This stump is all that remains of a 12-foot blue spruce tree that stood as a symbol of love for a deceased member of the Biros family of Eureka. The tree was discovered stolen on Thanksgiving. Mary Biros posted the picture on her Facebook page and wished the culprit Merry Christmas.

STATE

New law requires domestic violence support training for hairstylists

Conversations can get personal while women are getting their hair done, and hairdressers sometimes learn about incidents of domestic violence while chatting with their clients. Because of that, a new state law will require all hairstylists to be trained in domestic violence support and response.

The law will take effect Jan 1.

The mandate was passed as an amendment to the Barber, Cosmetology, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Act of 1985. The legislation aligns with the Professional Beauty Association’s Cut It Out program, which pushes similar efforts.

CENTRAL ILINOIS

Senior Consulting Project uses skills in practical world

Area businesses can tap into the expertise of Bradley University business majors who work on real world business situations.

The Senior Consulting Project is the capstone project for all Bradley University business majors. Small teams of four to six students from a mixture of disciplines (Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management and Leadership, Management Information Systems, and Marketing) are brought together to consult for a local firm. The group works directly with a contact from the firm and is advised by one of the University’s business professors. The project lasts the full semester and culminates in a presentation of recommendations from the students to the client and professor.

Applicants may propose any type of business related project, as long as it contains specific deliverables from the team, some common projects include developing marketing plans, feasibility studies, and conducting customer surveys.

Businesspeople are invited to call (309) 677-2992 office or go to www.bradley.edu/turner/project-app/ for an application and more information.

Restaurant chain announces location

Chicago-style eatery Portillo’s has announced the location of its first central Illinois store. Normal Town Manager Mark Peterson said Portillo’s will open at the current Motel 6 location at 202 Landmark Drive, kitty-corner to Wal-Mart. Portillo’s first announced its intention to come to Normal in April.

Two towns role models in environmental care

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council congratulates East Peoria and Washington for their Progressive City awards from Ameren Illinois. Ameren Illinois looks at cities in their service area to identify efforts to increase energy efficiency, build greener communities, and enact community and economic development programs. The two Greater Peoria communities each received a $2,500 grant to put toward beautification projects and a commemorative sign to showcase their achievements.

East Peoria was recognized for its Green Team sustainability program, Tri-County Fresh Food Hub, Levee District development, generating more than $385,000 in energy savings through efficiency projects, and other forward-thinking initiatives.

Ameren acknowledged Washington’s active park district, growing trail system which currently spans 11 miles, progressive community policing programs, their community garden and recycling programs, more than $90,000 in annual energy savings, downtown revitalization efforts and numerous other sustainable programs and practices.

COUNTY

Sheriff’s office shares holiday recipes

Just in time for holiday cooking and baking, the Illinois Sheriff’s Association’s “Jailhouse Recipes” cookbook is on sale.  It includes more than 400 recipes for everything from appetizers to main dishes, along with fun food for kids. Order at ilsheriff.org, or contact the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office at 113 E Court St., Eureka, or by phone at (309) 467-2375.

EUREKA

Tree that had special meaning is stolen

To the culprit it may have looked like the perfect Christmas tree, but to an Eureka family, it was a tree with special meaning.

Mary and Mike Biros were heartbroken Thanksgiving morning when they discovered their 12-foot blue spruce was gone.

The clean-cut stump that remains looks like a power saw was used to remove the tree. The tree was a gift to remember Nigel, the Biros’ son who died 12 years ago.

Many have offered to replace the tree, but he family just wants justice. As police look for suspects, the Biros are planning to plant a new tree in their front yard, where they can keep a watchful eye on it. The family is offering a reward for information that leads to the thief or thieves.

–Woodford County News Briefs–