Speakeasy Arts Center, 353 Court St., Pekin, to host murder-mystery fundraiser on Saturday, April 30. (Photo courtesy of Speakeasy Arts Center)

STATE

Illinois farmland prices drop in 2015

Illinois farmland prices posted the most significant decline in two decades in 2015, following the downward price trajectory of grain produced on the land.

Agriculture acreage across Illinois dropped 8 to 9 percent, according to a recent report by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. This decline came after 18 years of increasing farmland values, considered to be a historically long run.

The group’s 21st annual farmland values report found land rated “excellent” using the University of Illinois’ productivity index sold for an average of $11,737 per acre in 2015, an 8 percent decline from the previous year. Land rated as “good” averaged $8,756 per acre, also an 8 percent decline, while land with “average” yields sold for $6,215, a 9 percent decline.

For years, prices had increased by 3 to 6 percent annually, with occasional 10 percent increases in a single year recorded.

Small ensembles perform concert

The Central Illinois Youth Symphony will host its Small Ensembles Concert at 2 p.m. April 10 at the Life Together Center, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

The concert will feature the brass ensemble, flute choir, clarinet choir and honors string quartets. These ensembles will perform selections that were arranged especially for their instruments. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Purchase tickets at the door or by calling (309) 370-6424.

MORTON

Roadwork changes traffic patterns

Construction has resumed on I-74 from I-474 to Main Street and on I-155 from Birchwood Avenue to I-74 in Morton.

The traffic pattern on eastbound I-74 at the Morton Avenue (Exit 102) interchange has changed. Traffic in the right lane of eastbound I-74 is now required to exit to Morton Avenue. Through traffic will use the left lane of eastbound I-74. This traffic pattern will remain in effect until July, while construction of eastbound I-74 lanes is completed, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Work zone speed limit is 45 mph along I-74 and I-155 in the vicinity of this project.

The overall project is the complete reconstruction of I-74 from Pleasant Hill Road to Morton Avenue in Tazewell County.  The project is expected to be completed by fall.

Memorial concert features 11-piece band

The Heidi White Memorial Concert will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 7 at the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center, 350 N. Illinois Ave., Morton. 

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 each or a maximum of $25 per family. Music groups from the school district will be featured along with the group JC and the Redemption. This professional 11-piece band features horns and vocals.

Coffee drinks and snacks from Eli’s will be available. All concert proceeds are used for student music camp scholarships. Donors can also give to the Heidi White Memorial Music Endowment Fund at the Morton Community Foundation.

PEKIN

Search begins for 2016 Marigold Grand Marshal

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2016 Pekin Marigold Festival. This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has volunteered to work on the betterment of the community.

The Marigold Festival Committee is seeking nominees who have demonstrated their passion and dedication by giving generously of their time and talent to a variety of charitable and community organizations and activities. This is not a popularity contest. The selection is not made based upon the number of nominations received. Who they are is not as important as what they have done.

Nomination deadline is April 30. Nomination forms can be found on the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce website, pekinchamber.com, or by calling (309) 346-2106.

Murder mystery to raise funds

A crime has been committed at the local speakeasy. Can you help crack the case? Become part of the action in this 1920s themed Jest Mysteries production, “Bullets in the Bathtub.” The murder mystery dinner theater production will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Speakeasy Arts Center, 353 Court St., Pekin. Enjoy dinner and watch a 3-act performance to solve the case of this gangster who-done-it.

Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets, go to PekinAcademyOfFineArts.com. Proceeds benefit the Pekin United Way and Pekin Academy of Fine Arts.

TREMONT

Spring garage sale dates set for townwide event

Tremont’s townwide garage sales will be held Friday and Saturday, April 29 – 30. To participate you may do one of the following:

• Sign up at Casey’s, 218 W. Pearl St., or the Village Hall, 211 S. Sampson St, or
• Email tremontgaragesales@gmail.com or
• Call Trish Davis at (309) 925-5390 or (309) 267-9165.

A $2 sign-up fee will be charged. The money is used to advertise the sale.

Registration must be completed by Saturday, April 23 to get your location on the map. No late entries will be accepted.

WASHINGTON

Last chance to donate materials to book sale

Friends of Washington Library will accept book donations through April 16 at the Washington District Library, 380 N. Wilmore Road, Washington.

The donations will be sold at the Friends’ Spring Book Sale later this month.  Donations of books, DVDs, and CDs in good condition are requested, but please no textbooks or encyclopedias.

The sale will be held Saturday through Wednesday, April 23-27. Members of the Friends of Washington Library will be permitted to preview the sale 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 22; non-members can preview the sale by paying a $5 admission.

Volunteers are needed for the event. Sign up at the Main Library to help with setting up or clerking during the sale. Call (309) 444-2241.

Zombies are invited to library April 8

Teen Zombie Night will be held 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 8 at the Washington District Library, 380 N. Wilmore Road, Washington.

Bring your Nerf guns and play Humans vs. Zombies. Then stay to snack and watch “I Am Legend.” Event is for teens in grades 6-12. For more information, call (309) 444-2241.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–