Peoria Park District’s RiverPlex Center.

Former IVC cheerleading coach honored by IHSA

Chillicothe native and former was honored July 18 as one of 20 Illinois High School Association officials honored as a 2014-15 Official of the Year. Wilmington was honored as the Competitive Cheer Official of the Year. Wilmington coached the IVC cheerleading squad for 10 years before former becoming an official. She is now in her eighth year a competitive cheer official.  She was the head official for Large Division for the 2015 state finals along with being head official at the Joliet West Sectional.  The recognition banquet was held at Embassy Suites in East Peoria during the 2015 IHSA Officials Conference.

City of East Peoria approves wage hike for city workers

The City Council on July 7 approved a  2.25 percent wage increase for city workers who are not covered by collective bargaining contract salary increases. The budget plan adopted by the council also included a $6,377 for merit increases, according to reports. In addition, the plan  calls for market-rate adjustments to salaries as compared to nearby municipalities, according to reports.

New business opening in East Peoria Levee District

A new Carpet Weaver’s Furniture Gallery is opening in the Levee District, according to reports. The new store will reportedly be located next to Gordman’s and will be convenient for people in East Peoria and in Peoria’s Downtown. The new location is expected to be open Labor Day weekend, according to reports. The North Peoria store will remain open.

Trucks stolen from city of LeRoy’s Public Works Department

The city is offering a cash reward for information related to the theft of two trucks from the city’s Public Works Department on July 17. The Police Department is investigating an overnight burglary at the public works facility, located at 410 N. Hemlock St. in LeRoy, according reports.  Two pickup trucks were inside the building when they were stolen. One truck was found in rural LeRoy the next day, according to the city.  A white 2007 Dodge extended cab pick-up truck with City of LeRoy decals and municipal plates (M166456) remains missing,  according to the city.  Residents are asked to watch for this vehicle and call 911 if they spot it. LeRoy Mayor Steve Dean is offering the cash reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible, according to the city. Anyone with information is asked to call LeRoy Police at (309)-888-5030. Callers may remain anonymous.

Peoria County Board to hold meeting at Lutheran Hillside Village

The Peoria County Board will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.13, at Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 N. Galena Road. The County Board will hold one additional community meeting this year at Limestone Community High School on Oct. 8, 2015. September, November, and December board meetings will be held at the Peoria County Courthouse. For more information, contact Jenny Fulton, director of strategic communications, at (309) 672-6918 or jfulton@peoriacounty.org.

One person dead in July 21 shooting in Peoria

Police are investigating the shooting death of 25-year-old Ira Montford in the early morning hours of July 21 in the 1800 block of North Bigelow, Peoria. The shooting reportedly happened around 1:30 a.m. , according to police. Montford was reportedly shot in the chest and he was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in a private vehicle, where he died at 1:57 a.m., according to reports.  There are no suspects in the case.  An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 673-9000 or Peoria Police at 673-4521.

Peoria home invasion suspect dies after being struck

A man suspected in an attempted home invasion in the 2400 block of West Antoinette around 10:30 p.m. July 20 is dead, according to reports.  The suspect in an attempted home invasion overnight in Peoria is dead. Police reportedly got a call from a woman who told them her husband thought their house was being broken into.  The  residents told police their front window was broken out, and said the suspect was attempting to come in with the husband reportedly struck the suspect with a crutch, according to reports. When police arrived they found a 37-year-old male lying outside the home conscious, according to reports.  He later died on the way to the hospital from an apparent heart attack, according the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.

Local Peoria groups to mark  Voting Rights  50th anniversary

A discussion of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act will take place from 6-7 pm on Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Peoria Lincoln Branch Library, 1312 W.  Lincoln Ave., Peoria.  The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, the Peoria NAACP and the Peoria ACLU chapter.  Leaders from these groups will make brief presentations, and the League will register voters at the event. The program includes talks on Voting Rights by Appellate Court Justice Mary McDade and Carol May, retired ICC Social Sciences Department chair at Illinois Central College.  She now leads study groups and discussions on civil rights for community groups.

Peoria Park District tries to ease concerns after boy’s drowning

The Peoria Park District is working to ease the public’s concerns about the Peoria RiverPlex after a boy recently drowned at a nearby park.  A 3-year-old boy wandered away at the Rolling River playground and then drowned in the Illinois River.  Calling the incident a tragedy, the Park District executive director has publicly stated that  Rolling River playground is not connected to the RiverPlex grounds, according to reports. Rolling River playground is a public park jointly maintained by the city of Peoria and the park district, according to the executive director. The boy reportedly was on a trip to the  RiverPlex with Myah’s Just 4 Kids Daycare and under their care.  The state has since issued several citations  against the daycare.

— Peoria County News Briefs —