A member of Woodford County Explorer Post 9102 has to trust his fellow Explorers will catch him during a team exercise focusing on trust and communication Aug. 24.

STATE

DuPage model to downsize government expanded to state

Illinois can now tackle consolidating government, with passage of two bills that will make it easier to abolish some units of local government. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed them into law Aug. 14. One of the changes was modeled after 2013 legislation that paved the way for such consolidation efforts in DuPage County. That model was expanded to McHenry and Lake counties, and now the law that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018, will give the same powers to counties throughout Illinois. 

It also gives boards of townships that are conterminous with municipalities the ability to seek voter approval to dissolve the townships.

The other measure gives townships in counties with less than 3 million residents the ability to seek permission from voters to absorb road districts in their townships.

Illinois has more units of government than any other state in the nation.

Trees linked to Johnny Appleseed to take root for bicentennial

An apple tree with historic roots is being offered to all counties of Illinois in honor of the state’s approaching bicentennial. The Illinois State Historical Society is commemorating the bicentennial of Illinois statehood – Dec. 3, 2018 – by selling trees linked to trees planted by John Chapman. Better known as Johnny Appleseed, Chapman traveled throughout Illinois, Indiana and Ohio planting apple nurseries, using seeds from the cider mill near his Pennsylvania home.

Fresh scionwood from the original tree has been used to propagate the new trees. The trees will be sold by the ISHS and may be purchased for $50 each (plus shipping). The society asks that those individuals or groups purchasing the Johnny Appleseed trees locate the trees on public land so that visitors to their county may enjoy the tree. Recommended sites include courthouse grounds, public parks or cemeteries, museum grounds, libraries and historic garden sites. Each tree will be accompanied by a letter of authentication from the society and the arboretum.

Call (217) 525-2781, Ext. 4, to reserve a tree. The trees will be available in October.

COUNTY

Explorers learn trust, communication skills

The Woodford County Explorer Post 9102 did some team exercises focusing on trust and communication Aug. 24. The exercises were done to instill in Explorers the importance of trust and communication in law enforcement and the need to be able to work as a team. The Explorers performed the tasks they were given.

EL PASO

City to interview candidates for parks, rec manager

The city of El Paso is accepting applications/resumes for parks and recreation manager. The applicant must pass a drug screen and physical exam and be able to work flexible hours, evenings, overtime and weekends when needed. The new manager will direct the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department and department staff and administer a diverse recreation program and municipal park system, which includes park land, a trail system and an aquatic facility. A complete job description and other information can be found at elpasoil.org

EUREKA

Alumni night at Peoria Chiefs game

Eureka College alumni are invited to enjoy a night of baseball Aug. 25 at the 3rd Base Party Deck at Dozer Field in Downtown Peoria as the Peoria Chiefs play the Kane County Cougars.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. and a buffet will be available from 6:30-8 p.m. Game time is at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person, and $25 for children ages 3-10.The Alumni Office is also offering special pricing for couples and family packages. Reserve at alumni@eureka.edu or call (877) 892-7823.

MORTON

Auction to benefit Project Pumpkin

An online silent auction for the painting “Das Pumpkin II” by artist Krista Carlson is open until midnight, Aug. 31. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Project Pumpkin, an endowment fund the Morton Chamber of Commerce launched in 2013 in partnership with the Morton Community Foundation to provide access to the Morton Pumpkin Festival for local families in need.   

Krista Carlson Art is located in Jefferson Street Studio and Gallery, 206 W. Jefferson St., Morton. Call (309) 202-3225 or find her at facebook.com/kristaart7. 

–Woodford County News Briefs–