Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria firefighters gathered at City Hall on Tuesday to honor 16 fallen firefighters in their 150-year history — the ceremony also paid tribute to Captain Eric Scoby, who died in February from occupational cancer after 31 years of service.

Peoria will host three free trick-or-treat events in October: Trash-or-Treat on October 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Campustown Shopping Center, City Hall-O-Ween on October 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at City Hall, and Trick-or-Treat PPD Halloween: A Night of Magic and Mischief.

City staff and volunteers will lead cleanups and hand out treats to make the celebrations fun for families.

The BBB warns holiday job seekers of a rise in temporary employment scams as texts urging quick applications and asking for personal details become more common.

BBB CEO Jessica Tharp said the agency will tour Central Illinois later this month to advise ages 18 to 34 and seniors to verify offers—vigilance is key.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow and Peoria Fire Department officials promoted a free smoke alarm installation program on Tuesday as part of the second annual Smoke Alarm Blitz.

The program — administered by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Camp I Am Me — has installed over 900 alarms in 359 homes and urges residents to test and replace outdated detectors.

Pekin will end its own school bus service for local students at the end of this school year due to a driver shortage and has signed a 90-day contract with First Student to provide three drivers from neighboring areas—costing between $70,000 and $80,000.

Pekin High School will soon begin recruiting local bus drivers while District 108 plans a similar outsourcing strategy if needed.

Pekin teenager Destin Blanch was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma when a CT scan after a spring car accident revealed a lump on his thyroid; he had part of his thyroid removed in August and will soon have his remaining thyroid removed and start radiation treatment—his sister has launched a fundraising campaign to help pay for his medical expenses.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5-$12 — Experience a vibrant evening of poetry and community with diverse artists performing live.

K-pop Pottery Painting Night

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Create your own K-Pop inspired pottery while jamming to epic tunes and enjoying themed swag.

Moonlight Mischief Canvas Painting

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Wine purchase available — Enjoy a fun-filled evening painting a spooky cat under the harvest moon.

Zootober: Halloween Fright Fest at Peoria Zoo

6-9 p.m. — Peoria Zoo — $12 per person — Experience Halloween thrills with family-friendly activities and spooky fun after dark.

Boo-tiful Builds: Halloween Clay Workshop

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35.00 – $40.00 — Create spooky Halloween-themed clay projects in a fun hand-building class.

Frankenstein at Corn Stock Theatre

7:30 p.m. — Corn Stock Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance of the classic tale of Frankenstein.

Halloween Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Spin spooky magic on the pottery wheel and create your own Halloween-themed masterpiece.

Thanksgiving Turkey Clay Hand-Building Class

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 – $90.00 — Celebrate the season by sculpting your own clay turkey masterpiece for a unique holiday keepsake.

High Profile Athletes & Midwest Bucks 2026 7v7 Tryouts

5:30-7 p.m. — Peoria Stadium — Free entry — Showcase your skills in a competitive 7v7 football tryout event.

Foster Family Information Session

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Central Illinois Friends Community Center — Free entry — Discover the process of becoming a licensed foster family and support youth in need.