Chemberly Harris

The Bloomington-Normal community will mark Juneteenth on Saturday during an event at Miller Park, featuring live music and dance, activities for kids, and a ceremony commemorating three community servants.

The town council also authorized the filing of the Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan during the meeting.

Mayor Chris Koos of Normal has won a 6th full term in office, defeating challengers Kathleen Lorenz and Chemberly Harris.

Normal mayoral candidate Kathleen Lorenz faced criticism Sunday from one of her two opponents after accepting a $28,000 campaign contribution from the McLean County Republicans that she said was really a pass-through contribution from a specific donor.

All three candidates for Normal mayor agree that people need a safer way to cross the railroad tracks in Uptown Normal. But they differ on whether that should be an underpass, an overpass, or something else altogether.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos is used to facing opposition for re-election. But he’s never faced off against two sitting town council members who both say it’s time for a change after 22 years.

The Normal Town Council has done little to address the housing shortage, up against daunting macroeconomic forces. All three candidates for Normal mayor say more action is needed over the next four years, though they differ on the specifics.

If you’re looking for differences between the three candidates running for Normal mayor, their opinions about taxes and fees are a good place to start.

The three candidates participated in a WGLT forum to answer questions submitted by the voters, each making their pitch for the leadership style they want for Normal.

The mayoral candidates for the April 1 election in the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington attended a town hall meeting Saturday hosted by the McLean County Republicans.