PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2023

Bradley University’s Center for Cy bersecurity has been designated a National Center for Academic Excel lence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security. The designation means Bradley’s curriculum meets the rigorous standards put forth by the NSA and Department of Defense in formulat ing effective cybersecurity education. Obtaining the CAE designation is the result of a process that began in 2017. The designation is through the 2028 academic year. Tri-County Airport in Yates City is one of six airports that received Air port of the Year awards from the Illi nois Department of Transportation at the Illinois Public Airports Association Fall Conference. The small, rural air port was named private airport of the year. All of the facilities were select ed because of their accomplishments, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Carol A. Shields , former executive di rector of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and a strong community advocate, was honored by the City of Pekin with signs designating Veterans Drive as the Carol A. Shields Memorial Highway. Shields championed the con struction of Veterans Drive and worked diligently for years with local political leadership and government officials to bring the project to fruition. She passed away in January 2021. Signs are located at Veteran’s Drive, Griffin Avenue and Allentown Road. MOVING UP THE LADDER The City of Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation has announced three leadership updates. Dave Lamb , formerly superintendent of parks, is now

ington Community High School Nov. 21 – 25 for The Kevin Brown Memo rial Tournament of Champions. The invitation-only tourney features some of the nation’s most talented players, with teams expected from California, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Illinois. Proceeds benefit KBStrong to support research at OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria that is advanc ing knowledge and understanding of brain cancer. Coach Kevin Brown, who founded the tournament and in whose memory the event is named, lost his battle with glioblastoma in 2019. Details are at www.washingtontofc.org. Peoria native and former Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood will be the keynote speaker at the 48th Annual Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Peoria Civic Center Ball room. General admission tickets are $90, or a VIP table of eight for $1,200. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The program includes presen tation of the annual Tom Connor Ser vice Award, Community Wealth Award, Athena Woman of the Year Award and Outstanding Small Business. Details are at peoriachamber.org/tgl.

Dave Lamb Jeff Hindman Jeff Meints

assistant director of Parks and Recre ation. His previous job will be filled by Jeff Hindman , who moves from assistant superintendent to superintendent. Jeff Meints , a former horticulturist and heavy machine operator, is now assistant superintendent.

Jeff Kolbus of Edwards has been installed as the 2024 treasurer of Illinois REALTORS®. He is presi dent of RE/MAX Traders Unlimited in Peoria and a member of the Peo

ria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR), where he served as president in 2002. Kolbus has been active in his local community, serving in volunteer and leadership roles in numerous or ganizations. He is a past commissioner on Peoria's Planning Commission.

Mose Rickey is the new public works director for the City of Bloomington , part of a reorganization of the Public Works Depart ment. Rickey was former ly the assistant director of

Parks and Recreation. In his new capac ity he will oversee the restructuring of the department from its current form into Public Works, Water, and Opera tions and Engineering Services. Chief Judge Katherine S. Gorman of the Tenth Judicial Circuit was elected to chair the Conference of Chief Circuit Judges effective Jan. 1, 2024. The Con ference of Chief Circuit Judges meets monthly to consider problems relating to the administration of the circuit courts and other matters referred to the Con ference by the Illinois Supreme Court. UPCOMING EVENTS For the 18th year, basketball fans are invited to Torry Gymnasium at Wash

The Peoria Historical Society will present its 2023 Holiday Home Tour from 5 – 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $20 in advance at 309tix.com or $25 at the door. VIP tours of the homes with private bus service are available by contacting the Peoria Historical Society office at 309-674-1921. Go to peoriahistoricalsociety.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 129