PEORIA – The Peoria Public Library and the Pekin Public Library are the recipients of a mentoring grant from the Illinois secretary of state’s office, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

The grant was awarded through the Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

These libraries are two of 28 public libraries in the state to receive the grant. The grant money will be allocated as follows:

• Pekin Public Library: $26,917
• Peoria Public Library: $12,500

“I’m thrilled to see that Secretary White is demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of public libraries in our state,” Koehler said. “Well funded libraries are an invaluable resource for our communities. This grant will help provide students in Peoria and Pekin with the tools they need to be successful in the future.”

In all, the secretary of state awarded $559,358.00 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve low-income and underserved populations.

The 3rd lottery application period is now open for Illinoisans who wish to deer hunt this fall. Applications close August 21, 2020.

Illinois residents and nonresidents can apply and find more information by visiting: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/Pages/DeerFirearmMuzzleloader.aspx

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler issued the following statement Friday after news of the death of Peoria civil rights icon C.T. Vivian:

“Rev. C.T. Vivian was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and gave pride to all Peorians because of his Peoria roots. I met him years ago when he spoke in Peoria and came away in awe of his dedication and insight on where we need to be headed as a nation. I thank God for the life of this dedicated man. We need to continue his memory to help inspire future generations.”

C.T. Vivian was a civil rights activist whom Martin Luther King Jr. once described as “the greatest preacher to ever live.” Vivian’s career began in Peoria, where he was hired to work for the Carver Community Center. While at Carver Community Center, Vivian participated in his first civil rights sit-in, where he successfully integrated Barton’s Cafeteria.

PEORIA – To provide residents with an opportunity to improve vital life skills, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced local organizations will receive more than $200,000 in grants from the secretary of state’s office to help adult learners develop reading, mathematics, writing, and English-language skills.

“Providing adult residents with more learning opportunities can only benefit our community. Everyone deserves the opportunity to better themselves, regardless of their age,” Koehler said. “I also encourage all who are able and willing to help their neighbors improve these vital life skills to volunteer.”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

Local organizations receiving these grants include:
- Spoon River College, $54,000
- YWCA Pekin, $65,000
- Neighborhood House, $51,488
- Peoria County Regional Office of Education, $60,597

Those interested in volunteering should contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.