Benjamin Fries

Peoria

Multimedia Journalist at WMBD-TV (Peoria, IL)

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Articles

Five Points Fridays becoming a summer tradition in Washington

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — After starting out as a way for people to get out and enjoy live music while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Five Points Fridays has become a tradition in Washington. The free event occurs in the parking lot of Five Points, with plenty of food trucks and activities for the kids. Friday’s musical act was Stereo Typical, a cover band that plays a variety of music genres from classic rock to pop.
Livingston County Boys & Girls Club opens center in Fairbury

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

FAIRBURY, Ill. (WMBD) — A ribbon cutting was held on Friday for a new intergenerational center that will soon be open in Fairbury, which hopes to be a place for people to congregate from the surrounding community. It’s associated with the Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County and will feature a mix of programming for children and senior citizens.
Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County Launches New Center

2 weeks ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Benjamin Fries

FAIRBURY, Ill. (WMBD) — A ribbon cutting was held on Friday for a new intergenerational center that will soon be open in Fairbury, which hopes to be a place for people to congregate from the surrounding community. It’s associated with the Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County and will feature a mix of programming for children and senior citizens.
RNC Chair stresses importance of local elections at Lincoln Day Dinner

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Hundreds gathered at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria on Thursday for the Lincoln Day Dinner, one of the largest events in Illinois Republican politics. It was hosted by the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican parties and has attracted big names in the past such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
RNC Chair Whatley emphasizes importance of local elections in Illinois

2 weeks ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Benjamin Fries

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Hundreds gathered at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria on Thursday for the Lincoln Day Dinner, one of the largest events in Illinois Republican politics. It was hosted by the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican parties and has attracted big names in the past such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Center Street Crossing project amended by East Peoria City Council

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Modifications to a project that plans to bring more entertainment options to East Peoria was approved by council members during Tuesday’s meeting. East Peoria City Council approved the third amendment to the Levee District Overlay plan, which includes Center Street Crossing, a mixed-use development that will extend from behind Costco, past CEFCU, ending near City Hall. Certain businesses won’t be allowed at Center Street Crossing.
Caterpillar interns learn more about company culture at orientation

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

EDWARDS, Ill. (WMBD) — Around 600 summer interns for Caterpillar from across the country stopped by the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center on Tuesday to hear from company leaders while also getting a closer look at company equipment. It’s referred to as an “in the dirt” orientation because interns can interact with bulldozers and other pieces of machinery during the orientation. They also learn more about the company’s strategy and the type of work employees accomplish on a daily basis.
East Peoria Police honor fallen officer nearly a century after his death

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The East Peoria Police Department memorialized a fallen officer nearly a century after his death while recognizing current members of the department at the Festival Building on Thursday. 40-year-old Henry Kounse was shot and killed by a felony suspect while in the line of duty on Feb. 10, 1931, and he is the only East Peoria police officer to ever die while on the job. The memorial service featured bagpipes and a presentation of flowers to his surviving family members.
Discover Peoria rolls out new marketing campaign at annual dinner

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Discover Peoria held its annual meeting at the Gateway Building in downtown Peoria, informing the community of how they hope to further amplify the brand of the River City. It featured promotional materials, speakers, and plenty of mingling time for attendees.
New signage is up at former Quest Charter Academy buildings

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Benjamin Fries

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After Peoria Public Schools’ Board of Education voted to rename the former Quest buildings back in December, the new school branding is officially up. The former Quest High School building on University Street is now The Glen Barton School and will house various alternative programs for the school district.