This photograph shows the old Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville Railroad depot, Pekin’s first railroad depot. A short film about the history of Pekin railroads and depots will be shown at 11 a. m. July 6, at the Pekin Public Library.

STATE

Department of Aging calling attention to elder abuse

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois, and the state’s Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging “Building Strong Support for Elders.” That’s the theme of this year’s recognition, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening communities and preventing elder abuse.

Jean Bohnhoff, director of IDoA, calls elder abuse “a silent epidemic,” and one that has to end.

In 2017, Adult Protective Services at IDoA responded to more than 16,000 reports of suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of adults with disabilities and adults 60 years of age and older. Financial exploitation represents 54 percent of elder abuse cases, and victims generally experience more than one type of abuse, i.e., financial abuse is highly associated with emotional abuse at 43 percent.

To report suspected abuse, call the 24-hour elder abuse hotline at 866-800-1409.

Justin Blandford named Governor’s Mansion curator

The newly renovated Illinois Governor’s Mansion has a new curator. He is Justin A. Blandford, who will be responsible for creating and implementing the mansion’s new strategic vision, which includes a greater focus on history, education, creative arts and visitor experiences. As curator, he will be the Mansion’s liaison with the Springfield historical community and ensure the mansion’s place among the city’s historic sites. 

Blandford will lead the development of events and marketing programs to attract visitors to the mansion, which is the third oldest governor’s mansion in use today. In addition, he will manage day-to-day operations, oversee maintenance of the grounds and the facility, and manage the mansion’s workforce and volunteers. 

The mansion is now being promoted as The People’s House, encouraging the public to enjoy the building and learn state history from it.

Blandford has been a historic site superintendent in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) since 2004. Most recently he directed operations at six nationally significant state-owned historic sites: Lincoln Tomb, Veterans Memorials, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Law Office, Vachel Lindsay Home and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana House. The sites attract 325,000 visitors each year. 

The new curator began his career in public service as a Dunn Fellow/Policy Assistant in 1999 following his graduation from Webster University in St. Louis. He worked at the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency before joining DNR. He obtained his master’s degree in history this year from the University of Illinois in Springfield.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Narcotics undercover group chooses new leadership

The Policy Board of the Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement Group (MEG) has new leadership. In elections held June 12, Washington Police Department Chief Michael McCoy is president, Woodford County Sheriff Matt Smith is vice president, and Board member Bob Baietto was re-elected to serve as secretary/treasurer. The terms are for two years. MEG serves a four-county area: Woodford, Tazewell, Peoria and Knox, and several municipalities. The unit focuses on undercover drug enforcement operations. The current director, Dave Briggs, had already been granted a one-year extension on his contract at an earlier meeting of the policy board.

PEKIN

Film about local railroad history at library

“History of Pekin Railroads and Depots” will be shown 11 a.m. July 6 at the Pekin Public Library, as part of an ongoing series of short films about Pekin and Tazewell County history to mark the bicentennial celebration of Illinois statehood. Admission is free. The film’s length is 54 minutes. The library is at 301 W. 4^th St. For more information, call 309-347-7111, ext. 0.

MORTON

Teenagers invited to trivia challenge

Teens can show what they know about what at the Morton Public Library’s upcoming Teen Trivia Night. Teens, in 7^th grade through high school, are invited to bring a friend and show off their trivia knowledge from 4-6 p.m. June 29, at the library, 315 W. Pershing, Morton. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Registration is needed. Call 309-263-2200.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–