Good morning, Normal.

The Salvation Army of McLean County launched a coat drive to help those in need this winter; donations of money or winter gear can be given online or at its community center (at West Washington Street in Bloomington), and last year it distributed over 450 coats.

State Farm raised new homeowners insurance rates by 8% on Oct.

1 and will raise renewal rates on Dec. 1 due to higher claim costs from severe weather trends; the change comes ahead of new state laws that give the Department of Insurance review authority.

Downs Haunted House returns every Friday + Saturday in October with an elaborate haunted trail that began on a $500 budget and now offers local families organized scares and fun.

The attraction brings community excitement as the annual event evolves.

McLean County offers a host of Halloween events this month.

Normal and Bloomington host trick or treating from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31 plus the Constitution Trail, Children’s Discovery Museum, and Normal Theater present family-friendly movies, haunts, and festivities throughout October.

Candace Summers, senior director of education for the McLean County Museum of History, will present her new book Mourning in McLean at 7-8 p.m. Thursday at Bloomington Public Library (205 E.

Olive St.) and sign copies at Bobzbay Books from 1-3 p.m. Saturday.