Joe Chianakas, professor at Illinois Central College

Region

ICC Teacher of the Year awarded book contract

Joe Chianakas, professor of communication at Illinois Central College,  has signed a contract for a horror fiction series through Distinguished Press. The first book, “Rabbit in Red”, was released Sept. 29. ICC recently awarded Chianakas with its Gallion Award, the highest teaching honor for full-time faculty. While working on “Rabbit in Red”, Chianakas collaborated with a variety of local artists, most notably local pop-punk band Terribly Happy, comprised of current and former ICC students, who produced “Enter the Rabbit,” an adrenaline-pumping song inspired by the novel.  The book is available online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other major booksellers. I Know You Like a Book in Peoria Heights will host Chianakas for a party and book signing this month. The party will include live music by Terribly Happy and a costume contest — dress as your favorite horror character for a chance to win prizes.

Previously, Chianakas taught English at Metamora High School. In addition to teaching, Chianakas, 36, runs the Cougar Karate Club at ICC and teaches fitness classes at the ICC CougarPlex.

Central Illinois Goodwill hosting veterans programs

Central Illinois Goodwill based in Peoria will be hosting a variety of programs to assist veterans  during the month of October.  Veterans Benefits Workshops during the week of Oct. 12-16. The workshop will cover Veterans Administration health, compensation, and pension benefits.  Goodwill will be running  mock job interview sessions for veterans from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 8. Staff will guide you through a mock interview asking common interview questions and providing feedback to ensure veterans are prepared for the real deal. On Wednesday, Oct. 14,  there will be a program on substance abuse group for veterans at 10 – 11 a.m.  This workshop is for veterans who are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. Learn coping skills and share your story with others dealing with similar concerns.  To schedule appointments for these programs, call (309) 682-1113 ext. 2149 or ext. 2121. For more information,  visit http://www.goodwillpeo.org.

Chillicothe

Cookie Jar bakery holds grand opening

The Cookie Jar European Patisserie held a grand opening on Sept. 24 at its new location in the former Prince building in downtown Chillicothe. Owners Klaudia Rees and Gyongyi Loczi celebrated with family and community members at the ribbon cutting that morning.  Members of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, city officials and other business owners were present.

According to reports, Mayor Doug Crew praised the remodeling and renovation work done on the building that had been targeted at one point for tear down. The Cookie Jar European Patisserie’s hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Visit their website at www.cookiejarcountrybakery.weebly.com.

Peoria County

New web site provides transparency on county expenses

Peoria County Auditor Carol VanWinkle was joined by Allen Mayer, chairman of the County Board’s Ways and Means Committee, and Eric Dubrowski, chief financial officer for Peoria County last week in introducing the new OpenGov website that grants public access to Peoria County expenditures. The county’s accounts payable data, dating back to 2005, may now be accessed through a transparency portal at www.peoriacounty.org/auditor/transparency. “People are now able to view the county’s checkbook anytime from anywhere. They’ll be able to see each department’s expenditures, including what was purchased, where it was purchased, and how much it cost. If we’re spending taxpayer’s money, I believe the taxpayers should be able to see where their money goes,” VanWinkle said.

Mayer agreed  calling the move a “ great step forward for Peoria County. In an era of tough fiscal decisions and increasing skepticism about government at all levels, it is important to increase the transparency of Peoria County’s finances. We already have our budget, audit reports, committee packets, and even video of Board meetings available online. This is the next step, and it puts Peoria County at the forefront of local governments in Illinois when it comes to transparency.”

Questions regarding the portal may be directed to the Auditor’s Office at (309) 672-6006.

CWTC has teams up with Chili’s  for fundraiser

During the months of October, November and December, the Community Workshop and Training Center is teaming up with Chili’s restaurants in Peoria and East Peoria for a Give Back fundraiser.  Both Chili’s locations will donate 15 percent of each patron’s food check to CWTC when diners present their flier while ordering at either Chili’s location in Peoria and East Peoria (including carry-out). The discount is good every day, all day through Dec.  31. “We are so grateful to Chili’s for their Give Back” event! Their extreme generosity to help CWTC is greatly appreciated. Invite your family  and friends and join us,” said Patti Gratton, executive director for CWTC.  Fliers can be picked up at CWTC, 3215 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604 or you can  download one at www.cwtc.org  or the CWTC Facebook page. Fliers must accompany the order for the donation to be applied. Proceeds will directly benefit programs and services for CWTC consumers. For more information, contact Rick Stephenson at (309) 686-3300.

CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc., provides programs and services to adults with disabilities.

Peoria

Mayor considering another run

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis is reportedly considering running for a fourth term. His current term expires in the spring of 2017.  Ardis spoke with WMBD on Sept. 24 and said he is “definitely strongly considering another term.”  Ardis was rumored to be interested in filling the 37th District State Senate seat that became vacant with Darin LaHood being elected last month to the 18th Congressional District office. Ardis has been mayor for 10 years.

District 150 board adopts budget

Peoria School  District 150 school board Sept. 28 adopted a 2015-16 budget with a deficit of more than $8 million. The district worked over past few months on reducing the deficit from more than $12 million. In addition to passing the budget, the board also named two people to serve as part-time interim financial officers. Erik Bush is the former CFO for Peoria County and business manager for McLean County District Unit 5, and Bill Phillips has taught education finance and leadership at University of Illinois-Springfield and has worked with the Illinois Association of School Administrators.  The appointments were made to fill the void created by the  resignation of CFO Mark Wilcockson, whose last day was Oct. 2. Carla Eman will serve as interim treasurer.

–Peoria News Briefs–