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🌱 Why ISU is putting Doug and Kathy Collins’ names on campus

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Hey hey Normal! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why ISU is putting Doug and Kathy Collins’ names on campus
  • How will Normal’s $2.8 million in new grants be spent?
  • What’s at stake in Normal’s shared sales tax mental health dispute?

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Normal? Post it to Normal photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Find out what's happening in Normalfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Normalfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Breezy and not as cold, with a high of 37 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, temps: high: 37, low: 32.
  • Thursday: Windy; rain and a t-storm, with a high of 49 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. ISU renaming practice facility, leadership suite after Doug, Kathy Collins (centralillinoisproud.com) — Illinois State University in Normal is renaming Horton Field House’s North Gym and an athletics leadership suite in CEFCU Arena after legendary Redbird Doug Collins and his wife Kathy, honoring their decades of support. The Collinses will continue investing in men’s basketball, with a focus on nutrition, travel, and overall student-athlete experience for ISU players.
   

2. Normal receives $2.8 million in grants to boost infrastructure and safety (centralillinoisproud.com) — Normal has secured $2.8 million in grants this year to upgrade infrastructure, improve public safety, and support local amenities like arts, environmental programs, and the public library. Major funding includes a state grant to replace the Vernon Avenue culvert, housing rehabilitation support, new EV charging stations, and expanded interlibrary loan access for Normal readers.
   

3. Mental health training continues ramp up in McLean County (wglt.org) — McLean County is expanding mental health training and programs funded partly by sales tax revenue shared with Bloomington and Normal, while the three governments renegotiate how that money should be used. New grants will support housing stability and youth programs, and officials are also tightening rules for solar projects and drafting a long-range county strategic plan that will shape budgets through 2027.
   

4. 2025 12/18 – Larry E. Crouch (southernillinoisnow.com) — A longtime former Normal resident, Larry E. Crouch, who worked a decade at Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of North America in town and lived here nearly 30 years, has died at age 80. His life journey took him from Vietnam service to law enforcement and manufacturing work, before retiring closer to family in Breese, where visitation and memorial services will be held Thursday, December 18.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thank you to whoever cleared our driveway and walkway.
    We don't know who did it, but know we greatly appreciate it!!!!! (Nextdoor Eagles Landing)
  • When cardboard is left on the curb, it isn't collected for recycling and instead heads straight to the landfill.
    That's a waste we can easily avoid. Flattening boxes keeps recyclable materials in circulation and supports the Town's commitment to sustainability… (Nextdoor )
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Maintenance Team Member in Normal. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Normal. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Normal here.

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

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
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