Good morning, Peoria.

Over 150 teens from youth groups across the country are in Peoria for Mission Peoria with Dream Center, staying at the center for the week.

They will work on mission projects at eight locations + lead Vacation Bible School and help prepare 2,000 backpacks for the Backpack Peoria event on Saturday morning.

The Peoria Park District is asking residents for input on one of three playground design proposals for the new $300,000 inclusive playground at Endres Park at 5100 N.

Willard Road — feedback can be submitted online until August 4 or in person during a session on July 24 from 5—6 p.m. aimed at providing play options for children of all abilities.

Central Illinois band Revel in Red mourns 54-year-old Bartonville vocalist Pete Ramsey, who died in a fatal crash near Lake of the Ozarks State Park on July 12th—visitation and a memorial concert are planned to honor his legacy.

Mannheim Steamroller will perform on Dec.

22 at Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria as part of their 40th anniversary Christmas concert tour running from Nov. 13 to Dec. 28—15 musicians will play classic Christmas songs with special lights and sounds. Local ticket pre-sales begin at 10 a.m. Thursday with public sales starting at 10 a.m. Friday at the Toyota Box Office or Ticketmaster.

Peoria will start a $10M rehabilitation of MacArthur Highway in mid-to-late August after the city approved a contract with William Charles Construction—this project will upgrade the roadway with a three-lane design, new traffic signals, and a bicycle path and is expected to finish by late next year although timelines may change due to weather and material supply challenges. City officials hope this work will spur redevelopment along the South Side.

Jonah’s Seafood House in East Peoria now offers jumbo Alaskan king crab legs at $139.90 per pound, served with drawn butter and a side of vegetable or starch.

General Manager Dan Ralph said the restaurant prints its menus daily to adjust prices due to supply limits (short catching season, high fuel costs, and government regulations) and added that some customers opt for crab combos as a less costly choice.

Peoria County Court granted a one-week continuance on Monday for the city of Peoria and MJ Illinois LLC to resolve the deal for Riverview Plaza—a high-rise building closed since February 2024 that needs repairs to its fire suppression system and parking deck.

The city rejected a repair timeline extending to March 2026 and requested over $2 million in fines as negotiations continue.

The Journal Star launched its sixth summer poll inviting Peoria readers to vote for the best high school rivalry — including matchups like Peoria High vs. Manual and Metamora vs. Washington.

Voters have until noon Friday to cast their vote.

Draped Floral Vase Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $48 for 8" vase — Create stunning fused glass flower vases in this hands-on class with expert guidance.

Sea Glass Succulents Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Ticket required — Create your own sea glass succulent with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided.

Christmas in July Painting Party

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a fun pottery painting event featuring discounts and festivities.

Organic Vase Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique organic bud vase in this hands-on clay workshop perfect for flower displays.

Wheel Thrown Chip and Dip Dish Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a stylish chip and dip bowl from start to finish with no prior experience needed.

Clay Wreath Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35.00 — Create a personalized ceramic wreath using slab-building techniques in a fun and creative class.

Bread Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create a handmade bread pan using fun clay techniques and personalize it with your choice of glaze.

Tissue Box Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own custom tissue box cover in this fun and hands-on clay class.

Wheel Thrown Chip and Dip Dish Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a stylish chip and dip bowl from scratch with no prior experience needed.

Jurassic Art Adventure

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 event fee per painter — Unleash creativity with dino-themed pottery at this family-friendly paint night.