The Village of Peoria Heights Water Department has issued a boil order, due to water main repair, for the 5100 thru 5200 Willard Ave. and 305 Rosalind.
Water should be restored shortly.
The boil order will remain in effect until further notice.
Thank You
Prospect Road will be narrowed from five to three lanes including a center turn option downtown and its sidewalks widened to accommodate pedestrian traffic and al fresco dining as part of a $20 million plus reconstruction of that corridor, the Peoria Heights Village Board has decided.
The vote to establish a curb line or road width was necessary to allow the Phase 1 engineering study and planning for the corridor to move forward on a reconstruction project that will run the length of Prospect through the Village from War Memorial Drive to Tower Park.
Ultimately, the vote was unanimous to move forward with the so-called “road diet” plan, minus a previously considered bike lane, but not before some trustees expressed concerns regarding the potential for traffic congestion and the hardships on businesses during construction.
What seemed to sway the Board was the recognition that this project is about much more than aesthetics, given the need to replace the out-of-date infrastructure along and beneath the road – the water mains, for example – along with the crumbling pavement. That makes the need to tear up the road at some point inevitable, at a cost that is well beyond the budget capacity of a community the size of Peoria Heights.
Meanwhile, the construction likely will be phased, a part of Prospect will remain open throughout the expected 18-month construction period, and the burden on businesses temporary. No start date has yet been chosen for the project and external funding sources must still be found for it.
Beyond that, Trustee Brandon Wisenburg seemed to move the board with his appeal on behalf of the elderly and disabled in the community who find it difficult if not impossible to get around the downtown area now.
“Since getting elected in 2019, I have had a lot of people come up and tell me that are wheelchair-bound that they cannot get through downtown Peoria Heights when dining is going on … Sometimes, you can’t even walk,” Wisenburg said. “If we are going to ensure that our elderly, our disabled patrons can also enjoy a good meal, we have to do something with ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. I don’t think it’s possible without reducing the streets because the buildings aren’t going anywhere.”
Ultimately, it’s a “dignity” issue for all of the Village’s residents, which trumps being “a little inconvenienced,” he said.
The Village’s engineering consultant, Hanson Professional Services, had offered the Board three options. A “status quo” option that would keep four driving lanes was not one of them. Even that would require becoming ADA compliant after ground is broken, and possibly on the Village’s dime, consultant Mark Lee told the Board.
Trustees Nate Steinwedel and Teresa Symmonds expressed an initial preference for four lanes, voicing reservations about “bottlenecks,” “this strangling of these lanes,” the impact on commuters and replicating the traffic snarls on Peoria’s Main Street near Bradley University. Steinwedel also mentioned emergency vehicle access and messing with the formula of “a very successful downtown,” the epicenter of the Village’s tax base.
“I just don’t see how that’s going to be a winning situation,” he said.
One alternative that would keep four lanes and meet ADA obligations would be to sacrifice the on-street parking on Prospect downtown, said Lee, which no one wanted. The street seats will go away with this plan, which will free up some additional parking. Meanwhile, Lee and Hanson representatives reassured the Board that based on software modeling, “you’re not going to see a dramatic difference” in travel times through the downtown with three lanes based on current and projected traffic counts.
Lee acknowledged the hit of future construction on businesses, saying “it’s going to be painful for them during the process. On the flip side, this process is going to happen one way or another sometime in the future. Eventually, you have to do it” given the current condition of the corridor. Trustee Sarah DeVore said that Business Development District funds potentially could be used to offset losses for local businesses during construction, as they were during COVID.
Meanwhile, decisions like these do matter to the Illinois Department of Transportation and whether it gets behind future funding,” said Lee. “We don’t want to risk that,” said Mayor Matt Wigginton.
Hanson is doing the Phase 1 engineering and design work at a cost of $2.5 million, 80 percent of which is coming from a federal grant secured through Congressman Darin LaHood's office. Hanson's final recommendations are expected late next year.
The east side of the corridor south of Lake Avenue is in the City of Peoria, which reportedly is on board with the three-lane option.
Ultimately, “we need to create a space that’s full of life,” said one Hanson representative. “You could have something that’s really special. Like, nobody else has this.”
“It’s really about creating an even greater place,” said Wigginton.
As we approach another Thanksgiving Day, I wish each and every Peoria Heights resident a healthy and happy holiday filled with family, with faith if that is your tradition, with feasting and fun.
All of our personal stories fit within the general story of the Village, and no chain is stronger than its most vulnerable link, but all in all we have much to be grateful for as we celebrate Thanksgiving 2025.
Our local economy is growing as we welcome private and public investment alike. Hardly a month has gone by this year in which ground was not being broken on some project somewhere in the Village, especially in our destination downtown. We’re witnessing that right now at Pearl Insurance, at the Pabst Building, at Trefzger’s Bakery and elsewhere, and we expect more of it in 2026. Our restaurants continue to do brisk business, our sales tax revenues prove it, and fresh new faces and storefronts are being added to our restaurant row and retail rosters.
People are drawn here in part because of our commitment to public safety. We have a new police chief, Chris Ahart, overseeing a dedicated department that continues to do an outstanding job. We have put unprecedented funds in our fire department and we believe we have a good fit in our new interim chief, Austin Szentes.
Measurable progress is being made on our public infrastructure front, especially with our locally owned water system. Hundreds of lead water lines are being replaced throughout the Village, at no cost to our residents. The wholesale, $80 million-plus reconstruction of Illinois Route 29 through our community with an accompanying recreational path on the bluff overlooking the Illinois River is now within the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, we are setting the stage for growth on our riverfront with a 4th TIF District that will encourage compatible economic development there. We are moving forward on the $20 million-plus reimagination of Prospect Road through the heart of our community. Our public library is in line for needed renovation and expansion.
There will be some inconveniences as we go along, but all of these contributions will, in the long run, make our Village an even better and more viable place for our residents, first and foremost, but for visitors, as well.
Meanwhile, we are very fortunate that we have been able to attract millions upon millions of dollars in grants to relieve the burden on our local taxpayers. Our budgets have been balanced and then some with annual, consecutive surpluses that we are able to pump into more and better services for our residents.
Like every community, we have our challenges, and collectively we are trying to address those. On Thursday, for example, our fire and police departments once again will team up to deliver food essentials to some of our neighbors who may have been priced out of providing for their family’s Thanksgiving meal. Beyond that, each one of us has it within our capacity individually to do something kind, to make someone else’s life better if even in the smallest way. I encourage that, on this Thanksgiving Day and every day. We never want anyone to feel left out of our blessings.
Finally, I hope to see Tower Park packed over the next two weekends, starting with the ceremonial lighting of our Christmas tree and our annual visit from Santa at 6 p.m. this Friday. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
Mayor Matt Wigginton
HOW TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES
As the weather turns colder, the Village of Peoria Heights would like to remind you of the importance of preparing for the cold weather. Please remember these tips as you are preparing and protecting your pipes this winter:
Prior to this winter:
Become familiar with the areas of your home such as basements and crawl spaces. Also be aware that unheated rooms and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing.
Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by insulating walls, fixing broken windows, closing off crawl spaces, and eliminating drafts near doors.
Locate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
Protect your pipes and water meter by wrapping exposed pipes with insulation or an electrical pipe heater. Newspaper and fabric may be used as well.
If your pipes freeze:
Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to the pipe. Use a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
Turn the water back on slowly once the pipes have thawed, and check for cracks and leaks.
4901 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616 P 309-686-2375 | F 309-686-2387 PeoriaHeights.org
The Village of Peoria Heights Water Department has lifted the boil order for the 400 - 600 blocks of Sciota Avenue
You may resume normal water use.
Thank You
The Village of Peoria Heights Water Department has issued a boil order, due to water main repair, for the 400 thru 600 blocks of Sciota Avenue,
Water should be restored shortly.
The boil order will remain in effect until further notice.
Thank You
Forest Park Dr. hill will be closed from 9am to 1pm, on the first Tuesday of the month for regularly scheduled maintenance.
Thank you.
Prospect Rd., from Marietta Ave. to Samuel Ave., will be closed to host the Taste of the Heights event Thursday, September 25th.
The road will be closed from 9am Thursday to 6am Friday.
Traffic will be detoured east on Marietta Ave. to Columbus Ave. and then north to Glen Ave.
Please use caution and beware of increased pedestrian traffic.
Peoria Heights to Light Tower Park Fountain Pink in Honor of #GirlsDay
City Joins Center for Prevention of Abuse to Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month
PEORIA HEIGHTS – The City of Peoria Heights will light the Tower Park fountain pink in honor of #GirlsDay at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2025.
#GirlsDay honors survivors and builds a community where individuals feel safe to be who they truly are, embracing the good, the bad and the ugly. #GirlsDay takes place from 12 – 4 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Café Santa Rosa, coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with the Center for Prevention of Abuse as the beneficiary.
“Peoria Heights is deeply honored to host this year’s #GirlsDay event presented by the Center for Prevention of Abuse. We are especially grateful to partner with Marie Morris and Carol Merna to have Tower Park serve as the site for the beautiful fountain lighting ceremony, a symbol of our community’s commitment to awareness, fellowship and positive change,” said Peoria Heights Mayor Matthew Wigginton. “The opportunity to gather at one of our most cherished landmarks for such a meaningful occasion fills us with pride and gratitude. #GirlsDay is more than a singular event—it is an endeavor to inspire, uplift, and strengthen and Peoria Heights proudly supports that mission.”
Founded by Marie Morris, #GirlsDay raises funds for CFPA’s free and confidential services for survivors of abuse. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels safe to be who they truly are.
“CFPA is deeply grateful to Marie Morris and the organizers of #GirlsDay for not only creating such a meaningful event, but also for bringing our community together in partnership with Mayor Wigginton and the City of Peoria Heights,” said Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. “#GirlsDay celebrates resilience, honors survivors, and directly benefits those we serve through our free and confidential services. Lighting the Tower Park fountain magenta is a powerful symbol of unity and hope ahead of the event, and we are proud to stand alongside our community in raising awareness.”
Following remarks from Wigginton, Merna and Marie, the fountain will glow magenta to highlight the upcoming #GirlsDay event and call attention to this important issue.
Marie experienced sexual abuse and other trauma as a child. After living for years with shame, anger and feeling undeserving of love and happiness, Marie decided to live a different life. She focused on healing and growth. Every day Marie chooses to keep moving forward with her life.
She started #GirlsDay to share the support she’s received with others who are living with trauma and those who support them.
#GirlsDay is a family-friendly event. Come join a community of friends and supporters as we honor the resilience of survivors and learn about the resources available at CFPA. Enjoy fun, hands-on activities, delicious food, and great camaraderie. Make connections and spend a meaningful day with old and new friends.
Get #GirlsDay tickets and learn more here: https://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/events/girlsday/
About the Center for Prevention of Abuse
The Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) is the only agency authorized by the state of Illinois to provide a combination of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and adult protective services for survivors of abuse. Annually, CFPA serves nearly 6,000 people affected by violence and abuse. CFPA offers school-based abuse prevention programming to students pre-K through college age, reaching more than 41,000 young people each year. Through these activities, plus community presentations and trainings, CFPA lives out its mission to help all people live free from violence and abuse. For more information about CFPA, visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org or call 309-691-0551. The crisis line is available 24/7 1-800-559-SAFE (7233) and all victim services are free and confidential.
The Village of Peoria Heights, Illinois, is currently accepting applications for a paid Fire Chief.
Applications may be picked up and/or submitted with a resume at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616. Salary is range is $65,000-$100,000 depending on qualifications and includes benefits. For more information on this position and a job description, please visit peoriaheights.org.
Applications are due by Friday, October 3, 2025
Job Description
Job Title: Fire Chief
Date: October 24, 2023
Department: Fire Department
Schedule: Negotiable
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Mayor
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Position Objective: The Fire Chief is responsible for the leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Fire Department and employees responsible for fire protection, code enforcement and prevention and "All Hazards" disaster preparedness within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Village of Peoria Heights. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, fire, EMS, numerous public safety agencies and institutions, as well as other governmental entities, citizens, business owner/operators and neighborhood groups.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the work of the Fire Department including all aspects of fire suppression, training, communications, code enforcement and prevention, administration, emergency medical services, and “All Hazards” disaster preparedness, including facilities, equipment, apparatus, personnel, public information/education, and fire inspection/investigation and code enforcement.
Oversee the management of the day-today administration of the Fire Department, including budget, departmental structure and staffing, field operations, reporting and communications, stewardship and development of assets, personnel and labor relations, incident management, employee safety, quality control, records and reporting.
Coordinate programs and activities of the Fire Department with other City and/or County departments, local and regional agencies, and citizen groups to ensure that programs and activities meet the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.
Provide for ongoing research into new approaches, technologies and trends, and recommend implementation of programs and equipment to help the Fire Department achieve its objectives more efficiently.
Develop and maintain a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork.
Directly or through managers, appoint, supervise, provide for training, performance evaluation and development; safety; and accountability of the Fire Departments' employees.
Ensure the financial well-being of the Fire Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Fire Department.
Prepare annual budget and justify budget requests and amendments.
Ensure the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, personnel, equipment, materials, facilities and time.
Work with elected officials, department heads, staff, and other agencies to develop long-range plans for meeting the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.
Work with local, county, state and federal agencies to keep abreast of current trends and laws in the fire service, EMS and communications for the regional improvement of these activities.
Liaison with other fire agencies served by the Fire Communications Center to develop county-wide fire communications policies and procedures.
Develop and enforce the fire code, fire prevention ordinances, and building construction fire code compliance, including investigation of the causes and circumstances of fires.
Oversee emergency medical services provided by the Village of Peoria Heights, ensuring efficiency of operations and maintenance of quality standards in administration and services, including records security, reporting, and fiscal soundness.
Maintain public relations and public education activities including news releases, web site information, meetings, appearances and effective media communications during emergency operations.
Establish rules and regulations for the Fire Department that meet applicable federal, state and local laws and furthers consistency with established national and state standards for fire/EMS/Emergency Management services.
Provide information and advice to the Mayor and Village Board on strategic planning and accomplishment of Village goals and objectives.
Participate in organization-wide strategic planning.
Coordinate the Fire Department's activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
Monitor, prepare and propose Village responses to pertinent legislation related to fire/EMS services.
Oversee the general direction, supervision and evaluation of all paid and volunteer personnel, including employee safety, training and job performance.
Develop and propose to the Village Board the department’s annual budget and strategic planning.
Attend monthly Village Board and community meetings.
Monitor and control department appropriations and expenditures.
Prepare shift scheduling of all personnel.
Recommend to the Village Board all appointments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and terminations of personnel.
Recommend and enforce all department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Assess and respond to citizen complaints in a timely, courteous and effective manner.
Evaluate the need for and recommend to the Village Board the purchase of new equipment, apparatus, additional personnel, and emergency supplies when needed.
Respond to alarms, administer initial emergency (care, response and/or service) when necessary, and direct activities at the scene of emergencies, as required. Inspect property for fire dangers and damage.
Oversee all firefighting operations and fire prevention procedures including, but not limited to, disaster relief and prevention, hazardous materials, flooding and flood damage prevention, safety and risk management.
Ensure apparatus is in good working order at all times.
Maintain and implement Village disaster preparation plans.
Take appropriate safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Maintain the safety of self, others and equipment. Use all required safety equipment and procedures.
Marginal Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience Requirements
Associates degree or higher in emergency management, fire service administration, public administration or related field desired
Must currently possess and have the ability to maintain an Illinois EMT/FR, EMT or Paramedic License.
Must be currently certified by Illinois OSFM as an Advanced Technician Firefighter or higher, Fire Service Instructor II or higher, and Fire Apparatus Engineer.
Must possess a valid Illinois State driver’s license.
In place of the above requirements, any combination of relevant education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.
Minimum fifteen (15) years of firefighting, safety and risk management experience with at least Five (5) years in a Company Officer or higher command position.
Have working experience in the use of fire and EMS equipment.
Competency Requirements
Basic mathematical skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Effective time management.
Ability to multi-task.
Must be available to attend Village Board, Special and Committee Meetings.
Ability to operate emergency apparatus and equipment, with knowledge of safety policies and regulations, as well as applicable federal, state and local laws.
Knowledge of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, technical rescue operations, and fire investigation methods, practices and procedures, with the ability to apply such knowledge and proper procedures to specific situations in a calm manner.
Working knowledge of community geography, including street names and locations, building structures and hospital locations.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Have a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances pertaining to fire and EMS services, including fire inspection.
Make emergency decisions under stressful conditions which might be irreversible and which could result in immediate risk to life, property, environment, and could result in liability to the City, its citizens, or other agencies or jurisdictions involved in the emergency.
Conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with citizens and stakeholders, both internal and external.
Physical Requirements
Frequent walking and sitting.
Regular lifting/pulling/pushing up to 100 pounds.
Occasional lifting/pulling/pushing over 100 pounds.
Regular reaching, reaching overheard, and grasping.
Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
Regular stooping and crawling.
Other physical activities related to a Fire Department.
Operates general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer.
Work Environment
Due to the nature of firefighting and emergency services work, an employee in this position will be exposed to potential hazards such as extreme heat and smoke, unstable structures, live electrical lines, toxic gases, and bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, the employee is required to use protective clothing and equipment and must have the ability to pass annual physicals. The physical demands of this job also call for above average endurance and conditioning. Duties may include strenuous activities under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, climbing stairs with a heavy load, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 100 pounds. The pace of the work is set by the emergency situation. During both emergency and non-emergency situations, the employee must be able to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio.
Moderate moving machinery, exposure to dust, extreme heat, extreme cold, humidity/water, outdoor weather conditions, toxic chemicals or fumes, electricity/risk of electric shock and loud noise.
The above job description reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions or responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, either at present or in the future, and may be amended by the management as appropriate, with or without notice.