Everyone knows how important pumpkins are to Morton and to pumpkin pie. One state lawmaker says Illinois just does not need a state pie or other state symbols.

STATE

Lawmaker wants to reduce number of state symbols

Is pumpkin pie endangered as the official pie of Illinois? If so, how would the change play in Morton? The state pie and other symbols could be endangered if a proposed bill makes its way to becoming law.

Senate Bill 690, sponsored by freshman Sen. Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) proposes that Illinois get rid of symbols such as the state bird (cardinal), state flower (violet) and state animal (white-tailed deer), among many others. Rooney says too many state symbols has caused the value of the important ones to suffer. His legislation would leave only the state flag, state seal, state motto and state song.

In 2015, pumpkin pie was elevated to its current status and sweet corn became the official vegetable of Illinois.

Two legislators are hoping to add more symbols. Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) is seeking to make corn the official state grain of Illinois, while Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez (R-Leland Grove) introduced a bill that hopes to make shelter dogs and cats the state’s official pet.

In addition to the end of pumpkin pie as the state pie, Rooney’s bill would eliminate the following symbols: bird, insect, official language, mineral, tree and flower, animal, fish, prairie grass, vegetable, fruit, fossil, artifact, folk dance, theater, soil, snack food, amphibian, reptile and tartan.

COUNTY

Potential scam targets property owners

The Tazewell County Clerk/Recorder is alerting property owners about a potential scam involving fees for property deed information. County residents may be receiving letters in the mail asking them to send in money for a copy of their property deed for a fee of $87. County officials say do not pay the bogus fee.

The county does not charge such a high fee. County residents can contact the Clerk/Recorder if they would like a copy of their deed. The fee is $2 for the first four pages, then 50 cents for each additional page.  The Clerk/Recorder office is at 11 S. 4th St., Suite 124, Pekin 61554. Call (309) 477-2210 for more information.

MORTON

With a little hoopla, library offers a new digital service

The Morton Public Library District has announced hoopla digital: a new digital media service for its patrons. Morton library cardholders will be able to access and enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six formats: movies, TV, music albums, audiobooks, e-books, and comics/graphic novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

With hoopla, there are no hold lists. Content is available for immediate streaming, without any complicated process.
On a mobile device, borrowed content may be temporarily downloaded and accessed offline or, in either the app or on a computer, all borrowed content may be enjoyed while connected to the internet by streaming.

Library officials say this service is easy to use and provides library patrons instant access to any titles. Library cardholders may borrow up to six titles per month at this time.

To get started, register for and enjoy hoopla digital on your mobile device, download the hoopla digital app from the Apple or Google Play store. Then follow the directions to sign up for an account.

If you are using a computer, visit www.hoopladigital.com/home. Click on the “Get Started” button and follow the directions. Your library card number and PIN are required.

For more information and helpful videos, go to the hoopla page on the library’s website. You can also visit the library or call (309) 263-2200 during library hours with questions.

For more help, adult patrons are invited to attend a hoopla class at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the library, 315 W. Pershing, Morton. Covered will be the basics such as searching for and checking out items, as well as using hoopla for children. Class participants are welcome to bring their own devices if they want to follow along. Register online at mortonlibrary.org.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–