(From left) Crystal Kyle, South Side Mission co-executive director; Brian Brackney, Ameren Illinois — senior operations manager; and Kenny Blum, Ameren Illinois — community and public relations (Photo courtesy South Side Mission)

Peoria County

New voter registration cards mailed out

The Peoria County Election Commission recently mailed out to all registered voters a new voter registration card beginning on Monday, Dec.14. The commission asks voters to review card information carefully as their polling location may have changed. The voter registration card is not required to be shown prior to voting; the card is strictly for the voter’s information. If name and/or address has changed, follow the instructions provided on the card to properly update information. When a registered voter moves or changes his/her name, the voter must re-register to vote; failure to do so may impact his/her right to vote.

Peoria

New CityLink fare program takes effect Jan. 2

Some CityLink riders will be facing new bus fare options in 2016 as the area public transit agency reacts to increasing costs and the potential reduction in state financial support. The existing fare structure has remained essentially unchanged for nearly 15 years.

The Greater Peoria Mass Transit District Board of Trustees approved the fare changes after months of development, which included holding multiple public hearings throughout the area.

“We’re anticipating some initial frustration and confusion from several subgroups of our customers, especially those customers who require a transfer to a second route to complete their trip,” CityLink General Manager Al Stanek stated in a news release.

The base fare will not change, but some riders who rely on taking more than one bus to their destination may have to pay twice if they don’t opt for the new $3 Day Pass. Transfers, which had been issued without charge, are being totally eliminated in January, according to Stanek.

Beginning in early September a new Day Pass and 30-Day Pass were made available to customers. The Day Pass, at a cost of $3, provides unlimited rides for one service day, while the $40 30-Day Pass offers unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days from the date of first use. The passes are available on every CityLink bus as well as the convenience counter at the downtown CityLink Transit Center.

Also, students with valid a school ID card will now pay 50 cents cash fare per ride. The student punch pass and all other punch passes are being eliminated.

The 50 cent cash fare option will also be available to seniors at 65 or older with proof of age, the disabled and veterans holding valid ID. Individuals who qualify for the 50 cent fare are encouraged to get a CityLink half-fare ID which is available upstairs at the downtown Transit Center.

In addition, individuals age 65 and older will pay 50 cents per ride, all day long as opposed to only during special time periods. Previously, seniors paid $1 cash fare during peak schedule times, and rode for free during off-peak times.

subhed: South Side Mission receives $10,000 grant from Ameren Illinois

Just in time for the holidays, South Side Mission received a $10,000 grant from Ameren Illinois to replenish food supplies and continue its mission of helping those most in need throughout the winter season.

South Side Mission offers 50 transformational ministries supporting more than 15,000 low-income, women, men and children in the Peoria area annually. The ministries include youth services, homeless shelter, food pantry, teen center, Hope Builders and career training.

“The Mission thrives on partnerships.” said Crystal Kyle, South Side Mission co-executive director, in a released statement. “We are able to succeed and grow due to Ameren, and so many generous donors, who believe in the Mission’s Christ-focused service. This generous gift is crucial at the time of year with the greatest challenges; it will be used to serve those most in need whether it be food, shelter, activities, companionship or spiritual support.”

The grant funds were made available through the Ameren Cares program, which connects Ameren Illinois with the communities it serves through charitable giving and volunteering. Brian Brackney, senior operations manager, Ameren Illinois, said a key focus of this program is to partner with nonprofit organizations like South Side Mission to improve the quality of life in Ameren Illinois’ service territory.

Items stolen from local church

Burglars stole items valued around $2,800 from the Potter’s House church, 1015 S. Matthew St., over the weekend of Dec. 18-19. The pastor told police several pieces of electrical equipment were taken from the church sanctuary, including two speakers, two monitors and an electronic keyboard. The theft happened between midnight Dec. 18 and 10 a.m. Dec. 19, according to reports. The building had been locked, according to the reports.

Peoria Heights

Leaders look for making improvements to village

The village has commissioned a Chicago-based group to help identify areas to improve the quality of life in Peoria Heights. Planning consultants Houseal Lavigne will conduct the study being labeled the Corridor Revitalization Plan, focusing on the area of War Memorial Drive and Prospect Road, and a portion of the Glen Avenue corridor near Prospect Road. The study will look at traffic, development, and land use among other things and is intended to be a guideline for future development and redevelopment of existing commercial areas. The village is embarking on this project with help from Peoria County, which contributed $7,500 to the cost, and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, which award the village a $45,000 grant.

The village held an informational meeting Dec. 16 with about 25 people present to begin gathering feedback and comments. The study is expected to take about six to eight months. Some of the issues participants cited included pedestrian safety along Prospect Road, lack of downtown parking, and concerns for the business districts, according to reports. The study is expected to take about six to eight months.

Chillicothe

Police help Christmas come early for local families

The city of Chillicothe Police delivered gifts to local children on Dec. 19 as part of its FOP Cops and Kids Letters To Santa Christmas event. This year, the program was able to reach 11 families and 23 children. The city police posted on its Facebook page a thanks to Green Shoe Studio for following them around that day to document the event.

Town Theatre getting an upgrade

Chillicothe area businesses and volunteers gave the 90-year-old Town Theatre an upgrade recently with renovations to its concession stand and lobby areas. The work is intended to make the area better for employees, according to board members. The project included improvements to the concession stand’s plumbing and electrical systems, new cabinets, lights and new equipment, according to reports. The theater board gave themselves six days to get the project completed to have the theater reopened in time for the Dec. 17 premier of the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The theater is owned and operated by the Chillicothe Optimist Club.

–Peoria Area News Briefs–