Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Peoria’s new school budget means for classrooms and services

Happening soon: OPEN MIC NIGHT! on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 30th Patch AM
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Hello Peoria! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Peoria's new school budget means for classrooms and services
  • What John Wetterauer's return means for Calvin Coolidge families
  • Planning a family night? See why Kartville still draws Peoria crowds

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

Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A shower or two; not as warm, with a high of 74 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Thursday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 71, low: 58.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and less humid, with a high of 70 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Peoria Public Schools board approves tentative balanced budget, as recent audits remain unfinished (wcbu.org) — Peoria Public Schools has approved a tentative balanced budget for 2027, projecting revenues to exceed expenses by $5.3 million while leaders await completion of two overdue financial audits. Officials say the district remains solvent with a strong fund balance, but some board members questioned certifying estimates and also narrowly opposed paying an outside firm to guide a new five-year strategic plan.
   

2. Wetterauer Returns to Peoria Public Schools (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria Public Schools is bringing back longtime educator John Wetterauer as assistant principal at Calvin Coolidge Middle School after a nearly three-year absence. District leaders, including Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, emphasize his integrity and track record, and he's set to start in the new role on January 30, shaping daily life for students and families at the school.
   

3. This Illinois Go-Kart Track Has Been Making Childhood Memories For Decades (takingthekids.com) — Families in and around Peoria can pack a full day of fun at Kartville in West Peoria, with go-karts, dune buggies, bumper boats, mini-golf, batting cages, and GellyBall. The long-running, cash-only outdoor park offers evening ride deals, birthday party options, and nostalgic charm that many local parents remember from their own childhoods.
   

4. Truitt Road to close for utility and culvert work starting September 30 (peoriastandard.com) — Drivers in Peoria County should prepare for Truitt Road to close between Old Galena Road and Illinois Route 29 starting Sept. 30, with detours posted into late October and local residents still able to access their homes. The piece also highlights recent Peoria County school enrollment, staffing, and demographic trends, including student-to-teacher ratios and diversity across several area high schools.
   

5. Peoria TV meteorologist leaving station for new position (bnd.com) — Viewers of WMBD and WYZZ in Peoria will soon see a new face on morning weather, as meteorologist Nathan Kitchens is leaving at the end of the week for another station. After three years forecasting for central Illinois, he's thanking colleagues and local viewers for helping shape his career and says more details on his next move will come later.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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 ★

    Wednesday September 30
  • OPEN MIC NIGHT! →
    Juke Box Comedy Club, 3527 W. Farmington Road, Peoria
    8:00 pm

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

  • Hello everyone, I offer my services for cleaning houses and residential apartments.
    You can leave me a text message or call me at this number: 3098638127 (Nextdoor Country Hills)
  • I have eczema on my hands sometimes it's so bad and other times it's tolerable my doctor prescribed 2 different creams but it's not really helping.
    Anybody else have it, what did you use to help (Nextdoor Rolling Acres)
  • Finish Line posted a job opening for Store Management - Northwoods Mall , Peoria, IL in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Insomnia Cookies posted a job opening for Shift Lead 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: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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