Interim CFO takes over at Unit 5 schools Nov 20, 2009
NORMAL -- Martin Getty has replaced Jim Gillmeister as chief financial officer at Normal-based Unit 5 schools. Gillmeister left the district last Friday, by mutual agreement, district spokeswoman Dayna Brown said Thursday. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Couple honored for philanthropy efforts Nov 20, 2009
NORMAL -- People often think of philanthropists as those who give money to causes, but a local couple has been recognized for time and talents as well. Carole and Jerry Ringer were named Philanthropists of the Year on Thursday during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Prompt action helped stroke victim recover Nov 20, 2009
My 82-year-old dad works as a host at the McDonalds at 806 S. Main St., Normal. He is very proud of his job and works hard to keep things clean and orderly. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Market Forecaster: Corn closes higher as producers finish beans Nov 20, 2009
The states of Iowa (34 percent), Illinois (31 percent), Minnesota (23 percent), Indiana (41 percent) and Nebraska (30 percent) are the largest corn-producing states and are all well behind the normal pace. With so little corn harvested, the trade has to believe that if farmers can harvest this crop, significant harvest pressure will eventually hit the market. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Fasting on Alternate Days May Make Dieting Easier Nov 20, 2009
From the third through sixth weeks, they ate normal meals one day and then ate much less on the alternate days: what the researchers called the equivalent of a three-course lunch. Each meal provided 20 percent to 25 percent of the daily energy they needed. (MEDLINEplus)
Tiny Iowa town has the chargers, awaiting drivers Nov 20, 2009
They go into a queue to be moderated and may take several hours to be reviewed, particularly if they are posted after normal office hours. We reserve the right to remove comments in total that violate our code of conduct. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Can Georgia handle a little praise? Nov 20, 2009
That s normal in lean times. But you know its bad when Dawg fans actually are depressed to see their team beat Auburn because they fear it only prolongs the agony that has become of Willie and Fabris at UGA. There s more than a few Dawg faithful pulling for KY this Saturday, and more than a few who view the inevitable clock-cleaning adminstered by Paul Johnson s Jackets as necessary surgery. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Illinois unemployment hits 11% Nov 20, 2009
The 'new normal' is forcing small business owners to rethink -- and, in some cases, completely reinvent -- their operations in order to survive. Check out this year's honorees in our new interactive 3D wall. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Organizers hope youth theme boosts Festival of Trees fundraising goal Nov 20, 2009
In addition to the PrairieThunder, professional baseball players from the Normal CornBelters and Peoria Chiefs and athletes from Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan universities attended ... Proceeds benefit programs at The Baby Fold in Normal, which serves children and families with programs including adoption, foster care, residential treatment and family support ... Tickets: Available at The Baby Fold, 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal; online at ; or by calling 309-451-7254. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Bloomington manager inherited a big mess Nov 20, 2009
I now see why Normal is called uptown and Bloomington is called downtown. The reconstruction in Normal is beautiful ... Bloomington has how many groups that have been paid to tell us what to do with our downtown when Normal has already nearly completed their uptown. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Freshmen may help Illinois to regain its glory Nov 19, 2009
The common theory is that if players stay healthy and normal growth can be projected, Illinois could be on the short list of teams with a reasonable chance at that lofty goal next season. We also know college athletics is a crap shoot, a dice roll predicated on matchups, injuries, luck, fate and the unpredictable mood of a 19-year-old who may have just caught his girlfriend texting sweet nothings to one of the football players. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Group nears fundraising goals for new Lincoln-Davis-Fell sculpture Nov 19, 2009
The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of McLean County was established as a joint effort between Bloomington, Normal and the county to spearhead the local observance of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and to celebrate his many connections to McLean County ... Fell is credited with founding the town of Normal, Illinois State University and The Pantagraph, among others. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Defending Palin's Book For a Nanosecond Nov 19, 2009
Nor did Palin constrain her book to the normal topics of memoir: If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap. She does get into politics, but at a superficial level of taking potshots at Obama and other Democratic politicians, rather than seriously putting forward an alternative. (Slate)
Lady Falcons Set for National Tournament Nov 19, 2009
"I don't think we gave them a game worthy of what we would normally give them." ... Lay, a 5-9 sophomore from Normal, Ill. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Child molester Jon White loses bid for reduced sentence Nov 19, 2009
White pleaded guilty last year to eight counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse related to eight students at the Thomas Paine Elementary School in Urbana, where he taught after leaving Colene Hoose Elementary School in Normal in 2005. He was nabbed by police in 2007 after parents of an Urbana student notified school officials of a sexually suggestive game the 6-foot-6-inch, 330-pound teacher was conducting in his classroom with female students. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Vital Signs health tips Nov 19, 2009
Recent tests on mice found that those who eat when they would normally be asleep put on more weight than others who had meals at normal times, according to a study in the journal Obesity ... Research has shown that it helps support normal blood pressure and prevents plaque forming in the arteries. (CNN -- International)
3 Hudson Elementary students get blood tests after being poked on bus Nov 19, 2009
NORMAL Three Hudson Elementary School students had to get blood tests on Wednesday after being poked on a school bus with a device diabetics use to draw blood samples for testing. My 7-year-old son found it, said Jessica Soucek of Normal, referring to a lancing device, which is roughly the size and shape of an ink pen and tipped with a disposable, spring-loaded lancet about the size of a thin thumbtack ... The school nurse checked the pinprick wounds, put antiseptic on them, called the... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
HCC trustees give lukewarm responses to proposal linked to new baseball field Nov 18, 2009
NORMAL Heartland Community College trustees gave lukewarm responses to a business proposal linked to a new baseball field being built on the West Raab Road campus. Steve Ekhoff of Bloomington said he has purchased an Extra Innings franchise and would like to work with the CornBelters, a professional baseball team whose field will be on the Normal campus. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Man seriously injured in 4-wheeler wreck Nov 18, 2009
NORMAL -- A 32-year-old Normal man remained in serious condition at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, on Sunday night following a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning. Brian Gravitt was driving a Yamaha four-wheeler on Industrial Park Drive at about midnight when he crashed and was thrown from the vehicle, a Normal police report said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Marley Hall leaves mark on Illinois volleyball record book Nov 18, 2009
Hall verbally committed to playing NCAA Division I basketball at Illinois State University in Normal over the summer. West Hancock Head Volleyball Coach Eileen Shoup believes Hall could have played at the same level in volleyball. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Annual Heart Walk designed to be a step to a healthier life Nov 18, 2009
But I have a young child and I worked so I thought it was normal. I m 33, in fairly decent shape and I don t smoke. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
ISU holds first of three forums on master plan Nov 18, 2009
NORMAL Illinois State University alumnus Jack Ritter would like to see better aesthetics and a stronger sense of history across the campus ... Dan Layzell, ISU vice president for finance and planning, cited changes in the economic environment and developments in the Twin Cities, specifically the uptown Normal and Main Street Corridor projects, as reasons to update the master plan, which was last revised 10 years ago ... Additional forums are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Bone Student... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Cancer study seeks smokers and former smokers Nov 18, 2009
Study patients with abnormal results will get follow-up care. Those with normal scans will be asked to do annual repeat screenings. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Eric Holder's Grave Mistake Nov 18, 2009
Holder's choices do not reflect the normal policy shifts between administrations. It is not typical that seven former directors of the CIA have publicly denounced Holder's assault on the institution they served. (Townhall.com)
Boeing sued by investors over 787 delays Nov 18, 2009
The 'new normal' is forcing small business owners to rethink -- and, in some cases, completely reinvent -- their operations in order to survive. Big corporate failures are slowing nationwide, but in Chicago, the bankruptcy courts are busier than they've been in years. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Tuition rise likely steep at Heartland Nov 18, 2009
NORMAL Next year, Heartland Community College students could see the biggest tuition increase they have yet seen. Over recent years, tuition increases have been as low as $2 per credit hour and as high as $10 per credit hour. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Two close calls for person in crosswalk Nov 18, 2009
Bob Dennison, Normal. Posted in on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:00 am. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Panthers ready for air attack Nov 17, 2009
On the offensive side, Farley expects to get one of his best ballcarriers back for the regular season finale at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. Carlos Anderson, who injured a hamstring in the Youngstown State victory, figures to get a shot at an Illinois State defense that ranks eighth out of nine teams in the MVFC against the run. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Arrest at Walmart leads to charges of racism Nov 17, 2009
"In this matter, there was a disturbance and law enforcement was contacted, in accordance with our normal procedures. The police then determined how to proceed.". Posted in , , on Monday, November 16, 2009 6:40 am Updated: 11:26 am. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Process to raise Normal property taxes begins Nov 17, 2009
NORMAL Property taxes likely are going up by 9. 16 percent in Normal ... The rate includes the levy for Normal Public Library. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Postal workers provide good passport service Nov 17, 2009
Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:00 am. My wife and I went to the Bloomington Post Office to apply for our passports. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: Local experts disagree with new report on mammograms Nov 17, 2009
NORMAL Women in their 40s should continue to get annual screening mammograms and do monthly breast self-exams, a Central Illinois radiation oncologist said, despite a new government task force report that said women should wait until age 50 to get a mammogram and shouldnt bother with breast self-exams. Mammograms for women in their 40s without question theres a benefit, Dr. Don Stacy of Cancer Care Associates at the Community Cancer Center in Normal said Monday evening ...... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Q: How did Georgia members of the House of Representatives vote on the health care bill that passed the House? Nov 17, 2009
When used under normal conditions, TVs do not pose a radiation hazard, it says. In 1969, the FDA set a standard to limit X-ray emissions from TV receivers, which still applies. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Normal needs to tackle cuts before tax hike Nov 16, 2009
Normal officials are taking the right initial steps in addressing the towns budget situation before it becomes dire ... Normal and Bloomington are among cities across the country faced with decreases in sales tax revenue as consumers scale back spending in tough economic times ... Among spending cuts under consideration in Normal are elimination of the electronic recycling program, suspension of the Harmon Arts Grant program and ending the City Vision cable television program. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Tedford's 100th: Greatest wins Nov 16, 2009
Arrington's record-breaking season was capped off by a tremendous 261-yard rushing performance that under normal circumstances would easily propel any athlete to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, especially given the fact that Arrington was the nation's leading rusher and the only player to rush over 2,000 yards that season. As it turned out, Arrington didn't even receive an invite to New York and Cal didn't receive its invite to play in the Rose Bowl. (Cal Sports -- Rivals.com)
Lady Pirates win final two sets, earn third place Nov 16, 2009
NORMAL Cumberland junior Kennedy Gabel s ace gave the Lady Pirates volleyball team third place in the Illinois High School Association Class 1A tournament at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University. I was hoping I would get an ace and it happened, said Gabel. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Loading… Nov 16, 2009
Discussion : Normal City Council to consider 9 ... Normal City Council to consider 9. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Company does nice job honoring veterans Nov 16, 2009
As security supervisor at the Bridgestone America Plant here in Normal, I wanted to take the time to publicly thank Bridgestone management for their efforts to honor all the veterans who are employed here ... The plant here in Normal has also made in-kind donations to Community Players Theatre and countless other organizations ... Gary Ploense, Normal. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Normal City Council to consider 9.16 percent tax levy Nov 16, 2009
Normal City Council to consider 9 ... Normal City Council to consider 9 ... NORMAL -- The City Council will consider a proposed 2009 tax levy Monday that would be 9. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Stuff the Bus event aids crisis nursery Nov 16, 2009
BLOOMINGTON - Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System and Children's Home + Aid Foundation Crisis Nursery have announced dates and locations for the Stuff-the-Bus event. They are Dec. 7, Normal Walmart; Dec. 8, Cub Foods; Dec. 9, Bloomington Walmart; Dec. 10, Jewel-Osco, Veterans Parkway; and Dec. 11, Kmart. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Jingle Bell Run a fundraising success Nov 16, 2009
Dan Anderson of Normal peers out of his 11-foot North Pole costume prior to the start of the run as Hannah Magnuson and Bekka Rood, right, both with the Normal Community West High School track team, admire his costume ... NORMAL A newly opened uptown Normal hotel as a starting point and a new route may have played a role in coaxing folks out for a fundraising run on a rainy Sunday ... Although in its 21st year, the run was held for the first time at the Marriott Hotel and... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: Complete coverage: Local crime and courts Nov 16, 2009
NORMAL -- Three vehicles have been damaged when large rocks were thrown or dropped from the Constitution Trail bridge over Linden Street recently ... NORMAL -- Normal police are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect who reportedly grabbed a woman near the Illinois State University campus and attempted to force her into her own vehicle ... NORMAL -- A Normal man broke his roommate's nose in a dispute over a countertop stain, McLean County prosecutors said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Police ask for public's help after attempted kidnapping near ISU Nov 16, 2009
(Courtesy photo/NORMAL POLICE). NORMAL -- Normal police are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect who reportedly grabbed a woman near the Illinois State University campus and attempted to force her into her own vehicle ... The victim, who was not identified or described, was able to fight off the man and escape, Normal police said in a statement Wednesday. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: 35 YouthBuild students help create Festival of Trees displays Nov 16, 2009
NORMAL -- About 35 students in YouthBuild McLean County played an important role in this year's Festival of Trees, building 55 flats and 41 tables used in the festival displays. Pete Moore, spokesman for The Baby Fold, said the flats and tables used in years' past were inadvertently thrown away at an off-site storage facility. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Festival of Trees events to benefit The Baby Fold Nov 16, 2009
NORMAL If youve ever wanted to shoot a puck against a professional hockey player or throw a pitch to a minor league baseball player, youll get your chance during this years Festival of Trees. The 16th annual event runs Thursday through Saturday at the Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St. Proceeds benefit programs at The Baby Fold, 612 Ogelsby Ave., Normal, which serves children and families with programs including adoption, foster care, residential treatment and family support ...... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
American Girl should donate profits from doll Nov 15, 2009
Posted: Sunday, November 15, 2009 12:00 am. American Girl dolls have been popular for many years (American Girl mocks homeless situation, YourViews, Nov. 2). (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Charleston motorcyclist takes riding to extremes Nov 15, 2009
I think I d call it a defective gene that makes what the rest of us would call a normal life just not enough for Tim. His mind never stops working on finding something new to do. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
40-year battle against Chicago Machine continues Nov 15, 2009
And he says he doesn't see any specifics from the city on what has been done to prevent more score faking for favored applicants or the outsourcing of what should be normal city job payroll jobs. "You ask what's going on and they give you nonsensical answers," he says. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Clare House food donations slow to come in Nov 15, 2009
In years past, contributions arrived slowly at donation centers at the Schnucks stores in Bloomington and Normal, Extreme Motors in Bloomington and at the pantry at 703 E. Washington St. after the drive began. But collections are down about 25 percent from the same time last year even though the drive started a week before the normal starting date of Nov. 1 ... She also knows the recession is creating financial hardship among people who would normally give. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Girl Scouts still relevant nearly a century later Nov 15, 2009
Three Girl Scouts from troop 4531 in Marquette Heights played ''Habitat Toss'', during the Girl Scout Extravaganza & Annual Meeting, held Saturday at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal ... NORMAL As a young Brownie, Rebecca Starkey is very excited about her first camping trip. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Researchers Have Immune Cells Running In Circles Nov 14, 2009
As treatment of normal mice with molecules that. (May 16, 2009) A new study finds the cross-talk between 'killer T-cells' and 'helper T-cells' can only happen in the presence of interleukin-21, a powerful immune-system protein. (Science Daily)
'It's Orwellian': Everyone in UK could be given a personal 'carbon allowance'... Nov 14, 2009
" In the UK, normal people didn't own guns for self-defence. They were for sport or for farming reason. That law had almost no effect on most people in towns and cities. As a town dweller, I've never known anyone who actually owned a gun myself. We simply don't have a history of it in modern Britain. David J on November 14, 2009 at 07:12 AM You'll be assigned a number. Soon you will lose your name and your sole identity will confined to one number. Everything you do wil be recorded by taking... (The Drudge Report)
Regulators shut 2 Fla. banks; 122 failures in '09... Nov 14, 2009
Century Bank's 11 branches will reopen during normal business hours, starting Saturday, also as IberiaBank. Tustin, Calif. (The Drudge Report)
Allow seriously ill to use medical marijuana Nov 14, 2009
Kyle Kidwell, Normal. The writer is president, Illinois State University chapter, Young Americans for Liberty. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Local man nets 8 years for armed robbery Nov 14, 2009
Avias White, 18, 600 block of West Front Street, and three other teens were accused of robbing a Normal home of electronics, jewelry and guns while armed with a handgun. Two co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced; charges are pending against a third. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Almost, but not quite enough Nov 14, 2009
NORMAL -- After splitting the first two sets in the IHSA Class 1A state volleyball tournament at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State, Cumberland trailed Lanark Eastland 24-18 and it appeared the Lady Pirates were on the ropes. Like a prize fighter, Cumberland battled to the end. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Alternate Day Fasting Nov 14, 2009
By eating normally on one day and eating a carefully planned low calorie diet on an alternate day, researchers showed that sustained, doable, and healthy weight loss is the result ... The first two weeks, participants ate and exercised normally ... During the second phase, between the third and sixth weeks, the group ate normal meals one day then would fast the next. (Suite101.com)
Related: Heart Walk dedicated to former NCHS student Kirbie Brittain Nov 13, 2009
Heart Walk Saturday will be dedicated to a former Normal Community High School student ... Several friends from NCHS and Kingsley Junior High School in Normal started a campaign called Kirbie Strong. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Teen honored for fundraising efforts made in friend's memory Nov 13, 2009
Since then, her friend Sarah Ready, 16, of Bloomington, and Kirbie's other friends from Normal Community High School have collected about $13,000 from fundraisers to help the Brittain family pay medical bills and to honor Kirbie's memory. Ready was presented the Youth Award, sponsored by State Farm Insurance Cos. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Teen prevention program refocuses to nutrition, fruit-throwing Nov 13, 2009
Josh Smith, A Normal Community West High School senior, waves to Chef Paul Stroup for food items being tossed to the students during Chef Stroup's ''Heathy Meal Choices'' presentation ... Smith, a Normal Community West senior, caught a lot of information ... Normal Community High School senior Lauren Aussem caught the watermelon. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
GM needs new Buick, Chevy entries to be hits Nov 13, 2009
The Regal has three ride settings (normal sport and touring) and is smart enough to tailor the car to the way people drive, Bierley said. The Regal is designed to compete with the sporty Acura TSX made by the Honda luxury brand, and the Volvo S60. (MSNBC -- Business)
Brigham Elementary principal, staff will move to Cedar Ridge Elementary Nov 13, 2009
Brigham is expected to be used as the southern campus of the district's pre-kindergarten program; the rest of the pre-k students will be at Sugar Creek Elementary in Normal. Students at Sugar Creek, which had an extension renovation, should be able to use the new library and gym in January. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Scientist: CO2 not causing global warming... Nov 13, 2009
"It is a normal element cycled around in the earth and my science, which is looking back in time, is saying we have had a planet that has been a green, warm wet planet 80 per cent of the time. We have had huge climate change in the past and to think the very slight variations we measure today are the result of our life - we really have to put ice blocks in our drinks." ... " By who? 31,000 US Scientists reject GW Theory http://www.petitionproject.org/ 700 International Scientists reject GW... (The Drudge Report)
Today's Mailbag: More on Fort Hood Nov 13, 2009
While complacent Americans live on as if everything is normal, Rome is burning under a misguided Obama administration that believes everyone will play nice just because of his awesomeness. Lets hope a sensible majority of Americans wake up before our sons become slaves to the radical Islamic Jihadists and our daughters become objects of Sharia law. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Related: NCHS chili supper honors student lost to heart problems Nov 13, 2009
Greg Mason, of Towanda, and Kirbie Brittain's neighbor, displays his "I am Kirbie Strong" t-shirt while picking up a napkin as he holds his tray with food while people gather in line behind him in at Normal Community High School's cafeteria Saturday night, January 31, 2009. The benefit is to raise money fo Kirbie Brittain's medical bills who died of heart failure as a Normal Community High School sophomore ... NORMAL - It's been five months since 15-year-old Kirbie Brittain died, but her friends... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
