Good morning, Peoria.

A fire in a West Bluff home on Sunday afternoon, caused by grease igniting on an unattended kitchen stove, displaced the resident and led officials to rescue three dogs and two cats—although one cat remains missing—with damage estimated at $60,000.

Alwan Pharmacy with locations in West Peoria and Morton will close its doors on September 19 as co-owners Mike and Nancy Minesinger retire—customers are told to contact their new pharmacy to transfer prescription files.

George's Shoeshine, a beloved downtown shop, remains closed as owner George Manias said his knee is not cooperating and he is waiting for a doctor's clearance—likely to allow reopening in early October.

On Tuesday night, the Peoria City Council will review a letter of intent from Jim Hengst of the Hengst Foundation proposing a 5,000-seat riverfront amphitheater funded by an $11 million donation, while the city covers the infrastructure work (water, sewer, gas, phone, electric lines, bike paths, walking trails and recreational areas). The proposal also requires the city to build support structures and pay the foundation $1 per ticket sold, with construction expected to take 12 to 18 months once it begins.

The Peoria area IHSA high school football Week 3 schedule will feature conference games on Friday—most at 7 p.m.—and a Saturday game at 4:30 p.m. at local stadiums, and matchups include Peoria Notre Dame at Champaign Central and Morris at Peoria High.

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.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Majestic Mountains

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while painting serene mountains and trees in a calming atmosphere.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 for one mug, $60 for two — Craft your own unique textured mug in this fun, hands-on pottery workshop.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Explore pottery fundamentals and create beautiful pieces in a hands-on wheel-throwing course.

Clay Hand Built Halloween Votives

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Create spooky votives in a fun Halloween-themed clay class.

Jurassic Quest

7 PM - 1:29 AM — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and immersive activities for all ages.

Woofstock 2025

12-4 p.m. — Kickapoo Sportsman's Club — $20/ticket (Kids 12 and under free) — Enjoy a groovy outdoor concert with food trucks and live music while supporting animal rescue.

Faux Stained Glass Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.

Contemporary Art Center Evening

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore contemporary art in a vibrant community setting.