Daily
Peoria
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria’s Duck Race—its 37th race—will be held this weekend at Eastside Centre at 1 p.m.; about 5,000 ducks remain available from a goal of 35,000 to support free help for abuse victims. The first duck to finish will win $10,000—one of 15 prizes offered. WMBD
- ➤ The City of Peoria Department of Public Works announced the Paint-A-Plow Program that invites local schools, organizations, and community groups to decorate snowplow blades for winter—applications are accepted until Friday, Sept. 12. City of Peoria
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria County jury found 39-year-old Joshua McGee guilty of first-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of his girlfriend Ashley Tankersley—her body was found in a roadside ditch near Philander Chase Lane and US 150—and he will be sentenced on October 2. WMBD
- ➤ On Tuesday, a Peoria County man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend almost four years ago started his trial as evidence from bodycam footage, phone data, and witness testimony linked him to the crime. The trial continued on Wednesday at 9 a.m.—with further forensic tests and courtroom arguments examined to build the case. 25 News Now
- ➤ Clayton Bell, 20, had his 14-year prison sentence for an aggravated DUI crash outside Bartonville that killed 15-year-old Mia Dusek reversed by a state appeals court after his counsel failed to present key evidence of his youth—he will be resentenced by a new judge with no hearing date set. Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Irish Fest returns to the Peoria RiverFront on August 22 and will run through August 24—organizers say the event will offer live music, dancing, food, whiskey tastings, family activities, and cultural programming. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools and city leaders celebrated the opening of Glen Barton School on Wednesday morning at the Old Quest Charter building, naming it after former Caterpillar executive Glen Barton. The new school will house the Peoria Adult Transition Academy, Rise Academy and day treatment for students ages five through 22 — a fitting tribute on his 86th birthday. 25 News Now
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Peoria Irish Fest
All day — Peoria Riverfront Park — $12 Single Day Tickets / $30 Weekend Passes — Celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, and whiskey tastings along the scenic riverfront.
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Alpacas and Clay Connection
12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40 per person — Create a clay masterpiece while enjoying time with adorable live alpacas.
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Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.
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South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with hands-on pottery techniques in this engaging course for all skill levels.
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Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival
Aug 29-30 — Peoria Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Celebrate blues music with notable artists like Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster at this 35-year tradition.
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Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue River
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques and create a serene masterpiece while enjoying a calming atmosphere.
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Teacup and Saucer Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your whimsical teacup and saucer with step-by-step guidance at this enchanting clay workshop.
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Tic-Tac-Toe Ceramic Art Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash creativity in a fun hand-building class to design your own tic-tac-toe board and pieces.
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Mom and Me Very Hungry Caterpillar Workshop
10:00 – 11:30 AM — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Engage in a delightful storytime and art project inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Peoria
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