Daily
Peoria
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brian Walder is promoted to Chief Meteorologist at WEEK-TV in East Peoria as he replaces Chuck Collins, who will retire next month. He will lead the First Alert weather team on TV and online with a focus on severe weather coverage — Walder joined WEEK-TV in 2017 and is known for hosting a weekly food segment. WMBD
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Peoria residents can enjoy a busy weekend as Oktoberfest runs on the riverfront from Sept 19—21, Jurassic Quest and Brick Fest Live bring interactive family fun to the Civic Center, and Leanne Morgan’s comedy set and a Johnny Cash tribute perform at local theaters on Sept 20 while Woofstock in Brimfield offers a day of music and activities for dog lovers on Sept 21. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ On Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Peoria Civic Center will host the first-ever Readers and Writers Rendezvous featuring over 100 authors and book vendors + live author talks and free swag. Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talked with Cheryl Langley of The Book Nook about the event on Out and About. WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Heights village trustees have scheduled an override vote on Oct. 7 to pass a 1% grocery tax after Mayor Wigginton vetoed the initial measure, aiming to replace the state tax that expired on Jan. 1. The tax, which targets both local and nonresident shoppers — including revenue losses from the soon-to-depart Save A Lot— is designed to help avoid a future rise in property taxes for residents. WCBU
- ➤ After three months with the Peoria Heights Fire Department, Interim Chief Tony Ardis is leaving as announced at Tuesday night's Village Trustees meeting. Ardis told the board that the department does not have enough manpower and backup for safe structure fire response (more support from Peoria is needed) and his final day has not been set. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria County native Garth Gullette announced his candidacy for the U.S. House seat in Illinois’ 16th District—he will run a grassroots campaign that emphasizes public safety, affordable housing and bank policy reform. The primary is on March 17 and the general election is on November 3. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Connor Watson, a two-time Journal Star Golfer of the Year, set a new record for Illinois Central College with an 8-under-par 63 at Franklin County Country Club in West Frankfort on Monday—he made two eagles in his final three holes and led his team to win by 18 strokes. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The IHSA released its first playoff outlook today that lists 104 unbeaten high school football teams across eight classes with playoff points and enrollment ranges—Peoria teams are included among those hopefuls. The outlook serves as a postseason guide and does not predict final classes or seeds. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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Jurassic Quest
7 PM - 1:29 AM — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and immersive activities for all ages.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Peoria Symphony Orchestra: Titanic Score Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth of Titanic's iconic score performed live by an orchestra.
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Legends of the Fall Canvas Painting Workshop
1:30-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Create your own whimsical autumn painting featuring a cozy gnome and glowing pumpkins.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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