Good morning, Normal.

The Normal Police Department celebrated K9 Ghost’s third birthday Tuesday — he worked closely with his handler Officer Hoger.

A police Facebook post invited the community to join in wishing him a happy birthday with treats.

WMBD-TV's general manager Shaun Newell passed away Monday at age 47 — he led a local news and digital team since 2017 and supported community sports and nonprofit work — and his legacy lives on in strong local journalism.

The McLean County History Museum recognized Canadian Indigenous Day of Remembrance today by hosting an exhibit that explained the significance of indigenous traditions—inviting local visitors to learn about this heritage.

Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle said the district is reviewing enrollment numbers and will offer new recommendations by late fall or early spring on how to manage crowded schools.

She added that the transportation budget faces a $4.2 million shortfall and the board approved a $4.5 million contract for new buses—she also noted that cell phone rules and teacher shortage programs are being closely watched.

Yesterday the Normal Fire Department dedicated its Survive Alive house in memory of fallen chiefs Cermack and Smalley by teaching fire safety to children at Fire Station Three in Normal.

The house will tour 16 elementary schools during Fire Prevention Month—reaching over a thousand students with vital safety education.

The Town of Normal announced that starting at 6:00 a.m. on October 2 the Camelback Bridge and the Constitution Trail below it will be closed for maintenance, and East Virginia Avenue from Hillcrest to South Linden and West Virginia Avenue from Broadway to Hillcrest will also be closed to through traffic for alternate routes. The work is expected to finish by 5:00 p.m. on October 3 weather permitting.

The Normal Human Relations Commission will host a Social Equity Summit on Saturday, Oct.

4 — focused on housing equity and housing justice in Normal. The summit will let local residents explore ways to address housing disparities.

Illinois State men's basketball has been named the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference for the first time since 2001-2002—returning key players like Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger as they will open their season with a scrimmage against Illini in Champaign on October 19. Coach Ryan Pedon said the team will face early challenges as they work hard this season.

Oktoberfest Rotary Run

2-4 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser entry — Participate in the Annual Oktoberfest 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Walk to support local youth services.