Good morning, Normal.

Today, streets in Uptown Normal will be marked no parking after 11 a.m. and closed at noon for festival preparations.

The Sugar Creek Arts Festival will run tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Immigration Project held its annual luncheon on Thursday at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University to raise money and awareness for its legal and social services for immigrants in central and southern Illinois — drawing local government officials such as the mayors of Normal and Bloomington — as recent events in Chicago stirred strong emotions in the community.

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and Normal Mayor Chris Koos will kick off ISU Homecoming 2025 with a tree-lighting ceremony in Uptown Circle on Monday, Oct.

13. Cars cannot park on key streets from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.—the free event will also feature games, giveaways and performances by the Big Red Marching Machine and Red Bird Cheer.

Normal Theater is offering a Halloween lineup with Pan’s Labyrinth on October 13, a discussion featuring Heather Petrocelli and Peaches Christ on October 15, and Candyman on October 27.

Across Central Illinois, Rocky Horror Picture Show plays on October 24 and 25, John Carpenter’s film airs on Halloween night, Netflix premieres Frankenstein on November 7, and Hulu releases the true crime series Amanda Knox — giving fans a full slate for the season.

Food bloggers Terry Fitts and John Malkin launched their Facebook page Culinary Chronicles of Central Illinois early this year to help local diners choose restaurants by posting reviews, videos, and giveaways— they focus on food quality and local ingredients at spots like Acres Inn and have reached 2,400 followers.

Farmland owners are holding off on selling their acreage this fall as land prices have dropped slightly since last year — sellers are waiting for more competition and stable yields before listing.

Surveys show farm sale prices in Illinois and Iowa fell 1—3% in the first half of the year due to lower commodity prices.

University High School announced its 2025 homecoming court — the named students will serve as ambassadors during upcoming homecoming events.

Normal Public Works announced that a lane reduction on East Mulberry Street between South Maple and North Walnut Streets started Thursday for pavement repairs and will be completed by Oct.

13—drivers are advised to drive with extra caution.

The Town Council approved a public hearing for a proposed Tax Increment Financing district on Mulberry Street north of Uptown Circle and the Constitution Trail, scheduled for November — the project aims to boost taxes for the town and Unit 5 Schools and address local housing needs. Mayor Chris Koos noted that previous development setbacks due to COVID-19 and high interest rates have increased the demand for walkable living.

Connect Transit’s Board of Trustees confirmed former vice chair Julie Hile as board chair to fill the seat left after chairman Ryan Whitehouse’s departure — Hile, president of the Hile Group and partner in Hile-Broad Properties, said she will guide the agency in carrying on its mission of providing community access to opportunity.

Connect Transit named Julie Hile as Chair of its Board of Trustees after Chairman Ryan Whitehouse passed away; Hile, who was formerly vice chair, now leads the board + brings her experience from the Hile Group and Hile-Broad Properties to drive transit improvements.

Carle Health is planning free cancer screenings to help improve outcomes by detecting the disease early—Saqib Walayat noted that early detection can significantly raise survival rates.

Breast cancer screenings will be held on Oct 17 at several central Illinois locations, and lung cancer screenings will take place on Nov 8 at Proctor Hospital.

An Illinois State University researcher said shifting vaccine guidelines and differing advice from top health groups have confused people about vaccine safety.

She warned that this mixed guidance may lower trust in federal advice—worsening vaccine hesitancy.

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.

2025 Pumpkin Smash

10 AM – 2 PM — Rader Family Farms — Check website for costs — Smash pumpkins and learn about environmental impact through fun activities.