The 16^th West Peoria Annual Night Out Against Crime was well attended. Judge Jodi Hoos spoke to the crowd and emphasized that when neighbors work together and report crime, crimes go down making your neighborhood safer. Live music, exciting vehicles, food and snow cones were enjoyed. Four happy kids won bikes.

The West Peoria Residents Association Beautification committee awarded the 2016 West Peoria Beauty Award as well as some mums to Jim and Mary Stecher, 2607 W. Kenwood, for the most improved lawn. The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will be 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in City Hall.

Looking forward to Halloween? Celebrate it with the Residents Association and Franciscan Recreation Center party 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Carnival games, crafts, Fun on the Run bounce house and candy will be a large part of the evening. The West Peoria Residents will next meet 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in City Hall.

The West Peoria Lions Club is checking their early list for Christmas baskets and also helping those who need glasses. If you need more information or help call Terry Master at 674-2451.  Their next meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in City Hall.

The West Peoria Fire Department has ordered a new rescue truck to be delivered mid-summer 2017 that is being specifically designed for them. It will be built on a 2017 Ford F650 chassis and is a 4-door vehicle that carries four firefighters. It necessitated selling a 31-year old reserve fire engine. Multiple vehicles have served for rescue over the years. This new one will be the crème of them all. The fire fighters spend many hours raising the funds to purchase these new vehicles that allow them to deliver the best volunteer service to their community.

Crusen’s on Farmington Road will be the site of the annual WPFD raffle and fund raiser 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23. Our busy fire fighter volunteers will be going door-to-door selling tickets for this event. Tickets are $1 each or five for $5 with a sixth ticket being your meal ticket. The meal includes a pork sandwich, side dishes and a beverage. Raffle prizes are $500 first place, $250 second and $100 third. The drawing will be the following Wednesday at the fire house.

The Ladies Auxiliary is looking for members to join their group.  It is not necessary to be a spouse or significant other to join. This group supports the fire department in many ways. They serve coffee, water and food during extended emergencies and training sessions. Contact the fire chief, 674-6615, for more information.

Save 40 percent on online orders at Papa John’s Pizza. Use promo code WPFD40 at papajohns.com. The fire fighters will receive 10 percent of the discounted purchase. The department thanks South Side Bank for sponsoring the tickets for the raffle and also thanks Haddad’s for hosting the Association’s pork chop sandwich booth this past summer.

Do you need to register to vote for this year’s Nov. 8 election? You have until Oct. 11 to register at www.peoriaelections.org. If you need to register and do not have internet access, call City Hall at 674-1993 to schedule an appointment. They will tell you what you need to bring to that meeting.  Early voting at City Hall will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 3. See www.peoriaelections.org for a complete listing of alternate voting sites prior to election day, November 8. Precincts WP03 and WP04 will vote at the Franciscan Recreation Complex. Precincts WP01 and WP02 at the West Peoria City Garage.