SHARON MCBRIDE
Time is rapidly approaching for the 2020 census. The census is required every 10 years by Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution. It is used to allocate federal aid based on population, number of seats in Congress, boundary lines for congressional and state legislative districts based on population. The census count starts on April 1. It is critical for Illinois to have an accurate count in order for all monies due Illinois to be allocated properly.
Groups targeted for accurate counts this year are: veterans, minority communities, college students, foreign-born residents, retirees, farm families, people living in large housing units, apartments, preschoolers, and the homeless.
Be prepared to participate in the census by becoming aware of all the ways to complete your information. Go to www.census.gov.
Jodi Hoos, Peoria County State’s Attorney, and Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputy John Nelson, will speak on gun laws and concealed carry at the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch 6 p.m. March 11 in City Hall.
Daylight Savings time begins Sunday, March 8.
Book Club members will discuss “The Lost Girls of Paris” by Pam Jenoff at 6 p.m. March 16. If interested call Loretta at 637-0326 or Maggie at 673-0535.
Early voting for the March 17 primary starts 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March March 12 at West Peoria City Hall.
Boy Scout Troop 11 will again be selling trash bags beginning mid-March. Contact any Troop 11 scout or Bob DeSutter at 369-8078. The 30 gallon size trash bags sell for $17.00 a box.
One of the big events that happens each year is the West Peoria Fourth of July Parade and Flag Raising. 2020 is the 50th year of this event and will be celebrated in high fashion. Many families have three generations participating. Planning has already actively started in City Hall. Stop by and see how you can best help. Submit your nomination for grand marshal at City Hall.
The mandated West Peoria Annual Township Meeting will be 7:30 p.m. April 14th in the Township Building.