Thus far in 2014, the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch has heard from Lt. Jason Buckley, Sheriff’s Office, in January when he presented information on new State of Illinois laws and fines that went into effect on January 1, 2014. He particularly stressed the banned use of hand-held phones while driving, littering with cigarette butts and excessive “over the limit” speeding laws with fines up to $500. Sheriff’s Deputy Lanphear, community officer, spoke at the February meeting about the drug issue. He said that thanks to the eyes and ears of West Peoria it is not a huge issue here. Matt Maher, Peoria County Lab, will be guest speaker at the Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 meeting at City Hall. Please note that 6:00 is a new time for these meetings. Plan to attend; bring a friend.
The West Peoria Residents Association will meet Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Come welcome Margie Barnes, the new president and wish Margie well in her plans for another successful year for the Residents Association. This year, the Club’s upcoming plans include a Community Yard Sale in May, the Jamboree and Jamboree Run in June, Concerts in the Park in July and August. A “Taste of West Peoria” is in the works. The Annual Christmas Party is planned for December as well as a holiday tour of homes and the annual holiday decorating home competition. Check your copy of the West Peoria Residents newsletter to learn more info on our community and also how to send your dues to the Association. More information can be found at www.westpeoriaresidents.org.
Signs of Spring: The community of West Peoria, Troop and Pack 11, and the West Peoria Lions Club are inviting all to think and plan for the West Peoria Annual 4th of July Parade and Flag Raising. This year’s 45th annual parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. on the 4th. Line up begins at 8:30 a.m. on Rohmann Ave. All should be in place to step off by 9:45 a.m. Remember city streets will be closed off during the event. Feel warmer just thinking about it? I know I do. As I am writing this, I am looking at our latest snowfall and hearing the dire temperatures for tomorrow being announced. But, here in West Peoria – we host the ultimate summer event where we salute and celebrate our country. More information will follow in upcoming editions. If you wish more information, contact
jmmccarter@sbcglobal.net or (309) 208-3516 or Mark Wrhell, mwrhel@comcast.net or (309) 472-4258. Remember: Living is the best to the west of Peoria.
All residents are required to sign up for garbage service with Waste Management at–1-800-796-9696. You will be charged for this service. Landscape Waste Pickup ended on the last Friday in December and will begin again on the first Friday in April. This service is included in your Waste Management bill. For winter storm damage pick up – Please check the City website or contact City Hall for a copy of this policy. For more information visit the City website:www.cityofwestpeoria.com.
The primary election is March 18, 2014. The last day to register to vote is February 28, 2014.
Early voting in Peoria County can be done at these times: March 6 at the Kickapoo Township Building from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., March 7 at Heddington Oaks here in West Peoria from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. March 8 at Alpha Park Library from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. March 13 at the Peoria Heights Library from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. March 14 at Dunlap Fire Station #2 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., March 15 at the Chillicothe Public Library from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Early voting can also be done in Room 101 in the Peoria County Courthouse March 3 – 15 during the following hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon; Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. All of these are in addition to voting at your regular polling place on March 18.
The West Peoria Township Annual Town Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 8th, 7:30 p.m. at the township office. These meetings are mandated by state law to be held on the second Tuesday of April each year so that all townships in the state are meeting on the same date. This is your opportunity to come and have a voice in your local government. Government Day is scheduled for Friday, April 11th for local middle and high school students to visit both the township and city offices to learn how our local government works. West Peoria Clean Up Day will be Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for West Peoria residents only. This is also an opportunity to recycle electronics.
The West Peoria Comprehensive Plan is being reviewed by a group of citizens who are not only reviewing the original plan but the surveys that were returned recently. Meetings are scheduled and open to the public. Check with City Hall for more information.
Courtyard Estates particularly invites West Peorians over age 65 to their monthly first Friday Bingo games from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. on March 7. The event is free; cinnamon rolls and coffee will be served. Courtyard Estates is located at the site of the former Jumer’s. For additional details, call 674-2400.
View the City website: cityofwestpeoria.com with questions and concerns regarding city regulations. All streets within the corporate limits of City are designated as emergency snow routes. It is unlawful to park on these streets at any time within 12 hours after a snow fall of two or more inches. If there has been a snow forecast of two inches or more on any calendar day, it shall be unlawful to park any vehicle for that calendar day. The Street Department Manager shall be authorized to take the action to have the vehicles towed to permit the clearing of snow from the snow routes. Payment of any and all charges shall be the responsibility of the owner or lessor of the vehicle. In addition to, or in lieu of towing, the owner or lessor shall be fined 25.00 for the first, 50.00 for the second offense, for the third offense it could be to a maximum of 750.00. In all events each day the violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. It will be so very nice not to include this information in future issues.