Tazewell County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

Who will own ”Das Pumpkin II” by local artist Krista Carlson? It all depends on who wins the online silent auction for the painting. Bids are being accepted until midnight, Aug. 31. Proceeds will benefit Project Pumpkin, an endowment fund the Morton Chamber of Commerce launched in 2013 with the Morton Community Foundation to provide access to the Morton Pumpkin Festival for local families in need. To bid, go to mortonpumpkinfestival.org

STATE

Aid for winter heating bills to be available

Senior citizens and people with disabilities can apply for help to pay their winter heating bills beginning Oct 1. The money is being made available by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low-income families. When applying for assistance, customers must bring required documentation including proof of income and any aid, current heat and electric bills, rental agreement and Social Security numbers. 

A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,508; a two-person household, up to $2,030; a family of three can earn up to $2,553; and a family of four can earn up to $3,075.

Disconnected households and families with children ages 5 or under can begin applying for assistance beginning Nov. 1. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning Dec. 1.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan program is a similar bill-payment assistance program and applications will be accepted starting Oct.1, for eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas utilities.

For a listing of agencies administering the funds and additional information, go to liheapIllinois.com.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Friends of Riverfront Park fundraiser Sept. 16. 

Friends of Riverfront Park is sponsoring a Save the Park Fundraiser & Update 2-4 p.m. Sept. 16, in Riverfront Park, at the foot of Morton Street, Peoria. 

The event will include jazz by Dave Hoffman and Friends; folk music by Chris Stevens, a supporter of open space; Native American drum, dance and storytelling by the Eagle Ridge Players and Friends; nature and trail tours by Mike Rucker and Doug Franks; photos and games for children and adults, and more. Food will be available for purchase from Haddad’s and Dawn’s Taco. 

An update on the fight to save Riverfront Park from redevelopment will be given. The city of Peoria’s application is pending with the National Park Service, which must approve or deny it. 

The event is free but donations will be accepted. All funds raised will be used to preserve Riverfront Park for public use. 

In case of rain, the event will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1420 W. Moss Ave., Peoria. For more information on the efforts to save Riverfront Park, go to Facebook: facebook.com/riverfrontparkfriends. 

PEKIN

Marigold Festival wine, beer tasting Sept. 7

The Pekin County Club will host the 6th annual Marigold Festival Wine and Craft Beer Tasting 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 7. Participants will be able to sample wines and craft beers and appetizers. Drink vendors include Vintage Wines, Breakthru Beverage Group, Mackinaw Valley Winery and Marketplace Selections. Tickets are $10 and available at the Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court St., or the country club, 310 Country Club Drive. Call (309) 347-3144 for more information.

School district retools its vision, mission, motto

A new school year is a time for new beginnings and Pekin School District 303 going in a new direction with a revised vision, mission and motto.

The rewriting of its vision and mission was undertaken to better market the district and inform the public about its work. In doing that, the motto was reviewed, also, and then rewritten.

The new vision is: “Pekin Community High School provides a safe and engaging environment with passionate educators who support student growth through a wealth of opportunities.”

The new mission is: “In partnership with the community, we engage, prepare and empower our students for a lifetime of success through diverse opportunities.”

The new motto is: “The opportunity is here. The fire is within.” It is displayed above and below the dragon in various areas of the school.

The school had a competition where students and staff submitted potential mottos. Lisa Stolz, Response to Intervention coordinator, wrote the winning motto.

MORTON

Police explain approval of energy firm solicitation

Morton residents may be receiving solicitors or telemarketing solicitations from a group called Clearview Energy, an energy supplier. The Morton Police Department issued solicitor cards to representatives of this company, but the department said that does not mean it endorses the company’s solicitation. Village officials urge residents to exercise caution before divulging their Ameren account information. The village uses Homefield Energy as its contracted supplier. Contact the village at (309) 266-5361, with any questions.

 

–Tazewell County News Briefs–