Page 17 - Constitution Trail News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

The Town of Normal is exploring how to redesign a 1.85-mile stretch of Vernon Avenue, running from Beaufort Street on the west to Towanda Avenue on the east.

A 2.5-acre lot in a Bloomington neighborhood sat vacant for years until its property owner invited newly displaced, unhoused people to stay there last summer. Unresolved city code violations have since resulted in a court case between the owner and the City of Bloomington.

Homeless shelter managers in Bloomington believe they have found a long-term solution to a shortage of emergency beds during the winter, but they are still about 50 beds short this winter.

When Glenn Elementary students and their families reach Normal’s busy Fell Avenue, crossing guard Gayle Thomas is there to meet them. The retired construction manager, who's a great-grandfather, stands at the ready each weekday.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said the hefty margins of victory for moderates in school board and town council races and the Unit 5 referendum show the electorate rejects the negativity of recent years from the far right. Koos also ties McLean County results to state and national trends.