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 race starts at the Franciscan Recreation Center.
The 25th annual West Peoria Jamboree and Scout Carnival, sponsored by Boy and Cub Scout Troop and Pack 11 will be the afternoon of June 4th at Franciscan Park. Food and drink will be sold all day by the Jamboree sponsors: 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. It is a chance to visit with each other during the evening and see many who you don’t ordinarily see (especially without Haddads available this year).
Curious about what is happening at the old Jumers property? Amanda Hendricks, Admission & Marketing Director for Courtyard Estates will be the guest speaker for the West Peoria Residents’ Association at the June meeting, Thursday, June 16th, City Hall at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
The State of Illinois gave Peoria County officials the official go-ahead to build a new county nursing home. It was the final licensing hurdle that needed to be cleared in order for the project to move forward according to Greg Chance, interim county administrator. The full county board now needs to proceed with the arrangements for the new Bellwood facility.
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will meet June 8th at City Hall, 6:30 p.m. Deputy Middlemas will update those present on criminal activity in the area. Public is invited and welcome
Have you noticed the plantings at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling? They were done one rain-threatening morning by several West Peoria Resident Association members. They once again have added another attractive element to our community.
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, please contact Jim McCarter at:
jmmcarter@sbcglobal.net or Mark Wrhel at:
mwrhel@comcast.net with questions. Take the time to present your home and property in a very positive light to our visitors. Trophies will be awarded for the following: Most Patriotic, Best of Show, Service Organizations, Best Juvenile and Grand Marshal. All entries need to be decorated in a patriotic theme. This 42nd annual parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the 4th with line-up beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Rohmann Ave. Groups should be in place and ready to step off no later than 9:45 a.m. The parade marches on rain or shine so be prepared for the possibly quirky Central Illinois weather.
West Peorians are invited to submit nominations for a Grand Marshal to lead the parade. Each year West Peoria honors a person who has had an impact on this community through social work, public service, or volunteer work. The application requires that anyone wishing to nominate must write a short letter explaining his/her choice. Anyone writing a letter is asked to include his/her contact information. Send nominating letters to: West Peoria Lions Club, 2407 W Rohmann Ave, West Peoria IL, 61604 or e-mail: jmmcarter@sbcglobal.net or mwrhel@comcast.net. The Grand Marshal is surprised the morning of the 4th with the fact that this person has received this honor.
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.
All West Peoria residents are required to sign up for garbage service with Waste Management. Call 1-800-796-9696. You will be charged for this service. Landscape waste pick up is included in the price. Landscape waste is picked up every Friday at your curb until the last Friday in December. Keep your grass mowed. If your lawn is longer than nine inches, you will receive a notice of violation from the Code Officer. Garage Sales are permitted once each quarter for no more than three days. For more information, visit the City website:
www.cityofwestpeoria.com. Building Permits are needed for several projects: porches, decks, sheds, garages, new driveways or sidewalks and new homes. Most residential permits are $25.00 and can be obtained by completing the application at City Hall. Questions should be directed to Code Officer Bill O’Neill at 674-1993 or 370-1142. Keep your property clean. Your section of the alleyway is from your property line to the center of the alley. There are still funds left for the Paint Reimbursement Program. Call City Hall for more details.
At the March 22nd West Peoria City Council meeting the following actions were taken: the property at 1317 Raber Road was annexed into West Peoria, the second amendment to T.I.F. I was adopted. To see a map of the extended T.I.F District I please contact City Hall. A second T.I.F. District was created. To see a map of T.I.F. District II please contact City Hall. A variety of policies, programs, and strategies are often used to promote economic development in a community. On January 25, 2005 the City of West Peoria adopted the T.I.F. District I. The expansion of T.I.F. I will enable the City to make additional public improvements to further enhance the redevelopment of the Area throughout the remaining life of the District.
The City established T.I.F District II to encourage redevelopment of property that is currently underutilized for commercial, residential and light industrial uses. The two T.I.F. Districts are development tools designed to increase the population, increase employment opportunities, expand and diversify the local tax base, manage growth and increase the overall value and quality of life of the community for the residents.
It has been a wet spring and the West Peoria Lions Club members have had trouble getting out doing highway clean-up. Some Scouts and Lions were out on a recent Monday night and cleaned from Park Road to Best Buds and collected eight large orange bags of trash. They will continue as weather permits and as always can use your help. Please give the WPLC a call to volunteer some time. Stop by and visit the WPLC. They meet at Champs West 515 N. Western the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month at 6:00 p.m. dinner and 6:30 p.m. meeting.