May 07, 2026 

City Manager Pamela Reece

Trees are important! Normal has been a Tree City USA for nearly three decades. And, last year our community earned the Bird City Illinois designation, so we take it especially hard when we lose trees. 

April's tornadoes felled a mighty cottonwood in Hidden Creek Sanctuary. Instead of hanging our heads about losing this leafy giant, we're branching out in the best way. Read on to learn how the Parks & Recreation team is creating some positive May-hem by making space for wonder, right where the tree landed! 

The Town is thankful for the continued support from our legislators. Recently, we learned Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) proposed additional funding for flood mitigation in Uptown Normal. The same day, we welcomed Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)  to Normal. He visited with the media and toured Rivian. We are thankful for all efforts to bring federal tax dollars back to our community.

This month, the Town also launched an online store for commemorative Route 66 merchandise. Our community will be celebrating the Mother Road throughout its centennial year, and especially on June 7. 

Photo Credit: Dan Henderson

Photo Credit: Dan Henderson

Photo Credit: Mercy Davison

The April 17 tornadoes felled a mighty cottonwood tree at Hidden Creek Sanctuary. But, it's not the end of the story!

The Parks & Recreation team plans to save part of this fallen trunk for a hands-on exploration and education.

Curious minds of all ages can count the rings and trace the tree’s history year by year. What was once towering overhead now invites a closer look, turning storm damage into a chance to connect with nature and discover the quiet stories written inside the wood.

Photo Credit: Mercy Davison

In this section: Images of damage sustained at Hidden Creek Sanctuary by a felled cottonwood tree, including a bench crushed by the mighty tree. The Town plans to salvage part of the tree for exploration and education.

On May 4, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) proposed $1.6 million in support of flood mitigation in Uptown Normal as a Community Project Funding request.

If appropriated, this money would be added to the $1.55 million the House Appropriations Committee awarded for the effort in 2024.

The $4.5 million project will address flooding issues in the Town’s central business district resulting from the increasing severity and frequency of major storm events. 

A timeline for this effort is not yet set. The next step is to complete preliminary planning and studies.

"My job is to bring federal income tax dollars back to your community. This is about the future of Uptown Normal. It's for small businesses, visitors and students." 

--Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

Above:  Mayor Chris Koos and Congressman Sorensen prior to a press conference about the stormwater mitigation efforts to benefit Uptown Normal. 

Above: At a May 4 press conference, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke with pride of the Town of Normal facilities and other community improvements for which he helped secure funds during his career. He focused on issues in Washington D.C. in his comments and also thanked Mayor Chris Koos for his continued advocacy for communities in Illinois. Following the talk with the media, Durbin and Koos toured the Rivian manufacturing facility. 

Above: At Rivian's manufacturing facility, Mayor Chris Koos and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visit with Rivian leaders  Samantha Paez, lead technical advisor for VP of manufacturing and COO, and Kyle Creach, senior assembly manager. 

Above: Mayor Chris Koos and Water Department Director John Burkhart honor Willow Hoffman from Mrs. McHenry's 5th Grade Class at Prairieland Elementary School. 

In 2026, the Town of Normal Water Department held its third annual Water Cover Art Contest. The contest was open to 3rd through 5th graders living in Normal or attending a Unit 5 school.

More than 300 students submitted art for the contest. Council selected artwork from Willow Hoffman, a student in Mrs. McHenry's 5th grade class at Prairieland Elementary School, as the winning entry.

Willow captured this year's theme, "How We Use Water," with illustrations of: bathe, clean, cook, drink, play, rain, swim and wash. The artwork serves as the cover for the Town's annual Water Quality Report. 

On May 4, the Normal Town Council took the following actions:

To learn more, read the May 4 Council Action Reports. 

The Town water tower near intersection of Main and Willow Streets.

The Town of Normal Cultural Arts and Parks & Recreation Departments coordinate programming and events for the community to enjoy. 

May:

June 7:  Retro Roadside Picnic

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