East Peoria is reminding residents and business owners about proper lawn maintenance during summer months.

 EAST PEORIA

City reminds property owners on lawn care 

Weeds, annual plants and grass taller than 10 inches is a violation of Section 7-3-11 of the East Peoria City Code. A fine of between $50 and $750 can be imposed for each offense.

The city states it may cut growth taller than 10 inches. If that happens, the property owner or person in control of the property shall be liable to the city for the costs, and a lien for the removal costs may be filed against the property.

It is also against the city code to deposit garbage, rubbish, ashes, bulky wastes, brush, construction or demolition wastes on property in the city.

As posted on the city’s website, this is a violation of Section 9-6-10 of the city code. A fine of between $100 and $750 can be imposed for each offense.

If these items accumulate on a property they may be removed by the city and the owner or person in control of the property shall be liable to the city for the costs, and a lien for the removal costs may be filed against the property.

For more information, call the Planning and Community Development Department, 309-698-4717.

MORTON

Arts in the Park series returns for summer

The Morton Fine Arts Association is bringing back the Arts In the Park series for another summer.

The programs will be held at the Idlewood Arts Pavilion on Parkside Avenue on Thursday evenings from June 13 through July 25, skipping July 4 with all concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Concessions are available each week starting at 6 p.m. so you can enjoy dinner in the park. Or, bring your own picnic.

Keep checking our www.mortonfinearts.org

for more information throughout the season for updated information regarding rain-outs, schedule changes, etc.

PEKIN

Pump failures shut down slides at water park

On Monday, May 14, the pumps that operate the large slides at DragonLand Water Park failed. After consulting with the experts who originally built DragonLand, it was determined that the pumps were damaged beyond repair, according to statements on the Pekin Park District Facebook page.

Mechanical problems are forcing the Pekin Park District to shut down for the summer season parts of DragonLand Water Park. (Photo courtesy of Pekin Park District)

The pump repairs need to be replaced, which is a “large-scale renovation project that will take many months to complete. Unfortunately, that means DragonLand will operate this summer without the large body slide and tube slide,” the Park District stated.

Even without the larger slides are being shut down, this summer, the pool and small Dragon Slide are currently operational and will be open during regular public swim hours seven days per week noon to 5 p.m. beginning May 25.

Because the larger slides will be lost for the season, the park district said admission to DragonLand Water Park will be discounted to $4.50 per person with children age 3 and under still free.

The Pekin Park District and staff “appreciate your understanding while the pump replacement is being addressed and still look forward to providing a family friendly venue for all to enjoy,” the district stated.

Included in the facilities review in 2018 was the DragonLand’s 27-year-old pool liner, and the plumbing and mechanical system.

The pool liner and plumbing to the pool are in good shape. The mechanical system is in a condition where the Park District needs to consider replacing it, according to the park district.

A complete revamp of its mechanical system — filters, heaters, and all pumps — will likely be needed after the 2019 season to be ready for the 2020 season and another 25 to 30 years thereafter, the district said.

TAZEWELL COUNTY

 Clerk, County Board taking transparency steps

The Tazewell County Clerk’s Office is taking steps it says will lead to a major increase in the transparency of the Tazewell County Board; Video Recording of Tazewell County Board Meetings.

Beginning with the County Board Meeting on May 29, the meetings will be:

1) Live Streamed utilizing Facebook Live available on the Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Facebook Page

2) Published the day following the meeting on YouTube and the Tazewell County Website

3) Permanent copies will be maintained in the office of the county clerk

The cost of the camera required and necessary equipment to offer this service, totaling $463, was paid for by previous fees collected from services provided by the Tazewell County Clerk’s Office. Furthermore, the County Clerk’s Office will utilize the free public media platforms of Facebook and YouTube to publish the meetings, resulting in no website storage cost.

“This is a service that had been a priority of my campaign for Tazewell County Clerk” said John C. Ackerman. “We have worked hard to not only achieve this goal, earlier than we had planned, but to find a way to do so without any cost to the taxpayers of Tazewell County. I am extremely proud to provide this vital service that has been long overdue” he continued.

The original proposal called for video recording and post-meeting availability of the County Board Meetings with a proposed implementation in June/July. The Live Stream publication of the meetings was a recent addition made possible by the new equipment purchased by the office.

“Following the purchase of the required video camera, we found that a bonus featured was the ability to record to multiple platforms at the same time, resulting in us having the ability to simultaneously Live Stream via Facebook Live while also recording to a disk for storage” Ackerman stated.

County Board Meeting information is available on the Tazewell County Website at https://www.tazewell.com/CountyBoard/BoardAgendasMinutes2019.html

Weekly free concerts in the park return to Morton’s Idlewood Pavilion in June.

 STATE

Nominations taken for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is accepting nominations for the 2019 class of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Since 2002, the ICF has recognized individuals who have records of exemplary service in and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois.

Some inductees touched the lives of thousands of youth and adults by promoting fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education.

Others spearheaded efforts to preserve or enhance fish and wildlife habitat and protect and restore Illinois’ lakes and rivers. Some inductees are national and international leaders in conservation, or advocates for outdoor heritage traditions.

All have led by personal example and serve as role models for future generations of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nominees selected will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame this fall at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala.

Nominations must be submitted on the official Hall of Fame Nomination form, which is available at this link:  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/ICF-HOFNominationForm2019.pdf

Nominations must be submitted by June 30 to be considered. For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271 or at 217-785-2003.