Peoria
News Feed
Events
Local Businesses
Classifieds
Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What tearing down Harrison School could mean for Peoria’s Southside

Spotted on the Peoria calendar: Peoria's Dancing Witches of Illinois

Thursday September 17th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Peoria! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What tearing down Harrison School could mean for Peoria's Southside
  • Why Peoria's school board hit pause on a new strategic plan
  • Why East Peoria's new license plate cameras matter to Peoria residents

Also on today's calendar: Peoria's Dancing Witches of Illinois and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Peoria Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Peoria Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Peoria.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, temps: high: 82, low: 69.
  • Saturday: Very warm with a thunderstorm, with a high of 87 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Harrison School might receive federal funding to get demolished (centralillinoisproud.com) — Federal legislation moving through Congress could bring $1 million to demolish the long-abandoned Harrison School on Peoria's Southside, removing what officials call a major neighborhood hazard. The package also includes money for the Ag Lab and Illinois Central College's Peoria Cradle to Career Initiative, potentially boosting safety, property values, and support for families in the 61605 zip code.
   

2. Peoria Public Schools board delays vote on strategic plan services contract (wmbdradio.com) — Peoria Public Schools board members have delayed approving a $32,500 contract with K12 Coalition to guide the district's next five-year strategic plan, saying they want to review the full agreement first. Superintendent Jerry Bell, who previously worked with the firm, urged quick approval because the district is operating under an expired plan, while some members suggested handling the process internally instead.
   

3. East Peoria passes first vote to add more license plate reader cameras in city (933thedrive.com) — Just across the river in East Peoria, officials advanced a proposal to add 10 more Flock license plate reader cameras, after a packed public comment session that included speakers from Peoria. Supporters say the cameras help fight crime, while opponents question privacy, constitutionality, and potential misuse of the data, ahead of a final council vote.
   

4. Peoria Raising Cane's building sold in $2.5 million deal (pjstar.com) — A popular Raising Cane's location on North Sterling in Peoria has been sold for $2.5 million, but the restaurant isn't going anywhere thanks to a 15-year lease. The sale shifts ownership from the original developers to private buyers while keeping operations unchanged, reflecting continued commercial investment and demand in that busy corridor of town.
   

5. Peoria Summer ID: Position Player Analysis (prepbaseballreport.com) — A recent Peoria Summer ID baseball showcase at Eastside Sports Center brought about 30 Illinois prospects to town, giving scouts a close look at emerging talent. The detailed report breaks down top position players, including local-area standouts from Dunlap, Metamora, Richwoods, East Peoria, and other nearby schools, highlighting measurable skills and potential future impact on regional high school baseball.
   

📸 Around Peoria

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Peoria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Peoria Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Wednesdays
    WEDNESDAY Boys and Girls Club 806 E. Kansas St., Peoria 309-685-6007 Food pantry open 2nd Wednesday of the month from 11am-1:30pm Heaven's View… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Tuesdays
    TUESDAY Hidden Manna 644 Park Avenue Peoria, IL 61603 (309) 472-6377 Food pantry open Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closes promptly at 4) Manna… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • KinderCare Education, LLC posted a job opening for Lead Teachers at Florence KinderCare in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Komatsu posted a job opening for 2nd Shift Electrical Assembler 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Peoria Patch

Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.

©2026 Patch Media. All Rights Reserved

Do Not Sell My Personal Information