West Peoria News: Thanks so much, Sharon, we’ll take over from here

Sharon McBride, a beloved West Peoria figure, has retired from writing this column after three decades. Her contributions to the community through her writing have been invaluable, and her passion for sharing its stories and events was evident in every word she wrote. As we bid farewell to Sharon, we thank her for her dedication to West Peoria and for keeping the community informed and connected.

HOME FUNDS

Applications for grants to assist West Peoria residents and business owners in funding exterior improvements or security camera installation are available beginning May 1. Permits are required for home improvement projects including building projects, fencing, pools, sheds, and driveway repair and replacement. As part of the sidewalk replacement program, the 700 and 800 blocks of Idaho St. are getting new sidewalks in 2023. Petitions for the next project are due by Sept. 1. Necessary forms for permits, grants, and the sidewalk program can be picked up at City Hall or found at cityofwestpeoria.org.

DOG SHOW

K9 Officer Freya and her handler, Deputy Jimmy Gilmore with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, will be guests at the Neighborhood Watch meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 at City Hall.

PROMISING PROGRAM

West Peoria students are now eligible to apply for the Peoria Promise program. The 2023-2024 application cycle is open, and interested students must submit all necessary paperwork by May 15. For more information about the program, attend the Residents’ Association meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, when M.J. Schettler, Executive Director of the Peoria Promise Foundation, will be the guest speaker.

SPONSOR STUDENTS

The Franciscan Recreation Center’s Peoria Regional Learning Center (PRLC) hosted an open house on March 1st, showcasing their alternative learning program. High school students from Peoria County provided guided tours, showcasing the unique opportunities and benefits of the PRLC, which was founded in 2011. The program’s goal is to provide an environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential, developing positive self-concepts, problem-solving skills, and citizenship using a growth mindset. Support the PRLC by sponsoring a student or fulfilling the wish list. Make a positive impact on the future of these students at peoriaregional.com.

GARBAGE BAGS

Boy Scout Troop 11 is selling 100-count boxes of 30-gallon trash bags for $25. Delivery will be made the week of April 10. Contact any scout from Troop 11 or Bob De Sutter at (309) 369-8078.

FREE BUS RIDES

All passengers ride free on CityLink, CityLift, and CountyLink for Jerome Lilly Passenger Appreciation Day on Thursday, April 20. Stop by the CityLink Transit Center to receive a free gift of appreciation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. In addition, CityLink and the Peoria Riverfront Museum are partnering for the month of April to offer a free entry opportunity for CityLink, CityLift and CountyLink passengers who present a bus pass or ticket for one of these services. Passengers simply show their bus pass or ticket at the museum’s admission desk to gain free general entry to the museum and its special exhibits in April. One bus pass/ticket is required per adult.

EARLY POST

As a final reminder, there has been a change in the pickup time for the mailbox located at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling. Going forward, the new pickup time will be at 10 a.m. daily instead of 4:30 p.m.