October is a busy time for the volunteers of the West Peoria Fire Department. They are going door-to-door selling fund raising tickets for their annual Hog Roast scheduled for 2-6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Crusen’s on W. Farmington Road. Tickets are $1.00/each or 5/$5.00 with a sixth ticket your meal ticket. Meals include pork sandwich, side dishes and one beverage. Carry-outs are available. Raffle prizes will be awarded on Wednesday following the Hog Roast with the drawing held at the firehouse. Prizes are $500/first, $250/second and $100/third prize. Firefighters are always in uniform when selling tickets door-to-door.
When you hear the fire siren at all times of the day, stop and think about our volunteers who give up much personal time to answer those calls. West Peoria is most fortunate to have so many well-trained and loyal volunteers who in 2014 ran 547 calls.
The WPFD Ladies Auxiliary is looking for new members. The group supports the fire department in providing needed refreshments at fire scenes as well as other ways. Interested? Contact Chief Schadt at 674-6615. They are part of the strength of the emergency services provided for us all. A legacy firefighter, Steve Wells, was chosen as Firefighter of the Year for 2014. Steve is the grandson of long-time fire chief and district trustee Cooney Best. Another recognition of exemplary volunteer service was given to Nick Gurdian, a Bradley University senior business management major. This was awarded by his fellow volunteers for his commitment as a firefighter and EMT-paramedic. Mark Stecher was recently appointed trustee of the fire protection district to fill the unexpired term of his late brother Robert Stecher.
The 2015 Beautification Award was presented to the Williams family of 719 N. Ashland for the most improved lawn by the Residents’ Association. Deputy Cody Meeks of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, the new evening officer for the City of West Peoria, will be at the next Neighborhood Watch meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at City Hall.
The West Peoria Residents’ Association is hosting a Halloween Party from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Franciscan Recreation Complex. The costume contest starts at 6:30 p.m. Cost for attending is $3 for ages 1 – 12. Carnival games, crafts, Fun on the Run bounce house and candy will be available all evening. Co-sponsors for the party are the Peoria Park District, Neighborhood Watch, township and city of West Peoria.
The West Peoria Book Club, As the Page Turns, will meet Oct. 19 to discuss the book “Fixer” by Joseph Finder. Contact Loretta Fehl at 637-0326 or Maggie Moore at 673-0535 for more details. “West Peoria Seniors on the Go” meets the fourth Thursday of the month. Contact the two women mentioned above for more details for October’s meeting. The West Peoria Lions Club is sponsoring a fundraising trip to Catfish Bend Casino on Nov. 1 leaving Haddad’s Market at 8 a.m. with return by 5:30 p.m. Cost is $25/person and includes $10 free play and a $2 discount for the buffet. For reservations call Carolyn at 673-6207.
The City’s TIF Residential Program received 19 applications and reimbursed $13,000 to qualified residents. Applications need to be submitted to city hall and are available on the city’s website: www.cityofwestpeoria.com. Reimbursements are available only on outside projects that include replacement, demolition or improvement to properties. Information on the TIF Districts is available on the website or if you are interested to learn if you are located in one of the districts, check with Diana Jarboe at 674-1993.
Open burning of trash or landscape waste is NOT permitted in the City. If you see infractions, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 672-6011. Wondering if you need a building permit or interested in some property issues, check with the city website.