The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. On Oct. 12, the University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit will host a tour there. Call (309) 547-3711.

REGION

Bus trip is planned to Cahokia Mounds

The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few miles west of Collinsville, lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement that is today known as Cahokia.

On Oct. 12, join University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit Master Naturalist/Master Gardener volunteers to explore this fascinating site with Mike Wiant, interim director of the Illinois State Museum, and Bill Iseminger, site manager for the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site.

A bus will pick up participants at two locations: 6:15 a.m. at Peoria Extension office, 4810 N Sheridan and 7:30 a.m. at Hardees, 401 W Dearborn St, Havana. Arrival at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and World Heritage Site is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Buses will be boarded at 3 p.m. to head home.

Space is limited. Registration is $80 and closes on Oct. 5. Direct all questions to Christine Belless, Extension program coordinator, cbelless@illinois.edu or call (309) 547-3711.

MORTON

Library collecting costumes for costume exchange

The public is invited to donate nearly new and clean children’s Halloween costumes in good condition to the Morton Public Library District, 315 W. Pershing, Morton.

Donations will be accepted through Oct. 1. Each item donated will earn the participant a ticket to be redeemed at the Costume Exchange scheduled for Oct. 14 and 15. Those with tickets will have first chance at the Costume Exchange at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. Anyone without a ticket is invited to visit the Exchange to shop for a costume with the donation of a canned food item.

Anyone not interested in the costume exchange, may also can donate no longer-needed costumes to help the library staff build its costume closet. Questions? Call the library at (309) 263-2200.

Former elected official examines campaign dynamics

Jim Nowlan will discuss how campaigns have changed through the years and what this means for democracy. He will speak at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Morton Public Library District, 315 W. Pershing, Morton.

Nowlan is a jack-of-all-trades in Illinois public affairs. He has been an Illinois legislator, senior aide to governors and campaign manager for U.S. Senate candidates.

PEKIN

Airport gets new taxiway lights

New taxiway lights will replace non-functioning ones at the Pekin Municipal Airport, thanks to a recent 6-1 vote by the Pekin City Council.

The council voted to purchase the lighting and the electrical system needed and awarded the project to J.H. Moore Inc. Moore’s bid was $165,997, which was $80,147 less than the design estimates. The federal government will pay 90 percent of the costs for the project. The city will be responsible for 5 percent of the costs, not to exceed $12,355. The state will pay the remaining 5 percent share.

The current lights had a lifespan of 20 years when they were installed. The new lights will be LED, which have a much longer life span. The new system is expected to save the city an estimated $100,000 on electricity and maintenance over 20 years.

Construction will begin this fall. This is Phase 1 of a two-phase project.

Goodwill store offers teens work experience

Teens looking for work experience can get hands-on experience at a Goodwill store. Goodwill’s Retail Project will offer experience 4-7 p.m. Sept. 26-Sept. 30, at the Pekin store, Courtside Shopping Center, 3245 Court St, Pekin.

The purpose of the Retail Project is to teach skills teenagers can put on their resumes or job applications. All program graduates will receive a free outfit suitable for wearing to job interviews. Spots are limited. To register, all (309) 210-3289.

Adults can take one dance class for free

The Pekin Park District Recreation Department invites adults to try out its dance classes. Adults can take one class for free at 6 a.m. or 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the upstairs Dance Room of the Pekin Memorial Ice Arena, 250 Red Bud Drive. For more information, call (309) 347-7275.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–