Washington

The owner of a business on Washington's downtown square will get a six-figure payout from the city as a reimbursement for unexpected costs, and the city will spend another $25,000 to repair drainage issues caused by the construction of a neighboring restaurant.

In the aftermath of two major fires over the weekend where lives were saved and pets were rescued, Washington officials praised first responders, community members and neighboring fire departments.

Tazewell County Sheriff Jeffrey Lower said Illinois State Police arrested Scott Tyler Benway, 39, on Monday and took him to the Tazewell County Jail.

The first adult-use cannabis dispensary in Washington is one step closer to opening after gaining formal support from the city’s elected representatives.

A suspect is in custody and receiving treatment at a Peoria hospital after a shooting, explosion and fire early Sunday morning in a Washington neighborhood near U.S. 24 and North Cummings Lane.

A troublesome 700-foot water main under Bondurant Street just west of Washington Community High School will be replaced this summer. The Washington City Council approved a low bid of about $270,000.

Sales tax revenue from the proposed first adult-use cannabis dispensary in Washington may give residents property tax relief. The possibility was brought up during a Washington City Council meeting.

Washington is the latest Greater Peoria community to ban the sale of kratom. But in Washington's case, the sale of synthetic kratom is no longer allowed while a natural kratom product can be sold, after lab testing.

The sale and possession of synthetic kratom would be banned under an ordinance amendment that had a first reading at this week's Washington City Council meeting.

The chief legal officer for the company that wants to open the first adult-use cannabis dispensary in Washington assured city council members Monday that the building will be discreet and safe.