Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Peoria-area families should know about PFAS in their tap water

Also, don't miss Fire Department Foreign Fire Tax Board Meeting on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 15th Patch AM
Tuesday September 15th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Peoria! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Peoria-area families should know about PFAS in their tap water
  • Why Peoria police say these latest gun seizures matter for safety
  • How will Peoria schools' new interim CFO tackle a shrinking budget?

Also on today's calendar: Black Cat Ball and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 83, low: 70.
  • Thursday: A couple of showers possible, with a high of 82 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. State EPA Finds Elevated 'Forever Chemicals' in Peoria County Water Systems (wmbdradio.com) — Residents using Illinois American Water's Peoria system should know state officials found slightly elevated levels of PFAS "forever chemicals" in the drinking water, triggering notifications across several Peoria County communities. The piece explains what these chemicals are, which nearby systems are affected, and practical steps Peoria-area households can take to reduce exposure, including filtration and well testing options.
   

2. Peoria police seize guns and machine gun modification device (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria police recently seized several illegal handguns, including one modified with a machine gun conversion device, during late-night traffic stops in the city. Multiple men now face weapons and FOID-related charges, with some released and one still held in Peoria County Jail. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to remove illegally modified firearms from local streets.
   

3. Peoria Public Schools taps former Calumet superintendent to take district's finances (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria Public Schools has hired retired educator Marcus Alexander as interim chief financial officer just two weeks before its state-mandated budget deadline. He'll commute from Chicago to help clear two years of overdue audits and advise on rebuilding the finance team, even as board members worry about a sharply reduced cash position and defer a separate strategic-planning contract.
   

4. Former Peoria pastor pleads guilty to distributing harmful material (pjstar.com) — A former pastor at Riverside Community Church in Peoria has pleaded guilty to distributing harmful material to a minor after sending an illicit Snapchat photo. Under a plea deal, he faces 60 days in jail, probation with sex offender treatment, and strict limits on contact with teens, though he will not be required to register as a sex offender.
   

5. Four Creeks Wind Project hearings begin in Peoria County (centralillinoisproud.com) — Hearings are underway on the Four Creeks Wind project that could bring turbines to northwest Peoria County, drawing packed crowds of both supporters and opponents. Residents are weighing concerns about nearby turbines against promises of clean energy and new tax revenue for rural schools, parks, roads, and bridges. Zoning board sessions continue through late September and possibly early October.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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📣 Peoria Shout Outs!

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Mondays
    ***** MONDAY Christ Alive! Community Church 9320 W. Route 150, Edwards (Kickapoo) 309-693-2393 Food pantry open 1st and 3rd Monday of each month… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Peoria Heights, IL, has been safely reunited with their family after 3 hours, 59 minutes. Message from Finder: "This girl… (Nextdoor North Edgebrook)
  • David's Bridal, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Alterations Specialist in Peoria. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Store Clerk Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $12-$22/Hr 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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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