The flag honoring Illinois’ 100 years of statehood was raised over Pekin and municipalities across the state Dec. 4.

STATE

State troopers release holiday traffic stats

On-duty state troopers spent their Thanksgiving weekend handling nearly 10,000 incidents and issuing citations in more than half of them.

In addition, police in Illinois responded to 10 crashes that resulted in 10 fatalities from Nov. 23-Nov. 26. Last year during Thanksgiving weekend, there were 11 fatalities on Illinois roadways.

In all, Illinois State Police reported that 9,609 incidents were handled and 5,684 citations were issued.

Illinois State Police said its troopers issued 3,429 speeding citations over the holiday weekend.

Other Thanksgiving weekend stats from state police:

• 6,972 traffic stops
• 440 seat belt citations
• 81 distracted driving citations
• 89 arrests for driving under the influence
• 4,461 warnings issued
• 794 motorists assisted
• 505 crashes investigated.

Year-to-date, 1,003 people have died in traffic crashes on Illinois roads, according to Illinois Department of Transportation statistics. That’s seven more deaths than what was recorded at the same point last year.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Cost of residential electric bills to drop

Numerous cities in the Tri-County region, including Pekin, East Peoria, Morton and Washington, have negotiated a price reduction for residents and small businesses participating in the region’s electric aggregation program. In Peoria, the price participants pay per kilowatt-hour will be reduced from 6.007 cents to 5.757 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) effective with the January 2018 billing period. In June 2019, the price will be further reduced to 5.653 cents/kWh. The current supplier, Homefield Energy, will receive an extended term to serve the city’s program through December 2020. Customers in other regional cities will receive similar discounts.

The reduced rates reflect lower market prices experienced over the past year and Homefield’s desire to extend its relationship with the city.

The new price/term will trigger an opt-out process similar to previous enrollments for the program. Eligible residential and small business electric accounts will be receiving opt-out letters over the next few weeks.

Some letters have already arrived. The packets contain the new prices and terms and conditions. Residents wishing to participate do not have to take any action. Customers may opt out by returning a prepaid card or calling a toll-free number. Accounts that opt out will be returned to Ameren’s electric supply rate, currently at 6.17 cents/kilowatt-hour.

A key feature in the electric aggregation program is this: Participants do not need to sign a contract. No salesperson will call or visit. Further, the electric aggregation program includes 100 percent green energy via renewable energy credits (RECs) in support of the region’s sustainability initiative.

Residents with additional questions may call Homefield Energy at (866) 694-1262.

Cookies, other goodies wanted for vets’ party

Donations are requested for a party being planned for veterans. Goodwill will hold its Veterans Holiday Party 12-4 p.m. Dec. 15, at Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria. Particularly needed are donations of cookies. Cookies and any other party food may be brought to the party site before 12 p.m.

During the first hour of the party, Goodwill staff will hold one of its learning sessions. Veterans are invited to call Alexis Duhon at (309) 682-1113, ext. 2149 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

PEKIN

Program reminisces about Ingalls family Christmases

What was Christmas like for Laura Ingalls when she was a young girl? Actress Laura Keyes will portray the famous American writer as Ingalls reminisces about her childhood Christmases and looks forward to making new memories with her soon-to-be husband, Almanzo Wilder. Keyes, who has been portraying women in history since 2008, will perform at 10 a.m. Dec. 9, at Pekin Public Library, 301 S, 4th St., Pekin.

State bicentennial flag raised

To celebrate the bicentennial of Illinois, the City of Pekin participated in a statewide flag raising ceremony Dec. 4, at Pekin City Hall, 111 S. Capitol Street. All municipalities throughout the state were invited to take part in this significant event and unveiling of the bicentennial flag. Dec. 3, marked the 199th birthday when Illinois became the 21st state in the union in 1818. The flag raising ceremony kicked off a yearlong celebration throughout Illinois, which became a state Dec. 3, 1818.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–