🌱 Patch AM: Why a Bradley Braves legend is now leading Peoria Friendship House

Hey hey Peoria! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Why a Bradley Braves legend is now leading Peoria Friendship House
• What a 113-turbine wind farm could mean for Peoria County
• Why Peoria Public Schools is paying outsiders to review its books

Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 86 and low of 62 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 83, low: 60.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Braves legend, Marcellus Sommerville tabbed new CEO of Peoria Friendship House (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria Friendship House has tapped hometown basketball standout Marcellus Sommerville as its new CEO, bringing a familiar Bradley Braves name into a key anti-poverty role. Sommerville says he's returning to Peoria to invest his experience back into the community, aiming to strengthen one of the city's longest-running resources for residents in need.
   

2. Global firm applies to develop wind farm in Peoria County (wcbu.org) — A Spanish renewable energy firm wants to build about 113 wind turbines in northwest Peoria County, and the county now has 60 days to hold public hearings before deciding on the project. The Four Creeks Wind Project could generate power for 160,000 Illinois homes and bring millions in tax revenue, with key hearings starting Sept. 14 in Peoria.
   

3. Peoria Public Schools hires outside firm to audit finances (pjstar.com) — Peoria Public Schools is bringing in outside accountants from NOW CFO to review its still-unaudited finances for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The board approved paying two bookkeepers and a part-time controller to dig into the numbers over at least two months, with members pressing for clear timelines and regular updates to Superintendent Jerry Bell.
   

4. April 1 election results final with tight races decided (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria's April 1 election results are now certified, keeping Mayor Rita Ali in office and returning several incumbent council members while adding Alex Carmona to the 2nd District seat. Andre Allen narrowly held the 4th District, and turnout across Peoria County reached about 22 percent. Voters also chose a new city treasurer and reaffirmed the Peoria Township supervisor.
   

5. East Peoria Mayor John Kahl announces reelection bid (wcbu.org) — East Peoria Mayor John Kahl is seeking a third four-year term, emphasizing infrastructure investments, public safety improvements, and economic development during his seven years in office. He currently serves full-time as both mayor and de facto city administrator, after the council recently raised the salary for the combined role. No challengers have yet announced for next spring's election.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Peoria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday August 27
• Kellar - Donuts with Dudes - (Students Last Name - N-Z)
  Kellar Primary School 6413 N Mount Hawley Rd, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
  7:30 am
• Public Building Commission of Peoria Meeting →
  Peoria, IL Calendar, 401 Main Street, Ste. 1020, Peoria
  11:00 am
• Speed Networking – Fast Connections for Busy Professionals
  Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce 403 NE Jefferson St, Peoria, IL 61603
  4:00 pm
• Charter Oak - Family Reading Night
  Charter Oak Primary School 5221 W Timberedge Dr, Peoria, IL 61615, USA
  6:00 pm
Friday August 28
• March on Washington 1963 Anniversary
  Peoria SD 150 Peoria, IL 61603
• Outdoor Movie Night →
  Heart of Illinois Special Rec HISRA
  6:00 pm
Saturday August 29
• Picnic in the Park →
  Heart of Illinois Special Rec Meet at HISRA then transport to chosen park
  11:00 am
Monday August 31
• 7 Mindsets "Everything is Possible"
  Peoria SD 150 Peoria, IL 61603

📣 Peoria Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday August 26
• Historic Preservation Commission →
  Peoria, IL Calendar, 419 Fulton Street Room 400 (Council Chambers), Peoria
  8:30 am
• Historic Preservation Commission Meeting →
  Peoria, IL Calendar, City Hall Council Chambers 419 Fulton St., Room 400, Peoria
  8:30 am
• JH Softball VS ROBEIN/Beverly manor co-op (Home)
  Peoria Heights CUSD 325 Peoria Stadium, 315 E War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
  4:30 pm
Thursday August 27
• JH Baseball VS Chillicothe Elementary Center (Home)
  Peoria Heights CUSD 325 PH Baseball Field
  4:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

• Scott Ford Burial Information
  Looking for anyone who knew Scott Ford of Glenview IL, and any information on where he was laid to rest. Due to his wife withholding information... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Good Morning to The Father I see on my.
  Corner of Brookwood & Parkwood that Lovingly takes and patiently waits and Holds his Daughter 6;40 AM for the School Bus. So early for young children… (Nextdoor Idyllbrook)
• Update: Pet Reunited
  Sal, a dog who went missing in Peoria, IL, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 5 minutes. More details here https://www… (Nextdoor Peoria)

• ImpactLife posted a job opening for Distribution Associate in Peoria. Apply here.
• Raising Cane's posted a job opening for Restaurant Manager in Peoria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Peoria here.

Ok Peoria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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