🌱 PPD Aims To Recruit Women In March + Peoria Restaurant Incubator

Good morning, Peoria! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 48 Low: 34.
• Wednesday: A thick cloud cover. High: 46 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories in Peoria today:

1. March marks Women’s History Month, and the Peoria Police Department is focusing on recruiting women. As it stands, women make up only 13 percent of the PPD — out of 195 officers, 24 are women. In an effort to have a force representative of the community they serve, and as part of the 30 by 30 challenge, PPD seeks to have 30 percent of the staff be female officers sworn in by the year 2030. (CIProud.com)
2. The Pekin Event Center is transforming into a restaurant incubator. The center offers local chefs and restaurateurs the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and even launch their own businesses. It aims to boost the local food scene and encourage economic development in the Peoria area. (Subscription: Peoria Journal Star)
3. The Crusens owners announced that they plan to open the"greatest dive bar in town" to be located in West Peoria on Farmington Road. The Old Dive will feature a relaxed atmosphere, drinks, pool tables, and more for locals to enjoy and feel like part of the community. (Subscription: Peoria Journal Star)

Today and tomorrow in Peoria:

Tuesday, March 7

• Preschool Parties At Proctor Recreation Center (10:00 AM)

Wednesday, March 8

• Preschool Parties At Luthy Botanical Gardens (10:00 AM)
• State Of The Schools 2023 At Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Peoria Riverfront Museum wants your heart-related items for a new exhibit! If you have pop-culture posters, toys, and memorabilia related to the heart, they could be exhibited in the museum for a six-month period. (Peoria Riverfront Museum via Facebook)
• RuPaul's Drag Race is coming to the Peoria Civic Center. RuPaul's Drag Race Werq The World Tour will arrive Aug. 8 — keep an eye out for the ticket presale starting on Mar. 8 with general tickets set to go on sale on Mar. 10. (Peoria Civic Center via Instagram)
• Browse the latest job openings in and around Peoria. Looking for a new job? Now's the perfect time to switch careers; Peoria-area businesses are hiring in industries including sales, insurance, retail, and restaurant. (Peoria Patch)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.