41st Annual Parade of Lights set for November 22nd

41 years ago, East Peoria Festival of Lights organizers wondered if anyone would attend a nighttime outdoor parade in November. What was conceived as a one-time event is now the 41st Annual Parade of Lights, kicking off the East Peoria Festival of Lights, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Read More »

East Peoria Free Store Seeks Warmth as Winter Approaches

Enough Stuff, East Peoria’s unique non-profit “free store,” is issuing a call to the community as temperatures begin to drop. The organization, which provides donated household goods and clothing at no cost to area families and individuals, is seeking blankets, coats, and cold-weather gear to prepare for the coming winter. Read More »

Illinois Central College Honors Alumni Award Winners Rick Swan and Jazmine Stubblefield at Annual Community Celebration

The Illinois Central College (ICC) Educational Foundation announced the winners of their 2025 awards at their annual Community Celebration event on Tuesday, October 29, at the Peoria Civic Center. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial – Recognizing Tazewell County Clerk – Part 4

As Tazewell County approaches our Bicentennial in April of 2027, current Tazewell County Clerk John C. Ackerman and former County Clerk Christie A. Webb will be honoring and recognizing the previous 22 community leaders to have held this position. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois – A White Sash, a Red Arrow, and a Commitment to Service

At the 2016 Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette in Scotland, I met a young Scottish Scout who asked if I was one of the “Red Arrow Guys.” Confused, I asked her to explain. She proceeded to me about visiting a Scout camp in Florida and being given a white sash with an embroidered red arrow. Read More »

CIRT Christmas Open House

Join Central Illinois Riding Therapy (CIRT) for a festive evening at their Christmas Open House on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, at 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria. Enjoy cookies, visit with Santa, and watch as his elves hand out a special gift to our riders! Read More »

Leadership School 2025: A Huge Success!

Learning, Growing, Leading: Our recent Leadership School brought together local professionals for eight powerful sessions covering: Read More »

Preparing for the Future: What Every Veteran and Family Should Know About Burial Benefits

Veterans have served and sacrificed for the citizens of the United States, and the nation honors their commitment not only in life but also in death. Burial rights for veterans are an essential part of the benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal, state, and local agencies. Read More »

2025 Cops & Rodders Trunk-or-Treat Event

The Festival of Lights floats made a special appearance at this year’s Cops & Rodders Trunk-or-Treat event, adding some extra sparkle to the fun! East Peoria Police Officers joined in the Halloween spirit, handing out loads of candy to excited trick-or-treaters and helping make the evening a sweet success for families throughout the community. Read More »

Coats4Kids – Drop-off at City Hall

This season, City Hall will be a public donation site for Salvation Army’s Coats4Kids. A bin has been placed in the Civic Plaza Atrium and will be regularly maintained. According to the Salvation Army, 2 in 5 children go without weather-appropriate gear every winter. Read More »

Free Car Seat Checks December 3rd

The East Peoria Fire Department’s free car seat check event will occur from 1 to 4 p.m. December 3rd, at the Central Fire Station, 201 W. Washington St. The event gives parents and child caregivers the opportunity to make sure car seats are properly installed in vehicles. Read More »

Camp Herring Plaque Unveiling

The City of East Peoria hosted a plaque unveiling ceremony last month to commemorate Camp Herring, a World War I military training site that played a significant role in the war effort. Read More »

Financial Focus® – A Financial Roadmap for Veterans Entering Civilian Life

The transition from military to civilian life brings countless adjustments. It also marks a good time to review how you’re taking charge of your financial future. Veteran Saves Week was Nov. 4–7 and offers an opportunity to focus on building financial confidence and creating a solid foundation for your new chapter. Read More »

New and Notable at Fondulac District Library

Families and children of all ages are invited to join us at the library on Thursday, December 17, at 6pm, for a special story with Santa. Have your camera ready! Read More »

Gratitude in Motion: Staying Safe and Grounded This Thanksgiving Season

November brings a slower rhythm to Central Illinois—the air cools, the days shorten, and life seems to quiet just enough for us to look back and take stock of what we’ve been given. At Kingdom AutoCare, this season reminds us that preparation and gratitude belong together. Read More »

In Search of History… with Tazewell Co. Genealogical and Historical Society

The next meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will be the TCGHS Member’s Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 9th at 6 PM. Read More »

In The Spotlight – Illini Non-Emergency Patient Transport Help is on the Way

When some medical needs arise, they may not exactly constitute a dire emergency. Calling 911 can sometimes feel like overkill. Read More »

Letter From the Mayor, John Kahl

While this is certainly one of my least favorite subjects to touch on, the time has come for the various taxing bodies (districts) to adopt their annual property tax levy. In Illinois, the property tax levy is the total amount of revenue that the local taxing bodies request to be collected on their behalf through property taxes to fund their operations and services. Read More »

Eastlight Theatre Volunteers Bring Joseph to the Stage for 30 Years

It may not be possible to make a living as an actor in East Peoria. But as Aaron Wargo, director of Eastlight Theatre’s annual production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat knows, it is possible to make a life. After more than 30 years, community theater has become his passion. Read More »