Fire department call volume growth chart

I have been meaning to get this chart posted for a while now, but the Morton Fire Department has been on the top of the news list regarding its large grant, new firehouse and the such. That said, this information is crucial in supporting the department's need for additional resources, such as new satellite fire stations.

I thought the growth in this chart was rather outstanding. But, chief Joe Kelley had some valid reasons for the growth.

• The aging population in Morton. There are numerous nursing homes in Morton, a town with the average age of residents hovering around 40 — one of the oldest towns in Central Illinois.
• An increasing number of transient people, meaning there is a lot of outsider traffic that travels through town.
• 24-hour-a-day businesses (Wal-Mart, Steak 'n' Shake, gas stations, etc.)

"We tend to maintain a consistent daytime/nighttime population," Kelley said. "Call volumes tend to be pretty similar (throughout the day)."

"Most people would be surprised at how much that goes on at night," he added.

Enough with the stereotype

Yesterday, I read Phil Luciano's column in the Peoria Journal Star regarding his experience at the Monical's in Morton. Click here to read his piece, which published Tuesday.

I decided to write a rebuttal to Luciano's initial stance regarding the situation.

Click here for my column.

Reader poll: How would you rate communication between parents and District 709?




Let your legislators hear you!

Now is the time to take advantage of opportunities such as this one I received in an e-mail today:

"Area Chambers of Commerce have teamed up to bring local Senators, Representatives and City Council Candidates to you. The 23rd annual Heart of Illinois Legislative Reception is your chance to communicate this regions needs and concerns to our elected officials on issues that impact our businesses.
 
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce along with chambers from Canton, Chillicothe, East Peoria, Limestone, Morton, Pekin, and Washington invite you to the event Monday, February 23rd at the Par-A-Dice hotel in East Peoria from 5-7pm. It is sponsored by Hanson Professional Services and Architectural Design Group."

Expected to attend are:

Rep. David Leitch (R-73rd District)
Sen. Dale Risinger (R-37th District)
Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-92nd District)
Sen. David Koehler (D-46th District)
Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-53rd District)

Poll results

It seems most of you are in between on this year's Pumpkin Festival theme. I have to say, I kind of expected this response. Myself, I can't stand the days that ensue after Thanksgiving. Who knows how I will handle thinking about Christmas in September!?

But, that is the theme, now I am curious what it is going to be all about and how the festival can tie this in. I don't believe pumpkins exist during Christmastime.

Here are the results:

	Interesting idea, I am curious	8	40%
	Christmas is long enough as it is	8	40%
	What a great idea!	2	10%
	Bah humbug!	2	10%
		20