SHARON MCBRIDE

Winter is slowing down at the time of this writing but not completely leaving us. Many activities and meetings were cancelled and will soon become an active part of our community. March 13 will mark the start of daylight savings time and allows us more daylight hours, a definite sign of spring.

It is also definitely time to start considering what we can do as individuals and a community for our 50th Fourth of July celebration. Many families have three generations who continue to celebrate this day with immediate families, friends and neighbors. It is a big deal with thousands visiting our community to be part of this grass roots day. It is the longest running parade in the central Illinois area, and his year it is planned to go “Bigger and Better.” Join in the fun: Volunteer and brighten up and get our homes ready to show others just what West Peoria has to offer. T-shirts will be sold this year to commemorate the event. Call City Hall at (309) 674-1993 or email office@cityofwestpeoria.com to join the crew. Ready your yard and neighborhood. More details will follow in next issues.

CityLink is implementing several route and schedule improvements to the fixed route bus service starting March 6. In-person public and employee meetings were held to receive passenger feedback. Proposed route changes include faster, more direct service, better access to grocery stores and employment centers, with more service in high-ridership neighborhoods. Proposed schedule changes include more frequent midday service on routes 1, 7, 10, 13 and 20; more frequent service on all routes between 5 and 6 p.m.; later service on routes, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 11; routes after 6 p.m. improve from 75 to 60-minute service; increased Sunday service.

New Riders Guides will be available. Passengers are encouraged to visit www.ridecitylink.org to learn about the changes.

The City has had success with the Neighborhood Safety grant program, which reimburses residents up to 50% for purchasing recording cameras for their homes. These cameras help deter theft and vandalism and aide the County Sheriff’s Department in solving crimes and protecting our community. Neighborhood Watch meetings will resume soon once the pandemic slows.

Boy Scout Troop 11 will again be selling trash bags starting in mid-March. Each box has 100 thirty-gallon bags. Contact any Troop 11 Boy Scout or Scoutmaster Robert DeSutter (309) 674-6668 in March to place your order.

West Peoria has joined the Simplicity Platform that you can receive on your smart device. Join by going to the City website and downloading the app. Then select “West Peoria” and you have access to all announcements and event notifications.

There is some prime real estate available in our community. Contact Kinga Krider, City Administrator, for information on the commercial real estate available at (309) 674-1993.

The Franciscan Recreation Center remains closed since June 2020 when the Peoria Park District shut down its organized operations. 2022 is too long for our community to not have use of their facilities. Our tax dollars pay for this facility. Let the Park District know of your displeasure and suggestions for use.

I have always lived in West Peoria and recently enjoyed something I had never experienced before. As I was driving down Sterling hill, I saw eight turkeys crossing the road and they were socially distanced and single file in their walk. Cars were stopped to allow to their safe crossing. It was just plain enjoyable to see.

Let me share this special March greeting with you in closing, Happy St. Patrick’s Day.