Thursday, May 1st, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mark Rein will lead 15 volunteers from Peoria and beyond on a humanitarian mission to Ternopil, Ukraine, departing Friday to assist with local community projects. The group, which includes dentists, construction workers and mental health experts, will work on projects that provide long-term support to families affected by the conflict — a trip organized by Omaha-based Rapid Response America. WCBU
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria firefighters responded early Wednesday to a structure fire at a vacant home on Alexander Avenue, extinguishing the flames in about 20 minutes while two firefighter/paramedics were injured and taken to hospital—damage is estimated at $75,000 and the cause remains under investigation. WMBD
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Chavez Allen and Marshawn Smith, both 18, were indicted on adult RICO charges after being arrested as juveniles for crimes linked to the violent gang called the Snakes—Allen is charged with unlawful weapon use and detained until trial while Smith faces charges of attempted first degree murder and aggravated firearm discharge and is serving a seven-year sentence from a prior case. WCBU
- ➤ A vigil was held Tuesday night at Pekin’s junior football league field where hundreds gathered to remember Chase Rhodes and Dawson Reese (both 21) who were fatally shot last week at a South Pekin home; Reese’s father detained suspect Memphis Rue (21) at gunpoint until police arrived and a judge granted a motion to evaluate his mental state. WMBD
- ➤ A Peoria man, 53-year-old Vanda Terrell, received a 14-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to Aggravated DUI Causing Death for a Valentine's Day crash that killed 46-year-old Wardrick Millburn—he drove over double the speed limit and ran stop signs while his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. WMBD
- ➤ A Peoria man pleaded guilty to aggravated driving while intoxicated causing death in a February 2024 crash that killed Wardrick Millburn — he was speeding at nearly twice the limit while under the influence of alcohol and marijuana and has been sentenced to 14 years in prison with 85% of his term to be served at an Illinois Department of Corrections facility. WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Washington Police Chief Mike McCoy will retire Monday after a 48-year career that includes service as a sheriff in Peoria County and as a chief in Peoria Heights—his departure comes as Washington gets ready for a new chapter under mayor-elect Lilija Stevens. The retirement marks the end of his long career in law enforcement—his contributions have been noted by city officials. WCBU
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Training Officer Bootcamp
1-3 p.m. — Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino — No cost — Enhance your training skills and network at this comprehensive bootcamp for training officers.
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Free Comic Book Day Workshop
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Create your own six panel comic with Do Art Productions!
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Philharmonic 100 Year Celebration
2:30-5 p.m. — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a century of song and tradition with the Philharmonic Chorale.
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Planter Clay Hand Building Class
4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized clay planter while learning hand-building techniques and enjoy a complimentary plant.
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Blossom Teacup Hand Building Class
4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a unique floral-inspired mug for Mother's Day weekend.
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Family Hand Print Bowl Event
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Create a meaningful keepsake using your family's handprints in clay.
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Organic Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class
12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Craft a unique flower vase while enjoying quality time with loved ones this Mother's Day weekend.
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Summer Slices Ceramic Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 deposit plus additional cost based on item — Create your own watercolor style ceramic piece with guided techniques.
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Peoria Symphony Orchestra Grand Finale
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical love story of Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms.
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Flower Bowl Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Craft a beautiful flower-shaped bowl in a fun and creative clay class.
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CNC Machinist
The CNC Machinist is responsible for operating CNC machinery to manufacture aerospace components with precision and efficiency. This role incudes performing advance inspections, troubleshooting, and contributing to process improvements while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
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