Good morning to you Peoria! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Veterans Appreciation Program and Expo scheduled in Peoria on Sept. 18 (nwillinoisnews.com) — Peoria residents are invited to a free Veterans Appreciation Program and Expo on Sept. 18 at Northwoods Community Church, honoring local veterans and connecting them with support services. The morning event will feature speakers, resource exhibitors, and refreshments, and welcomes veterans, their families, and community members, with optional RSVPs by phone or email.
2. CJ Harvest gets opening date amid ballooning construction costs, unplanned expenses (wmbdradio.com) — Southside Peoria residents finally have new dates for CJ Harvest's opening, with a soft launch set for Oct. 23 and a grand opening Oct. 30. The owner explains how rising construction costs, city requirements, and a mechanics lien complicated the project, even as state and county grants aim to bring fresh grocery options to this long-time food desert.
3. Applications still being accepted for Peoria Public Works 'Paint-A-Plow' program (wmbdradio.com) — Peoria organizations still have time to apply for the city's Paint-a-Plow program, which lets local groups decorate snowplows that will later clear neighborhood streets and appear in the Santa Claus Parade. Public Works says schools and nonprofits usually participate, and there are about four plows left to claim out of nearly 20 in the fleet.
4. WTVP opens nominations for 40 Leaders Under Forty awards (pjstar.com) — Young leaders in Peoria and surrounding counties can now be nominated for WTVP's 2026 40 Leaders Under Forty class, highlighting people strengthening central Illinois communities. Nominees must live and work in the coverage area, be under 40 by year's end, and have submissions in by Oct. 25 through WTVP's online portal.
5. Sideline Stories episode 46: Peoria Chiefs Home Run Record, Matthew Brady, & Dietrich Richardson (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria sports fans can catch a new Sideline Stories episode highlighting the Peoria Chiefs' record-breaking home run season and a key game against West Michigan. The show also spotlights Central Catholic football standout Matthew Brady and former Manual Academy star Dietrich Richardson, now at Bradley, with details on how to watch locally via WMBD+ and CIProud.com.
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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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
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