Good morning, Peoria.

Whitney’s Walk, a 5K event at Jubilee College State Park, will take place tomorrow to raise funds for suicide prevention in the Greater Peoria area—Carle Health sponsors its 22nd year.

Participants may register to walk starting at 7:55 a.m. or run at 8:00 a.m.

Pet Pack Rescue Initiative runs a dog dating program where over 50 foster dogs in Peoria who have been surrendered or lost meet volunteer daters in a 45-mile area to help them socialize and find forever homes—volunteers say the outings let the dogs show their best personalities.

A summit was held at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on July 24 to discuss challenges facing veterans including homelessness, physical and mental health struggles, and transportation barriers.

Leaders from Illinois Joining Forces and local support agencies said the event helped plan new local partnerships (such as enhanced behavioral health and employment services) to improve care.

A decommissioned Peoria fire truck donated to Ukraine answered its first emergency call Tuesday night (when volunteer firefighters used it to fight a small fire in a building and nearby brush).

The city council approved the truck’s donation in March (and US Ambulances for Ukraine plans to secure fifteen more vehicles to help people) to support ongoing humanitarian work.

On Wednesday, Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said a Chicago man, 61-year-old Tyrone Smith, was found unresponsive with labored breathing on a bench near Methodist Atrium on Hamilton Boulevard and taken to Carle Health Methodist where he was pronounced dead just before 4:15 p.m. (his body temperature was 110°) as investigators probe a possible heat-related cause with an autopsy scheduled for Friday.

Two teenagers were arrested on Wednesday at Lexington Hills Apartments in Peoria after a search warrant revealed a firearm with a defaced serial number — the 15-year-old, wanted on multiple warrants, faces charges for motor vehicle theft and possession offenses while the 14-year-old was taken to Juvenile Detention Center.

A Pekin woman, Allison L.

Salinas, 48, was charged Tuesday with soliciting someone's death after she allegedly asked her ex-boyfriend to kill her husband—recorded calls and texts support the charge, authorities said.

Peoria will begin a $10-million, multi-year project to improve MacArthur Highway next month with work set to finish in summer—state grants, city funds, and capital funding will cover the costs.

Public Works Engineer Andrea Klopfenstein said the improvements will move the bike lane behind the curb to boost the road’s function.

Stacker used Yelp data from June 24 to list independent ice cream shops in Peoria that had at least 10 reviews while excluding national chains; Las Delicias (4.8/5) topped the list.

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.

Faux Stained Glass Workshop

3-6 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.

Paint with Highland Cows

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 entry — Enjoy a mini moo party with Highland Cows while creating your own pottery masterpiece.