🌱 Scammers Pose As Sheriff's Deputies + Council Members Sworn In

It's Thursday, Peoria! In today's quick rundown of the latest local news:

• A teen is sentenced in connection with a 2020 murder case.
• Local lawmakers react to the ComEd Four verdict.
• The city's Health and Human Services department is set to begin work on a new $22 million campus.

But first, today's weather: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 75 Low: 52.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Peoria:

1. A Peoria teenager was sentenced to 17 years in prison in connection with a 2020 shooting in the 1500 block of South Faraday Avenue. Ladarrius D. Mason was charged with first-degree murder. (WMBD)

2. Two new members were sworn in Tuesday at Peoria City Council chambers. Three incumbent members are returning to the council. (25News)

3. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scammer posing as a sheriff’s lieutenant to ask for payments and personal information. “We WILL NOT call you with a warrant and WILL NOT demand payment or info over the phone,” the sheriff’s office wrote on its social media pages. (Twitter)

4. Peoria Rep. Ryan Spain was among the Illinois lawmakers issuing reaction to the ComEd four verdict, in which four people were found guilty of conspiracy and bribery in connection with former Speaker Michael Madigan. “This verdict is an indictment of the culture of corruption which existed for decades in the Illinois House,” Spain said. (WMBD)

5. Demolition is expected to begin this month at the site of the new Peoria Health and Human Services campus on Sheridan Road, WCBU reports. The $22.3 million plans will modernize the health department and house a new community kitchen. (WCBU)

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Today in Peoria:

• Council Member Andre W. Allen hosts “Coffee with Constituents” at the Westlake Shopping Center Panera Bread. (7 a.m.)
• The Gerald M. Brookhart (GMB) Arts in Education Spring Celebration continues at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza. (11 a.m.)
• Juke Box Comedy Club hosts an open mic night. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Culvert work begins today on Abington Street between Madison and Monroe and is expected to last until at least August. (City)
• Traffic changes are in effect through June as work continues on the eastbound McClugage Bridge. (WMBD)
• Final exams are set to begin today at Bradley University. (BU)
• The Peoria Park District kicks off its Spring Plant Sale tomorrow at Luthy Botanical Garden. The free event runs through Sunday. (Park District)

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That's all for today, Peoria. See you Saturday for more local stories.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Peoria Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.