Various train models will lure enthusiasts to the Peoria Train Fair, to be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18, on the Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus.

COUNTY

Sheriff offering two college scholarships

The Peoria County Sheriff will award two Illinois Sheriffs’ Association’s college scholarships to students pursuing higher education during the 2018-2019 academic year. The scholarships are intended to help with the cost of tuition, books and fees. Criteria and eligibility are detailed on the application, which is available at the administration office on the second floor of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, 301 N. Maxwell Road, and at the Peoria County Courthouse, Room B-20. Applications are also available at ilsheriff.org.

Sheriff Brian Asbell will award two scholarships, in the amount of $500 each. The scholarship program is funded through the various programs of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Associate Membership Program.

Applications must be postmarked by March 15. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a citizens’ committee selected by Asbell. The committee will select two winners and two alternates. Submit completed paper applications to: Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Ellen Balagna, Sheriff’s Secretary, 301 N. Maxwell Road, Peoria 61604

Scholarship winners are expected to be announced by May 1.

PEORIA

Congresswoman collecting valentines for veterans

You can wish a veteran a happy Valentine’s Day with the help of U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-17^th). For the fifth year, Bustos is asking constituents to bring cards to her office, 820 SW Adams St., Peoria, for distribution to people who has served their country. The deadline to submit valentines is Feb. 9. For more information, call (309) 966-1813. 

Lottery for roof repair funds to be held

Peoria will hold a lottery to disburse grants for roof repairs. A total of 20 grants through the 2018 Community Development Block Grant Roof Program will be awarded to low-income homeowners who cannot afford roof repairs.

Interested applicants may apply for the lottery at City Hall, 419 Fulton St., Room 300, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays Feb. 21 to March 7. Entry forms have to be submitted in person and there is a limit of one entry per household. An informational session about the lottery process will be held 5 p.m. Feb. 21 in Room 404 of City Hall, and entries will be accepted.

The lottery drawing will be held 1 p.m. March 9, in Room 400 of City Hall. Entrants do not have to be present. All entrants will be contacted via phone or mail after the drawing.

The first 20 selected entries in the lottery will have one week to submit an application with all the required documentation. If the appropriate documentation is not complete within the week, city staff will contact the next household on the list.

To be eligible for the program, households must have an adjusted gross income at or below 80 percent of the area median income by household size, as calculated by HUD. The current income limit for a household of four people is $58,000. Applicants must also meet all other requirements including owning the home for at least one year, passing an interior and exterior inspection, and having active homeowner’s insurance. For complete eligibility, view the application materials at  http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2012/11/2018-Roof-Program-Notice_1516228028_add.pdf.

Call (309) 494-8600 or more information.

Pilot program offers advanced life support

Two Peoria Fie Department engines will provide advanced life support services under a new pilot program.

Peoria Area Emergency Medical Services, in collaboration with the fire department and Firefighters Union Local 50, launched a first-response pilot program Jan. 1. It enables the fire department’s Rescue 1 and Engine 3 to provide advanced life support care within the city limits when necessary. These engine companies will be staffed with at least one system-certified paramedic at all times.

The city of Peoria already has advanced life support coverage through Advanced Medical Transport while the Peoria Fire Department has three ALS certified engine companies, with more than 50 certified paramedics serving on predominantly basic life support engine companies.

Advanced life support is provided when a patient is in a condition requiring a paramedic to assist in treatment before or during transport to a hospital.

In situations where the Peoria Fire Department may be the initial — or only — unit dispatched, or in situations involving multiple patients, concern has been raised of the possible need for advanced life support intervention. The ALS First Response model allows the fire department to intervene in critical situations until an ALS transporting unit arrives.

The program is being operated for a one-year trial. If deemed useful, the model could be expanded to more engine companies.

Gala to raise funds for arts program

The Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration will hold its first ever Fundraising Gala in the Renaissance Room of the Janssen Building in downtown Peoria from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 9. 

The evening’s events – called March to the Plaza: An Evening of Art, Music and More – will feature food, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction of local student art as well as local professional artists. Money raised will support upgraded exhibit material and continuation of the program for student performances and exhibits on the Peoria Courthouse Plaza for future generations. Silent auction items have been donated by art students from current schools participating this year, as well as former program participants and local artists. A special project of note is the live auction featuring painted string instruments from several area schools. Kidder Music donated the instruments which will be on display throughout the night.

Tickets are $60, and are available online at eventbrite.com or by calling the Peoria County Regional Office of Education (309) 672-6906. 

The Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration will once again begin five weeks of performances on the Peoria Courthouse Plaza on April 16 as it has for the last 33 years.

EAST PEORIA

Train fair on ICC campus Feb. 18

The Peoria Train Fair returns Feb. 18, to the Illinois Central College East Peoria campus, The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is sponsored by the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and Pekin’s River City Model Railroad Club. The clubs’ fundraiser will feature operating layouts, swap meet tables, videos and more. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.  

The fair will offer something for everyone from model railroad enthusiasts, train buffs and beginners. The latest products will be available as well as DVDs, videos, books, photos and model railroad parts and supplies. New and used items from most scales and real railroad memorabilia will be available including clothing, patches and pins. 

Proceeds support the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and River City Model Railroad Club in Pekin and their efforts to highlight and promote the hobby of model railroading to all. For information, contact Rick Stephenson at (309) 339-2896 or rick@rickstephenson.com.

–Peoria County News Briefs–