Daily
Peoria
Saturday, March 29th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 29th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Singapore-based Epic Medical signed paperwork Friday to build its first U.S. facility in Pekin using a $25 million investment that will initially create 50 jobs and generate $300,000 in annual tax revenue when it opens in 2026. Pekin officials and Gov. JB Pritzker praised the project — future phases may add up to 400 jobs and include a patient data center. Pekin Daily Times
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria man, 31-year-old Romel Turner, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison—ordered to run after his 6-year state sentence from October 2023—and he has been held in custody since January 2024. WMBD
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Epic Medical, a Singapore-based company, signed papers with Pekin officials to build a $25M facility at Riverway Business Park that will create about 100 jobs and generate $300,000 in annual property tax revenue—its new plant will produce IV components and be operational by the end of 2026. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bradley University announced Friday that it will demolish the closed Avanti's restaurant at the corner of Main and University to create green space — an inviting gateway to campus as part of a beautification effort in the area. The school is waiting on property renderings before beginning demolition and will share more details soon. Peoria Journal Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria County officials said early voting for the general election is below expectations, with just over 2,300 in-person ballots cast and about 5,000 vote-by-mail returns from 20,000 mailed. They noted that several early voting sites remain open through portions of Friday and Saturday — urging voters in all areas to participate in the April 1 election. WCBU
- ➤ With the consolidated election on April 1 a few days away, Peoria County officials reported that about 2,000 voters have cast in person and that over 20,000 vote-by-mail ballots were sent with around 5,000 returned—four early voting sites are open Friday and today to boost turnout. They expect roughly 2,000 more mail ballots before Election Day. WMBD
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tremont High School hired Joe Hageman as its new head football coach in February to lead a team coming off an 18-game losing streak and he plans to use a run-first offense and 4-4 defense in the Heart of Illinois Conference. He had a successful six-season run at Catlin Salt Fork—winning 34 games and reaching the playoffs five times—and will focus on summer workouts and conditioning to prepare his players for the upcoming season. Pekin Daily Times
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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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Swiss-German Springfest
12-8 p.m. — Avanti’s Event Center — Free admission — Celebrate spring with German food, music, and entertainment featuring Eddie Korosa and more.
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Pick Your Project Open Studio
10 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity at this DIY art studio with a variety of projects to choose from.
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Clay Wreath Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Craft a personalized ceramic wreath using creative slab-building techniques.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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