The General Primary Election is always in even-numbered years, the third Tuesday of March. This year’s date is: March 20, 2012. Early voting for West Peoria voters will be March 9, 2012 in City Hall from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. All registered voters should have received their new voter registration cards. The last day to register to vote is February 21st if you are planning to early vote in the primary on March 9, 2012.
For registered West Peoria voters: the ballot will consist of: federal and state contests including: President, representative in Congress – 17th District, delegates to the National Nominating Conventions – 17th District, to the National Nominating Convention. – 17th District (Republican only), State Senator – 46th District, State Representative – 92nd District, Judge of The Circuit Court – 10th Circuit (to fill the vacancy of Judge Shadid), Judge of The Circuit Court – 10th Circuit (to fill the vacancy of Judge Grawey). Local county government includes: Auditor, Circuit Clerk, Coroner, Recorder of Deeds, State’s Attorney, County Board Districts 1-18, Precinct Committeemen for County of Peoria and City of Peoria, Peoria District 150 Board Member-2nd District (within West Peoria.)
Now that we have snow, here is critical information on West Peoria’s snow regulations. A parking ban on all West Peoria streets will be issued whenever 2 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW IS PREDICTED, according to City Ordinance # 2006-17. All vehicles must be moved or it could result in a fine. For winter storm damage limb pick-up, please check the City website or contact City Hall for a copy of the policy.
All residents are required to sign up for garbage service with Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696. You will be charged for this service. Landscape waste pickup ended on the last Friday in December. It will begin again on the first Friday in April. This service is included in your Waste Management bill. Waste Management offers a recycling pickup for a small monthly fee. A wheeled recycling toter is included in this fee. Inoperable Vehicles – All vehicles without an up-to-date license sticker are considered inoperable and are in violation of city code. Any vehicle without said sticker must be stored in a garage. For any other questions or more information visit the City’s website:
www.cityofwestpeoria.com or email:
A representative from Illinois Department of Child and Family Services will discuss Children & Criminal Activity at the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Plan to attend and bring a friend.
Ashley Bauer, American Red Cross, will speak on Disaster Preparedness & Response, at the West Peoria Residents’ Association meeting, Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited.
With the holidays over, take the time to have a fun day away! Join the West Peoria Lions Club on a fun filled day at Catfish Casino. Sunday February 12th. Depart at 8:00 a.m. and return home about 5:00 p.m. For more info call 673-6207or see flyers at Haddad’s Market. The proceeds are given to Camp Lions. Cost is $25/person. Coffee and rolls will be served on the bus as well as games and prizes during the trip there. Get some friends to join you for this fun activity.
“We Serve” is the Lions motto. How do the Lions do this? With the help of volunteers who want to make a difference in their community as well in the world. Come spend an hour with the Club at one of their dinner meetings listening to one of their guest speakers, help with one of fundraiser, or just give a member a call and talk one-on-one to learn what a difference you can make by helping out on any one of the many worth-while West Peoria Lions Club projects. Call Jim or Carolyn at 673-6207 who will talk to you about the advantages of becoming a Lion. One of the biggest and most rewarding service projects is volunteering at the Peoria Area Blind Peoples’ Center. On February 10th they will be hosting one of their major fundraisers at PARC Banquet Hall on Townline Road, their 2nd Annual Recognition Dinner. This year will honor Bob “Smitty” Smith for his many years of service: 5:00 -6:00 social hour, 6:00 -7:00 dinner and recognition of sponsors, 7:00 – 7:30 guest speaker, Ray Campbell, current Treasurer of the Illinois Council of the Blind, who will speak about the mission of the Illinois Council of the Blind and the new technology that is available for those who are blind or visually impaired. Call the Center for tickets. 637-3693
The West Peoria Township Government Day will be in April. This day includes local students when they are informed about the functions of both township and city government. West Peoria Clean-Up Day will be Saturday, April 28th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p. m. at the West Peoria City Garage on Hillside.
Visit the West Peoria Library during the continuing cold weather at the church building on the corner of Kellogg and Cedar Avenues. The library has over 4,000 titles from which to choose. The library strives to be open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The library is volunteer staffed so someone may not always be available. The new library signs are gold and red; if they are seen outside, generally someone is in the library. The entrance in the back of the building is the closest to the library and will be open on library days. If you are interested in volunteering a few hours, please come by the library or call Emily Huff, 453-8139. Support is picking up and many residents have come in to get a card and check out books. A Children’s Story Hour will be held at the library on Fridays once a month. Registration is required. Children up to age five are welcome to attend with their parents. Registration is necessary, sign up at the library or call Emily for further details.
While the library isn’t accepting reading donations at this time due to lack of shelf space; the West Peoria Food Pantry is always accepting non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products for all ages. The food pantry will be open to any West Peoria resident in need on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-noon as soon as the shelves can be stocked. Food donations can be brought any time to the library. Thank you for showing your support for the West Peoria Library and Food Pantry.