WOODFORD COUNTY

County votes to finish road project

The Woodford County Board will finish the final 1.6 miles of Highway 1, using federal Surface Transportation Rural (STR) Fund allotments, even though those will be available in increments over several years. County funds will be used if needed to cover cash flow.

The board recently approved a resolution that will use approximately $529,000 in federal funds annually for the next six years for Phase 6 of the $2.6 million project to finish widening and re-paving the road that runs from Route 116 north toward Washburn.

A frustration for county officials is the timing of the reimbursement of funds. The federal money goes to the Illinois Department of Transportation, which is slow to pay the county. However, officials decided that it is better to get the work done at current rates than future rates that likely would be more expensive.

Merchants urged to think ahead about food permits

It is never too cold to start planning festivals, benefits, fundraisers, community dinners, open houses and other occasions where food and drinks are served to the public.

Events where food and drink are prepared or served have to be inspected and licensed by the Woodford County Health Department and a temporary food or drink permit must be obtained. The cost of a single-use, up to 14-day continuous event, food or drink permit is $45; a multiple-use temporary food or drink permit costs $55. There is no charge for not-for-profit organizations. Last year’s temporary food and drink permits cannot be used because they have expired. 

Merchants should contact the county health department office for more information. Cottage food vendors must meet certain conditions for their food products to be sold at farmers markets. Some of these conditions include: foods, such as baked goods, preserves, dry herbs or teas, must be safe for human consumption and sold only at a farmers market. The seller must not make more than $25,000 per year in sales. A placard must be posted that states, “This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens.” In addition, the vendor must have active and current state certification and register with the local health department.

More information on this law, and what specific products can be sold at farmers markets, can be found in the (410 ILCS 625) Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act, Sections 3.3 and Section 4. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1578&ChapterID=35

Contact the health department at (309) 467-3064 Monday-Thursday between 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-noon or online at http://www.woodfordhealth.org

The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office is participating in the annual scholarship program run by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. For more information, call the county sheriff’s office at (309) 467-2375.

Sheriff to award college scholarship

The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office is participating in a program that will award a local college student $500 for the 2016-17 academic year.

The scholarship is under the auspices of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, which will award more than 100 college scholarships throughout the state. The scholarships are intended to assist with the cost of tuition, books and fees during the regular school year. All Illinois students attending an Illinois higher learning institutions are eligible. Winners will be students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic, extra-curricular and character qualifications. Criteria and eligibility are detailed on the applications, which are available at the sheriff’s office, 13 E. Ct St., Eureka, 61530, and online at www.ilsheriff.org.

All applications must be postmarked by March 15. Winners will be announced in May.

For more information, call the county sheriff’s office at (309) 467-2375.

REGION

Discussion to explore complexity of immigration

The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria invites the public to join in a discussion entitled, “Immigration: the Complicated Path to Citizenship.” The free event will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 4, at the auditorium at AMT — Advanced Medical Transport, 1718 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria.

The Immigration Project’s Executive Director Jasmine McGee will provide a brief overview of major immigration legislation of the past and explain how it has shaped the current immigration system and affected low-income immigrants and their families in Central Illinois. McGee will present for 30 minutes and answer questions for another 30 minutes. 

A look at the past not only gives us a better understanding of our current laws, but can be our guide to the current immigration debate – Syrian refugees, presidential candidate Donald Trump’s proposed wall / banning Muslims proposals, and other hot immigration topics, according to organizers of the program.

–Woodford County Area News Briefs–