Joe Deacon
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Award-winning news radio reporter. Former assistant sports editor. Lifelong @whitesox fan. Also a fan of @panthers, @aerosmith, and the original Law & Order.
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Articles by Joe Deacon
Bradley dedicates new campus entryway at prominent intersection
Bradley University continues an effort to upgrade and beautify its campus through a new entryway at the corner of Main and University streets. The university marked Founders Day on Friday with a dedication of the new gateway named in honor of longtime Bradley supporters Ken and Pat Goldin. Bradley President James Shadid views the donor-funded gateway as a critical point in connecting the university to the West Main Street corridor, and farther eastward toward the heart of the city.
Former Peoria High basketball coach Ruffin pleads guilty to sexual assault, grooming
Former Peoria High School boys basketball coach Daniel Ruffin on Friday entered guilty pleas in two separate cases, admitting to soliciting one female student and sexually assaulting another. Ruffin, 41, pleaded guilty to grooming in the first case and criminal sexual assault in the second case, without any agreement from the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office on sentence recommendations. He faces a prison term of 4-15 years on the sexual assault when he is sentenced on Jan. 22.
Peoria to consider drive-through service at cannabis dispensaries
Peoria soon may allow cannabis dispensary businesses to offer drive-through and curbside services. A draft ordinance updating city code regulating both medical and adult use recreational cannabis operations is expected to return to the Peoria City Council after members voted this week to receive and file the proposal. In June, Illinois updated state law governing cannabis businesses to allow for curbside and drive-through service, as well as extended daily hours past midnight.
Peoria Police make arrest in fatal shooting that ended in crash
A suspect has been arrested in Milwaukee in connection with a woman’s fatal shooting on Peoria’s South Side last week that resulted in her vehicle crashing into a Western Avenue business. According to the Peoria Police Department, the investigation into the incident identified Maurice Graves, 30, as the suspect in the death of Dionna Causey, 30.
After two years, Peoria set to demolish abandoned South Side market
Peoria is on track to tear down a long-vacant former South Side market center, more than two years after originally approving the demolition. The Peoria City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of spending up to $230,000 to raze the former Adams Supermarket in the 4100 block of Southwest Adams Street. “It’s been an eyesore for a very, very long time. So it’s going to be just wonderful to see it flattened out,” said Mayor Rita Ali.
Peoria County zoning board recommends wind farm denial, forwards application with possible conditions
Following 15 days of testimony, the Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday recommended denial of an application to pursue development of a large-scale wind farm in the county’s northwest corner. Repsol Renewables is looking to build the Four Creeks Wind Project with 113 turbines stretching from Brimfield and Princeville to the Knox and Stark county lines.
Peoria County coroner IDs man killed in North Peoria rollover crash
A 38-year-old man is dead following a single-vehicle rollover crash Monday afternoon in North Peoria. In a social media post Wednesday, Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood identified the victim as Cody Bridgewater. Harwood said Bridgewater was pronounced dead at the hospital about an hour after the wreck in the 6700 block of Galena Road, between Peoria Heights and Mossville.
Peoria’s recommended 2027 budget revisions put spending at $348M
Members of the Peoria City Council got their first look Tuesday at proposed second-year revisions to the biennial budget, with overall capital spending set to increase by about $12 million. The administration and council got the annual budget process started with a vote to receive and file the City of Peoria's updated financial outline, with a full presentation set for a special council meeting next Tuesday.
Peoria career fair for students set to mark 10th anniversary
An interactive expo giving Peoria-area 8th graders an opportunity to explore potential future careers will mark its 10th anniversary later this month. More than 4,000 students from all across Central Illinois have registered for the Greater Peoria CareerSpark on Oct. 28-29 at the Peoria Civic Center.
Bartonville seeking bids to demolish abandoned Allied Mills tower
After more than 20 years of trying, the Village of Bartonville is moving forward at last with plans to tear down the long-abandoned Allied Mills building on U.S. Route 24. “It’s a wonderful feeling,” said Mayor Leon Ricca. “It’s something that I've had residents asking me for years, since I was on the village board: ‘When are we going to get that thing taken down?’ Now it’s finally going to happen in the near future.” The village has set a Dec.
First phase of jail improvements included in Peoria County’s proposed $183M annual budget
Peoria County’s tentative budget for the 2027 fiscal year maintains the current property tax rate, fully funds pension obligations and covers costs for new laundry and kitchen facilities at the Peoria County jail. County administrator Scott Sorrel said the proposed $183 million spending outline emphasizes service efficiency and maintaining infrastructure.
Woman dies after being shot, crashing vehicle into building on Peoria’s South Side
A woman has died after being shot while driving and crashing her vehicle into a business on Peoria’s South Side. Peoria Police Department officers responded to the 600 block of S. Western Avenue shortly before 1:30 p.m. Monday for reports of shots fired. On the way, they were informed that a vehicle struck the City Market building at the Howett Street intersection.
Five Points Washington seeks to raise $3M for facility upgrades
A capital campaign seeks to raise $3 million that would enable the Five Points Washington community center to bolster its aquatics, performing arts and gathering spaces. Five Points management on Monday announced the public launch of the fundraising initiative called, “Reimagining the Future of Our Community.” Executive Director Vikki Poorman said the effort is about “investing in people” as well as the facility.
East Peoria shows off its spacious new $24M police headquarters
More than three months after officers and staff transferred to the new facility, East Peoria hosted community members Friday for an official grand opening of the police department’s spacious new headquarters on Camp Street. “This building is going to reflect the professionalism of our department, so that part’s really exciting,” said Chief David Catton.
Susan G. Komen organization moves annual Peoria awareness walk to Dozer Park
The Susan G. Komen Central Illinois memorial organization is moving its annual “More Than Pink” walk to a new location in Downtown Peoria for the first time in more than four decades. The group joined the Peoria Chiefs this week in announcing Dozer Park will host the 2027 fundraiser for breast cancer awareness on May 8. Formerly known as the “Race for the Cure,” the event previously had been held at the Peoria Metro Centre since 1986.
Plans for Peoria riverfront amphitheater move forward despite death of benefactor
The organization leading development plans for an outdoor amphitheater along the Peoria side of the Illinois River says it is forging ahead despite the death of its founder late last year. Jim Hengst, the Washington Community High School graduate and retired biotech entrepreneur, died Dec. 21 at a Florida hospital. He was 72. Hengst launched the Hengst Foundation in hopes of pursuing a performing arts venue in Central Illinois to honor his late wife, Dee.
Caterpillar showcases how technology can make jobsites safer, more efficient
Artificial intelligence, remote operation and advanced safety systems are among the technological advancements Caterpillar is working to incorporate into its construction and mining equipment. The manufacturing giant welcomed hundreds of its customers and contractors to the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center on Tuesday to showcase some of its modernized equipment.
Peoria man handed 55-year sentence for killing teen in 2022
A 26-year-old Peoria man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for an Independence Day 2022 shooting that killed one person and injured another at the former Taft Homes residential complex. Judge Sean Donahue issued the sentence to Raekwon Pickett during a Peoria County Court hearing Tuesday, after finding him guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in a June bench trial.
Bradley looks to start new homecoming tradition with ‘Yard Party’
As additions and improvements emerge throughout the Bradley University campus, the institution looks to place a renewed emphasis on homecoming weekend. “There are so many good things happening around campus under President [James] Shadid’s leadership and his goals to continue to beautify campus and have more connection to current students, alumni, and the Peoria community,” said Jane Walsh, Bradley’s vice president for advancement.
Peoria Public Schools board approves tentative balanced budget, as recent audits remain unfinished
Peoria Public Schools District 150 has adopted a tentative balanced budget for the 2027 fiscal year with revenues exceeding expenses by $5.3 million. However, Superintendent Jerry Bell emphasized the financial plan likely will need to be amended once audits for the past two fiscal years are done.
Peoria Civic Center management maintains optimism amid industry challenges
With 11 sold out shows and more than $13 million in ticket sales, the Peoria Civic Center came close to matching the best fiscal year in the city-owned venue’s history. New general manager Beau Sutherland presented the downtown entertainment and convention complex’s latest annual report at the most recent Peoria City Council meeting, showing an adjusted gross income of $7.8 million.
Peoria Heights breaks ground on $8M water filtration plant mayor calls a ‘game changer’
Construction is set to begin on a new $8.1 million water filtration plant in Peoria Heights, believed to be the largest public works project in the village’s history. An architectural rendering shows the new $8.1 million water filtration plant being built along Galena Road in Peoria Heights. “It’s just a completely game changer for us,” said Mayor Matt Wigginton on Friday at a groundbreaking for the new facility on the site of the existing water tank at 5413 N.
Peoria County Sheriff’s Office investigating deaths of woman, infant; suspect remains at large
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office says it is searching for a suspect after a woman and an infant were killed Friday morning in an incident at the Royal Oaks Estates mobile home community. According to a social media post, deputies responded to the 3500 block of Yorkshire, just west of Peoria city limits, shortly after 6 a.m. for a report of a vehicle fire. After the fire was extinguished, first responders found the baby deceased inside the car.
Bradley University touts new student growth as total enrollment slips
New student enrollment is on the rise at Bradley University, although overall enrollment has fallen just below 4,000 for the first time in at least 36 years. The university’s annual student census for the fall semester showed 1,160 new students for the new academic year, including a 36% increase in first-year students.
New Peoria adult men’s basketball league prepares for debut
Recreational basketball leagues were common in Peoria for many years. But after COVID-19, many of them went away. Jay Wallace feels the time is right to bring them back. “There’s hungry basketball players in Peoria, so I’ve been trying to get a gym and find somebody to host the event,” said Wallace, the co-founder, CEO and commissioner of the new Peoria Basketball League.
Peoria woman handed 53-year sentence for murder in riverfront shooting
A 20-year-old Peoria woman has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the 2025 shooting death of a woman who was sitting in a vehicle along the city’s riverfront. Deziaah Hunter was found guilty of first-degree murder in April by a Peoria County jury, who found her responsible for the killing of 18-year-old Kenadee Wallenfang. Chief Judge Katherine Gorman issued the prison term during a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
Developers add more apartments to mixed-use Warehouse District project
Adjusted plans for a $5.9 million mixed-use development in Peoria’s Warehouse District will nearly triple the number of residential units while reducing the amount of commercial space. The Peoria City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved amending the existing redevelopment agreement with WS Investments for the properties at 906-910 SW Adams St., increasing the number of loft-style apartments from eight to 21.
Peoria to offer city workers a paid day off to serve as election judges
Full-time Peoria city employees now have the opportunity to take a paid day off to serve as election judges. The Peoria City Council on Tuesday approved an administrative policy that provides eight hours of normal wages for workers appointed to serve as an election judge for any primary, general, consolidated or special election. “We’re not anticipating we're going to see 50, 60 or 70 employees take this up. We might get two or three, or four, or five,” said City Manager Patrick Urich.
Peoria homicide victim receives posthumous honor from Carnegie Hero Fund
A 20-year-old Peoria woman who was fatally shot in 2024 while trying to assist a neighbor in a domestic violence incident has been honored for her actions by the Carnegie Hero Fund. Jakaiden Rynearson is one of the 16 latest North American recipients of the Carnegie Medal, awarded to people who “enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.” Awarded quarterly, the Carnegie Medal is the highest honor for civilian heroism in the U.S. and Canada.
Coroner reports no signs of foul play in death of Woodford County jail inmate
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says preliminary autopsy results suggest no foul play was involved in last week’s death of Jason Rockhold, who was being held at the Woodford County jail in Eureka. Rockhold, a former softball coach facing child sexual assault charges, was found unresponsive in his cell early Thursday morning. He was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he died a little more than an hour later.
South Pekin may get $8M for water system infrastructure improvements
South Pekin is in line for $8 million in federal funding for water supply infrastructure improvements. The money is included in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act that passed the U.S. House last week, with support from Illinois 17th District U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen. The Moline Democrat says the bipartisan legislation would deliver more than $25 million for projects across the district.
Peoria City Council member Kiran Velpula cited for DUI, other major traffic violations
Peoria City Council member Kiran Velpula is facing an open charge of driving under the influence and other related major traffic violations, according to Peoria County court records. A case filed Sept. 17 charges Velpula, 48, with one misdemeanor count of DUI, with a first appearance scheduled for Oct. 16.
Urich defends Peoria’s use of Flock cameras, justifies West Main TIF District
Backlash against Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras and other similar systems has increased across the country in recent years, as people raise concerns over their misuse and potential privacy invasions. While some municipalities have reversed course on the use Flock cameras, others like East Peoria and Pekin have remained committed to the law enforcement technology.
Former softball coach charged with child sexual assault dies in custody
A former youth softball coach being held on child sexual assault charges died Thursday after being found unresponsive in his Woodford County jail cell. Jason Rockhold, 45, was discovered shortly before 3 a.m., according to Woodford County Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword. After jail staff attempted life-saving measures, Rockhold was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said Rockhold was pronounced dead at 4:17 a.m. at the hospital.
A brand new game at Bradley: Flag football among 5 premier club programs for women
Bradley University discontinued its football program after the 1970 season, but now the game is coming back in a new form. Flag football is one of five women’s premier club sports now available at Bradley, along with soccer, ice hockey, wrestling and STUNT — commonly known as competitive cheer.
East Peoria takes first step toward adding more Flock Safety cameras
City leaders in East Peoria support a proposal to add 10 more Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras to the police department’s existing system that’s been in place four years. The five-member city council on Tuesday voted unanimously in approving the first reading of a new five-year agreement with Flock, despite several community members speaking out against the technology during the two-hour meeting.
Peoria Public Schools hire interim CFO, delay vote on hiring firm to help draft strategic plan
The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education has hired an interim chief financial officer to oversee the District 150 accounts, bridging a gap until the administration selects a permanent CFO. Marcus Alexander, a former superintendent with Calumet Public Schools in the Chicago area, will serve a term of no more than 75 days, compensated at $800 per day. “It’s a stopgap measure, so to speak, because the position is still going to be advertised.
ICC receives $3M state grant to bolster manufacturing training programs
A $3 million state capital grant will allow Illinois Central College to upgrade lab and classroom space used for manufacturing training. The funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will go toward renovating approximately 26,000 square feet in ICC’s Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Building. It’s part of more than $20 million the Pritzker Administration has awarded to manufacturing programs at five downstate community colleges.
Peoria community gathers to mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
A majority of Americans know precisely where they were and what they were doing on a late summer Tuesday morning a quarter century ago. Retired former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was in Washington, D.C., as the U.S. House member for the Peoria area, getting ready to preside over a House session. “As I got into the Capitol, the Capitol Hill police were making sure that everyone was leaving and telling us that there was a plane on the way to hit the U.S. Capitol,” said LaHood.
Advocates for Tourism Improvement District make their pitch to the Peoria City Council
A group of 12 hotel owners in Peoria want the city to become one of the first Illinois communities outside of Chicago to establish a Tourism Improvement District. The district would add a 1.5% fee on short-term sleeping room rentals, with the proceeds used to support initiatives to promote Peoria as a destination and attract more overnight visitors. “Peoria faces a significant challenge.
OSF HealthCare gets $2M federal earmark for dental sedation clinic
Patients in Central Illinois will have improved access to oral surgery through a planned renovation and expansion of services at OSF HealthCare’s dental clinic at the Saint Francis Medical Center campus in Peoria. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin visited the Forest Park clinic site Tuesday, touring the area that will be updated into a dental sedation clinic. The clinic’s conversion comes through a $2 million grant in congressionally directed spending.
Peoria approves West Main TIF district, with opposition from council member where it’s located
A newly created economic incentive area aims to spark redevelopment along Peoria’s West Main Street corridor. Yet, the city council member for the district that contains most of the target area was the only one voting against establishing a tax increment financing [TIF] district. “I find myself in a really hard position because obviously I know this is my district,” District 2 council member Alex Carmona said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I love Main Street. I love Bradley University.
Rep. LaHood says mail-in voting will not be disrupted; Trump should work on affordability Original
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood does not believe actions by the Trump Administration to restrict mail-in voting will cause major disruptions ahead of the midterm election. LaHood, who represents parts of Peoria and Bloomington-Normal, was in Peoria on Friday to announce $600,000 in federal appropriations for the Galena Road Industrial Park project. The Republican congressman said it is common sense to require an ID to vote, which is why he has repeatedly voted to pass the SAVE America Act.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Woman dies in fire at Peoria high-rise apartment building
A 70-year-old woman has died after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise apartment building just west of Downtown Peoria. In a post on social media, the Peoria County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Lynn Hinckley. The Peoria Fire Department responded to the B’nai B’rith Apartments at 215 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. shortly after 6 a.m., with flames showing from a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters found a victim inside the unit and removed her from the room with the fire.
Peoria, Peoria County get $600K for Galena Road Industrial Park development
Plans to develop a $40 million industrial park along Galena Road on Peoria’s northeast side received another financial boost Friday. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, announced a $600,000 federal appropriation for the Galena Road Industrial Park project, joining Mayor Rita Ali and Peoria County Board chair Jimmy Dillon for a ceremonial check presentation at City Hall. “This is real money coming back here that’s going to help with acquisition of land,” said LaHood.
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