Washington Police Department

With a few dozen of his neighbors looking on, Washington resident Al Ponto was honored Monday by the city for his actions awakening neighbors whose home was on fire.

Washington Plaza is getting a makeover, fueled by an estimated $500,000 investment by the City of Washington. A quarter-acre green space and parking lot resurfacing are among the highlights.

Six civilians and a firefighter-paramedic from the Washington Fire Department were honored Monday for their life-saving actions during two major fires within an 11-hour span late last month.

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.

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.

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.

Catastrophic engine failure has taken the Washington Police Department's current canine vehicle out of commission, perhaps forever. The Washington City Council came to the rescue this week.

The Washington Police Department's new deputy chiefs were sworn in this week. Steve Smith and Brian Simpson are only the third and fourth people to hold the position since it was created in 2007.

The Washington Police Department will be adding to its command structure. The city council approved a recommendation from Chief Jeff Stevens to add a second deputy chief to his department's roster.

Should a large billboard be allowed in a busy Washington intersection? The city worries about "potential detrimental impacts."