Good morning, Peoria.

The Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity now needs a new chief executive after Denise Moore resigned after four months—she left to care for her ailing parents and because the board’s focus on day-to-day work put the agency in crisis with funding cuts and overdue audits.

Peoria firefighters rescued a man trapped in his SUV after a crash on Northeast Adams Street on Wednesday morning at about 11:30 a.m.-they used the Jaws of Life to free him within five minutes and his condition remains unknown.

After a string of bicyclist-involved car accidents, a local expert from Burgess Driving School advised that both drivers and cyclists share the road for safety—he recommended that bikers wear bright and reflective gear, carry lights, and use hand signals while drivers slow down and give enough space. This guidance comes as cycling areas remain limited and both groups work to avoid further incidents.

Landmark Lanes, which has offered bowling for nearly 46 years, will close on September 23 due to a pending property sale—UFitness at Landmark Recreation will continue to operate.

A woman was arrested on Tuesday in Peoria for allegedly hitting a 22-year-old man with her vehicle at the intersection of Frye — Wisconsin avenues; officers located her near Nebraska — Peoria and took 21-year-old Kayana M.

Polk into custody on charges of aggravated battery with a motor vehicle, hit-and-run, reckless driving and failure to report a personal injury crash.

Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria urged local adults to mentor youth and report warning signs after a school shooting in Minneapolis and two shootings near Manual High School — he said families, schools and faith leaders must join efforts to keep children safe and warned that anyone trying to bring violence will be held accountable.

The Peoria Fire Department and AMT extended their ambulance service partnership for five more years after the City Council unanimously approved the deal Tuesday night.

The agreement sets strict response time targets and fee contributions for updated equipment — promising improved emergency services in our community.

On Tuesday night, Peoria City Council questioned Ameren Illinois over a 20% summer rate increase that boosted electric bills and came as the company reported over $1 billion in profits last year—councilmembers debated whether rising supply costs or state energy policies were to blame. Ameren’s vice president explained that higher demand and shifts in energy policy drove the price hike while some council members remained skeptical.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whisper and Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Peoria RiverFront Market — $3-$12 — Engage with diverse poets in a vibrant open mic atmosphere.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create your own unique ceramic pumpkin with various textures just in time for fall.

Pie Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 — Create a unique ceramic pie pan and choose your glaze before it’s fired for your next gathering.

Clay Hand Built Beer Steins Workshop

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Craft a custom beer stein and unleash your creativity in this fun workshop.

Morton Pumpkin Festival

7-10 p.m. — Morton Pumpkin Festival — Free entry — Enjoy the sweet twin sister harmonies of Kelly and Sarah at this community gathering.

Fused Glass Flower Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45 for flat flower, $52 for slumped flower — Create a stunning fused glass sunflower piece with guidance and all materials included.