Alderman Cody Hendricks, Ward 6

04/19/2026

Cleanup continues across Bloomington following Friday night’s storms.

Crews are prioritizing major routes and working neighborhood by neighborhood to clear debris.

Help us keep things moving:
• Place branches and debris at the curb
• Keep streets and sidewalks clear
• Be patient as crews make their way through the city

We’ll keep you updated as work continues.

04/18/2026

McLean County Leaders Issue Emergency Declaration Following Friday Night’s Severe Storms
Bloomington, IL — McLean County officials from City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, and County of McLean have issued a formal emergency declaration in response to widespread storm damage impacting portions of the County.
At this time, no injuries have been reported, and emergency response agencies remain actively engaged to ensure public safety and continuity of essential services. The disruption is believed to be temporary, and utility providers are working diligently to restore services.
Current estimates indicate that power is expected to be fully restored by approximately noon Sunday, April 19th.
County emergency management personnel have activated the Emergency Operations Center, in coordination with local municipalities, first responders, and utility partners. The parties continue to monitor conditions and support restoration efforts. Critical infrastructure and public safety systems remain operational.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Use caution when traveling, particularly at intersections where traffic signals may be impacted
• Please stay away from downed power lines, and assume lines are live.
• Check on neighbors, particularly seniors or those with medical needs
• Follow official government communication channels for updates
PLEASE use Self-Reporting tool in the QR Code or link below.
Residents experiencing outages, property damage, flooding, tree damage, or service disruptions are encouraged to self-report to assist countywide response efforts.
📱 Scan the QR code below or follow the link to submit a report:
https://veoci.com/v/p/form/99zytxjzcdky?c=346309

This declaration allows us to ensure all necessary resources are aligned to support our residents and restore services as quickly as possible. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as crews work to resolve the issue.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

03/24/2026

The Citizen Convenience Center will re-open April 1.
Yard waste, recyclables, appliances — yes.
Bulk waste — is now curbside only and will NOT be accepted for drop-off.
ecologyactioncenter.org/waste-and-recycling

03/14/2026

The Harriett Fuller Rust Façade Grant Application is now OPEN for FY27! ✨

As part of our continued commitment to strengthening and revitalizing Downtown, this program supports property and business owners who are investing in the long-term vitality of our community.

Eligible applicants can receive:
• Up to 50% of total project costs for qualified façade rehabilitation, repair, restoration, and/or structural improvements
• Grants up to $25,000 per project
• Up to $50,000 per project for buildings deemed in extreme and dangerous disrepair by the Historic Preservation Commission

By restoring and improving our historic buildings, we’re preserving community character, enhancing safety, and creating a stronger, more vibrant downtown for everyone.

Check your project’s eligibility at the link below and be part of Bloomington’s continued revitalization story.
https://cityblm.seamlessdocs.com/f/CoAFunk

02/09/2026

Bloomington is currently in a Severe Drought Alert Phase, and while winter conditions mean most restrictions won’t impact daily life, small actions at home still matter.

Easy at-home habits
• Fix dripping faucets or running toilets — even small leaks add up fast
• Take 5-minute showers (or shave a minute or two off your usual time)
• Use the eco/short cycle on washers and dishwashers when available
• Scrape plates instead of pre-rinsing before loading the dishwasher
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap

Kitchen & laundry
• Don’t thaw food under running water — use the fridge or microwave
• Wash produce in a bowl, not under a running faucet
• Reuse towels once or twice before washing

Around the house
• Only run the dishwasher when it’s full (same for laundry)
• Turn off water while lathering hands or shampooing
• Be mindful of long baths — occasional is fine, daily adds up

Thanks to residents and businesses, Bloomington already reduced water use earlier this winter — and these simple steps help keep that momentum going as lake levels continue to be monitored.

01/22/2026

2026 MCLEAN COUNTY WARMING CENTER/SHELTER INFORMATION

WARMING CENTER – A short term emergency location where people can get out of dangerous temperatures to prevent injury or loss of life. Typically, a stopping point until the people can move on, or to, a more appropriate facility. No food or sleeping accommodations are provided. Some warming centers are 24-hour businesses where people can stop in.

SHELTER– Severe weather shelters are emergency locations where people can get out of dangerous temperatures to prevent injury or loss of life. Shelters provide food and (typically) places to sleep. These are longer term than warming centers. Stranded travelers, the homeless population, and families that have lost heat or electricity are the population that shelters are established to assist.

GIS Map of warming centers/shelters: https://mcleangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=fcb8f4142579498c880f2495239f6f06&fbclid=IwY2xjawPfCnpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwSFg1TXkzejZpMVJGckVac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl0NC446wrMcctKW51tbsh8MKoXX6TjZ_b21LWHDoZsOW5YkuLFzANCBqO1g_aem_-BYRE2IiWA-qvjheWXgV6Q&sliderDistance=1.5

Arrowsmith:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.

Bloomington:
- Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., 309-828-6091 (M-Th 9 am – 9 pm & F/Sa 9 am – 5 pm/Su 1 – 5 pm)
- Connect Transit Bus –parking lot of the McLean Co Health Dept, 200 W. Front St., Bloomington, availability determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on available resources.
- Walmart, 2225 W. Market St. 309-828-5646, 7:00 am – 11:00 pm

Bellflower:
- Bellflower Community Center cafeteria, 104 W. Center St., enter the NE double doors, contact Eston Ellis at 309-530-4418 for assistance.

Chenoa:
- Call the MetCom non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the EMA director to assist you.

Cooksville:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief or village president to assist you.

Downs:
- Downs Fire Dept, 102 W Main St., Downs – open 24 hours Call 309-378-2021 to make sure it is staffed.

Heyworth:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.

Hudson:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.

LeRoy:
- Loves Travel, 505 S. Persimmon Dr., 24 hours, 309-962-3060
- Additional place will be available if requested, stop by or call the LeRoy Police Dept, 110 S. East St., 309-962-3310

Lexington:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, they will contact Lexington police, fire, or EMA

McLean:
- Road Ranger Truck Stop, 315 E. Dixie Rd- open 24 hours

Normal:
- Meijer, 1900 E. College Ave, 6:00 am – midnight
- Normal Public Library, 206 W College Abe (M-Th 9am-8pm, Fri/Sa 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm)
- Uptown Station – 11 Uptown Circle, First Floor (Amtrak and bus area) open daily and closes with the last train at 9:00 pm

Saybrook:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.

Stanford:
- Call the MetCom non-emergency number 309-888-5030 and they will contact the fire chief for assistance.

Towanda -
- Call the MetCom non-emergency number 309-888-5030 and they will contact the fire chief for assistance.

Homeless Shelters:
- Home Sweet Home Ministries, 303 E. Oakland Ave, Bloomington, Open 24 hrs 309-828-7356. The Junction at Home Sweet Home Ministries (located at 301 E Oakland Ave – the old Mission Mart) is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and welcomes anyone from the community in need of a place to warm up.
- Project Oz – serves homeless youth ages 17-23, call PATH at 309-827-4005 and ask them to page Project Oz on-call staff.
- Salvation Army Safe Harbor, 208 N Oak St, Bloomington,– 309-829-9476. Shelter is open from 5 pm – 8 am for residents. Emergency Winter Shelter is open until March 31st , patrons can stay all day. Clearance card & intake interview needed for those with active warrants. Lobby fits up to 12, open to all 10pm-5:30am, no questions asked. Snacks, warmth, and restrooms are available in lobby.

01/17/2026

01/02/2026

💧💧💧Please consider reducing water usage! Even small steps like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth and reducing your shower time will do wonders!

Dry conditions have lowered local lake levels, and the City of Bloomington is requesting voluntary water conservation as a precautionary measure. The water system is operating normally, there is no concern about running out of water at this time, and no mandatory restrictions are in place. With rainfall and your help, lake levels should recover quickly.

11/11/2025

🍂 Leaves don’t always stay put, but our crews are on it! Check out these quick tips and see where crews are working on the interactive Leaf Collection Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/939f242b87614afb8ae425740d271a87/page/Page/

08/10/2025

August 28: 🍧 Grab a Cone with Community Enhancement
We’re bringing FREE sno-cones to O’Neil Park for residents of Wards 4, 6, and 7 — and you’re invited!

✅ Learn how to keep your neighborhood clean & safe
📋 Get the scoop on common code violations and how to avoid them
🚒 Visit with our Fire and Police Departments
🎉 Jump for joy in a FREE bounce house
🍧 Enjoy a FREE snow cone and connect with City of Bloomington Community Enhancement Inspectors

📅 Thursday, August 28

🕓 4:30–6:30 p.m.

📍 O’Neil Park by the Skate Park

This is a free, family-friendly event — come chat with us and cool down with a treat!