Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wildlife Prairie Park is planning major changes with a $1.5M project that will add a 40-space RV campground along Taylor Lake with power, water, and sewer hookups. The Peoria County Board approved a special-use permit and park officials said they will begin construction in July and target a March 2026 opening — other upgrades such as renovated cabins and a new camp center are also planned. WCBU
- ➤ Today, law enforcement officers are stationed at more than 300 Dunkin locations from 5 a.m. until noon to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois as part of the 22nd annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' fundraiser. The event has raised over $60,000 so far and accepts donations in person or online. Pekin Daily Times
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria doctor with OSF HealthCare died when his car collided with a tractor-trailer on Thursday near 185th Avenue on U.S. Route 67 in Monmouth—state police are investigating the crash. 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria firefighters responded to a garage fire at 2803 W. Fremont at 10:30 p.m. Friday and controlled it in about 15 minutes—no injuries were reported, though the structure and its contents were destroyed while investigators work to determine the cause. WMBD
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria’s NFW laid off an unspecified number of employees as part of a restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and shifting focus to nature-based chemistries in global supply chains—this marks the third round of workforce reductions in as many years following similar layoffs late last year. The company did not specify which facilities were affected or the number of team members impacted. WCBU
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, a Peoria County Judge approved transferring 15-year-old Robert E. Mister to adult court for first-degree murder charges after he was accused of fatally shooting 39-year-old James Miller in December 2024 — the State will seek continued detention at a Monday hearing. Peoria County
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 900 high school seniors from Peoria High, Manual, and Richwoods are set to graduate today at the Civic Center, with ceremonies starting at 1 p.m. and wrapping up by 4 p.m. Families do not need tickets to attend and can watch the livestream online—while security rules and a $10 parking fee for select lots are in effect. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Peoria Police made history by swearing in their new K9, Loki—a Belgian Shepherd born in July 2023 in the Slovak Republic who was sworn in by City Clerk Stefanie Tarr and assigned to Officer Brandon Prang in the Explosives Detection and Patrol Unit. WMBD
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Hug a Highland Cow Event
10:30 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per person — Experience the joy of hugging Highland Cows while enjoying tasty treats and pottery painting.
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Little Feat Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Prairie Home Alliance Theater — $88-$157 — Enjoy an evening of classic rock at the highly anticipated Little Feat concert.
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Glass and Resin Flower Trio Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 for 3 canvases — Create a stunning flower trio with sparkle in this fun, hands-on workshop.
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Tony Jackson Concert
7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Free for veterans — Experience a night of traditional country music with Tony Jackson's captivating vocal style.
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Dive into pottery with a hands-on wheel throwing course perfect for all skill levels.
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Revel in Red Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Putt Club East Peoria — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of high-energy rock anthems under the stars with Revel in Red.
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Mini Mushroom Fairy House Clay Class
12-1:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Create your own whimsical mini mushroom fairy house in this fun, all-ages clay hand-building workshop.
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Bubble Bowl Clay Hand Building Class
12-1:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Create a unique bubble bowl in a fun, beginner-friendly clay class for all ages.
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Last Light Acrylic on Canvas
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Unleash your creativity by painting a succulent masterpiece with friends and step-by-step guidance.
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Fused Glass Mushrooms Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee required — Learn to craft whimsical fused glass mushroom lights in this hands-on creative workshop.
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