Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of December.
Good morning, Peoria.
🏘️ Community
Toys for Tots partnered with local organizations on Saturday to give 300+ families holiday gifts and winter essentials at House of Hope on the south side.
The event supported families facing financial hardship during the season.
A new safari-themed indoor play center called Kid and Play is set to open in spring at 7620 N.
University St., offering three play zones for different age groups and a parent lounge. Families can choose from admission options that include a game card.
🎓 Education
Peoria Public Schools selected two candidates for superintendent and will host hour-long town halls next month at 3202 North Wisconsin Avenue to introduce them; one candidate will appear Tuesday, Jan.
6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the other on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
🏈 Sports
High school football programs in the Journal Star area face head coach vacancies for the 2026 season after coaching changes at Illinois Valley Central, Illini West, Lewistown/Valley/Cuba, and Rushville-Industry.
Each school ended 2025 with unique season records and now begins its search for new leaders (retirements and resignations noted).
🎉 Peoria Events
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Tic-Tac-Toe Board Hand Building Class for Kids
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own ceramic tic-tac-toe board and pieces in a fun, hands-on clay experience.
Squishmallow Clay Creation Class
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Unleash creativity by crafting your own Squishmallow-inspired clay buddy in this fun hand-building class for kids.
Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party
6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create your own festive pottery masterpiece in a fun holiday-themed wheel throwing class.
Jake Jaeger Headlining Debut
8-9:30 p.m. — Jukebox Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Central Illinois’ rising star and friends post-holiday.
Bubble Bowl Clay Hand Building Class
12:30-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost details not provided — Create a unique bubble bowl using fun hand-building techniques in a welcoming environment.
Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp
10 AM - 4 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not provided — A creative 2-Day camp where kids ages 6 and up learn hand building and wheel throwing techniques in ceramics.
Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp
10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Kids explore ceramics through hands-on projects in a fun winter camp.
Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp
10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — $35 — A creative escape for kids to explore pottery with hands-on guidance.
Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Learn to blow glass and create unique ornaments in this fun, hands-on workshop.
Fused Glass Snowmen Workshop
2-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee for snowman creation — Create personalized fused glass snowmen while enjoying festive snacks and drinks.
🏠 Peoria Real Estate
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💼 Peoria Job Board
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📣 Peoria Announcements
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