City of Peoria announces a Public Meeting for the Sheridan Road Improvement Project from Richmond Avenue to McClure and the Replacement of Nebraska Avenue Bridge over Dry Run Creek. The purpose of the public meeting is to informally meet with interested individuals, groups and involved agencies in the early stages of project development to present and discuss various alternatives being considered. The Public Meeting for these projects will be held on:

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Peoria High School Library, 1615 N. North Street

Registration time will begin at 5:30 p.m. in order to promptly start at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be an “open house” style format with a brief presentation and review of the drawings showing the proposed improvements. Representatives from the City of Peoria and the project team will be on-hand to provide information and answer questions from members of the public.

The proposed improvements consist of reconstruction of Sheridan Road from W. Richmond Avenue to McClure Avenue. The proposed improvement of Nebraska Avenue consists of replacement of the bridge over Dry Run Creek with minimal approach roadway work between Ellis Street and Hampton Court. Pertinent design alternatives will be presented.

Citizens are encouraged to attend the May 14th public meeting, ask questions and provide input. All comments made at the meeting will be given careful consideration by the City of Peoria and the project team. Comment cards are available and may be submitted at the meeting or mailed in. The Peoria High School Library is accessible to disabled individuals. Individuals with special needs should notify Ms. Vikki Hibberd at (309) 494-8800 at least three days in advance of the meeting.

For more information regarding this meeting, or the projects in general, contact City Engineer Scott Reeise, P.E., Peoria Public Works at (309) 494-8800 or Cindy Loos, P.E., Hanson Professional Services Inc., (309) 713-1402.

Miller Center, Pekin IL –  May 2014 Calendar of Events:

May 2^nd

Friday night dance

The Nostalgics

Time: 7:00-10:00pm.

Fee: $7.00 each.

Treats provided by Pekin Hospital Home Health Care.

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 5^th

New Ballroom Dance Lessons  

Time: 6:30pm Beginners, 7:30 Intermediate

 Fee: $30.00 Resident $35.00 Non-Resident

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 7^th

                Grief Support Group

Henderson Funeral Home & Life Impact Solutions, Jeff Leeman

                Time: 2:00pm

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 13^th

                AARP Meeting & potluck

Time: 1:00pm

Fee: $1.50

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 14^{th &}15 ^th

AARP Smart Driver Course  

Time: 12:30pm

Fee: $15.00 Members $20.00 Non-Members

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 14^th & 28^th

                Blue Grass Jam Session

Time: 9:30-11:00am

Fee: Free

Where: Miller Center, Room A

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 14^th & 28^th

Blood Pressure Check

Time: 10:15am

Fee: Free

Where: Miller Center, Room A

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 14^th

Caregiver Support Group  2^nd Wednesday of every month

Time: 2:-3:30pm

Bradley University’s Counseling Research & Training Clinic, in cooperation with the Central    Illinois Agency on Aging, is sponsoring a Caregiver Support Group for caregivers of adult family members. The Caregiver Program provides emotional support to help individuals who are  informal providers of in-home and/or community care to another individual.

 Facilitator: Laura Hodierne

Fee: Free

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 16^th

2014 Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee

Seniors are encouraged to sign up for the bee, to take place around Illinois this summer. The local contest will take place, 1:00pm, Friday, May 16^th at the Miller Center. Entry forms are available at the Miller Center.

Time: 1:00 pm

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 19^th

Computer Club

Time: 7:00pm

Fee: $1.50

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

May 21^st

Dinner Out & About

Famous Dave’s

Time: 4:30pm

Mary 26^th

Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 28^th

Catfish Bend Trip

Depart from Miller Center: 8:00 am

Arrive back to Miller Center: 4:00 pm

Fee: $14.00

Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information.

That afternoon, alumnus David Bozeman, Senior Vice President at Caterpillar Inc. with responsibility for the Caterpillar Enterprise System Group, will address the Graduate School ceremony at the Renaissance Coliseum on campus.  That ceremony will begin at 3. 

Howard Lance earned an M.S. degree in management from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University and a B.S. degree in industrial engineering from Bradley University and is a member of the Bradley University Centurion Society. Mr. Lance will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional accomplishments.

Before joining Harris Corporation, Mr. Lance was president of NCR Corporation and Chief Operating Officer of its Retail and Financial Group. Previously, he spent 17 years with Emerson Electric Co., where he held a number of senior management positions.  Earlier, Mr. Lance held sales and marketing assignments with the Scott-Fetzer Company and Caterpillar Inc. where he began his career in an engineering co-op program.

Since joining Caterpillar Inc. in 2008, David Bozeman has served as General Manager for the Specialty Products Business Unit, Vice President of the Core Components Business Unit and Vice President of the Integrated Manufacturing Operations Division.  He joined Caterpillar in October of 2008 from Harley-Davidson Motor Company, where he was vice president of Advanced Manufacturing responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology. David Bozeman received a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Mechanical Design from Bradley and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  He serves on Bradley’s Board of Trustees.

Peoria City/County Health Department supports America’s PrepareAthon! on April 30 for this first-time national event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individuals, families, schools, and businesses throughout the nation will participate in activities to be prepared for disasters. Local disasters include the threat of flooding in our region and bring with it related health risks.

Peoria City/County Health Department urges individuals to follow safety tips related to possible local spring flooding. Public health and safety are among the first concerns after flooding or heavy rains. Flood water can carry bacteria and other contaminants that could cause disease and illness. Local water wells that provide high-quality drinking water can become flooded. Sewer and septic systems can overflow. Follow safety tips during this type of event to protect against disease:

These basic precautions can help to prevent disease:

 Minimize skin contact with sewer water, especially cuts and sores. Keep cuts clean by washing with soap and clean water and covering with a waterproof bandage.

• Do not allow children to play in areas or play with toys contaminated by sewage overflows or flood waters.
• Do not eat or drink anything exposed to sewer water.
• Do not use water from flooded water wells.  An alternate source of potable water should be obtained such as bottled water. Once flood waters recede, the well should be tested to make sure the water is safe to drink. Contact your local health department to obtain a test kit.
• Keep contaminated objects, water and hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom use, before eating and immediately following contact with sewer water or contaminated objects or surfaces.

Take the following precautions to prevent injury:

• Turn off main power switches if necessary. Air out and wipe dry all appliances and electrical outlets exposed to water before using.
• If you have fuel oil or gas systems, be sure tanks are secure and all lines are free from breaks.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and an N95 or HEPA respirator mask during removal and cleanup efforts.
• Open windows if possible to ventilate and dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.

 The following general cleaning guidelines may help prevent the transmission of disease and reduce property loss:

•  Discard any contaminated objects that cannot be thoroughly washed or laundered.
• Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a bleach and water solution made of no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant.
• Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia. Do not mix ammonia and bleach; the vapors are hazardous.
• Scrub and wash all objects in the affected area of your home, including clothes, exposed to flood waters. Use warm, not hot, tap water with soap.

The Peoria City/County Health Department is urging you to join the PrepareAthon and be ready for local disasters. For additional information to protect yourself and your family, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.

Hooked on Fishing opens the 2014 season this week with a lot of smiling faces getting a chance to land “the big one” in East Peoria. The fishing complex opens its doors, Thursday May 1 at 10AM to 35 kids, 10 of them in wheelchairs, who will get their chance to “throw a line in the water” thanks to Hooked on Fishing. Children will learn safety, basics of using a rod and reel, fishing techniques and best of all, landing the catch!

 Friday, May 2^nd, Norwood’s 7th grade class enjoys their yearly field trip to Hooked on Fishing as 150 kids take to the lake. Every year the kids are given the opportunity to pick their destination and each year their choice is Hooked on Fishing.

Hooked on Fishing is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides fishing opportunities for children, senior citizens, and special needs groups to appreciate the joys of fishing. Hooked on Fishing primarily works with school groups, scouts, park districts, community groups, churches, special needs groups, nursing homes, and other organizations that provide services for kids, senior citizens, or disabled individuals. All fishing is “catch and release” and all equipment and bait is provided free of charge.

For information, call Hooked on Fishing at 309- 648-0215.

On-Site contact:  Bob Quinn, 309-648-0215 (hookedonfishingpark@gmail.com)

Where: Hooked On Fishing (Next to Dixon’s Seafood) 1807 N. Main St., East Peoria, Il.

When: Thursday May 1, Friday May 2nd

Future events and more information can be found at hookedonfishingpark.org

On behalf of the Sun Foundation, we wanted to let you know that due to weather and forecast for lightening, the kick off of the Clean Water
Celebration planned for 4 PM at the Gateway Building has been canceled.

The Sunday dinner at the GAR Hall and Monday Clean Water Celebration at the Peoria Civic Center will continue as planned.
Please come by the Peoria Civic Center tomorrow at 9:45 AM for a behind-the-scenes look at this 21-year environmental event. Over 2,000 students will participate.

Illinois American Water will also introduce our new Mobile Education Center which includes a lab and interactive water quality learning center.

HANNACITY, IL – The weekend of May 17 and 18, 2014 will be a weekend for mountain biking features at Wildlife Prairie Park. Starting Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10:00 am, the new Bison Hump Pump Track will be unveiled to the public with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the ribbon cutting will be a demonstration of how to use a pump track. A special 3 lap time trial on the Pump Track will begin at 4:00 pm with Men, women, junior boy, and junior girl categories.

Those in attendance just for the Mountain Biking events will be able to attend free of charge. However, those who wish to enter the main park area of WildlifePrairiePark will have to pay general admission. Event will take place across Taylor Road from the main Park entrance.

After the pump track unveiling and demonstration, there will be a guided tour of the bike trails for all interested starting at 10:30 am. The tour will feature an organized group ride through the trails to show all that Wildlife Prairie Park has to offer those interested in biking at the Park. This will not be an instructional tour on how to ride through the trails.

Beginning at 2:00 pm, the NMBP Kids’ Ride #1 will take place. All participants will have to sign a PAMBA event waiver, but the event is free of charge.

“After 4 years leading the Wildlife Trail Crew, I am extremely excited for this opportunity to show all the park has to offer & to introduce new features for mountain bikers of ALL levels and interests. Whether an advanced rider, a first timer or a family looking to share a unique, active, outdoor experience, there’s truly an adventure awaiting at WildlifePrairiePark!” says Betsy Silzer of PAMBA

 Sunday, May 18, 2014 will be the BP Wild Flood Scramble Mountain Bike Race. Participants can register online for the event at www.pambamtb.org or may sign up the day of the event.

For more information and a complete listing of activities, please contact Wildlife Prairie Park at (309)676-0998 or visit us at www.wildlifeprairiepark.org.

WildlifePrairiePark is a 501c3 not for profit 2,000 acre zoological park located just 10 miles west of Peoria, IL in HannaCity. The Park’s mission encompasses conservation, education, and recreation development in this unique habitat in the Midwest. 

(Peoria, IL) Plans for traffic patterns for next week have been modified slightly. Here is the most current information: Beginning Monday April 28, 2014:
Between Jefferson and Adams:
 The south side of Oak Street (opposite from the ball park) will be closed to traffic to allow for construction of new curb, sidewalk, planters and decorative lighting. This closure will last about 2-1/2 to 3 weeks.
 One-lane will be open to accommodate one-way traffic heading from Adams Street to Jefferson Street.
 There will be No left turns from Jefferson to Oak.

Between Adams and May Alley (the alley is mid-block between Adams and Washington):
 The south side of Oak Street will be closed to allow for construction of  new curb, sidewalk, and pavement. This work is expected to be complete by late May, weather dependent.
 One-lane will be open to accommodate one-way traffic heading from Adams toward the alley.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2014: Weather permitting,
 Oak/Hightower Street will be closed on the City side of the intersection with Jefferson Avenue. This closure is required to install electrical conduits across Oak/Hightower Street. This partial-day closure will start at 9:00 AM and last until about 1:00 PM. All businesses will have access via W. John H Gwynn Jr. Avenue to N. Hightower Street.

As always, please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through construction work zones.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Warehouse District TIGER II Project, please visit our website at http://www.warehousedistrictpeoria.com. You can also contact me directly at kdvorsky@terraengineering.com or at (309) 472-3132.

Most importantly, thank you for your continued patience as we work to make the Warehouse District a safer, more accessible, and more attractive place to live, work, and shop right here in the heart of Peoria.

This closure is expected to be in place for approximately three more weeks.

Motorists should follow posted detour routes. As always, please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones. For updated project information and to view the Detour Route Map, please visit our website at http://www.peoriagov.org/public-works or contact the office of City Engineer Scott Reeise, at (309) 494-8800.

Peoria Riverfront
Illinois Redistricting Reform, Yes for Independent Maps