PEORIA – In an effort to support and promote small businesses ahead of the holiday season, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is launching a social media campaign to feature local small businesses.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of our small businesses struggling to stay afloat,” Koehler said. “Now more than ever, it’s vital to support our small businesses as they get back on their feet.”

Koehler encourages small business owners interested in being featured on his social media to provide information about their businesses here. Businesses invited to participate include restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons.

“I hope residents will remember to shop small as we head into the holiday season,” Koehler said.

Questions can be directed to Senator Koehler’s Peoria office by calling 309-677-0120 or visiting SenatorDaveKoehler.com.

PEORIA – With winter weather on the horizon, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is urging residents to use the Getting Around Illinois road conditions map to ensure safe travel this winter.

“Driving on snowy, icy roads can be challenging and dangerous, whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for decades,” Koehler said. “We all want to get to our destinations safely, and Getting Around Illinois can help us achieve that goal.”

The revamped map will show how weather events are impacting roads under the jurisdictions of the more than 120 snow-and-ice removal teams that work out of Illinois Department of Transportation facilities throughout the state. Additionally, conditions on interstates and U.S. routes, which carry the most traffic in Illinois, will be given priority reporting status and appear more boldly on the map.

“Illinois winters are notorious for changing quickly and drastically, sometimes over just a few miles. These improvements to Getting Around Illinois will give travelers information that’s more reliable and more local,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “I urge you to bookmark and regularly check this valuable resource to help you stay safe and prepared throughout the winter.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on both computers and smartphones, with the winter road conditions feature alone averaging more than 2.5 million views each year. A short video on how to use the new map and review conditions can be viewed here.

The University of Illinois Extension and the Food Pantry Network – Heart of Illinois have compiled a list of local organizations offering meals and food boxes to families in Central Illinois. Below are locations where meals can be picked up across the 46th District, a full list or participating organizations can be found here.

Questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., as well as any additions to the list.

Thanksgiving Meals

Peoria County
⦁ South Side Mission: Peoria, Peoria Heights, & Bartonville call 309-676-4604 to sign up by Wednesday, November 17th
⦁ Valeska Hinton: Heartland Health hosting Thanksgiving Box distribution Nov. 20 noon to 2 p.m., free turkey vouchers will be given to the first 100 recipients
⦁ Redeemer Lutheran Food Pantry: Box of food given out Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. & Nov. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.
⦁ Catholic Charities Fulton Sheen Food Pantry: Box of food given out every Tuesday and Thursday in November from 9:30-11:30 a.m. while supplies last
⦁ Neighborhood House: Partnering with OSF to distribute 100 boxes on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon or until they run out
⦁ Sophia's Kitchen: Carry out meal on Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., no sign up required
⦁ Dream Center: Box of food Nov. 23 throughout the day
⦁ Hand Up Peoria Inc.: Box of Food Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon
⦁ Salvation Army Peoria - NE Adams St.: Free community meal Nov. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m., enter through alley off of Spalding Ave.

Tazewell County
⦁ Pekin Township: Call by Monday Nov. 21 at 346-3194 to sign-up for hot meal pick-up on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
⦁ HOPE Chest - Pekin: Box of food Nov. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. while supplies last, ID Required

Fulton County
⦁ Salvation Army & HyVee: First 275 people who call 309-647-0732 and make a reservation, distribution from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 25

Holiday Meals

Peoria County
⦁ Salvation Army Peoria: Mail letter to Christmas Baskets, Journal Star, One News Plaza, Peoria, IL 61643 - include your name, address with apartment number, phone number, total number of people in household
⦁ South Side Mission: Serving 61603, 61604, and 61605 Call 309-676-4604 to sign up
⦁ East Bluff Community Center: Christmas Day Meal Eat-in or carry out from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
⦁ Catholic Charities Fulton Sheen Food Pantry: Box of food including hams given out every Tuesday and Thursday in November from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. while supplies last
⦁ Neighborhood House: 125 boxes of food available on Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until they run out
⦁ First United Methodist Church, Loaves & Fish: Box of food & lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 25 or as supplies last - distribution will be outdoors, no public restrooms available
⦁ Sophia's Kitchen: Box of pantry food Dec. 20 to 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1,000 bags one per person - no deliveries/sign up - but ID will be required
⦁ Dream Center: Box of food Dec. 21 throughout the day
⦁ Hand Up Peoria Inc.: Box of food Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon

Tazewell County
⦁ HOPE Chest: Boxes will be available in December at a date TBD during pantry hours, ID required - available while supplies last
⦁ Salvation Army of Pekin 360 Life Center: Box of Food sign up November 22-24 call 309-346-3010 - Requires: ID, proof of address, & Tazewell County resident. Pick up Dec. 20 8 a.m. to noon
⦁ Pekin Township: Call 346-3195 by Dec. 20 to sign up hot meal pick up on December 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
⦁ St Vincent DePaul Food Pantry: Pekin, IL - sign up November 17 and 19 8:30 to 11 a.m. in circle drive of St Joseph Church. 120 baskets available - ID required

PEORIA – College-bound students in Illinois will now be able to apply to any of Illinois’ 12 public schools, as well as dozens of private institutions, using only one online form, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

Koehler and other members of the Illinois General Assembly worked alongside the Illinois Board of Higher Education to allot $1 million in funding that will add all of the state’s public universities to the Common App platform, making it easier for students in Illinois to consider staying in-state for their college education.

“We are lucky to have so many outstanding colleges and universities here in Central Illinois and across the state,” Koehler said. “By making it easier for students to apply for and be accepted into these schools, we are encouraging them to stay in Illinois and use their knowledge and skills to build a brighter future for our state.”

Waivers are also available for low-income Common App applicants who may be concerned about the cost of applying for college, but some Illinois colleges have no application fees or will waive fees if necessary.

“Having all of the public universities on the Common App will make it easier for students to apply,” said Ginger Ostro, executive director of IBHE. “We see this as a tool for more students to explore the opportunities at all Illinois colleges and universities and remain in Illinois for their post-secondary education.”

Koehler encourages all interested students and families to visit the Common App website to learn more about the application process.