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

Proposed sales tax increase on Tazewell County ballot

Tazewell County voters will decide on a referendum to implement a County Schools Facilities Tax during the upcoming midterm election on November 3.

Energy costs could rise this winter. Low-income residents can apply for financial assistance

CHAMPAIGN — U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $82 more in heating costs this winter compared to last year. The estimated 8.7% increase is more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, a group that represents state directors of the federally funded state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

McLean County Finance Committee approves no-interest loan to fix mistake and puts clerk’s budget on hold

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - McLean County’s Finance Committee wants to offer a no-interest loan to Octavia Park District in Colfax, due to what the state’s attorney’s office calls an “administrative error” at the McLean County Clerk’s office. The park district was charged $23,910.59 less in taxes than they should have been.

Step Back Into The 1930s At This Restored Route 66 Gas Station In Illinois

Some of the best road trip memories start with a stop you almost skipped. Tucked along an old stretch of highway in Illinois sits a tiny gas station that looks like it rolled straight out of a black-and-white photo. You pull over expecting a quick picture, and suddenly you are...

Tazewell, Woodford County farms received state grants as new funding round announced

PEORIA, Ill. – Two Central Illinois farms received state funding in August to improve their operations. Illinois now prepares to make another $1.8 million available through its Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Agriculture previously awarded $65,860 to Zehr Farms LLC in Tazewell County and $42,141.36...

Data center companies have approached Champaign County for projects in Sidney, Tolono

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY – Two data center companies have contacted Champaign County with interest in developing in Sidney and Tolono, according to Director of Planning and Zoning John Hall. ABEI Energy, an independent power producer based in Spain, contacted the county about a data center site outside of Tolono on...