By: Diane Benjamin
1)
A Facebook group exists called No Data Centers Bloomington-Normal. I was not allow to post a comment which means this group doesn’t bother with facts.
My comment pertained to newer technology called Closed Loop which means a huge water supply isn’t needed. Water used to cool keeps circulating and doesn’t need to be replaced constantly with new water.
I also stated the builders need to bring their own energy source and put any excess on the grid for free. I have since learned new data centers aren’t producing noise.
Opposing all data centers does nothing. People can either control where and how they operate or have no control. Opposition isn’t a strategy.
I remain strongly opposed to building on rich farmland or near residential areas.
Update: I am now allowed to post in the group. Being a member wasn’t enough, they require jumping through hoops to post.
2)
The McLean County Republican Party claims there is a serious shortage of Republican Election Judges. People are needed for (the ridiculous) early voting and election day.
Your help is needed to ensure our elections remain fair, secure, and transparent.
More information and Sign Up: https://www.mcleancountyrepublicans.org/become_an_election_judge?utm_campaign=election_judges&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mcleancountygop
3)
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael sent a press release because she keeps running into people who don’t know about the County Recorder program to notify property owners when any documents are filed on their property. This program stops fraud and is free.
Sign up here: https://recordhub.cottsystems.com/McLeanIL/Portal/Account/Login?returnUrl=/McLeanIL/Portal/PropertyCheckNotification/Create/
4)
This is Barbara Stuart, the 90 something year old woman behind getting the County, Normal, and Bloomington to pass a Code of Ethics. She believed putting the Code of Ethics in writing would magically create better elected officials. She wanted the Code posted prominently to remind elected officials of their responsibility. Bloomington needs a HUGE copy posted at every meeting. Maybe the next time a Council member launches a planned attack the mayor can pause the meeting and hand out copies to remind the offenders.
.
I hope (but don’t anticipate) she shows up at the next County Board meeting and Bloomington City Council and express her disappointment with Corey Beirne and Abby Scott. The Code is just as useful as Not In Our Town is to counter bigotry and bullying in the Twin Cities. NIOT claims it’s mission is to stop hate, address bullying and build a safe, inclusive community.
The left’s political opponents are excluded: https://blnnews.com/2025/12/29/more-on-the-not-in-our-town-frauds/
In case you missed this: https://blnnews.com/2026/06/24/abby-scott-and-corey-beirne-failed-the-ethics-test/