Map of County Board District 6

Peoria County

Board accepting applications to fill vacant seat

Peoria County Board Chairman Andrew A. Rand invites interested individuals to apply for the vacant Peoria County Board District 6 seat. The appointed individual will serve until December 2020, when the current term expires.

Applications are being accepted through 5 p.m. on June 14.

The vacancy was created with resignation of G. Allen Mayer, effective May 15, 2019. Mayer was first elected to the Peoria County Board in 2004.

Per statute, the chairman, with the consent of the County Board, has 60 days to fill the vacant position. Also, per statue, Mayer’s replacement must be a Democrat, having voted Democrat in the most recent primary election in which he or she voted, and must reside within the boundaries of District 6.

District 6 covers central Peoria, bounded roughly by I-74 to the west and south, Lake Ave to the north, and Sheridan road to the east.

Interested parties should submit a resume, references, and a County Board Appointment Application found at http://peoriacounty.org/705 to the attention of Chairman Andrew Rand, Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St., Room 502, Peoria, IL 61602.

County names new Chief Financial Officer

Peoria County has named Randy Brunner has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Monday, May 6.

Peoria County Administrator Scott Sorrel previously appointed Brunner as interim CFO in January 2018.

During his time at Peoria County, Brunner was Budget Finance Analyst from 1996-2010, Budget and Grants Coordinator from 2010-2013, assistant CFO from 2013-2017, and Sheriff’s Office Finance Director from June 2017-current. Brunner will continue to serve as the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office Finance Director.

“I am happy Randy Brunner chose to remain in the Chief Financial Officer position,” states Scott Sorrel, Peoria County Administrator. “He holds a wealth of institutional knowledge and is known as a team player. He is a great asset to Peoria County.”

Brunner has a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from Aurora University and is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association. He is pursuing a certified public finance officer certification.

Brunner also volunteers with Peoria County Emergency Management as head weather spotter. In 2016 Brunner received the Citizens Award from the Peoria County Association of Chiefs of Police for his work in this area.

He and his spouse, Jane Gerdes, have two grown children, Elizabeth and Patrick.

PEORIA

A Plant to Remember fundraiser event

Jon Buckley was killed by a tragedy and has left behind family and friends, just like so many others in our Peoria area who have left loved ones behind.

The Flower Garden at 600 N.E. Water St., Peoria

As a result of these tragedies, The Flower Garden at 600 N.E. Water St., will stand as a reminder and is surrounded by the love that still exists in this community. It is shaped in the form of a heart to be a constant reminder to value life,  as we remember those killed by tragedies and who are left forever in our hearts.

Join members of the community for the “Plant a Flower to Remember” fundraiser on June 8 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.  All proceeds will go to the maintenance of the flower garden and there will be opportunities for donating. RVSP by calling 309-431-9942.

Jon Buckley Memorial Garden has a colorful selections of perennials and annuals.  Park benches are donated by individuals and the benches are engraved with the name of the donor.

Mackinaw Vineyard hosts wine glass painting

Art at the Bodega is on location at the beautiful Mackinaw Valley Vineyard & Winery to paint these wine glasses.  You won’t want to miss wine tasting and art on Thursday, June 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Participants will learn the craft and details of how to complete this easy art project.  The food and wine will be served.

The class fee is $30 and includes all supplies and instruction.   Arrival for class suggested between 5:45-6:30 p.m. for wine tasting, socializing and check-in.

Three complimentary wine tastings are included, we will have cheese and crackers available for sale from Ropp Cheese and Chocolatier Chocolates as well as wine, beer, sodas, tea and water. No beverages may be brought in.

Fee includes all supplies needed to create your own mandala stemless wine glass, reservation required.

For more information about our classes call us at 309-431-1307.

STATE

Nominations taken for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is accepting nominations for the 2019 class of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Since 2002, the ICF has recognized individuals who have records of exemplary service in and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois.

Some inductees touched the lives of thousands of youth and adults by promoting fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education.

Others spearheaded efforts to preserve or enhance fish and wildlife habitat and protect and restore Illinois’ lakes and rivers. Some inductees are national and international leaders in conservation, or advocates for outdoor heritage traditions.

All have led by personal example and serve as role models for future generations of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nominees selected will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame this fall at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala.

Nominations must be submitted on the official Hall of Fame Nomination form, which is available at this link:  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/ICF-HOFNominationForm2019.pdf

Nominations must be submitted by June 30 to be considered. For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271 or at 217-785-2003.