SHARON MCBRIDE
Two of my favorite days in 2023 appear in March. On March 12th, we will change to Day Light Savings time. (This year it seems to have been darker than other years.) Might just be because I have been stuck in the house so much. The other is St Patrick’s Day on March 17th, a day I have celebrated for years.
MEET CANDIDATES
Upcoming on at 6 p.m. March 16th, a candidates’ night is scheduled for the April 4 Consolidated Election. The meeting will be held in the West Peoria Maintenance Garage, 1322 Hillside St. in our community. Citizens running are: Mayor — James R. Dillon; City Clerk — Mary “Margie” Barnes; Treasurer — Julianna R, McGill; Aldermen — Ward 1: Hazel Thomas, Willie Bell McAfee, Colin Corbett; Ward 2: Matt Dillon; Ward 3: Scott Ruskusky, John Siewert II; Ward 4: Zak Edmonds. Wards 1 and 2 voting places are in the City Garage and Wards 3 and 4 are at the Franciscan Recreational Center with voting times: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. April 4.
MEETINGS
Other monthly meetings are Wednesday, March 8, Neighborhood Watch, 6:00 p.m; Jo Cramer from Crime Stoppers will be the presenter at Neighbor Watch.
Thursday, March 16, Residents Association, 6:00 p.m. and Monday, March 20, Garden Club, meets at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held in the government buildings.
MINI PARADE
West Peoria business owners are planning a west side St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. March 11th on Farmington Road beginning at Bradley Park and ending at Raber’s Packing Co. More info will become available on the City website, Facebook community and Simplicity app.
NEW LOOK
CityLink celebrated Black History month by recognizing black leaders with large placard pictures on the sides of buses for all in the community to enjoy. Chris Holmquist, CityLink’s new Human Resource Director, was employed with 20 years’ experience in both private and public industries before coming to the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District. She is fully certified in her field.
BE SAFE
The County reminds you to keep your vehicles locked at all times. Don’t leave your car running; many have been stolen this year. Strangers should not be allowed into your house. If there is a problem, call Peoria County Sheriff’s Dispatch, 672-6011. Words of caution from our Sheriff’s Department.
There has been an increase in vehicles being parked on yards which is against City Ordinance; questions should be directed to our Code Enforcement officer at (309) 370-1142 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays.
FAREWELL
This will be my last edition of the Community Word. I have worked for West Peoria in this job for decades and feel fortunate to have this as part of my and my family’s life. It has been a privilege.
April Silver is replacing me and will be the person to contact in the future. The best to April. Enjoy.