SHARON MCBRIDE

The West Peoria Residents’ Association will meet 6 p.m. Oct. 18 in City Hall when the Beautification Committee will announce the award for the resident with the most improved lawn. The committee will soon store away the planters and clear plants from corners at Sterling and Rohmann in preparation for holiday projects hanging wreaths and garlands. West Peoria Neighborhood Watch is scheduled to meet 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at City Hall. Deputy Demery will give an update on criminal activity. To help deter crime, keep your doors, windows and vehicles locked and yard lights on at night. Most vehicles that are ransacked are not locked.

Yard waste pickup is every Friday. It is against West Peoria City Code to rake, blow leaves or grass clippings into the street. This landscape waste can cause storm sewers to back up. Be mindful and keep your animals contained at all times. Not only is it unlawful, it is important to make sure pets are safe. Peoria County Animal Control service will be called if an animal is running at large. Respect your neighbors and community and clean up after your animals.

The City of West Peoria is celebrating its 25th anniversary. An open house is being planned so that citizens can meet current and past council members/elected officials. A date has not been finalized yet. For more information on time and location, visit the city’s website at www.cityofwestpeoria.org.

The West Peoria Firefighters Association will not host a hog roast in conjunction with the annual raffle this year. There will be a Pork Chop Sandwich Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13 (rain date, Oct, 14) at Haddad’s. Firefighters will be going door-to-door selling raffle tickets: $1 each. Raffle prizes include $500 first place; $250 second place; $100 third place. You need not be present at the drawing on Oct. 17 at the firehouse to win.

This year’s firefighter of the year for 2017 was awarded to Captain Daniel V. Wilson during the annual appreciation dinner. He joined the department in March of 1985. Captain Dan Kerns was also recognized for 30 years of service. These two members epitomize the commitments made by our volunteer firefighters. In 2017, 634 calls were run by the department. The volunteers are an additional reason why West Peoria allows us much comfort and safety living here.

Contact the fire department at 674-6615 if you are interested in additional security in your home. The department has residential Knox Boxes that will safely allow first responders to enter your home in case of an emergency. These boxes are secured/installed over the top of a door. A deposit on the Knox Box is required.