Visitors spent $549 million in McLean County in 2025, supporting 4,006 jobs and generating $41 million in state and $15.8 million in local tax revenue.
- Indiana University Northwest
Indiana University Northwest hosts an Oct. 24 open house where prospective students can explore 60+ majors, apply for free and learn about aid and student life.
- Indiana University Northwest
IU Northwest’s CURE invites adults and seniors to free and low-cost fall 2026 courses in gardening, art, technology, finance, Medicare, Alzheimer’s and more.
- Normal IL
Parkinson Street lot in Uptown Normal closes Sept. 21 as underpass work begins; Constitution Trail users will follow a signed detour and alternate parking options.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn how to install, use and maintain a 55-gallon rain barrel, reduce stormwater runoff pollution and get Q&A support from EAC staff at this paid workshop.
- Parkland College
Parkland College Foundation honored the Rotary Club of Champaign and donor Greg Lykins with inaugural awards recognizing long-term philanthropic impact.
- Ecology Action Center
Virtual panel explains how battery energy storage systems work, their community benefits, and how Illinois’ Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act affects projects.
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Illinois youth can apply by Sept. 18 for a lottery to hunt deer at Clinton Lake SRA Oct. 10-12, with permits, licenses and adult supervision requirements.
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WalletHub ranked Lake Land College No. 1 in the nation for education outcomes and No. 1 in Illinois, placing it among the top 10% of U.S. community colleges.
Wright’s Furniture & Flooring designer Taylor Wright has been named to the national Designers Today 40 Under 40 list for her leadership and community-focused design work.
Illinois State’s Adaptive Edge Institute fellows use secure AI tools to streamline business school accreditation and personalize support in large sociology classes.
Illinois State researchers and Urban Rivers study floating gardens on the Chicago River, measuring water quality, equity, and community engagement impacts.
Illinois State University dedicated its new College of Engineering home at Campus East, celebrating expanded labs, space for 700 students, and future solar-powered growth.
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McKendree University received a NetVUE Professional Development Award to support character- and calling-based professional development for faculty, staff and students.
- University of Illinois
Study of discarded disposable vapes found extremely high lead and other metals in e-liquids, raising health, environmental and waste-management concerns.
- Mattoon Community Unit School District 2
Mattoon CUSD #2 placed an employee on administrative leave after a social media comment that conflicted with district values and policies on professional conduct.
- Ecology Action Center
Ecology Action Center workshops teach rainwater catchment, rain barrel installation, use, care and storage, with Q&A and accommodations available.
- Illinois State University
Skate Park Saturdays at Fairview Park in Normal bring skaters of all ages together with art, resources, and campus partners to support wellness, safety, and community.
- Normal IL
Normal Public Works offers self-service electronics recycling for McLean County residents, with updated holiday closures and regular weekday office hours.
- Effingham County Chamber
Land of Lincoln Credit Union completes its acquisition of Williamsville State Bank & Trust, adding Sherman and Williamsville, IL branches for a total of 15 locations.
- Parkland College
Parkland College and Express Employment Professionals are offering a free Adult Education ESL workplace literacy class for Rantoul Industrial Park workers.
- Effingham County Chamber
Alpha Bins, a family-owned business in St. Elmo, Illinois, provides convenient 20-yard roll-off dumpster rentals for home, roofing, and construction projects.
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- Effingham IL
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Effingham greatly reduced its portion of property tax bills and urges residents to review tax statements and contact staff with questions.
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- Effingham IL
Effingham received 102 building permit applications in early 2026, including 31 new dwelling units, totaling about $20 million in construction investment.
- Effingham County Chamber
Greater Effingham FCA supports coaches and athletes through huddles, camps and faith-based programs while inviting community members to get involved locally.
- University of Illinois
Biodiversity Heritage Library leaders discuss its collections, recent organizational transition, new partners and efforts to secure long-term sustainability.