said voters may be convinced since surrounding communities have adopted

the practice. Adkins, who has been dealing closely with the issue, said more work will be necessary if voters approve the measure. “The consulting company has to solicit bids, bring in whichever (provider) would like to present,” Adkins said. “Those communities who all passed the referendum will then decide not only the lowest rate, but whether they want (additional details like) going totally green.”

Dwight prison closure looms By Edith Brady-Lunny eblunny@pantagraph.com

SPRINGFIELD — A heavily overpopulated state prison system will struggle even more this year as the planned closure as a women’s prison forces more inmates into facilities designed to house far fewer people. In February 2012, Gov. Pat Quinn targeted Tamms, the super-max prison in Southern Illinois, adult transition centers in Decatur and Carbondale, and a youth prison in Murphysboro for closure. But it was his plan to shutter the Dwight Correctional Center that drew criticism from prison reform advocates concerned that squeezing Dwight’s 1,000 inmates into Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln will add to stress-filled environment. The closure also stands to diminish the positive results Dwight staff have in rehabilitating those sentenced to the facility, said reform advocates. “Over the years, Dwight has trained its staff, hired larger numbers of female correction officers, and created a culture to address the unique needs of female inmates, most of whom come from backgrounds of serious trauma and physical, sexual and emotional

The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER

Trysta Sorensen, 9, of Pontiac holds a sign in support of Dwight prison where her father works during a rally at Dwight Township High School on March 5, 2012.

abuse,” said the John Howard Association of Illinois in its January statement opposing the closure. The Department of Corrections countered that existing programming will not only accompany inmates to Logan but plans call for opportunities in construction, parenting and nail technology. The reduction from two to three women’s prisons will save

millions, said IDOC spokeswoman Stacey Solano. No specific date has been set for the transfer. The state’s prisons have a current population of about 49,000 adults housed in a system designed for 34,000. The women from Dwight will be moved into quarters that now hold 1,600 men, who will be moved to other prisons. The state recently notified the union representing prison workers about plans to increase bed space at facilities in Centralia, Vandalia, Danville, Shawnee, Graham and Illinois River. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees objected to plans to convert gymnasiums into dormitory units for minimum security inmates. “Inmates in these facilities will continue to have access to dayrooms and yards for recreation. The department anticipates the need for these temporary housing units to decrease in the coming months,” said Solano. Implementation of a revised early release program is expected to help reduce prisoner numbers. The employee union also cited recent incidents of violence against staff in their arguments against the closures.

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The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 5

Wind power comes to Heartland campus Eureka College teams with Chinese university, Lincoln sees enrollment surge in working adults By Lenore Sobota lsobota@pantagraph.com

Heartland Community College charted a course for its future, Eureka College opened a new residence hall and Lincoln College instituted new programs to hold down students’ costs in 2012.

Heartland Community College A strategic plan that calls on Heartland Community College to encourage open communication and community collaboration, create access to lifelong learning and support student success was approved by the board of trustees in October. Hand in hand with developing the strategic plan, Heartland officials engaged in a visioning process that brought more than 170 business leaders and others to campus to discuss trends and needs and how Heartland can help meet those needs. In another move that looked toward the future, Heartland began operation of an industrial-size wind turbine on campus, which is ultimately expected to meet about half the school’s energy needs. The $5.2 million project is being paid through federal and state grants as well as savings in electrical costs. As a celebration in September, board chairman Gregg Chadwick described the turbine as “a classroom, a laboratory, a job creator, a revenue generator and a tax saver.” The turbine and other environmental efforts helped Heartland win a bronze award from the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact.

Eureka College The opening of the $6 million, three-story Ivy Hall residence hall was among the highlights of 2012 for Eureka College. The residence hall, which houses 87 students, opened Jan. 14, 2012, and

was part of a project that also included refurbishing and upgrading systems at the Gunzenhauser and Founders Court residence halls. Some of that work was done in 2011. Expanding opportunities for its students, Eureka entered into an exchange partnership with Lingnan University in China in April. A $75,000 grant from the Caterpillar Foundation will allow five students to study at Lingnan. The first three students participated in the fall semester. Two more are studying there during spring semester 2013. The school also continued to honor the legacy of its most famous graduate, former president Ronald Reagan, hosting its first Visiting Reagan Scholar, best-selling author Craig Shirley in October. Shirley, author of two books on Reagan, led a four-part course called “Reagan 101” that focused on Reagan’s presidential campaigns. The first class was recorded by C-SPAN for its Lectures in History series.

tion for students with associate’s degrees in applied science to get a bachelor’s degree. On the Lincoln campus, the college launched a Civility Initiative in fall 2012. The program discourages such actions as foul language and general rudeness; it rewards students with free pizzas, T-shirts and other items for positive civil behavior.

The Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY

The hub and blades of the new wind turbine under construction are lifted into place at Heartland Community College in Normal on April 11, 2012.

Spotlight on LeRoy

2013 Summer Events June

Smokin’ in the Park Car Show Intertribal Pow Wow August Fall Festival

Your Full Service Grocery Store! ★ Bakery ★ Deli ★ Fresh Meats ★ Produce

Lincoln College

— Open 7 Days a Week! — 200 S. Chestnut, LeRoy

A new scholarship program called the Opportunity Grant was instituted in 2012 to allow Lincoln College students to receive from $500 to $3,000 by completing the enrollment process early. This was a follow-up to the college lowering its tuition by 24 percent at its Lincoln campus and 28 percent at its Normal campus — to $17,500 and $16,500, respectively, for the 2012-13 school year — and other steps aimed at limiting student debt. A highlight for the Normal campus in 2012 was exceeding an enrollment of 300 students in its Accelerated Bridge to Education program, which is designed for working adults seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree. The college collaborated with Heartland Community College to add a Capstone Degree op-

Over 37 Years of

SALES & SERVICE! We Service Most Brands of TVs. Proud to Sell LG!

Mike’s Electronics 20516070

“Be Smart - Buy Smart - Come See Us!” Rt. 150 West, LeRoy • 309-962-8154

20516087

Proud to be a part of the LeRoy Community

Dena Swigart (309) 661-1972 • (309) 825-2194

208 Cherry St., LeRoy 962-2011

Email: denaswigart@hotmail.com Web: www.denaswigart.com ©2013 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Afﬁliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity.

“Don’t Put It Off, Put It On!”

20516085

Operating in LeRoy for 34 Years!

20516089

www.leroyfertilizer.com

20516078

Production Plant •R.R. 1, LeRoy • 962-2931 20516099

SHOP IN DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON

Spotlight on

LEXINGTON One Call Is All You Need To Make.

Caroline Bird 261-0999

We Specialize in Sales & Service for John Deere, Woods, Unverferth, J&M, Frontier, eXmark & Stihl. Agriculture • Lawn & Garden 902 N. Orange, Lexington, IL Phone 309-365-2031 www.martinbros.com

carolinebird@hotmail.com

Heart of America REALTORS® , LTD

i u q c a J l l Ca MILLER

“I make it happen... You make it home!”

VISIT US IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON Great Food Specials! s! Great Drink Specials! s! Great Sports! Every Seat is the Best Seat in the House!!

20515932

20513998 205 20513 2 205139 0513 51 5139 139 13 39 9 98 8

20515934 20515934

20516246

JacquiMillerHomes@yahoo.com www.JacquiMillerHomes.com (309) 261-2284

Lexington Auction House 105 S. Vine, Lexington, IL

Auctions Every Friday Night Auctionzip.com - Enter 14759 Lunch Wagon Available after 3 p.m. Kdepot77@hotmail.com 1-309-824-3829

Koch’s 122 W. Main, Lexington, IL • 1-309-530-9032

21 HD

Each Ofﬁce is Independently Owned and Operated

20516250

Join us for the

Televisions

102 W. Washington, Bloomington 309-828-0142 20514041

20514010

“Like” us on

May 1st & 2nd in Lexington

20516002

ANNUAL REPORT

6 • The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013

www.pantagraph.com

Honor Roll of area businesses 1872 Early 1800s 1837 1837 ESTABLISHED

ESTABLISHED

For Youth Development • For Healthy Living For Social Responsibility

First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

www.blmfcc.com

301 W. Washington St. Bloomington, IL

(309) 827-6950

401 W. Jefferson Bloomington 829-9327

Pantagraph.com

ESTABLISHED

20513146

ESTABLISHED

1884

20513022

20513820

ESTABLISHED

1890

1898

Morris Tick Company Recycling • Aluminum Cans • Scrap Metal & Iron Tick Steel Fabrication • Steel Sales • Custom Fabrication • On Site Welding

BLOOMINGTON TENT & AWNING “Always a Shade Better” Since 1890

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL AWNINGS & TENT RENTALS www.bloomingtontent-awning.com

812 I.A.A. Dr., Bloomington, IL 61701 20512997

828-3411

All types of Repairs... Watch, Clock & Jewelry New & Antique

600 West Side Square - Clinton 20513158

ESTABLISHED

Box 47, Graymont 815-743-5951 314 Crittendon, Chenoa 815-945-7871

www.sbofgray.com

20513101

1100 W. Howard, Pontiac 815-844-4433

First State Bank of Forrest Member FDIC “A strong friend for your family” 133 E. Krack St., Forrest, IL (815) 657-8248 603 W. Oak Street, Fairbury, IL (815) 692-4321 115 N. Chestnut, Onarga, IL (815) 268-7351

Costigan & Wollrab, P.C. 308 E. Washington Street Bloomington, IL 61701

20513104

ESTABLISHED

82 Great Years Residential • Commercial Fully Insured Illinois State License #1

“A Step Ahead in Foot Care” 20513795

ESTABLISHED

Bloomington - Ph. 309-828-2741 Chenoa - Ph. 815-945-2141 Pontiac - Ph. 815-842-1627 Fax: 815-945-7066

View all our inventory at

www.shopbarker.com

1507 E. Vernon, Normal

309.662.2886

www.ClayDooley.com • Expert Auto Service • Expert Advice • ASE Certiﬁed Technicians 20512999

1811 Eastland Drive 801 W. Market Street (Inside the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church)

Bloomington | 661.1166 www.midillinicu.com

(309) 662 7272 www.nybakke.com 20512980

ESTABLISHED

1944

1920

“Woodford County’s Only Independent Locally Owned Bank!”

1942

“SOUND OF ILLINOIS CHORUS”

Our Founder, Dr. Watson Gailey, opened the ﬁrst Gailey Eye Clinic in Bloomington, Illinois in 1941. He was a nationally renowned specialist and a true pioneer in ophthalmology that was devoted to providing world class eye care. Gailey Eye Clinic continues to uphold Dr. Gailey’s vision, providing our patients with the most advanced treatments and highest quality eye care. We have grown to include 13 Ophthalmologists, 6 Optometrists, and 16 locations in the Central Illinois region, each living up to the impeccable reputation of the Gailey name. To schedule an appointment, please call 800-325-7706.

Barbershop Chorus Meets Every Tuesday Night 7:00 - 9:30 PM www.soundofillinois.com

(309) 846-7123 20513875

ESTABLISHED

1947

1946

Goodﬁeld 309-965-2221 Eureka 309-467-2747 Metamora Coming soon

ESTABLISHED

1941

814 IAA Drive, Bloomington, Illinois, 61701

1201 N. Hershey Rd. Bloomington, IL 61704 (309) 662-0461 www.ywcamclean.org

ESTABLISHED

Locally Owned & Operated American-Made Vacuums!! “Like” us on

20513043

20513497

• Child Care • Hallmark Programs • Home Care Services • Medivan • RSVP • Stepping Stones • Wheels to Work

309.828.5037

20513999

2708 McGraw Drive., Bloomington www.midstatepodiatry.com 800-475-5977 • 309-663-2306

(309) 664-1800

307 E. Grove St., Bloomington

1932

MIDSTATE PODIATRY ASSOCIATES, LTD

Business, Personal Life & Health

STOP IN AND SEE OUR NEW SHOWROOM! • Full Service Coffee Bar • Children’s Activity Center • Comfortable Customer Lounge Complete line of Pre-owned vehicles too!

309-663-4391

20512967

1908

1906

1917

ESTABLISHED

1930

ESTABLISHED

1917

2030 Ireland Grove Rd, Bloomington

(309) 828-4310 www.cwlawofﬁce.com

ESTABLISHED

Attorneys at Law

20513666

Member FDIC “A Full Service Bank Where Friendliness Prevails”

501 E. Stewart St. • Bloomington, IL 61701 Scrap 828-6084 • Steel 829-0655 www.morristick.com 20512995

ESTABLISHED

1916

STATE BANK OF GRAYMONT

1104 N. Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 828-2422

1 Brickyard Dr. Bloomington

217-935-4583

20513177

Bloomington-Normal YMCA 602 S. Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701 309-827-6233 www.bnymca.org

20513683

Ph. (309) 663-0355

• Back Lit Awnings • Custom Made • Retractable Fabric Products Awnings • Pool & Boat Covers • Canopies • Tent Sales

www.chenoail.org

20513951

www.evergreen-cemetery.com

ILLINOIS

20513974

Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 a.m.

20513068

302 E. Miller St. Bloomington, IL 61701

1951

1948

(309) 826•4066•2100 Bunn St•Bloomington

FISH FRYS 1208 N. TOWANDA IN TOWANDA PLAZA

309-827-8541 Hours: M-F 7-5 p.m., Sat. 8-4 p.m. 20513184

“Together We’re Better”

the 1st & 3rd Fridays of Each Month with COUNTRY BAND ENTERTAINMENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ALL WELCOME Book your Parties, Banquets and Receptions with us! Fishing Memberships Available Check us out on Facebook

309-829-3360

ESTABLISHED

Tarvin’s

David Davis Mansion

302 E. Washington, Bloomington (309) 827-5466

Water Conditioning

WWW.THECOPYSHOPONLINE.COM

ESTABLISHED

20513969

#8 Gilmore Dr. Bloomington (309) 663-4400

State Historic Site

Flowers for every occasion ...

Big House. Big Story. Big Adventure daviddavismansion.org 1000 Monroe Dr. Bloomington (309) 828-1084 20513858

Eldon Haab, AIFD Jane Haab 309-829-1001 800-792-4222 1208 Towanda, Bloomington

1540 E. College Ave. Normal 309-452-7436 www.themusicshoppe.com 20513987

20513002 205130

ESTABLISHED

1964

Seek Shelter Today!

Celebrating 48 years of serving Central Illinois! 2010 Fox Creek Road Bloomington, IL 309.828.4580 www.niepagens.com

HeritageOfCare.com

Look for us on Facebook!

20513171

20514001

• Asphalt Paving • Ready Mix Concrete • Complete Maintenance • Landscape Materials

827-4811

20513149

BRIAN THOENNES

Life • Home • Car • Farm • Business

FOR PERSONAL SERVICE, SEEK SHELTER TODAY.

20513167

Serving seniors & their families since 1963.

(309) 828-3337 20513011

20512993

1960

TRANSMISSIONS

Nationwide Warranty at over 800 Locations!

20513576

1960

AAMCO www.aamco.com 321 S. Main, Bloomington

1809 W. Hovey, Normal Ph. 309-557-4000

ESTABLISHED

20513150

1963

808 IAA Dr. Bloomington, IL 800-676-2541 www.iaacu.org

McLean County Unit 5 www.unit5.org

ESTABLISHED

1956

Quality Furniture, Flooring & Appliances The “Wright” Store For You 115 E. Madison, Pontiac (815) 844-7177

1963 19963

www.bloomingtonha.com

20513125

1954

20513105

104 E. Wood St. Bloomington

Member FDIC Member Pontiac Bancorp, Inc.

20513152

ESTABLISHED

WRIGHT’S

Providing quality affordable housing and self-sufficiency opportunities to low and moderate income citizens of McLean County.

Pontiac • Odell • Dwight Forrest • Fairbury www.bankofpontiac.com

See Brian Thoennes 410 N. Clinton • Blm. • Ph. 829-8451

Your Lifestyle. Your Landscape. Your Enjoyment. 1804 Towanda Barnes Rd. Bloomington, IL 61705 (309) 662-8527 www.grieders.com 20513993 20513340

ANNUAL REPORT

www.pantagraph.com

The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 7

Honor Roll of area businesses 1971 1971 1971 1971 1971 ESTABLISHED

ESTABLISHED

GENE’S

McLean County’s Choice Since 1971

ESTABLISHED

Dairy ry Delight MIKE FLYNN

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL HEART OF AMERICA REALTORS®

662-5823

Now Open! 1019 01 S. Main, Bloomington

20514402

ESTABLISHED

1972

Serving McLean County for Over 40 YEARS

2205 Ireland Grove Rd., Bloomington

BROKER – LAWYER – REALTOR®

20513129

20513143

ESTABLISHED

mﬂynn@cbhoa.com 309.662.2124

kurtsautobody.com

ESTABLISHED

1974

ESTABLISHED

1974

Check out our weekly Pantagraph ads for savings on Hunter-Douglas products!

20513006

KURT ZIMMER, OWNER

20513939

20513962

2027 Ireland Grove, Rd Bloomington,IL 309-662-1648 www.chucksharley-dav.com Bring A Friend - Make A Friend

Spring Is Here

2 LOCATIONS: Maroa Ph: (217) 794-2292 East Peoria Ph: (309) 699-6231

1974

1976

PIANOS PLUS HORINE’S

The safe and reliable way to get there!

YOUR FINER PIANO SHOW ROOM

662•5250

www.imusicenter.com

“Custom Home Builders”

20512977

www.charlieknappbuilders.com

Supporting Music today and tomorrow

• Instrument Rental & Repair • Sheet Music & Accessories • Yamaha Digital Pianos • Private Lessons

1336 E. Empire, Bloomington (309) 663-PLUS 888-231-8430 www.horines.net 20513010

AL LEGG

802 S. Eldorado Rd., Blm 309-661-1116 www.kiddermusic.com

ESTABLISHED

BILL’S KEY & LOCK SHOP

1980

BLOOMINGTON MEATS “Where Service Makes Friends”

127 E. Beaufort Ph. (309) 454-1713 and our Bloomington location opened in December of 2001

I-55 & Rt. 116 • Pontiac (815) 842-3344

In The Heart of Normal

Websites: www.lynnchevroletbuick.com www.lynnchevroletbuick.net Email: lynncvbu@mchsi.com

Mon.: 9 – 6 • Tues. – Fri.: 9 – 5 Saturday: 9 – 3

20513719

ESTABLISHED

20513113

(309) 828-9731

309.452.1612

www.solidgoldjewelers.net

1980

A Complete Continuing Care Retirement Community

Our office is open 7 days a week

• Retirement Living Apartments • The Willows Duplexes • Licensed Assisted Living • Martin Health Center 2025 E. Lincoln St., Bloomington (309) 663-6474 Locally Owned & Operated!

20513141

ESTABLISHED

1980

“Best meat on Bunn”

Westminster Village

20513020

402 N. Main Ph. (309) 827-5522

2401 S. Bunn St. Bloomington, IL

North Street & Broadway

20512982

Celebrating 36 years in our Normal location.

www.westminstervillageinc.com

ESTABLISHED

Canine Classic

ABBEY

1981

1615 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61701

(309) 452-5727

2405 Springfield Rd., Blm.

(309) 663-2241

www.etchesonspaandpool.com

moleholeofeastland.com

20513005

309-829-5023 www.k9classics.com

20513021

20513000

1201 South Main, Normal

20512992

New Vera Bradley Summer Launch...Available Now!

Stafﬁng with the Right People

• Doggi Daycare • Boarding • Grooming • Training

ESTABLISHED

1983

309-827-8576 www.apartment-mart.com 20512730

1982

P L A C E M E N T S

So Exclusive... Only Pets Are Allowed!!

Over 1000 apartments in more than 30 great locations!

ESTABLISHED

1982

Spa & Resort

Schedule your pool openings today!

Cell: 309-531-2177 Email: al@allegg.com Website: allegg.com Each Ofﬁce Independently Owned and Operated.

ESTABLISHED

1978

1976

• 37 Years of Experience • 2012 RE/MAX Choice #1 Individual Sales Broker of the Year. • Ranked #1 in the RE/MAX Illinois/St. Louis Region for 2012..

20513943

www.connect-transit.com

7717A North University Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 692-1277

20513794

Route Information 309.828.9833

TOTAL INVENTORY SALE GOING ON NOW!!

20513788

417 North Main Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 829-7529

http://haaqg.tripod.com/ Join us for Quilt Spectrum 2013, Sentimental Journey, which will be held on April 20th & 21st at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center.

2310 E. Oakland Ave., Suite 5 Bloomington, IL 309-662-6680 www.abbeyplacements.com

20513863

ESTABLISHED

1985

ESTABLISHED

1985

DRISCOLL WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

501 N. Clinton Bloomington

On-Campus College Living & Off-Campus Residential.

1210 Fort Jesse Road, Normal, Illinois

138 East Beaufort Street, Suite A

309.454.1611 20513019

ESTABLISHED

20513783

1030 W. Reynolds, Pontiac (815) 842-1143 or (800) 851-7605 www.driscollmotors.com

20513091

www.BratcherComfort.com

(309) 827-4010

www.johnstoncontractors.com

Normal, IL 309-888-4444

20514000

taxaccountingplus.com

303 N. Hershey Rd., Suite B Bloomington, 61704

72 Locations.

www.FirstSiteApartments.com

ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHE

20513755

309.663.6518

ESTABLISHED

1988

1986

1015 S. Mercer Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701

Ceneral Contractors Construction managers Design/Build

20513793

Our Tax Professionals have 9-26 Years Experience!

1990

SERVING BREAKFAST ALL DAY LONG –

MIDWEST EXCHANGE

TRY OUR FAMOUS OMELETTE!

• Hunter Douglas • Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Custom Draperies

Managing Broker

Installation • Professional Instal

20513953

SUE STRANG REALTY GROUP 309-824-0002 SueStrang@Realtor.com

Sue Strang 1991

1328 E. Empire St. Bloomington IL

309.662.8892 interiorsbythecottage.com

20512976

CRP, CRS, GRI, PMN, SFR FULL TIME REALTOR FOR 26+ YEARS.

218 NN. Main Street P.O. Box 622 Pontiac, IL 61764 815-844-6692 pontiacproud@route24.net On the web: PontiacProud.org

ESTABLISHED

Bob Brady

For better grades call Sylvan today!

At-Home Care For Your Loved Ones!

309.275.0836

20513970

• 23 Years of Knowledge & Experience in the Home Building & Real Estate Business • Specializing in Real Estate Brokerage, New Construction, & Remodeling • We will make the experience as stress free as possible! • From our Home to yours......

Each Ofﬁce Independently Owned and Operated.

Reading Math/Algebra Writing Study Skills ACT Test Prep

Normal 662-8537 Peoria 683-360120513790

FAMILY RESTAURANT

bnaudiology.com

1412 E. Empire, Blm.

contactus@bnaudiology.com

309-662-7296 (309) 828-8080

superfastcash.com Home of Quick Cash 20513072

20513121

ESTABLISHED

1991

512 IAA Drive Empire Plaza

1404 Eastland Drive Suite 203 Bloomington IL 61701 1508 W Reynolds St Suite B Pontiac IL 61764 309-662-8346

20512971

Sue Strang,

ESTABLISHED

1992

CNAs, NAs & Companions/Homemakers

Family Owned & Operated Over 20 Years!

www.acaringtouch.info

(309) 452-4848

Bloomington • 309.828.1516 Pontiac • 815.844.2400 20513163

1217 S. Adelaide St. Normal, IL 61761 Lic. #058107624

20512934

ESTABLISHED

1993

CJ’s RESTAURANT 1702 W. College Ave., Ste A-3 Normal, IL

309-661-1726 www.merrymaids.com Locally Owned

20513979

2901 E. Empire, Blm.

663-4444 Always Fresh, Always Original! 20513798 20513344

ANNUAL REPORT

8 • The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013

www.pantagraph.com

Dist. 87 revises outlook Chestnut reach expands L P ike many other school districts across the state of Illinois, Bloomington District 87 is experiencing challenging financial times. These challenges are due in large part to declining revenue sources at the local, state and federal levels. Despite these difficulties, we recognize the importance of providing the very best education to our students. District 87 fully accepts and remains committed to this responsibility. Our board of education has moved forward with revising our mission and vision statements to more accurately reflect the expectations of our students, staff and community. The new statements will lay out clear priorities for District 87 schools. These priorities will no doubt include providing our students with an education that will prepare them well for life beyond high school. The best way to accomplish this is to provide highquality principals, teachers and other staff members, along with an outstanding curriculum, to help students thrive in and out of the classroom. The future of education is already here, and it should be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Today, there are a number of high-quality supplemental resources our teachers and students can access

dition of technology devices to help advance the curriculum and lead to significant improvement in student achievement. We are beginning to see this as we pilot one-to-one devices in classrooms at all levels, without the devices leaving the buildings. Barry Reilly Imagine the great possibilithrough the Internet during ties when students do get to the school day. This is a take them home. great thing for our students. I read an article from a However, some students professional journal recentdo not have reliable, highly that suggested changing quality, high-speed access the phrase “one-to-one” to at home. “one-to-world.” This is a very important That one-word change issue, as this community broadens the vision to a has done great work to reworld of opportunities for duce the achievement gap students. I believe this is the that exists between low-in- path toward greater student come and non low-income achievement and I’m students. pleased District 87 will conTo ignore this issue will tinue to move forward. almost certainly increase A logical question is how the achievement gap, esDistrict 87 can afford to do sentially negating the great this while facing a signifiwork of many who have cant deficit. It certainly has contributed over the years. had an impact on the pace To ensure this does not at which we move forward. happen, we need to work as We have slowed our pilot a community so access to program while moving dethe Internet is not an issue liberately and patiently to for any student. learn best practices from Equal access for all stuour teachers participating dents will shift the culture in the pilot. of teaching and learning as We have a responsibility students become more reto provide the best possible sponsible for their learning. education to our students. It is this change in the The future of education is culture of teaching and here, and all of our students learning that moves curdeserve an equal opporturiculum and learning benity at this future. yond the school walls and beyond the school day. Reilly is superintendent, Bloomington School District 87. A supplement is the ad-

eople are inevitably surprised by the size and scope of Chestnut Health Systems. A notfor-profit organization once known as the substance abuse treatment center “Lighthouse,” Chestnut today employs some 750 people providing services from 25 locations through Illinois in seven distinct businesses. Long known for work in behavioral health, Chestnut remains a leader in providing addiction treatment for adults and adolescents. In addition to our treatment facilities in the Bloomington area, Chestnut offers addiction treatment services in the Metro East area near St. Louis with more than 300 Chestnut employees. In the Bloomington area, Chestnut also offers mental health treatment to individuals, couples and families. We serve as the community mental health center in St. Clair and Madison counties, the two largest population centers in the Metro East area. Our staff tends to the significant needs of Illinoisans who suffer from serious mental illness. In the past decade, recognizing an unmet need, Chestnut has committed to offer an array of affordable housing for the homeless who have a mental illness and/or a substance abuse problem. Chestnut provides nearly 250 housing units in central and southwestern Illinois, providing safe and

Joseph Medical Center for supporting Chestnut. Chestnut’s credit counseling program helps individuals and families better themselves financially by providing budget and debt management services and education. Our Lighthouse Institute research and trainAlan Sender ing division enjoys a stellar secure shelter to clients for national reputation. The whom homelessness was an substance abuse appraisal impediment to recovery. tool developed by the In the past year, Chestnut Bloomington-based instiHealth Systems has emtute is licensed to more than barked on a strategic initia3,000 organizational units in tive, the Chestnut Family 48 states, six Canadian Health Center, which is a provinces and six other medical clinic to serve the countries. Chestnut Global greater Bloomington-NorPartners provides employee mal community and ensure assistance and wellness our clients have access to a services to about 1.4 million medical home. People with people in more than 125 behavioral health issues countries through ventures have an array of medical in Brazil, China, India, Rusproblems that often go unsia and Mexico. addressed. Many primary Chestnut Health Systems’ care providers are unaccus- mission is “making a differtomed to working with peo- ence by improving quality of ple with addiction issues or life through excellence in psychiatric disabilities. service.” We have been Many adult clients of Chest- building on this commitnut’s addiction treatment ment for 40 years. Using an programs have untreated approach that is infrequenthigh blood pressure, respily found among not-forratory ailments or liver disprofit organizations, Chestease. Most women who need nut has built a sizable, diresidential substance abuse verse and highly respected treatment have not had rec- organization in the behavommended annual preven- ioral healthcare field. Its tive care for five years or staff of several hundred in more. The new clinic is des- Bloomington-Normal are ignated as a federally qualienhancing the quality of life fied health center, the only in our community. one in McLean County. We thank Advocate BroMenn Sender is chief operating officer,ChestMedical Center and OSF St. nut Health Systems,Bloomington.

Honor Roll of area businesses 1997 1997 1996 1994 1995 1994 ESTABLISHED

ESTABLISHED

great shops, great food, great times!

On the Square in Historic Downtown Bloomington

CREATION’S DOG TRAINING CENTER

CindyEckols.com

AUTO CENTER • Vehicles from $3,000 to

$50,000. • Free CARFAX on Every Vehicle. • 100 Point Mechanical Inspections. • National and Local Financing

Available. Rates Starting at 1.9%

208 Landmark Drive, Normal www.dennisonauto.com

ESTABLISHED

YOUR SPORTS HEADQUARTERS 102 West Washington (309) 828-0142

creationsdtc@frontier.com www.cdtcnormal.com

ESTABLISHED

20513528

2000

ESTABLISHED

1999

★

Call us at 1206 Towanda Ave. Bloomington

309-824-4505

ESTABLISHED

Email us at martindale@martindalecleaning.com

martindalecleaning.com

20513877

20512973

Family-owned Celebrating Almost 15 Years of Excellence

ESTABLISHED

2004

Every Saturday, 7:30 - Noon

downtownbloomington.org 20513738

20513735

ESTABLISHED

2003

★

803 Morrissey, Bloomington (309) 829-0936

1015 S. Mercer Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701 20513753

20513157

ESTABLISHED

2004

Check out F1RST FR1DAYS!

ESTABLISHED

2001

Daily Breakfast ★ & Lunch ★ Specials

309-827-4905

Ph. 309-829-3655

Café

2012 Season May 12 - Oct 27

Normal, IL

309-451-5625

Student & Residential Listings

Treating our community for 10 years!

309-454-2960

1302 Franklin Ave., Suite 1000, Normal (309) 268-3400 www.giendo.org

www.classactrealty.com Normal, Illinois

ESTABLISHED

CHUCK BEELER

M&S SECURITY SERVICES, LLC

2007

2009

LEXINGTON , IL

★ SMALL TOWN VALUES ★

1713 Fort Jesse Road Suite D Normal, IL 61761

View our complete inventory of new and used vehicles at

www.BarkerChevy.com

Ph. 309-829-3655

ESTABLISHED

2009

309-663-5800 www.katieskids.net

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Normal | 452-7999

20512988

(Uptown Normal)

(309)433-3567 cbeeler@cbhoa.com

www.roppcheese.com

Heart of America REALTORS® , LTD

20513995

2013 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. Some offices Independently Owned and Operated.

ESTABLISHED

2011

309-808-2125 www.core3pm.com

It’s Like Getting a Bedroom And Bath For Free! At $695 (plus utilities) our 3br/2bth row home Perfect for couples, families and roommate sharing. Come by and see why. Certain income restrictions apply. 309.451.5555 info@summertree.biz 711 W. Orlando, Normal, IL. 61761 Weekdays 9 to 5 Sat. 10 to 2 Sun. Closed

HOME BREWING

A local family-owned shop specializing in beer brewing and wine making supplies and equipment. 604 Dale St. Suite A1 • Normal (309)862-0700 20513625

tchomebrewing.com

Mickey Little, Owner 1012 S. Main St., Bloomington Ph. (309) 829-9800

2013 Annual Report

TWIN CITY Homebrewing

1716 RT Dunn Drive, Suite 4 Bloomington 114 North Street

BROKER COMMITTED—COMPETENT CARING

Elevating child development to a new level through the C.A.R.E. approach

20512727

2011

Check out the new Vera Bradley Summer Launch Stop in today!

2676 Ropp Rd. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-3641

20514005

309-365-2161

1602 Glenbridge Rd. & 2003 Jacobssen Bloomington

20513965

STOP IN For a Test Drive and Lunch is on Us! Guaranteed Credit Approval

LEARNING CENTER AT THE LINKS

20513748

John L. Zozzaro, D.C.

20513958

ONLY 10 MINUTES North of Menards on I-55

20512964

ESTABLISHED

20514006

(309) 454-4440

20513883

©2013 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Afﬁliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity.

20513968

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. M-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.

• Puppies • All Levels Of Obedience • Puppy, Tea Cup & Big Dog Agility • Treibball

20512729

309-532-1616

#1 Team for 2010, 2011 and 2012 in BL/NL and McLean County

20514033

ANNUAL REPORT

www.pantagraph.com

The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 9

Downtown Pontiac! Visit

Order Your Easter Centerpieces!

Recycle the Fabulous Way in Pontiac

Not Just a Souvenir Store!

solutions

FOR HOMEOWNERS

Stop In Today! We’re Open 7 Days a Week!

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 am -6 pm Closed Sunday

www.oncenagain.com

218 N. Main • Pontiac

20516347

(815) 844-4300 213 N. Mill St., Pontiac, IL20516344

• Candies and Fudge • Salsas • Crocks • Home Decor • Jewelry • And so Much More!

123 W. Madison Downtown Pontiac (815) 844-4194 Your Outlet to Buy, Sell and Trade Recycled Fashion!

Spring Detail Special

Hours: M-F 9-5; Sat-Sun 10-4

20516348

Old City Hall Shoppes

For those who care about their cars!

Antiques, Gifts & Route 66 Souvenirs

DRISCOLL *Hand wash and wax exterior, clean windows and vacuum interior. Tar removal extra. Applies to most cars. Trucks, Vans & SUV’s slightly higher. Must present coupon.at time of service. Call for an appointment.

“VintageCharm for 95* Modern Times”

Tuesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-4 Now open Sunday 12-4

Was $79.95 Expires: 3/31/13

1030 W. Reynolds, Pontiac 1-815-842-1143 or

1-800-851-7605

www.oldcityhallshoppes.blogspot.com

20516352

Service • Sales • Parts • Rental Cars • Detailing

321 N. Main Street • Pontiac 20516349

www.driscollmotors.com

• HOME EQUITY LOAN* • HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT* • HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS* • 2ND MORTGAGE LOAN* MEMBER F.D.I.C.

*Loans subject to credit approval.

For your surgery needs …

OSF SAINT JAMES KEEPS GETTING BETTER. Dr. Trent Proehl and Dr. Brian Sipe welcome twelve surgeons to the OSF Saint James medical staff.

Trent Proehl, MD, FACS General Surgeon, OSF Saint James Chief Medical Ofﬁcer

Brian Sipe, DO Board Certiﬁed Orthopedic Surgeon

Our team of experienced central Illinois

Richard Anderson, MD General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery

Julius Bonello, MD General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery

David Crawford, MD General Surgery

James DeBord, MD General Surgery, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Norman Estes, MD General Surgery

Samir Gupta, MD General Surgery

Paige Holt, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Travis Holt, MD Colorectal Surgery, Colonoscopy

Jeffrey Lowe, DO Orthopedic Surgery

J. Stephen Marshall, MD Todd McCall, MD General Surgery Neurosurgery

surgeons is committed to providing safe and compassionate care, using the advanced technology at OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac. They perform a wide variety of procedures with the highest quality available anywhere. At OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center, we listen to our patients and our community to build positive relationships.

We look forward to serving you whenever you need us.

Andrew Tsung, MD Neurosurgery

For more information, visit www.osfsaintjames.org.

20517311 20515998

ANNUAL REPORT

10 • The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013

www.pantagraph.com

Who’s Who in Real Estate Prudential Snyder Real Estate At the heart of my success lies the great satisfaction I get from helping people. I always have my clients’ best interests at heart; I am honest and truthful and always try to stay in touch with them. I was #1 in the state of Illinois for a previous company in 2009 for GCI. I have had the #1 Team in McLean County and Bloomington - Normal in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and continue to strive to hold that position. Service is my top priority. In addition to being a Realtor with Prudential Snyder, I am a developer, having developed the rural subdivision named “Cloverhill.” I greatly enjoyed developing Cloverhill and certainly gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in that endeavor. Developing also has enhanced my knowledge and experience in working with new construction and builders. A personal note before I close - I am a farm girl from Armington, a small town near Bloomington/Normal. I like to think my local knowledge and my love of this community, McLean County and the surrounding counties in Central Illinois shows in my energetic approach to my profession. I have also been a teacher in the community and surrounding areas and I have a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois. My husband, Tom, grew up in Bloomington and is an attorney at State Farm. We have two daughters, Molly and Cally. I’m excited because Cally is on my team! My family supports me tremendously. I’m very fortunate. Contact Cindy today at 309532-1616, or by email cindy@ cindyeckols.com 2012 Prudential AwardsTeam of the Year Commercial Team of the Year Team Listing Leader Team Sales Leader 2012 Prudential Chariman’s Circle - Platinum #1 Volume Agent in BNAR

TretterGlenn HomeMatchTeam

Al Legg

Anne Fleer

RE/MAX Choice

Keller Williams

AL LEGG Broker, CRS, CSP, RMM, QSC. He started as a Full-Time Real Estate Professional in 1976 and became a Broker in 1982, placing him with RE/MAX Choice for over 37 years.

Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

Buying or selling a home can be a challenge, which is why you want an agent who has KNOWLEDGE of the market and proven SUCCESS. Combining over 22 years of real estate experience, SUE TRETTER and JUDY Sue GLENN of the Tretter TretterGlenn HomeMatchTeam, are consistent production leaders – ranking in the top 5% of all BNAR agents. They credit their success to AWARENESS of market trends, continued EDUCATION, exceptional SERVICE and client REFERRALS. “We LISTEN and CARE about your needs and desires!” Sue and Judy Judy are FULL-TIME Glenn agents, COMMITTED to helping their buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. “We pride ourselves on superior SERVICE, practical SOLUTIONS, and client SATISFACTION!” BUYERS – we work WITH and FOR you to find your home. SELLERS – our professional STAGER and ambitious marketing deliver RESULTS. Experience the DIFFERENCE with the TretterGlenn HomeMatchTeam! Call Sue Tretter at 309-287-7962 or Judy Glenn at 309-261-7333. Visit us at www.TretterGlennHMT.com. 20513913

The Lane Realtor Team Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

20514070

Becky Gerig RE/MAX Choice

20513898

Frankie and Lois Team RE/MAX Choice

You DREAM the DREAM. We have the TEAM that makes your DREAMS come true. Call FRANKIE or LOIS, the TEAM that WORKS for YOU. Frankie Thornton, Broker 309-824-0714 Lois Brennan, Broker 309-825-8892 20514075

20513328

The Lane Realtor Team offers advantage of knowledge and experience while keeping pace with current technology. Joe has 15 years’ experience in the real estate profession combined with 20 years’ of banking experience in the Bloomington/Normal area. He takes pride in providing professional, extraordinary customer service. Joey has 11 years’ experience in the computer retail and repair business and has been selling real estate since 2009. Allen Fry our newest member of The Lane Realtor Team was born and raised in Bloomington/Normal. Allen has 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He is married and the father of two children. Allen looks forward to providing exceptional customer service to his clients. Check out our website at www.thelanerealotrs.com and let us help you find your dream home. Joe 275-0743 Joey 825-6609 Allen 826-4137 20514065

AL has earned the title of #1 RE/MAX Sales Agent in All of 2012, 2011, 2010 & 2008 in S. Illinois/MO Region. He also acquired the title of 2012 RE/MAX Choice “Sales Associate of the Year” and achieved this title since 2002, 10 solid years demonstrating his Enthusiasm to be a true Top Professional. He received the Certified New Home Sales Professional Designation through his hard work and Dedication. AL works with Clients in any price range either Buyers including 1st Time Home Buyers, Sellers, Families Relocating either into or out of the area and is also involved in New Construction. AL’s Real Estate knowledge shines through as he reviews the Marketing Conditions to inform his Clients and strives for a successful transaction. He goes above and beyond just to provide 110% Customer Satisfaction to all of his Clientele. You can’t go wrong with AL LEGG. 20514076

Liliana Taimoorazi

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

Sheryl is a multi-million dollar producer and brings over 24 years in sales experience and business management. She has been a native of McLean County for most of her life, and a Realtor/Broker for the past 20 years. Expertise in creating luxurious homes has created a new company known as Executive Homes, Inc. She is consistently recommended for tremendous results in residential sales. Sheryl has used her design skills to help her clients make their homes “market ready” and more competitive in todays market. Her premier marketing package repeatedly produces success stories for Seller’s in even the most difficult market situations. Sheryl has a long list of past clients who readily refer her to friends and family. Creative thinking, a positive attitude and excellent service are the keys to her success. Sheryl was the first agent in Bloomington/ Normal to post her business on the Internet over 18 years ago, and continues to offer state-ofthe-art marketing technology. Sheryl has mentored new agents to successful career results. For proven results, call Sheryl when buying, selling, or building. www.bloomingtonillinoisrealestate.com or 309-825-1096 20513879

RE/MAX Choice

Century 21 Aper Realty About Us... I started my construction business in 1973 and received my real estate license in 1974. Since then, I have built, owned, single, multi-family, retail office, churches, warehouse, agricultural and development properties. Candy is a licensed Broker and assisting Larry Foster construction and real estate management and accounting since 1981. We feel with our vast knowledge and experience that we will be an asset to buyers, Candy Foster sellers and investors. Call Larry at 309-824-2700 or Candy at 309-838-1032

A native of Bloomington, Anne is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Degree in Business Administration/ Marketing. She is familiar with the area, the schools, and the community – all important factors if you are relocating to McLean County. Prior to joining Coldwell Banker Heart of America, she worked in the financial industry and held positions in mortgage lending, marketing, and was also the comptroller of a financial institution. She then was asked to join a Marketing/ Sales team for a Fortune 50 Communications Company supporting one of their largest customers, where she was recognized as being in the top 1% of the company’s sales force. She has experience in lending, marketing, contract negotiations, advertising, and customer service – all important facets of a real estate transaction. Anne has been actively involved in the community having served on the Boards of The United Way and The Arthritis Foundation. In addition she has worked with the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, The Children’s Advocacy center, her church, and the schools in the area. She loves real estate and is committed to her clients. She pledges honesty, integrity, and that she will prioritize her clients needs. She measures her success by delighting her customers. She can be reached at 309-826-2178, afleer@cbhoa.com, or via her website at www.annefleer.com.

Sheryl Scott

Nancy Brady

Larry & Candy Foster

20513909

Becky is a life time resident of BL/NL. She attended University High School and Illinois State University. She is married to Doug Gerig who is from the Gridley area who sells Commercial Real Estate for Douglas R. Gerig Commercial Properties. They have eight wonderful children and their family attends Heartland Community Church. Becky is very passionate about her Real Estate career. She has been selling Real Estate for 27 years and as a Veteran Agent she has earned many accomplishments and awards over the years. In 2012 she was in the top 50 agents in the community and made the 100% Club with RE/MAX International. She prides herself in enjoying all aspects of the business. She is a specialist in many areas: first time home buyers, relocation buyers, listing of existing homes and new construction. She is very comfortable in the New Construction arena because of her father and brother being in the business as Gannaway Construction. She provides a one hour consultation free for discussing any of your Real Estate needs. Please call her at 309-212-4120 or text her the same number or email her at BeckyGerig@remax.net. Becky’s spiritual belief is John 3:16!

AL was born and raised in Pontiac, Illinois. He has been married to Jan for 34 years. Their daughter Anne is married to Matt Steinman. On November 5, 2012, Al and Jan became the proud grandparents of Kaelyn Harper Steinman.

Seth Couillard & Bryan Dillow

20514062

Cindy Eckols

Nancy Brady is a full-time REALTOR® with 26 years of experience. A native of Bloomington-Normal, she has always been active in the community, especially with Easter Seals and St. Joseph Hospital. She has sold over $175,000,000 in real estate. She is very involved with her 13 grandchildren. Nancy enjoys golf and her time with friends. She appreciates the loyalty of all the new friends she has had the opportunity to work with and feels fortunate to have them as her best source of referrals. Nancy really cares about your needs and wants to find the best home for you. If you are selling, she will work very hard to make it easy for you. She will always call you back with a smile. 309-242-1311 309-664-8517 20513902

Working hard with dedication pays off; Being a successful Real Estate Broker is just the proof of how I have earned my Clients’ trust, loyalty & referral. I have the privilege of loving my job and dedicating all my resources to provide the best Customer Service to my Clients with professionalism and knowledge of the market. I have Multi-cultural Background, and know several languages such as Italian, Persian, understand Spanish and Russian. Graduated from ISU in Business Information Systems and have kept investing in education and technology to help me accomplish my Clients’ objectives in buying or selling their houses for the best possible value and in a timely manner. See for yourselves and let me assist you through the whole process to make your move to be a smooth and a pleasant one working hard but smart for you! Please call, text or email me at any time for all your Real Estate needs! Mobile:309-826-5559 Office: 309-664-3615 www.lilianacbhoa.com Email: ltaimoorazi@cbhoa.com 20514314

Don & Lorna Ray Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors Don and Lorna Ray, Realtor Associates of Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors, 802 S. Eldorado Rd., Bloomington, are committed to giving you the highest level of service whether you are selling your current property or buying a new home. They are both ready to go the second mile to assure that your home buying or selling experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible. As frequent corporate movers themselves Don and Lorna understand the needs and emotions involved in a move and will be with you through each step, taking care of the many details involved and guiding you towards a successful conclusion of your transaction. Give them a call today at: 309-532-1624 – Don Mobile 309-830-0163 – Lorna Mobile 309-664-3601 – Office rayteam.net or cbhoa.com 20513891

Dan Kniery

Keller Williams

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

BloomingtonHomes.com Team at Keller Williams Realty is the name you need to know in real estate. We specialize in Buyers, Sellers, First Time Home Buyers, Investors, REO, Foreclosures, and Investment Properties. Our team, Seth Couillard & Bryan Dillow, will help you every step of the way from getting your home listed, marketed Seth and SOLD. Couillard Our unique marketing approach allows us to gain your home more exposure than the norm. Both Bryan and Seth are hometown agents... born and bred here in Bloomington/ Normal. Seth Couillard has been in the business for nearly 8 Bryan years and has Dillow become one of the top producing agents in the Bloomington Normal area. Bryan Dillow has been in marketing and sales for nearly 15 years and has extensive knowledge from web marketing to traditional marketing. When you combine the experience & knowledge of Seth & Bryan, the Bloomington Homes Team is a top notch team of down to earth guys that know what they are doing! Contact Info: www.BloomingtonHomes.com Seth Couillard–309-530-1442 Bryan Dillow–309-531-8309

Dan is a lifetime resident of Bloomington/Normal. He is the past owner of Mike’s Market, a family owned and operated specialty meat and bakery grocery store. Dan is an alumnus of Central Catholic High School, former President of CCHS Booster Club, and past youth coach for basketball and baseball. Dan is married to Subie Patel Kniery and they have three sons: Michael, Patrick, and Kevin. Dan is celebrating his 20th year serving real estate community. Dan is a former president of the Bloomington/ Normal Association of Realtors. While helping residents find and sell their homes, Dan has received awards and recognition for top Yearly Sales, Monthly Sales Leader, Buying/Listing Leader, and Sales/Production Leader from Prudential. Dan is a supporter of local businesses and charities. The greatest compliment Dan receives to this day stems from the fact that most of his business is referred from satisfied clientele and friends. If you want a knowledgeable, hardworking real estate agent, then Dan is the agent for you. Give Dan a call at 309-826-2473. You can visit E-mail him at DanKniery@aol.com. Dan is employed at Prudential Snyder Real Estate, #1 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701.

Tom Krieger

The Haas Sisters Tracy Haas Riley & Kristen Haas Oliver

20514493

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

20514072

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Meet Tom Krieger, Relocation Specialist for Prudential Snyder Real Estate. He has specialized in residential New Construction and Relocation, and Luxury Home Sales for the past 35 years. He is an 8 time Chairman’s Circle Gold Award Winner with the Prudential companies world wide. Tom was named “Listing Agent of the Year” and also “Realtor of the Year” for Prudential Snyder Real Estate 2006 and 2007. In 2009, Since relocating to the area in 1996, Tom has enjoyed working in Bloomington-Normal’s excellent market. Tom is currently a member of the BNAR Board of Directors. Tom’s sales volume exceeded 15 million in 2012. Tom believes that buying or building a new home should be an enjoyable experience. He feels that buyers need someone with the background and “know-how” to take care of the details so that it can be enjoyable. Tom offers that expertise and exceptional service. You can contact Tom at (309) 275-0659 or (309) 664-1854. kriegcrew@aol.com

Meet the Haas Sisters: Tracy Haas Riley and Kristen Haas Oliver of Prudential Snyder Real Estate. These sisters of real estate bring high energy and a strong commitment to their business. They are dedicated to providing a positive experience for their clients whether they are buying or selling. In addition to their over 25 years combined real estate experience, both sisters are graduates of Illinois State University. This Sister Team always strives to do their best to get you the very best home at the very best price! And if you are selling, you won’t be disappointed in their marketing commitment to your home! They welcome new clients to call or e-mail them to see for themselves the dedication and results that they provide. They also want to thank loyal clients for their business and are grateful for their referrals. Both are really appreciated! Visit them at their web site at: www.TheHaasSisters.com or call Tracy at 309-275-6590 or Kristen at 309-838-6082

Sue Strang

Deb Connor

Sue Strang Realty Group

Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

20514073

CRP-- Certified Relocation Professional, CRS — Certified Residential Specialist, GRI — Graduate Realtors Institute, PMN — Performance Management Network, SFR — Short Sales Foreclosure Resource. All advanced real estate education designations that Sue has earned which separate her from most other local REALTORS. Sue was the 2010 President of Illinois CRS Chapter. Less than 4% of REALTORS have earned the CRS designation. Sue served as State President for Women’s Council of REALTORS® in 2004. A veteran of 26+ years working with buyers and sellers has resulted in consistant multi-million dollar production. Referrals from satisfied customers and friends contribute to her experience and success. Past performance is no guarantee of future success...but what else can you go by. Please call Sue at 309) 824-0002 for experienced, honest service. 20514324

20514071

# 1 Agent in 2012 #1 Company in McLean County Deb Connor gets results! Call 309-531-1912. Deb is a top producer and has been providing real estate services to our community for over 20 years. She is well established in the community and has many satisfied clients and an extensive network of professional and local clients. Deb is a full service agent. She is associated with many relocation companies and universities. Deb advertises your property on several websites, including www.cbhoa.com and www.bnrealtors.com Email: dconnor@cbhoa.com. 20513888 CALL DEB TODAY!

ANNUAL REPORT

www.pantagraph.com

The Pantagraph â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, March 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 11

NCHS shooting, crashes top local stories for year PANTAGRAPH STAFF

Last year is history and 2013 is now under way. But looking back at a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of local headlines, you can see just how much breaking news happened in Central Illinois during 2012. Our website lets us track interest in these stories based on how frequently you, the readers, viewed them. The following is a list of Pantagraph.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 mostviewed stories for all of 2012. 1. NCHS teacher called a hero after subduing student who fired shots Date: Sept. 7 NORMAL â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 14-yearold Normal Community High School student brought

a loaded handgun to school Friday morning, fired multiple shots into the ceiling of a classroom and briefly detained several classmates before being tackled and disarmed by a teacher and students. 2. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deaths stun ISU; no foul play believed Date: March 23 NORMAL â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Illinois State University community was stunned to learn Friday that two students had died in apparently unrelated incidents the night before in their rooms in neighboring residence halls. 3. Facing the worst: McLean family tries to stay strong over daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final days

Date: Jan. 12 On Dec. 31, Alivia Gibsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents decided to bring their 2-year-old daughter home to die. Aliviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diagnosis of rare brain-stem cancer, and her prognosis, came in a spinning, numbing five-day period after Christmas 2011. On New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, still reeling, Gibson and Aliviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Jim Dickson, decided their little girl should spend her last days in McLean at home, among family. 4. Driver in custody in fatal hit-and-run in downtown Bloomington Date: June 24 BLOOMINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The driver is in custody in connection with a hit-and-run

accident that happened early Sunday at the corner of Main and Washington Streets in Bloomington and left a woman brain dead,authorities said. 5. Man killed, 3 hurt in crash near Danvers Date: Feb. 15 DANVERS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 20-yearold Bloomington man was killed and three people were injured early Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle accident along Illinois 9 near Danvers. 6. Prosecutor: Driver ran red light in fatal hit-and-run accident Date: June 25 BLOOMINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The driver of a car that struck and killed a 21-year-old

woman early Sunday morning in downtown Bloomington ran a red light before the vehicle struck her and a friend, a prosecutor said Monday. 7. B-N man accused of DUI in fatal crash Date: Feb. 16 DANVERS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 19-yearold Bloomington man was charged Thursday with aggravated drunken driving in connection with an accident along Illinois 9 near Danvers that killed one person and injured three others. 8. Man killed in rural Cooksville accident Date: March 18 COOKSVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 40year-old Bloomington man was killed in a single-vehicle

accident early Sunday morning near Illinois 9 in rural Cooksville. 9. BHS students protest teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firing Date: Feb. 9 BLOOMINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; An estimated 150 students upset with the firing of a Bloomington High School teacher walked out of their seventhperiod classes in protest Thursday. 10. Man dies after early morning hit-and-run Date: July 31 BLOOMINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 45year-old former Heyworth man apparently was struck and killed by a semitrailer truck while sleeping near a west-side gas station, authorities said Tuesday.

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who in Real Estate Janet Jurich

Mike & Jean Hutson Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Mike and Jean Hutson www.TheHutsonTeam.com Mike and Jean bring buyers and sellers together using the latest technology. Whether you are moving across town or across the country-our aim is to make your move as stress free as possible. We can assist you with re-designing your space before you list your property; and research the properties you may want to see for your next purchase. THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL! Looking for a New Address... we can help. TheHutsonTeam.com hutsonrealestate@gmail.com 825-6894 20513856

Lynn Lister Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors LIST WITH LISTER A resident of BloomingtonNormal for over 30 years, Lynn knows the community, schools, and neighborhoods. First time home buyers have so many questions and Lynn works hard to get all the answers. Lynn uses the right tools to price your home for sale too! Member of Coldwell Banker Diamond Societiy, Marketing Specialist, Relocation Specialist, GRI. Call 309-287-6610 today! llister@cbhoa.com 20513894

Belinda Trunell

Georgean Fish

Margie Simmons

Keller Williams

RE/MAX Choice

Janet Jurich is a full time Broker and RealtorÂŽ specializing in the residential market in Bloomington/Normal and the surrounding areas. She also works with Homes for Heroes.

BELINDA TRUNELL is an outstanding RE/MAX Agent/ Broker that takes pride in helping clients. She strives to exceed their expectations by providing personable service. Belinda is a RE/MAX 100% Club, Executive Club, and Above the Crowd member. She is recognized as one of the top leaders in relocation, new construction, and overall sales. If you appreciate downhome southern hospitality, please contact Belinda for all of your real estate needs. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget, she is never too busy for your referrals! Please contact Belinda by email at belindatrunell@remax.net or by phone at 309-287-6105.

Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Janetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designations include Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI) and ePro. Match this with her marketing strategy for Sellers and Buyer assistance and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you chose Janet Jurich to assist you with your real estate needs. Call her today at (309) 825-2078 and Make Your Move With Janet Jurich. www.JanetJurich.com Selling real estate is what I doâ&#x20AC;Ś..Caring for my customers is how I do it. 20514077

Kathy DiCiaula

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Sandy moved to B/N in 1965 and has been a Realtor since 1993. U of W, Madison B.S., and ISU, M.S. and has continued her education by obtaining a GRI designation. With 30 years of teaching experience, 28 at Chiddix Junior High School, Sandy knows the value of doing her homework. Educating her clients about buying and/ or selling is second nature to her. She has the knowledge and experience to help you make your decisions easier. Buying or selling, Sandy makes the grade. Call Sandy today! Mobile 309-824-3652.

Kathy has been a resident of McLean County since attending ISU with her husband Guy, Project Manager for Kaisner Homes. As a former teacher, Kathy knows the value of helping her clients understand the buying and selling processes. Honesty, responsiveness, knowledge, and communication are her priorities. She knows how to work through the details and is committed to the best interests of her clients. Just call Kathy D. Ph. 309-824-4242 kathyd@prusny.com www.kathydiciaula.prusny.com

Valerie Curry

Jack Ruch

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Valerie has been a life long resident of Bloomington Normal. She and her husband have 3 grown children and 3 grand children.Valerie was recently awarded New Realtor Of The Year For 2011 from Prudential Snyder. Valerie enjoys working with ST JUDE RIDES. Valerie prides herself in making your home buying and selling experience the best in everyway possible.Next time your thinking of buying or selling call Valerie. Ph 309-319-0565 Email vrcurry@aol.com Website Valeriecurry.prusny.com

Jack Ruch has been in the Real Estate business since 1971. He moved to the Twin Cities in 1987, sold Real Estate and has been a Home Builder, giving him the edge when selling homes knowing the ins and outs of construction. He also manufactures custom moldings for homes. He enjoys working with people and finding them the home of their dreams. Call him today at 309-824-0293.

Mary Love

LOOKING FOR A

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Prudential Snyder Real Estate Since she began her career in 2002 Mary has consistently achieved recognition as a multimillion dollar producer. She believes success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well! (309) 287-0266 MaryLoveRealtor@yahoo.com

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Sandy Slingsby

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Always Available (309) 825-7355 A 30 year resident of Bloomington-Normal and a consistent multi-million dollar producer Georgean is an experienced professional full time Broker. Illinois State University graduate. She is also an accredited buyer representative (ABR), Graduate of Realtors Institute of Illinois (GRI) a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) and most recently Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB)

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Margie is a life-long resident of Bloomington-Normal. She and her husband, Tim, have 5 adult children and 4 grandchildren. She has been a REALTORÂŽ for over 24 years, graduated from GRI and is now a Broker. She has consistently been a multimillion dollar producer. Margie is active in her church and the Bloomington-Normal Board of Realtors serving on numerous committees and also involved with local charities. Margie prides herself in top quality service and invites all past and new clients to give her a call. Ph. (309) 531-2477. margiesimmons1@yahoo.com www.margiesimmons.com

Dan Slagell RE/MAX Choice As a Managing Broker for RE/MAX Choice, Dan has over 20 years of finance and real estate experience. He is anxious to assist new and past clients and sincerely appreciates the opportunity to have served many friends, neighbors and new community members with their real estate needs. Dan is a Certified Agent for Real Estate Investors and a CDPE/Certified Distressed Property Expert. He specializes in new construction, relocation, commercial and agricultural investments. Give Dan, a dedicated full-time professional, a call for all your real estate needs. 309-261-3026 danslagell@remax.net

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Ivey Weaver

Greg Zavitz

Keith Troutman

RE/MAX Choice

Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors

Prudential Snyder Real Estate

Why choose Ivey Weaver, G.R.I., C.R.S? With over 45 years as a full-time licensed REALTOR, a recipient of the BNAR Hall of Fame â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lifetime Achievement Awardâ&#x20AC;? and RE/MAX International Hall of Fame. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has discovered that caring for clients is the most important aspect of her job.â&#x20AC;? She has an abundance of energy and enthusiasm and loves to find the perfect match for both the Seller and the Buyer. Ivey and Ed have two sons, Mark and David, four grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren. For all your real estate needs call Ivey at (309)825-6012 or visit her website at www.iveyweaver. 20514319 remaxagent.com

I am a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. I use a team approach with the help of 2 licensed agents and 1 unlicensed office manager. I have averaged over $10 million in sales and 60-70 homes sold each of the last 10 years. Hire a knowledgeable professional with 28 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience and the tools to get the job done. I will give your home more internet exposure than any other agent in town. Call me and I will show you my sales system...309-275-4734 gregzavitz@gmail.com www.gzsellsbn.com

Keith Troutman is a long time resident of the Bloomington/ Normal area. Since becoming a Real Estate agent in 2004 he has consistently put his clients first. Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication, attention to detail, and passion for real estate has contributed to his success! His commitment to providing prompt, personal service to his clients has earned him a reputation for quality within the community. You can call or text Keith at (309) 826-1737 or email keith@keithtroutman.com You can also visit Keith at his website keithtroutman.com 20513886

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ANNUAL REPORT

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Recorder’s office out, video gambling in McLean County voters OK office that’s combined By Mary Ann Ford mford@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — In November, voters passed a referendum to eliminate the McLean County recorder’s office and merge its duties with the county clerk’s office at the end of this year. County Board member Paul Segobiano suggested the referendum as a way to streamline government and save taxpayers’ money. County Administrator Bill Wasson estimated the merger would save $46,800 to $100,000 a year, assuming four office support staff and one supervisor still will be needed. After the election, McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen

The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Richard Townsend, owner of Hooligan’s Pub in Colfax, manages the new video gaming machines in his club last October. said if it was the intention of the voters to save money, “I expect the board won’t pass a 2014 budget unless the recorder’s office is not costing as much

to run.” The November ballot also asked voters to elect a McLean County recorder. Incumbent Lee Newcom had successfully won the

Republican nomination in the primary election, faced no opposition in the general election and was re-elected. Because the referendum

also passed, Newcom only will serve a one-year term. Last month, the McLean County Board took action to ensure Newcom’s office will have a stable staff during this year of transition. Newcom had told county officials his staffing situation has been unstable since the November election because his employees don’t know what their fate will be after Dec. 31. The board approved hiring Newcom’s chief deputy as a human resources assistant with the county administrator’s office. Her initial responsibilities will be working with the recorder’s office. “This helps stabilize the office,” said Sorensen. Sorensen said he doesn’t envision physically moving the recorder’s office records and equipment immediately after the first of the year when the merger officially takes place.

“Maybe at some point but it will take time to plan,” he said. Besides placing the recorder’s referendum on the ballot, the McLean County Board also voted last year to amend the county’s ordinance and allow the handful of liquor license holders in unincorporated McLean County to have video gambling machines. The state approved video gambling in 2009 but the Illinois Gaming Board didn’t start issuing licenses until last summer. Sorensen said the action leveled the playing field. Normal’s ordinance already allowed the machines and the Bloomington City Council amended its ordinance to allow video gambling in July. At the end of February, there were 35 establishments in incorporated and unincorporated McLean County with video gambling licenses.

Immigration reform doesn’t address needs of economy By Cristina Deutsch inally our president and Congress are seriously talking about comprehensive immigration reform. Our country has not had a review of its immigration laws for more than Cristina 40 years. Deutsch Visa quotas have not been revised to reflect the economic realities of today. In 1986, President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, commonly known as amnesty. This was not a review of our laws. It only gave legal status to those living and working in the U.S. without visas, addressing only the issues of some immigrants and not of those to come. In 2006, a bipartisan immigration comprehensive reform was introduced in Congress by Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy; it did not pass. Congress failed to see the great need for such reform. Because of this lack of action, our communities have been suffering the ills and consequences, trying to solve these situations by using Band Aids, but not correcting the problems. One of the big fumbles that Immigration made came in 2010 when, instead of putting money into a serious study and review of its laws, Immi-

The Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY

Olympia High School senior Sam Hensley of Minier holds an iPad as his finished one-minute campaign ad in support of Mitt Romney plays in teacher Lisa Castleman's classroom. Castleman's students compiled 21 videos as part of an American Government and Law class. Partnering with Hensley was Braden Halliday of Danvers.

Area schools keeping up with technology changes By Phyllis Coulter pcoulTer@pantagraph.com

A flurry of new technology projects are popping up in public and private schools in the region. Stanford-based Olympia school district is in its second year of integrating iPads into the classroom to encourage students to think critically and immerse them in relevant learning opportunities, said Superintendent Brad Hutchison. Technology is also being used with projects including hydroponics and raising fish. “Our biggest accomplishment continues to be academic improvement of our students,” Hutchison said. Olympia West Elementary School in Minier was recently recognized by the state for its academic excellence and the high school’s advanced placement classes received state recognition this winter. Meanwhile, five classrooms at Calvary Christian Academy in Normal are taking part in an $8,000 pilot project using new Mobile Interactive Whiteboard (Mobi) systems. While traditional interactive whiteboards are useful, the new portable systems provide more flexibility because they can be moved from classroom to classroom instead of being permanently mounted on one wall. “We were looking for something truly mobile,” acknowledged Principal Christel Denault. Likewise, Trinity Lutheran School, founded in 1858 and celebrating its 10th anniversary at its 1102

The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA

Edward Williams, with Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 18, edges freshly poured cement in August 2009 at Trinity Lutheran School in Bloomington.The school is marking its 10th year at its 1102 W. Hamilton Road, Bloomington, location and is buying tablets for students to improve technology offerings.

W. Hamilton Road, Bloomington, location, is making sure its students are also getting all the opportunities technology provides. This year, the school will buy tablets for students with money raised from an auction, said Principal Shawn Hoffmann. Currently, second-graders are making PowerPoint projects; fourth-graders are using laptops to follow the Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska; fifth-graders are emailing pen pals in the community about books they are reading and sixthgraders are researching indepth projects, he said. Central Catholic High School in Bloomington is preparing to introduce a “Bring Your Own Device” policy, known as BYOD in the fall, said Principal Joy Allen. Students will bring the technology from home — iPads or laptops for example — and the school will fill the gap for some students needing a device to

gration dealt only with the 12 million undocumented folks that live and work in this country. Some $2.5 billion was put into the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) branch that initially was to deport only dangerous criminals — while setting a quota of 400,000 deportations per year. Well, there just weren’t 400,000 criminals to deport, so the agency started picking up working mothers and fathers and 19-year-old daughters just for driving without a license. A memo asked sheriffs to hold these individuals an extra 48 hours for ICE to pick them up; they were put in shackles and moved from place to place among real criminals, often in the middle of the night. Since the request by ICE was not a mandate, sheriffs had the option to not honor these requests, or to use their discretion. But McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery did not heed our pleas to take the second option. Instead, the sheriff in The Pantagraph said we were asking him to not follow immigration law, or check identifications, and that police should not have to arrest them, which was untrue. We asked Sheriff Emery, by using discretion, to first check those folks brought to his department for prior offenses before calling ICE. President Obama, Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton had issued

directives that law enforcement resources should not be wasted on destroying the families of immigrants who have established strong ties to the U.S. and pose no danger to society. Trying to resolve this issue took many months in 2012, which in the end proved futile. Thank God our Illinois lawmakers passed a bill signed by Gov. Quinn on Jan. 27 that will give these folks the opportunity to acquire driver’s licenses. They will be able to drive to work and take their children to the doctor without the fear of being arrested. As our president and Congress have now recognized, the demographics of our country have changed drastically, and our lawmakers agree a review of our antiquated immigration laws have to be updated. We must be open to the needs of our country’s economy and create visas for the workers we need, who contribute to our economy by working the fields that produce our food, who are paying taxes and are supporting the Social Security Administration. It is about time that we create visas for agricultural workers and unskilled workers, and visas to reunite families at a much faster pace, thus finally stopping undocumented migration. Deutsch is a member of Illinois Peoples Action, former Hispanic outreach director at Western Avenue Community Center and recently retired from the Immigration Project.

make the most of learning opportunities. The school has installed Wi-Fi, and set up the network already with the final piece — adequate bandwidth — expected to be in place this summer. “We are testing it out,” Allen said. Several classrooms will introduce BYOD this fall with the rest following in the coming year. Finally, Cornerstone Christian Academy, east of Bloomington,is also updating its schoolwide technology plan, said April Kinzinger, director of development.

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ANNUAL REPORT

The Pantagraph â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, March 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA

Central Illinois Drive bench reacts as teammate Rodney Edgerson sinks a three-point shot with seconds left against the Rochester RazorSharks last April at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.

Pro ball The Twin Cities has it all

By David Proeber dproeber@pantagraph.com

Professional sports in a medium-sized market like Bloomington-Normal can be a risky venture. There was no shortage of drama in the front office as owners changed teams as often as their players changed their sweat socks. But despite it all, the Twin Cities could be proud it brought home a national championship in the first year of its pro basketball team, the Central Illinois Drive. The U.S. Cellular Coliseum and the Corn Crib have become the home of four professional sports teams. Fans in Central Illinois have a wealth of teams to support and empty bleachers are waiting.

The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA

CornBelters catcher Patrick Trettel holds the ball and looks up at the umpire after a collision with Rockford RiverHawks' Javier Herrera at home plate last June 22 at the Corn Crib in Normal.

The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA

Fans cheer during the Central Illinois Drive game against the Rochester RazorSharks last April.

The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Bloomington Edge wide receiver John Cooper scores a touchdown against the Cedar Rapids Titans last June at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The Bloomington Blaze's Matthew Larke (42) and Nicklas Lindberg, left, celebrate a goal against the Allen Americans in a game last November at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum .

The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA

The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER

Central Illinois Drive's Jemal Farmer dunks against the Indiana Diesels last March at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

14 • The Pantagraph • Saturday, March 23, 2013

ANNUAL REPORT

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