🌱 Violence Prevention Funding + Healthy Restaurant In Metro Centre

Hello, everybody! It's Tuesday in Peoria and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 77 Low: 53.
• Wednesday: Sunny, breezy and very warm. High: 78 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories in Peoria today:

1. As of Monday, non-profits and government agencies offering violence prevention programs for the city can apply for funding to support their business through May 12 at 2:00 p.m. The city of Peoria is committing $1.5 million for these programs, and various ranges of money can be requested for workforce training or other priorities that businesses may need. For those who are interested in applying, you can reach the application through the link provided right here. (CIProud.com)
2. After a year of hard work and dedication, Heather Wolbeck will open her restaurant The Queen of Squash on Apr. 29 at 11:00 a.m. The restaurant will be taking the place of the Cracked Pepper Cafe in the Metro Centre and will offer a delicious and healthy way of eating. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m. along with performances by various bands and artists as well as cookies, giveaways, and much more. (Subscription: Peoria Journal Star)
3. The Peoria County Election Commission said that three of Peoria County's school board races are still too close to call as of Monday, Apr. 10. Election judges have 630 mail-in ballots left to count, and the tight races in Peoria, Dunlap, and Illini Bluffs mean those ballots will potentially make a big difference in final results. The county will certify election results on Apr. 18. (CIProud.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Peoria:

Tuesday, April 11

• Preschool Parties — Proctor Recreation Center (10:00 AM)
• Workshop: Resume Development — Peoria Campus Arbor Hall (10:00 AM)
• Anastasia The Musical — Peoria Civic Center Theater (7:30 PM)

Wednesday, April 12

• April Showers Art Journal Pages — Ruth Inman Art (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Spring is officially here, and a couple of hours away in Chicago, the city has been praised by USAToday for the cherry blossoms blooming. You can check out the link in the post to see some of the spots to capture the moment. (Enjoy Illinois via Instagram)
• The Peoria Chiefs hopes everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend filled with family, friends, and love. Be sure to take a look at the schedule for when you and your family want to come out for a game! (Peoria Chiefs via Facebook)
• On Apr. 25 as well as every last Tuesday of the month, the Peoria Riverfront Museum invites all to the "Cocktails with a Curator" event where you can sip signature cocktails based on exhibitions of art. This month will be "Bronzeville to Harlem: An American Story" where Everley Davis will be providing a special note from Preston Jackson. (Peoria Riverfront Museum via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! See you soon for 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.