Peoria Standard

State Representative Travis Weaver, along with state and community leaders, will gather to mark the completion of the Bishop Hill Fence Project. The event is scheduled for Monday, December 2, at the Colony School in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

The ceremony will commence at 12:30 p.m., with officials expected to arrive by 1 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Key stakeholders, including Rep. Weaver, will deliver remarks during the event.

The Bishop Hill Fence Project was a collaborative effort involving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center (IDOC), Rotary Community Corps, and the Rotary Club of Galva. This initiative engaged over 50 inmates who contributed by creating materials and erecting fencing around the village park.

The Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will host a reception following the ceremony, offering light refreshments.

Rep. Weaver expressed his admiration for the community's dedication to preserving local heritage: “The Bishop Hill community has gone above and beyond to advocate for their beloved properties.” He praised the partnership between IDNR and IDOC in enhancing Bishop Hill Park and looked forward to continued collaboration.

State Senator Neil Anderson highlighted the importance of such partnerships: “Partnerships like these are vital to villages like Bishop Hill,” noting how community advocacy can lead to significant achievements that preserve local history.

Joella Krause, a preservation advocate and descendant of original colonists, shared her personal connection to the project: “This project was personal to several of us as descendants.” She reflected on how the park served as a gathering place historically and expressed satisfaction with its restored appearance.

For more information about Rep. Weaver's work or this event, interested parties can contact his district office or visit his website.