Lisa Maynard, Woodford County Board of Health secretary; Eric Lane, director of environmental health for the Woodford County Health Department; Hillary Aggertt, Woodford County Health Department administrator; and Bonnie Allen, Woodford County Board of Health vice president, pose with Wayne Litwiller (center) after he received the ninth annual Public Health Award.

STATE

Bill would give senior citizens more property tax relief

A bill that would provide property tax relief to seniors, veterans and disabled persons has sailed through the Illinois House of Representatives with wide, bipartisan support, by a 108-1 vote. The legislation was co-sponsored by State Rep. David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove).

HB 156 would amend the Property Tax Code to provide property tax relief in a variety of ways, including:

• Creating an assessment freeze homestead exemption for persons receiving federal Supplemental Security Income benefits and who have a maximum income limitation of $55,000,
• Increasing the maximum amount of the senior citizens’ homestead exemption to $6,000 from $5,000 and
• Increasing the general homestead exemption to $8,000 in all counties. Currently the amount is $7,000 in Cook County and $6,000 in all other counties.

COUNTY

Businessman gets public health award

The Woodford County Health Department Board of Health awarded its ninth annual Public Health Award to Wayne Litwiller from Hopedale. Litwiller was honored and presented with the award April 5.

The award is given to an individual or group that provides a public health service to the residents of Woodford County.

Eric Lane, director of Environmental Health, nominated Litwiller based on his generosity and willingness to assist residents when needed. The Litwiller Excavating company installs new and renovated septic systems in Woodford County every year.

For more information about the Woodford County Health Department, visit woodfordhealth.org.

METAMORA

Pool pass prices discounted this month

For the first time, the Metamora Park District is offering pool passes at a discount through April 30. A single pool pass costs $80 for an in-district resident and $115 for an out-of-district resident. Another person can be added for $22 in-district and $32 out-of-district. Prices will increase on May 1.

The park district also has gift certificates. These can be redeemed for programs, camps, pool passes and rentals, but not for concessions. For more information, call (309) 367-2932 or visit the park district’s new office at 241 E. Partridge. The operations moved last month. Office hours are 9-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and by appointment on Friday.

EUREKA

Open mic poetry competition April 13

Poetry will be in the spotlight when the Eureka Public Library hosts an open mic poetry night competition April 13. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library, 202 S. Main St., Eureka, and will be followed by a book signing by host and published local poet, Aozora Brockman.

The event will feature performances from Brockman, Eureka College’s professor of English Kathy Whitson and the public. Brockman writes about sustainable living skills, nature and travel. One of her poems, “The Happiness of Dirt,” chronicles her experiences working at local Henry’s Farm.

The event is being held in celebration of National Poetry Month and National Library Week. Eureka College communication students partnered with the Eureka Public Library to host the event. Cindy O’Neill, program coordinator at the Eureka Public Library, will head the event. Those who wish to participate in the open-mic part of the event simply need to show up with their family-friendly poetry to present. Winners will receive gift certificates to local businesses such as Uncle Bob’s and Mika’s. For additional information, call (630) 235-2616.

ROANOKE

Water rate increase might not be nedded

Good news for anyone who pays for water in Roanoke. The village board may suspend its annual 3 percent raise in water rates this year because the village won’t need the extra money. The money is used to help pay for the ongoing cost of maintenance projects. Officials will decide if they can forgo the increase for one year when they discuss the matter and possible take a vote at its April 17 meeting.

–Woodford County News Briefs–