Daily
Peoria
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On March 24, Dac's Smokehouse in Morton asked the community for help as a slow start left it falling behind — the restaurant said every order counts and will release a new menu soon to boost sales. Pekin Daily Times
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Allen Schimmelphennig, a Peoria man serving an 80-year sentence for the 2021 murder of Gabriel Cook—who went missing on March 8th—lost his appeal on Monday, confirming his conviction in the unusual bodyless homicide case. WMBD
- ➤ On Tuesday, a Peoria County grand jury indicted three teenagers—two 17-year-olds on counts of first degree murder and burglary for the death of 22-year-old Clay Megan at Wood Sage Apartments on November 4th and one for first degree murder in his father's death near Howett and Griswold on March 3rd—and the 17-year-olds are set for arraignment on April 10th while the third teen is due for arraignment on Tuesday. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The demolition of the old McClugage Bridge span will begin on Thursday when explosives will knock down several girders on the Tazewell County side. More explosions will occur over the next three months to remove trusses, girders and concrete piers—workers will close the river and inspect adjacent spans for safety. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ As of Tuesday morning, early voting turnout in Peoria, Woodford and Tazewell counties was lower than expected, with Peoria reporting 1,390 in-person votes plus 4,000 vote-by-mail ballots, Woodford showing 120 in-person votes and 677 by mail, and Tazewell recording 1,893 in-person votes plus 3,526 vote-by-mail ballots. County Clerk John Ackerman said interest in the Washington area—such as the mayor’s race—and in Morton may affect future tax bills; election day is April 1. WMBD
- ➤ Nearly all of the 19 probationary employees fired from the Ag Lab in February are back at work today. About 15 workers returned after court orders and internal reviews—officials now await a pending Supreme Court decision on a stay. WCBU
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Killswitch Engage Concert
Evening — Peoria Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience the dynamic energy of Killswitch Engage live in Peoria.
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Bunny Gnome Clay Hand-Building Workshop
Participants will learn to sculpt and design their own bunny-themed gnomes in this creative clay workshop.
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ACOTAR Pottery Painting Night
6-8 p.m. | Art at the Bodega | $10 deposit for pottery | Unleash creativity while painting ceramics inspired by the ACOTAR universe.
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Hand-Build Your Own Textured Clay Mug Fundraiser for St. Jude Runs
This hands-on workshop allows participants to design and build their own textured mugs from clay, guided by an instructor, making it suitable for all skill levels.
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Pick Your Project Open Studio Time
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Snack and drink options available — Unleash your creativity in a welcoming DIY art studio with various fun projects.
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Exhibition: Capturing Light with Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller
11 AM - 5 PM | Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois | Free entry | Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of a photographer and a glass artist inspired by architectural designs.
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Exhibition - Capturing Light: Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller
11 AM - 5 PM | Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois | Free entry | Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of photographer Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.
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Exhibition: Capturing Light with Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.
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Beachy Gnome Clay Class
4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a whimsical beach gnome while learning hand-building clay techniques in a fun workshop.
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That Arena Rock Show
7-9:30 p.m. — TempleLive at the Peoria Scottish Rite — Check ticket pricing — Experience the ultimate tribute to classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.
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