Come one, come all! Clean out your closets, cupboards, attic, basement, garage or office! Please consider donating your gently used items to the St. Mark’s Rummage Sale! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same! This sale is to benefit parish families in need!

We are accepting all types of gently used furniture, clothing, baby items, books, toys, electronics in working condition, bikes, kitchen items, and more!

 Drop off location:                   St. Mark’s Rectory, corner of Bradley Ave & University

 Drop off date/time:        8:30 am – 3:00pm, M-F, June 6 – June 28th

 Questions?:                             Call the Rectory at 309-673-1263

Then, join us for the Rummage Sale!!

Location:                       St Mark’s Church parking lot, Bradley Ave & University

 Date/Time:                    Friday June 27^{th &} Saturday June 28^{th –}   8:30 am – 6 pm each day

 Questions?:                             Call St. Mark’s Rectory at 309-673-1263

We are accepting all types of gently used furniture, clothing, baby items, books, toys, electronics in working condition, bikes, kitchen items, and more!

 This sale is to benefit parish families in need!

BATH, IL – The annual battle against the invasive Asian carp returns to the Illinois River waters off Bath, IL on Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2. The two-day festival features music, entertainment and one of the only fishing competitions where poles aren’t allowed and helmets are encouraged.

 This year’s entertainment lineup includes musical acts Redneck DJ with Jeff Conover, Music Vision, the Devin Clemons Band, Cedar Ridge from Springfield and features “The Voice” performer Gracia Harrison. There are also Redneck Tournament games, a Queen and King Carp contest, raffles, food stands, a beer garden, and memorabilia. The tournament closes out on Sunday, Aug. 3 with a free kids fishing tournament (The reel kind. Bring a pole and bait).

 Schedules and detail are included below and available at: www.originalredneckfishin.com

Tournament proceeds will provide financial assistance to veterans.

 This marks the ninth year for the unusual fishing exhibition that began as one woman’s local protest. Here’s the background on Asian carp and the tournament.

 This type of carp was used to control vegetation in commercial catfish farms. When the Mississippi River flooded in the 1990s, those farms were swamped and the carp got into the river. With no natural predators they’ve migrated north, infesting stretches of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The fish destroy vegetation and wipe out native species. Millions of dollars are being spent to try to keep them out of the Great Lakes.

 Another major problem is they react to the sound of boat motors by jumping out of the water, often at great speed and height. What once was a relaxing boat ride has become a full-contact sport as boaters try to dodge slimy flying carp.

 That’s how the Redneck Fishing Tournament began. Betty DeFord was fed up with the fish pelting her grandchildren. She organized the first tournament and, it’s taken off from there. The goal is to catch as many fish as possible with nets or your hands. Last year’s champion “caught” 480 carp in two hours.

Fishing tournament details:

Location: First Street at the Bath Chute, Bath, IL

Two heats on Friday, two heats on Saturday.

First heat is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Second heat is 4 to 6 p.m.

 Registration begins two hours before each heat begins. All official activities are in the parking lot at the Bath boat launch. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days

 Registration fee is $50 per boat per heat entered. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Send check or money order made out to “Original Redneck Fishing Tournament” to Betty DeFord, PO Box 115, Bath, IL 62617

 Be sure to include which heats on which days you are entering along with your name, address, contact number or email to confirm registration.

All entrants need a valid Illinois Fishing License. Really.

 Additional details and requirements can be found at: www.originalredneckfishin.com

 **Sunday, Aug. 3, From 2 to 4 p.m., kids free fishing tournament for anglers age 2 to 15. Bring pole and bait

 Music/Entertainment schedule:

Friday, Aug. 1 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Redneck DJ with Jeff Conover

2 to 6 p.m. – Music Visions

8 p.m. to midnight – Devin Clemons Band

Saturday, Aug. 2 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Redneck DJ with Jeff Conover

11:30 a.m. – Little Miss and Mr. Redneck contest (ages 2-7)

1 to 5 p.m. – Karaoke Contest with the Traveling Rednecks

                        Redneck carp games for prizes

                        Queen and King Carp contest

8 to 10:15 p.m. – Cedar Ridge from Springfield

10:15 p.m. to midnight – Gracia Harrison from NBC’s “The Voice!”

 The entertainment schedule can also be found at: www.originalredneckfishin.com

On Thursday, June 26, Councilman Casey Johnson and Peoria Public Works will hold a Public Meeting concerning the intersection improvements of Allen Road and Alta Road.

Where:           Northwoods Community Church, 10700 N. Allen Road, The Warehouse Room

Date:               Thursday, June 26, 2014

Time:              6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

City Engineer Scott Reeise will discuss the proposed Allen Road/Alta Road intersection configurations, pedestrian connectivity and landscaping for the project.  Public input and discussion is encouraged.  The City of Peoria plans to coordinate the construction schedule of this intersection with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT’s) schedule for the reconstruction of Allen Road from Townline Road on the south, to north of the Allen Road curve. 

 For more information, contact Scott Reeise, Peoria Public Works City Engineer at (309) 494-8800. 

Peoria County – At the June 16, 2014 meeting, the Peoria County Board of Health discussed Peoria City/County Health Department program reports and agenda items.

Term Expirations:

Dr. David Trachtenbarg, Board of Health President, announced that the Peoria County Board approved the recommendation concerning Board membership. Current members Dr. David Trachtenbarg, Ms. Joyce Harant, and Ms. Nora Sullivan were re-appointed to 3-year terms; Mr. Todd Baker of UnityPoint Health – Methodist½Proctor Administration was appointed to fill a vacated Board seat. The appointments are effective July 1, 2014.

HUD Lead Hazard Control:

Greg Chance, Administrator, Peoria City/County Health Department, announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a new 3-year grant opportunity for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control program activities. The Board discussed the current Lead Hazard Control Grant program that conducts lead hazard control activities within specific Peoria County zip codes due to the high incidence of lead-poisoned children. The current federal 3-year Lead Hazard Control grant is ending September 2014 and will exceed grant objectives to reduce lead hazard risk in over 200 homes. The Health Department intends to apply for an additional 3-year grant to continue efforts to reduce exposure to lead-based paint hazards within high-risk geographic areas in Peoria County.

 Population Health Improvement:

The Board discussed the Health Department’s role in local population health improvement efforts. As part of this debate, Board members discussed the opportunity to develop a shared community-wide vision for population health improvement that engages key stakeholders including hospitals, not-for profit organizations, employers, and public officials.

Agendas and full Minutes of all Board of Health monthly and committee meetings are published on the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.

Beginning Wednesday June 18, Main Street from Bourland Avenue to Glenwood Avenue will have partial lane closures due to the installation of the lighted crosswalk. Weather permitting, the lane closure and construction will last approximately four weeks.

For more information, contact Scott Reeise, Peoria City Engineer at (309) 494-8800.

Many Greater Peoria businesses and organizations will be in attendance offering internships, externships, part-time and full-time positions to the community at large, veterans, the under-employed and the unemployed. Attendees of the Career Fair will have the opportunity to meet with prospective employers, learn more about area businesses, and find out about job openings available.   This event is a perfect opportunity to expose high profile employers in the area to the high quality workforce in Greater Peoria.

Employers participating in the career fair, to-date (as this list continues to grow daily), include:
Aflac
Caterpillar Inc.
CEFCU
City of Peoria – Dispatch & General
City of Peoria – Fire Department
City of Peoria – Police Department
Division of Rehabilitation Services
Dress for Success Peoria
Fastenal Company
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Galaxy 1 Marketing, Inc. (Dish Network)
Greater Peoria Mass Transit District
Hero 2 Hired (Department of Defense Veteran Employment Initiative)
HGS
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Kindred Hospital
Mediacom Communications Group
Midstate College
Primerica
The Uftring Auto Group
Western & Southern Life
WestPoint Financial Group
Workforce Network

Midstate College is also partnering with Dress for Success during the Career Fair to deliver a fashion presentation entitled ‘Wardrobes in the Workplace’ over the lunch hour.

What: State Senator David Koehler and Midstate College Career Fair

When: Tuesday, July 1, 2014, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fashion Presentation by Dress for Success Peoria – Wardrobes in the Workplace from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

Where: Northwoods Mall, Peoria, Illinois

For more information about the career fair or preparation workshop, please contact Ashley Spain, arspain@midstate.edu or 309.692.4092.

Peoria –Peoria County’s Ninth Annual Emergency Expo will be held on Wednesday, June 18 at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date is June 19, same time and location. Numerous local emergency response agencies will display their emergency equipment in the parking lot along War Memorial Drive for the public to explore & experience, free of charge. Emergency equipment featured at the Expo includes fire apparatuses, a fire safety house, mobile command units, armored vehicles, police squads and motorcycles, K-9 units, ambulance, and much more.

First responders from participating agencies will be on hand to answer questions and offer equipment demonstrations. Those attending the expo will also have an opportunity to register their cell phone numbers for the County and City of Peoria’s CodeRed Emergency Notification System.

The following response agencies are currently participating in this free public event: Advanced Medical Transport, American Red Cross, Bartonville Police Department, Dunlap Fire Department, Elmwood Fire Department, Illinois Air National Guard, Illinois State Police, Logan-Trivoli Fire Department, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria City/County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps, Peoria County Animal Protection Services, Peoria County Emergency Management Agency, Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Peoria Heights Police Department, Peoria Office of Emergency Management, Peoria Fire Department, Peoria Police Department, Princeville Fire Department, The Salvation Army, Tazewell County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and UnityPoint Health Methodist/Proctor.

Individuals and families alike are encouraged to partake of this unique opportunity to explore emergency equipment and meet first responders. For more information on the Emergency Expo call Jenny Fulton, Director of Strategic Communications for Peoria County, (309) 672-6918.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

The Golden Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary is sponsoring an Ice Cream Sundae on Sunday, July 20, 2014 to be held from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., at the nursing home. Ice Cream with a variety of toppings, cake and beverages will be served.

There will be a free will offering and proceeds will go to the many projects that the Auxiliary sponsor. Past projects include: landscape renovating at the sign and mini-park, roses and flower beds, outdoor furniture, rehab supplies and many more. All these projects are to make the residents feel like home with an enjoyable environment to live in.