Consolidated Elections were held on April 5, 2011. West Peorians elected: Mayor – James R. Dillon. City Clerk – Carole Stephens, Treasurer – Jennifer Main, Alderwoman Ward One – Hazel Thomas, Alderman Ward Two – Jeffery A. Reagan, Alderman Ward Three – John Venzon Jr., Alderman Ward Four – Thomas Dwyer. An approval of one-half percent increase for West Peoria Sales Tax on non-groceries items purchased in the City was approved by a three to one margin. The sales tax rate will go from 6.75 to 7.25 percent. This is the first sales tax increase for the City.
The Annual West Peoria Memorial Day Service in honor of veterans is scheduled for Saturday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the Franciscan Park. This is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate and honor our veterans within our community. Plan on attending to celebrate this extended weekend with area veterans and scouts who participate in this event.
Property taxes may be paid during the month of May to the Township Tax Collector, Imelda Kelch at her residence at 2206 West Barker from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All West Peoria properties are required to have garbage pickup. To sign up for garbage service with Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696. You will be charged for this service. Landscape waste pick up is included in the price. Landscape waste collection began the first Friday in April, and is picked up every Friday at the curb until the last Friday in December.
City Hall recently sent letters to all residents reminding them of garbage pickup regulations. Pay attention to that letter and keep our community safer, healthier, and attractive.
West Peoria Clean up Day is Saturday April 30: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Automobile tires will be taken for $3.00/ea and truck and tractor tires will be taken for $5.00 ea. The following items will not be taken: Food garbage, hazardous waste, paints, varnishes, oil, cleaning agents, chemicals, antifreeze, batteries, yard waste or brush. Volunteers are always needed to help at this event. Please call Kelly Abraham at 673-6919 to volunteer. Remember this clean up is for West Peorians only.
The thirteenth annual Jamboree Run is scheduled for June 4th at 7:00 a.m. It is a 4-mile run through a portion of West Peoria. All runners must register by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4th. Applications can be picked up at West Peoria City Hall. Race information will be available on the West Peoria Residents’ Association website at www.westpeoriaresidents.org.
The 25th annual west Peoria Jamboree and Scout Carnival, sponsored by Boy Scout troop 11 will be the afternoon of June 4th at Franciscan Park. Food and drink will be sold all day by the Jamboree sponsors: the West Peoria Fire Department, Ladies’ Auxiliary, West Peoria Lions and the West Peoria Residents Association. Music will be provided in the evening for all West Peorians and their families who wish to gather there. Flyers will be distributed with more information.
The 4th of July Parade will again step-off this year at 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the 4th. It is hosted by the community of West Peoria, Troop and Pack 11 and the West Peoria Lions Club. This is the 42nd annual event which culminates with a flag raising ceremony following the end of the parade. Once again, we can expect thousands of outsiders to visit our community for this event, the longest running 4th of July patriotic event in central Illinois. If you wish more information or questions, please contact Jim McCarter at:
or Mark Wrhel at:
The West Peoria Lions Club is selling 50/50 tickets to help with the expenses of the parade. The drawing will be at the Flag Raising July 4th. Lions members will be out and about on the parade route as well so tuck a few bucks in your pocket that day. Selling will stop at the end of the parade.
A reminder: the Lions Club also sells Really Large coloring books, 100% soy candles and soaps. They make great gifts.Call 673-6207 to get yours.
April showers may bring May flowers but it does not bring highway clean-up, at least at the time of submitting this article. Rain has hindered the West Peoria Lions Club who has a two mile stretch to clean. They need your help, even an hour will help. Call 673-6207 to help. Due to a conflict the June date published last time had to be changed to the 18th. The Lions Club meets at Champs West 515 N. Western on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will meet on Wednesday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Guest speaker is Beth Bernard with the Peoria County TRIAD. Please plan to attend and bring a friend. The West Peoria Residents Association will meet Thursday, May 19th, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Guest speaker is Dave Schwab, from Waste Management. The public is welcome.