Longstanding St. Joseph antiques shop changing ownership

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) — Mercantile Antiques & Trading Co. — a longstanding staple in the St. Joseph community — is changing owners. Debbie Calvo said she and her co-owner have operated the shop seven days-a-week for more than 22 years.  Now, it’s time for a change. That means sleeping in, or maybe even going […]

CO2 injection well proposed for site south of Oak Hill

Landowners between Oak Hill and Hanna City have been contacted by Lapis Carbon Solutions regarding a possible carbon dioxide injection well on Texas Road. Lapis met with landowners earlier this month to provide an overview of its plans, which are still in their infancy. Based on literature shown to landowners,...

Commercial pumpkins' quality good despite wet season


Consumers across the country will have ample pumpkins available to make pumpkin flavored treats this fall, thanks in large part to Illinois producers. USDA data indicates about 88% of total utilized pumpkin production in Illinois in 2025 was processed for uses such as canned pumpkin, pie fillings, soups and other food products.

From member to 4-H Hall of Famer, Burke leads multi-state Extension impact in agriculture

Leading and guiding University of Illinois Extension’s growing team of agricultural experts is no small feat. Last year, the team developed and delivered programs that drew over 95,000 people, both virtually and in person, across the state. From livestock and row crops to horticulture and farmer mental health, a team spanning such a wide range can only sustain that growth with visionary leadership.

10 Enormous Vintage Stores In Illinois Where Every Aisle Hides Another Surprise

A giant pink elephant outside? Sure, why not. Illinois vintage stores know how to make browsing wonderfully strange before you even reach the first aisle. Inside, old schools, sprawling buildings, and room after room of collectibles can turn shopping into an accidental day trip. One doorway leads to furniture. The...

Peoria County proposes $9M more in spending, flat tax rate

PEORIA (25News Now) -Peoria County government officials are proposing a $183 million budget for the next fiscal year, nearly $9 million more than this year, while keeping its property tax rate unchanged. County Administrator Scott Sorrel said the increased spending is largely driven by investments in infrastructure, rising personnel costs...

Oglesby Clerk Put on Paid Leave for the Rest of Her Last Week; New DG Market on the Way

A personnel issue at Oglesby's Monday City Council meeting overshadowed the big news Mayor Jason Curran had been looking forward to announcing about a new grocery market that's coming to town. Oglesby City Clerk Jennifer Spratt submitted her resignation to the Oglesby City Council in a letter dated September 21....

Peoria Riverfront Market named among top 10 in the national farmers market vote

PEORIA (25News Now) – The Peoria Riverfront Market placed sixth in a national farmers market voting contest, earning a $1,000 award. “We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the nation’s top farmers markets. This honor reflects the hard work and commitment of our vendors, the dedication of our staff, and the wonderful community members who support us week after week,” said Sharon Gramm, Executive Director of the Peoria Riverfront Association in a news release.

Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford counties for Oct. 10, 2026

These real estate transactions, recorded the week of Sept. 28, are compiled from information on file with Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more. PEORIA COUNTY 821 E. Wilson Ave., Peoria Heights: Peoria Heights Properties LLC to Illinois Oak & Key LLC, $87,500. 6504 W. Stonebrook Drive, Edwards: Trigger Road LLC to Jason S. and Christine J. Spanhook, $90,000. 3114 W. Greenwood Place, Peoria: Mark R. Hahn to Nathan and Tabitha Lloyd, $106,000. 3103 N. Isabell Ave., Peoria: Shelley Lenzini and Susan A. Geske to Jesus Covarrubias, Janete Cortes and Gerardo Covarrubias, $125,000. 2608 N. Kingston Drive, Peoria: Lynda J. Stanwise to Friendship Properties LLC, $130,000. 1800 E. St. Jude Court, Peoria Heights: Jill Hoover and David M. Theobald to Jonathan Rixstine, $140,000. 314 W. Ash St., Chillicothe: Mark J. Kruger to Ash Street Crossing LLC, $140,000. 304 W. Franklin St., Bartonville: Saray A. and Denisse Magana to Zakery Reeves, $145,500. 12914 N. Jackson St., Brimfield: Adam L. Devries to Terrell L. Hertz, $157,000. 336 W. Barrington Road, Peoria: Kemal M. and Larissa Jordan to Gary and Penny Messenger, $205,000. More: Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford counties for Oct. 3, 2026 5433 N.

Down a Quiet Illinois Road, This Farm Lets You Milk Goats and Make Your Own Cheese

Goats do a lot more than pose for adorable photos at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery near Champaign. This working Illinois farm turns fresh goat milk into artisan cheeses and creamy gelato while giving visitors a closer look at how those treats begin. Depending on the event or season, farm...

The week in news: SJP demands UI divest from companies linked to Gaza war, rabies cases rise in Illinois

On campus: SJP calls on UI System to divest from companies linked to Gaza war. In a protest Wednesday, the University’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine called for University divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military. The demonstration occurred on the anniversary of Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militant groups launched attacks on Israel — marking the beginning of the current conflict.

Two Illinois Credit Unions Announce Plans To Merge

STREATOR, Ill.—Streator Onized Credit Union and ANCO Community Credit Union have announced plans to merge in a deal that would expand SOCU’s presence into the La Salle-Peru market, according to Shaw Local. The merger remains subject to approval by ANCO members and regulators. Streator Onized has approximately $423...

‘It really has gone up a lot’: Illinois farmers react to executive order reducing diesel fuel costs

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Relief is on the horizon as the harvest season is in full effect in Central Illinois. Governor Pritzker signed an executive order, providing assistance to farmers when it comes to diesel fuel costs. Here’s how it works: they will not be penalized for using red-dyed diesel for transportation on state roads for farming and agriculture purposes. The order went into effect on Oct. 5.

Peoria Riverfront Market named among top 10 in the national farmers market vote

PEORIA (25News Now) – The Peoria Riverfront Market placed sixth in a national farmers market voting contest, earning a $1,000 award. “We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the nation’s top farmers markets. This honor reflects the hard work and commitment of our vendors, the dedication of our staff, and the wonderful community members who support us week after week,” said Sharon Gramm, Executive Director of the Peoria Riverfront Association in a news release.

Amazon Prime deals could hurt local central Illinois stores

A Bradley University professor warns that while Amazon Prime deals offer consumer savings, shifting shopping habits could negatively impact local retailers in Central Illinois.

After Mahomet ends data center talks, some Champaign County residents hope for strict guardrails

CHAMPAIGN — After community backlash ended Mahomet’s talks with a potential data center developer, Clean Cloud Energy, some Champaign County residents feel strict guidelines are more important than ever. Residents’ concerns about data centers include wildlife and environmental impacts and electricity demand. The Champaign County Data Center...

Tri-County Urban League connects job seekers with employers at Peoria career fair

PEORIA (25News Now) - The Tri-County Urban League connected job seekers with employers and community resources at a career fair Tuesday afternoon. The event also introduced new programming from the organization’s workforce development department. The fair brought together employers and community partners, including Caterpillar and the city of Peoria,...

Peoria County considering proposed wind farm

About an hour before Peoria County’s Zoning Board of Appeals started days of hearings about Four Creeks’ proposed wind farm, a heavy-haul semi-truck carrying a long windmill blade passed Interstate 74’s Kickapoo-Edward Road exit, and one wondered whether yard signs or county hearing notices would withstand strong winds.

‘It really has gone up a lot’: Illinois farmers react to executive order reducing diesel fuel costs

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Relief is on the horizon as the harvest season is in full effect in Central Illinois. Governor Pritzker signed an executive order, providing assistance to farmers when it comes to diesel fuel costs. Here’s how it works: they will not be penalized for using red-dyed diesel for transportation on state roads for […]

Small Business Awards in Peoria