Mike Kramer

3 days ago | pjstar.com | Mike Kramer

A new bust of a young, clean-shaven Abraham Lincoln was unveiled at the East Peoria City Council meeting. Local artist Morgan Elser created the bust, depicting Lincoln before he grew his iconic beard. The artwork aims to represent Lincoln's time as a circuit lawyer in central Illinois. The East Peoria City Council meeting on Tuesday unveiled a new bust of Abraham Lincoln that will grace East Peoria City Hall. “We so graciously accept this,” said East Peoria Mayor John Kahl.

3 days ago | pjstar.com | Mike Kramer

Downtown is a central hub for business and entertainment in communities large and small throughout the United States. What small towns in Illinois and the Midwest have the best downtowns? HGTV’s recently-released list of the "40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America" featured "vibrant towns that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore."Illinois’ sole contribution to the list was Galena. Here is what HGTV had to say about them. What is in downtown Galena, Illinois?

3 days ago | rrstar.com | Mike Kramer

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3 days ago | pjstar.com | Mike Kramer

The Illinois Work Net Center has reported that 37 workers in Alton stand to lose their jobs with the closure of the American Water Resources, LLC call center at 111 E. Fourth Street. The center received notification of the closure and the layoffs last week and posted a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN). The layoffs will go into effect July 28. Over the past year, layoffs have impacted 16,263 workers statewide. American Water Resources is a subsidiary of American Water.

1 week ago | pjstar.com | Mike Kramer

Two Peoria-area businesses, Tres Rojas Winery and Sarah Beth’s Homemade Dips, have been inducted into the Illinois Made program. The Illinois Made program, run by the Office of Tourism, highlights local businesses that showcase the state's craftsmanship and culture. This year's class includes 20 businesses from across the state. Two Peoria-area businesses were inducted into the Illinois Made program, joining a group of small businesses who reflect the state's craftsmanship and culture.