Washington council recognizes St. Jude run, honors former mayor during bicentennial week

The Washington City Council used part of its Aug. 18 meeting to recognize community events tied to the city's bicentennial and to honor long-serving local officials.

Clerk Broad read a proclamation recognizing the Saint Jude Washington-to-Peoria satellite run, highlighting that the broader St. Jude run events have raised more than $94 million since 1982. The proclamation noted the Washington event set a local record in 2025 with 200 participants and raised $625,018. After the reading the council unanimously approved the proclamation.

A representative of the run told the council, "The town of city of Washington is amazing for our run ... we are so thankful for this opportunity that you guys give us to just keep building and growing and to 1 day, like, our job is to find a cure for cancer for these children." The speaker thanked police, fire, businesses and volunteers for support.

Mayor Lillia Stevens read a separate proclamation honoring former Mayor Gary W. Meniere for 24 years of service, citing his leadership on economic development, infrastructure improvements and his role in establishing the 5 Points Washington community center. Council members offered thanks to Meniere's family and employer; the proclamation was approved unanimously.

The mayor also thanked the Bicentennial Committee, the Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society for a weekend of events — including a drone show, parade and balloon glow — and encouraged residents to attend more bicentennial activities planned later in the week. She acknowledged the volunteer Washington Fire Department for installing 1,000 smoke alarms under the local "Be Alarmed" program and thanked firefighter Brian Baron.

The mayor invited the public to upcoming "Let's Talk Washington" community sessions, saying the schedule will vary to improve accessibility. The meeting then proceeded to routine business.