PEORIA – Legislation designed to clean up coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal and power plants, and prevent local water sources from being polluted was signed into law today.
Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was one of Senate Bill 9’s chief-cosponsors.
“Someone needs to be responsible for cleaning up the toxic waste around coal power plants, and it shouldn’t be local taxpayers,” Koehler said. “I commend the advocates who made this bill happen and the governor for making this a priority.”
A report issued by environmental groups in late 2018 found that the amount of coal ash in groundwater around the E.D. Edwards Coal Plant south of Peoria was 18 times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standard.
The Peoria area is home to three coal plants total: E.D. Edwards in Bartonville, Powerton in Pekin and Duck Creek near Canton.

​Information and Congressional petition on "The Dead Zone" available (copy paste) at: 
https://mississippirivernetwork.salsalabs.org/1mississippimonthly-julywrap?wvpId=8a34f2a7-d204-4b0f-8ff3-7f239560e6ec

4/3/2017: Observer Report Peoria Heights Board of Trustees, May 02, 2017
Mayor Allen started the meeting at 6:31.
Announcements: Mayor Allen presented a plaque to long time village attorney Tom Trager for his service.
Trustees report on specific areas. Nothing to report for: Economic Development/Village Improvements; Police, Building/Property Maintenance; Fire; Public Works. Administration/Personnel, Trustee Cumming reported Peoria Heights Tower Park is now open Friday-Sunday 11am-7pm. It will open 11am - 9pm starting May 31.
The following were approved 6-0:

• moving departmental meetings to Wed. instead of Tues. in June, July and August
• purchased a John Deere Utility Vehicle for $7833.16
• approved Peoria Heights Congregational Church using tower park for their Worship in the Park events on June 4 and Sept 20.
• approved bid from RA Cullinan for sealcoating in the city for $118,936.80
• approved bid from Midstate Asphalt Repair for Spray Patching in the city for $36,372.50
• approved bills

The following were approved 5-1:

• purchased Holmatro Rescue add-ons for fire department for $15,499. (Mariscal voted nay)
• purchased Bullard Eclipse LDx Bundle for $14,590 (Mariscal voted nay)

 Mayor Allen presented the first and second winners of the now annual Mary Reiter Love of Community award. The 2016 winner was Rob Matheson, and the 2017 winner was Roger Larson.
Mayor Allen presented awards of appreciation to all board members retiring: Trustee Cumming, Trustee Fuller, and Village Clerk Musselman.
Charles Schneider, Class of 2018 President at Peoria Heights High School, presented a thank you to Mayor Allen on behalf of the Peoria Heights High School Student Body. Mayor Allen was given a plaque.
The Board of Trustees thanked and presented to Mayor Allen for his service to the Peoria Heights community.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35.
 
All new board members were sworn in, including Mayor Phelan, Trustee Goetz, and Trustee Mariscal.
 
 Observer Charles Schneider, Peoria Heights High School, Class of 2018, President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:  Cheryl Budzinski 309/253-9594; c_budzinski@hotmail.com
 
Greater Peoria League of Women Voters Event, Sustainable Neighborhoods
6 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017   

3/13/2017
​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:  Cheryl Budzinski 309/253-9594; c_budzinski@hotmail.com
 
Greater Peoria League of Women Voters March 15, 2017 event,
Do you have questions about Charter Schools? The League has a position.

4/14/2017
​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:  Cheryl Budzinski 309/253-9594; c_budzinski@hotmail.com

Greater Peoria League of Women Voters April 19, 2017 event,
The Neighborhood Safety Act
How The Neighborhood Safety Act Can Make Communities Safer
and Reduce Overuse of Prisons