Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What OSF’s MidTown Plaza plans mean for Peoria’s neighborhood shops

Coming up on the Peoria Patch calendar: AQUA | NO SEW BUTTERFLY WEFT | LOOK & LEARN | PEORIA, IL

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Cheers Peoria! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What OSF's MidTown Plaza plans mean for Peoria's neighborhood shops
  • What a health expert says about wind turbine safety near Peoria homes
  • Could a new wind farm pour millions into Peoria County schools?

Also on today's calendar: Fall Blood Drive and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 73 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 69, low: 46.
  • Tuesday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. After OSF purchase, major changes afoot at Peoria plaza (bnd.com) — OSF HealthCare's purchase of MidTown Plaza in Peoria could push out longtime small businesses as it considers expanding medical services into current retail space. Shop owners serving the low-income neighborhood are scrambling to relocate, raising concerns about losing affordable local options and describing limited financial help so far from both OSF and the city of Peoria.
   

2. Peoria County zoning board hears turbine setback testimony from health expert (peoriastandard.com) — Peoria County residents following the Four Creeks wind project heard detailed testimony on how far turbines must be set back from homes, property lines, roads, and rail lines. A health expert told the county zoning board that proposed setbacks slightly exceed current ordinance requirements, arguing they adequately address risks like tower collapse, blade failure, and ice throw as hearings continue.
   

3. Peoria County zoning board hears Four Creeks wind project could bring $307 million in local tax revenue over 40 years (peoriastandard.com) — Peoria County residents are learning that the proposed Four Creeks wind project could generate about $307 million in local tax revenue over 40 years, with roughly $30.7 million going directly to the county and most benefits flowing to area schools. During a zoning board hearing, an economist detailed job creation and long-term tax projections, while attorneys sparred over his independence and whether the estimates were truly conservative.
   

4. Inaugural edition of Sheen Awards honors Mother Angelica (ewtnnews.com) — Peoria just hosted the inaugural Sheen Awards, drawing Catholic media leaders and church figures to honor evangelists who use modern media, including a posthumous lifetime achievement award for Mother Angelica. Local Catholics saw Bishop Louis Tylka and the Sheen Foundation spotlight Peoria native Blessed Fulton Sheen's legacy, while honorees reflected on how his example still shapes global Catholic broadcasting today.
   

5. CI Prep Sports recap for Oct. 3, 2026 (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria sports fans saw plenty of action as Peoria High hosted a large cross country invite at Detweiller Park and Richwoods held a swimming meet. Area teams also battled in soccer and volleyball, with Dunlap and Richwoods winning soccer matches and Washington capturing the Richwoods swim invite, highlighting strong Central Illinois performances across multiple sports.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Notice to DBE Contractors
    Notice to Disadvantaged Business (DBE) Contractors... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Halloween Laser Show
    https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/events/laser-light-nights (Nextdoor Pleasant Valley Middle)
  • Teamwork Online posted a job opening for Ticket Seller - Peoria Civic Center in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Komatsu posted a job opening for Welder 2nd shift 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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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