August 06, 2026 

City Manager Pamela Reece

It's that time again! Illinois State University (ISU) students return to Normal next week. Each fall, the "Welcome Back, Redbirds" banner returns to the top of City Hall, marking the arrival of a new class of ISU students. The banner is a visible reminder of the energy, opportunity and sense of community that make Normal such a dynamic place to call home. The Town's partnership with ISU strengthens our local economy, enriches arts and culture and creates the welcoming, energetic atmosphere residents enjoy every day. To see how the Town is welcoming students, watch the video below. 

I'm proud of the Blue Envelope program the Normal Police Department introduced this week. Read on to learn how they are working to promote understanding and build safer interactions and connections with the community. 

Please join us Aug. 17 at the grand opening of the Town of Normal Sculpture Park. I've enjoyed watching this amenity come to life as each new piece was installed this summer. Finally, register for fall and winter Parks & Recreation programming and mark your calendars for Sweet Corn Circus. I hope to see you in Uptown Normal.

Right: This video will be shared in Illinois State's orientation materials and on ISU and Town of Normal social media platforms. We appreciate the employees, businessowners and residents who participated in this video. Special shout out to Town of Normal Communications Intern Mallory Holland for working with the "welcoming committee" and pulling this together. 

The Normal Police Department partnered with Autism McLean to introduce the Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary initiative designed to improve communication between first responders and residents with autism, sensory sensitivities and other communication-related challenges.

The Blue Envelope Program provides participants with a bright blue envelope that can be presented during interactions with police officers and other first responders, particularly during traffic stops. The envelope serves as a visual cue that the individual may benefit from additional communication support or accommodations.

The envelope securely stores: 

Information provided helps officers better understand an individual's needs and can include details such as preferred communication methods, sensory sensitivities, or calming strategies.

To learn more, visit the Blue Envelope Program website page on the NPD website. 

The Blue Envelope program is a free, voluntary initiative designed to help individuals with communication challenges, disabilities or severe anxiety have safe, stress-free interactions with law enforcement.

"Traffic stops and other emergency situations can be stressful and can be especially overwhelming for individuals with autism or sensory-related conditions. We want to bridge the communication gap by providing officers with important information that allows them to respond with greater understanding, patience and empathy."

-- Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli

On Aug. 3., the Normal Town Council approved a brief agenda of minutes and bills and adjourned into executive session for an update. 

The Parking Lot Party will celebrate the Mother Road with music, food and community at the popular Route 66 destination.

6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15

Sprague's Super Service, 305 Pine St. Normal

Join us as we celebrate the Town of Normal Sculpture Park.

5:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, 1110 Douglas St., Normal

Parking is available at the Community Activity Center at One Normal Plaza
Ribbon Cutting & Comments at 6 p.m.

Above: The conceptual design of the Town of Normal Sculpture Park highlights the placement of the four sculptures installed this summer. The park is in front of the Community Activity Center in One Normal Plaza. 

Developed through the vision of the Town's community-driven Public Art Master Plan, the Sculpture Park is the first of many projects that expand public art and strengthen a sense of place throughout Normal.

Learn more at the Public Art Project Page on the Normal Forum. 

Visit the Town of Normal website for past editions of Normal Now. 

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Thank you for being part of our community! We want to hear from you! Let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to see in future editions of Normal Now.