Good morning, Peoria.

East Peoria crews responded to a structure fire on Linden Street last Sunday afternoon and controlled the blaze within 20 minutes; the fire caused about $75,000 in damage and displaced two adults & two children who are receiving temporary housing from the Red Cross.

Two closed KFC locations at 8905 N.

Allen Road and 2231 W. Glen Ave are now listed for sale for $1.1 million — part of seven chain spots that closed last year in the area.

A winter storm forced some Peoria retailers to close on Small Business Saturday, with So Chic Boutique losing about 15% of its November sales as the owner monitored the forecast and moved sales online + Bushwhacker stayed open and saw a slow pick-up as roads cleared.

Local store owners say shoppers can still support them in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The city of Peoria is accepting applications to display art in Suite 207 at City Hall (419 Fulton Street), inviting local artists to apply for a year-long program.

The current exhibit shows work from 15 artists until January and will feature new artwork from March until next January, and submissions must be in by 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 16.

Peoria is hosting 20 holiday events in December that include concerts, plays, and family activities at local venues like the Civic Center and Riverfront Museum (ticket prices vary) for festive enjoyment.

Peoria gas prices dropped nearly 10 cents over the last week to average $3.07 on Monday, with AAA Illinois pricing gas two cents higher—GasBuddy said the decline comes as refinery maintenance ends and OPEC boosts oil production.

This drop follows a national trend as prices have fallen during the holiday period.

Maxwell Road has reopened for two-way traffic between Fauber Road and Middle Road—barrels remain in the center lane because striping work was delayed by recent snowfall.

Several Central Illinois communities issued parking bans on designated snow routes ahead of severe winter weather—Bloomington and East Peoria bans remain in effect until further notice while Washington's ban lasts until Wednesday.

Dunlap, Normal, and West Peoria bans are active through today, and Peoria officials warn that roads are slick and wet despite no formal ban.

Peoria Public Works said on Monday evening that primary roads were driveable but falling temperatures may bring flash freezing and ice overnight—Snowfighters focused on main streets while neighborhood roads remained slushy and residential streets will be cleared after snowfall ends and two inches have fallen.

The Tazewell County Health Department reported that drugs and alcohol are the leading cause of death for 25 to 34-year-olds, with 70% of these deaths involving mixed substances—state data from 2023 shows a worrying rising trend.

Health experts said that increased substance abuse outreach and Naloxone education are key parts of the community response.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three glass pieces — Create unique blown glass ornaments in a fun, hands-on workshop.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create a festive glass dish perfect for holiday treats and discover your artistic side.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Fundraiser

1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — 10% of ticket sales support Toys for Tots — Create a unique clay mug while giving back this holiday season.

Santa’s Little Makers Clay Day Camp

12-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fees apply — Kids create three unique clay gifts while experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season.

Family Fun Ornament Painting Party

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per ornament — Paint holiday ornaments and create lasting family memories in a festive atmosphere.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three ornaments — Create beautiful glass ornaments in this fun and hands-on workshop.

Tiny Tidings Acrylic Painting Class

1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Drinks available for purchase — Create a charming winter scene featuring a moose in a red scarf while sipping warm drinks.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Create your own colorful blown glass orbs in a fun and guided workshop.

Santa Hat Votive Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a charming Santa hat votive from clay while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 registration fee — Experience a festive wheel throwing class and create your own holiday masterpiece.