Cardinal Grove planting delayed
NORMAL -- The ceremonial planting of 27 trees in Cardinal Grove at Glenn Elementary School has been postponed because of wet ground.
It's the seventh grove of Children & Elders Forest, an urban reforestation program that plants indigenous trees.
Tickets available for mansion tour
BLOOMINGTON -- Tickets are available for Christmas at the Mansions tours, which will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at a “mystery mansion,†David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, Broadview Mansion and Vrooman Mansion.
Advance tickets, $10 per person, are available at Casey's Garden Shop; The Garlic Press; Schnucks Supermarket, Normal and Bloomington; the David Davis Mansion; and at www.daviddavismansion.org. Tickets are $12 on Nov. 19.
Shuttle buses begin at the Davis grounds and parking lot of Wesley United Methodist Church. Directions and maps will be available at Vrooman, Broadview and Davis mansions.
The event benefits Immanuel Bible Foundation, David Davis Mansion Foundation, and American Cancer Society.
Idol competition set Nov. 19 at ISU
NORMAL -- The Bloomington-Normal High School Idol competition will be Nov. 19 at ISU's Braden Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; performances begin at 6 p.m.
Tickets cost $5 and are available at participating high schools, Project Oz in Bloomington and at the door.
The competition features student acts from University, Bloomington, Normal West, Central Catholic and Normal Community high schools. Call (309) 827-0377.
Club collects items for veterans' home
BLOOMINGTON -- GFWC Illinois Women's Club of Heyworth is collecting comfort items for veterans at the veterans' home in Quincy. Collection containers will be available Nov. 5-8 at Bloomington-Normal Jewel-Osco stores.
Needed items are deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, shaving cream, aftershave, lotion, baby wash, individually wrapped candies, single-serving snacks and phone cards. Call 217-737-8401.
State grants to pay for Logan lighting
LINCOLN -- Energy-efficient lights are being installed in the Logan County Courthouse and the Public Safety Complex.
The $29,609 courthouse project is being funded with $19,210 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and $2,996 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The $16,740 safety complex project includes $9,359 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and $3,196 from DCEO.
Balloon release set for Vets Day
BLOOMINGTON -- The Veterans Day Agent Orange balloon release will be at noon Nov. 11 at the Korea-Vietnam Memorial in Miller Park.
To write a name in memory or dedicate a balloon or to volunteer, email ctlogs@fiftyflags.com or call 309-829-9071 or 309-287-3014.
Heating bill help applications taken
BLOOMINGTON -- Sites have been announced for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications in McLean County.
Call Mid Central Community Action Inc. at 309-829-0691 for an appointment. Income guidelines and other rules apply.
Applications will be taken at Heritage Manor, Colfax, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to noon; JT & EJ Crumbaugh Library, LeRoy, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Heartland Bank, Chenoa, Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Lexington City Hall, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to noon; and Heyworth Library, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon.