SPRINGFIELD – A new law, sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler, makes it a crime for a police dispatcher to tip off a criminal that law enforcement is nearby. 

In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that it’s not a crime for a 911 dispatcher to let a drug dealer – or other criminal – know that police are in the area. The court called the case “troubling” and the defendant’s actions “unjustifiable,” but found nothing in Illinois law making such behavior illegal.  

“When you call 911, you expect the dispatchers to be as professional as the police officers, paramedics and fire fighters,” Koehler said. “This law will hold dispatchers to the same high standard.” 

In 1998, a police dispatcher tipped off a local drug dealer that law enforcement officials were in the area near his house in the Chicago suburbs. The Cook County State’s Attorney charged her with official misconduct. The trial court found her guilty and sentenced her to two years of probation and 250 hours of community service.  

However, the 911 dispatcher appealed the verdict. The appellate court ruled that nothing in Illinois law allowed her to be charged with official misconduct. The local police department had every right to fire her, but she hadn’t broken any Illinois law. In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court agreed. 

The new law fixes this loophole by expanding  the definition of official misconduct to make it a Class 3 felony for a dispatcher – or anyone in a similar position – to warn a criminal that law enforcement is nearby or on the way. 

The crime of official misconduct already covers a wide variety of corrupt acts by public employees, including accepting bribes and misusing one’s authority for personal gain. The penalty for a Class 3 felony is two to five years in prison. 

Now that the governor has signed the law, it takes effect Jan. 1, 2015.

At approximately 8:20pm, DaeJohn Wilson turned himself in to the Peoria Police Department in connection with the shooting that occurred at 12:10pm in the 3400 block of W. Oakcrest (14-16168).  Wilson was arrested for Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm with No F.O.I.D.  Wilson was transported to the Peoria County Jail.

The Western Avenue Greenway Project is hosting its annual fundraiser, Green for the Greenway, on August 22nd. The event will be held at the home of Peter Getz and Carol Spengel at 1306 W. Moss Avenue. Starting at 6:00 P.M. we will be welcoming our guests with drinks, cheese, light browsing, and entertainment. A donation of $30 is requested.  This will be an opportunity to enjoy an evening with neighbors and friends and to support the mission of the Greenway. 

CENTRAL ILLINOIS — Parents, are you looking for a fun way to teach your children about traffic safety in a safe, supervised environment? Bring your little cowpokes to a free Family Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter in conjunction with the Peoria Park District, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

The bike rodeo will be on Saturday, August 9 from 10:00am to 11:30am at Bicycle Safety Town. At this fun, FREE event, families can enjoy:

• Bike challenge courses
• Obstacle courses
• Helmet decorating
• Face painting
• Bike-a-palooza Ride offered for more advanced riders
• Games, including Pin the Helmet on the Biker
• Children will also receive a free, properly fitted helmet while supplies last!

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Please Note: Bicycle Safety Town is located at 6518 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria, IL.

The public is invited to a free Caregiver Education Program from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014, at Morton Senior World, 730 W. Jefferson St, Morton.  Jackie Bowers, Director of Senior World will present on “Brain Fitness: Discover Ways to Exercise Your Brain.”  Please R.S.V.P. to 309.263.1157.  This program is sponsored by IPMR.  Refreshments will be provided.

Speakers:

• Anne Ritchey, Girls Empo, Guatemala
• Meridith Farley, CARE Action Network

Thursday, August 21, 2014 @ The IVY Club, 5102 North Galena Rd., Peoria Heights, IL

It’s hard to believe a world exists where little girls can be kidnapped and tortured simply for going to school.  However, violent persecution is just one of many barriers to education for women and girls.  In many countries today, girls are more likely to die in childbirth than to make it to the eighth grade.  Join this discussion to learn about UN Millennium Development Goals and what they mean for girls and women.  We will also discuss US Legislation geared to support this global agenda as well as local actions we can take.  Finally, we will hear from a grassroots organization working to empower girls and their families in rural Guatemala.

Tickets for presentation only are $10 for PAWAC members and students; $15 for general public.

Tickets for dinner and presentation are $30 for members and students;$35 for general public.

Please RSVP by August 18.

Tickets may be purchased online at ArtsPartners.

For more information, call (309) 677-2454 or pawac@bradley.edu.

The brand new Courtyard by Marriott® Peoria Downtown will celebrate its Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a gathering and welcome at the Courtyard’s main entrance followed by the official ribbon cutting at 10:45 a.m.

Participating in the welcome and ribbon cutting will be Gary Matthews, Mayor Jim Ardis, Monte Brannan and hotel management; Joe LoMonaco, Managing Director, M. J. Schettler, Director of Sales & Marketing and Jeff McCLinden, General Manager.

Following the ribbon cutting attendees can enjoy a tour of the Courtyard and the Atrium adjoining the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel, as well as the skywalk connection to the Peoria Civic Center.

For more information contact Mary Jo Schettler at 680.2327

Date & Time: Sat., Aug. 9, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Location:  Giant Screen Theater · Peoria Riverfront Museum · 222 S.W. Washington St. · Peoria, IL

 Central Illinois Indy Film to be Screened Free at the Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater

 The Central Illinois independent film, “For Out of the Heart,” will be screened free of charge at Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater, as part of the Ignite Peoria arts celebration. The Museum screenings, Sat., Aug. 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., will be the public debut of the new full-length feature film.  

For Out of the Heart was written, produced, directed and filmed with local actors, in Peoria, Ill., with the support of community organizations. It was created by William Mayo, who wrote the screenplay, and his sons Mike, who directed the film, and Bob, who designed the score. 

A question-and-answer session with the Mayos will follow each of the film’s screenings. 

For Out of the Heart plot synopsis

“Following the apparent heart attack and death of a controversial radio talk-show host, a cynical detective’s nagging hunch that sinister forces are at play drives him to doggedly pursue a killer only he is convinced exists. A savvy and compassionate priest ultimately helps the detective unravel a series of clues, leading to discovery of a murderous plot, but in the process, discovering something far more meaningful to believe in.” 

Tickets can be reserved at the Museum’s front desk in person or by calling 309.686.7000. Reservations are suggested. The film is not yet rated and contains adult content. Parental discretion is advised. 

For Out of the Heart Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/foroutoftheheart 

Art Partners Ignite Peoria link: http://artspartners.net/ignite-peoria/ 

Peoria Magazines feature article on the film: http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2014/jun/roll-camera-roll-sound 

Riverfront Museum – The Peoria Riverfront Museum is the collaborative effort of eight organizations, with nearly 500 years of combined experience educating, entertaining, and supporting our diverse Peoria-area culture. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all – connecting art, history, science, and achievement through collections, exhibitions, and programs. 

For further information about the Museum also visit peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.

Starting the week of Monday, August 11, 2014, Main Street will experience partial lane closures during the day to begin the installation of the lighted crosswalks. The following preliminary schedule is weather dependent and subject to change:

 Monday, August 11, Main Street, east and west of Institute Place

 Tuesday, August 12, Bradley Ave and University Street

 Wednesday, August 13, Main Street and Underhill Street

Lane closures at each location are expected to last a couple of days. No parking will be permitted for several blocks along these streets. The installation of the lighted crosswalks will enhance the pedestrian safety and is part of the final phase of the University and Main Street reconstruction project.

One to two day full lane closures at each location will be needed in the next few weeks to complete this work. The public will be notified of these closures.

Please observe the traffic signs and use caution when driving through construction zones. For more information, contact Scott Reeise, City Engineer at (309) 494-8800.