From the City Manager's Desk: |
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City Manager Pamela Reece
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| Stop, Collaborate and Listen ... |
We are jumping into April with fresh air and fresh energy!
First and foremost, we are excited to open the new "From Farm to a Healthy Me" exhibit this week at the Children's Discovery Museum. Years in the making, this exhibit is truly a community-wide effort, with input from local ag experts and funds raised by the Children's Discovery Museum Foundation's Fundraising Committee. The exhibit opens April 9 to the public.
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Collaboration abounds with these efforts:
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The Parks & Recreation Department launched master planning efforts, and we want to hear from you!
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Normal is joining forces with Illinois State University (ISU) and the City of Bloomington to reignite Town & Gown efforts.
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If you travel in and around the ISU campus, consider attending the April 13 safety showcase to learn about study findings and recommendations.
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Our community is strong, thanks to partnerships like this!
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On April 6, the Normal Town Council took the following actions:
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awarded a contract for the 2026 miscellaneous sidewalk improvements to repair deteriorated sidewalks and improve sidewalk curb ramps throughout the Town to improve accessibility, and connectivity
- authorized a contract extension with Cardinal Infrastructure who provides the Town assistance with navigating the federal grant process and expertise in working with our congressional delegation
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approved the purchase of a modular vehicle barrier system to reduce the risk of accidental vehicle intrusions and intentional vehicle-based threats to the public during large gatherings
- amended Chapter 25 of the Town Code regarding remote participation, adding two additional reasons for remote attendance by a councilmember
- adopted a code of ethics as proposed by the Ethics Committee of Bloomington/Normal
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New Town-Gown Initiative Launches |
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| The Town of Normal has partnered with Illinois State University and the City of Bloomington to strengthen collaboration between the three entities.
Creating stronger university-community alignment will help advance shared priorities, including workforce development, expanded professional education opportunities and solutions to critical challenges such as housing.
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Increased collaboration will also contribute to a more connected community, supporting student engagement and long-term talent retention. This coordinated approach reinforces the Town of Normal’s commitment to building a more integrated, community partnership with Illinois State University and the City of Bloomington.
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Catch April showers with rain barrels |
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Harvesting rainwater with rain barrels is an age-old idea that remains useful. Purchase a high-quality, 55-gallon rain barrel from the Ecology Action Center (EAC). Learn how to purchase, install and use rain barrels on the EAC website.
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| - Water gardens and indoor plants
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Fill animal water bowls or use for baths
- Wash bicycles and other items stored in the garage
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Source: American Water Works Association, Illinois Section
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Attend the Campus Safety Showcase |
4:30–6:30 p.m. | Monday, April 13, 2026
Circus Room, Bone Student Center, Illinois State University
Free snacks provided | No RSVP required
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In honor of the centennial year of Route 66, the Town of Normal rolls out a series of commemorative projects designed to reflect the legacy of the past, the vibrancy of the present and the promise of the future. The projects include a Route 66 Centennial logo, a June 7 1950s-themed Roadside Picnic and a mural at Sprague’s Super Service.
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“Route 66 is more than just a road or stretch of pavement. For our community, it’s a symbol of progress, connection and hospitality. Normal regularly sees thousands of visitors from around the world as they explore Route 66 and its related sites. I’m proud of the Town’s plans, and we’re excited to participate in the great work of VisitBN as they coordinate efforts across the county.”
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-- Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos
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Throwback .... "Normal" at the Normal Theater |
On April 2, the Historic Normal Theater hosted a screening of the movie "Normal."
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Above: Movie patrons wait for doors to open for the screening of "Normal," a neo-western action thriller.
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| Above: The marquee at the Historic Normal Theater boasts the name of the movie about a violent criminal network.
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| Above: "Normal" star Bob Odenkirk (left) and screenwriter Derek Kolstad (right).
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Above: Civic Arts Manager Adam Fox welcomes a packed house, explaining the movie is set in the fictional town of Normal, Minn., and is not based on Normal, Ill.
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| Above: "Normal" star Bob Odenkirk (right) shows off his fictional sheriff's badge during the question and answer session. Screenwriter Derek Kolstad (left) looks on.
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