PEORIA HIGH VS HILLCREST – Peoria’s Dorsey Doss celebrates his sack of Hillcrest quarterback Anthony Bradley in the first half of their Class 5A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions advanced to the second round with a 52-36 win.
PEORIA HIGH VS HILLCREST – Hillcrest’s Erimus Wrights snags an interception from Peoria’s TQ Webb in the first half of their 5A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions advanced to the second round with a 52-36 win.
PEORIA HIGH VS HILLCREST – Peoria’s Jaquarius Green listens to his coaches between quarters in the first half of their 5A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions advanced to the second round with a 52-36 win over Country Club Hills Hillcrest.
WASHINGTON VS SHEPARD – Washington’s Noah Bell (52) and Joe Smith celebrate a sack against Shepard in the second half of their 6A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 52-21 win.
WASHINGTON VS SHEPARD – Washington’s Erik Daugherty (70) pressures Shepard quarterback Noah Vaugn in the second half of their 6A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 52-21 win.
WASHINGTON VS SHEPARD – Washington defenders Carter Prina, top, and Evan Deasey, bottom, team up to bring down Shepard quarterback Noah Vaughn in the second half of their 6A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 52-21 win.
WASHINGTON VS SHEPARD – Washington’s Jacob Gauf (58) gets a helmet tap after recovering a fumbled punt to Shepard late in the second half of their 6A football playoff game Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 52-21 win.
QUAD CON – A costumed character from Star Wars browses a poster vendor during the Quad Con Peoria Comic & Toy Show on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Northwoods Mall. More than 100 vendors featuring comic books, toys, collectibles, posters and original artwork have filled the mall for the two-day event. The show continues Sunday during regular mall hours.
QUAD CON – A trio of “furries” including, from left to right, Alan McCarty of Lincoln as Sam the Fox, Tyler Tomasek, also of Lincoln, as Holland the Otter, and Jeremy Rivers of Peoria as Connor the Red Pug, take a break from browsing the Quad Con Peoria Comic & Toy Show on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Northwoods Mall.
QUAD CON – Collectible enthusiasts browse through comic book, vinyl records and other items for sale Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 as part of the Quad Con Peoria Comic & Toy Show at Northwoods Mall.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS WASHINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame’s Cal Byrkit, left, heads the ball past Washington’s Sage Davis in the first half of the Class 3A Dunlap Sectional soccer final Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Dunlap Valley Middle School. PND took the title 1-0 on penalty kicks.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS WASHINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame’s Teddy LaHood (23) tangles with Washington’s Jackson MacGregor (18) near the Panthers goal in the first half of the Class 2A Dunlap Sectional soccer final Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Dunlap Valley Middle School. The Irish took the title 1-0 on penalty kicks.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS WASHINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame goalkeeper Max Schmidt makes a save on a penalty kick from Washington during the Class 2A Dunlap Sectional soccer final Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Dunlap Valley Middle School. The Irish took the title 1-0 on penalty kicks.
BRADLEY OPENER – Bradley mascot KaBoom! rides a tricycle and high-fives fans as the Braves battle SEMO in their season opener Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Redhawks 88-60.
BRADLEY OPENER – Bradley’s Darius Hannah, bottom, and SEMO’s Brendan Terry struggle on the court for a loose ball in the second half of the Braves’ season opener Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Redhawks 88-60.
BRADLEY OPENER – Bradley’s Almar Atlaso reacts to scoring and drawing a foul against SEMO in the second half of the Braves’ season opener Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Redhawks 88-60.
BRADLEY OPENER – Bradley’s Duke Deen takes the spotlight as fans line up to greet him during player introduction before the start of of the Braves’ season opener Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the SEMO Redhawks 88-60.
ELECTION DAY – Voters cast their ballots Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at a booth in the sanctuary of The Encounter Church in East Peoria.
ELECTION DAY – First-time election judges and Richwoods High School students Johnny Thai, left, 16, and Joshua Opherk, 17, help a voter at the polling place Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria.
ELECTION DAY – Jessica Heid works on her election ballot Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the polling place in El Vista Baptist Church in Peoria.
ELECTION DAY – Christian Johnson sways to some jazz music with his two-month-old daughter Madeline during an election night watch-party Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the Peoria County Republican HQ in Peoria.
ELECTION DAY – Cardboard cutouts of former Republican presidents stand in the background as Cora Shane, 11, far left, her sister Audrey, 14, facing, and friends Sam Pribaz, 13, far right, and his sisters Veronica, 9, in red and blue bows, and Miriam, 8, hang out during an election night watch-party Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the Peoria County Republican HQ in Peoria.
ILLINI BLUFFS VS HENRY – The Illini Bluffs Tigers celebrate their victory over Henry Senachwine in the Class 1A Williamsfield Sectional volleyball championship Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Williamsfield High School. The Tigers defeated the Mallards in straight sets 25-17, 25-21.
ILLINI BLUFFS VS HENRY – Henry’s Kaitlyn Anderson bumps the ball against Illini Bluffs in the first set of the Class 1A Williamsfield Sectional volleyball championship Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Williamsfield High School. The Tigers defeated the Mallards in straight sets 25-17, 25-21.
ILLINI BLUFFS VS HENRY – Henry-Senachwine Mallards fans in the student section celebrate a point for their team as they battle Illini Bluffs in the first set of the Class 1A Williamsfield Sectional volleyball championship Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Williamsfield High School. The Tigers defeated the Mallards in straight sets 25-17, 25-21.
ILLINI BLUFFS VS HENRY – Henry’s Kaitlyn Anderson (12) and Brynna Anderson (21) try to block a spike from Illini Bluffs’ Lexi Brinkman in the second set of the Class 1A Williamsfield Sectional volleyball championship Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Williamsfield High School. The Tigers defeated the Mallards in straight sets 25-17, 25-21.
METAMORA VS MORGAN PARK – The Metamora defense rips the jersey off Morgan Park’s Terrance Gurley in the first half of their second-round football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Metamora. The Redbirds were eliminated 55-28.
METAMORA VS MORGAN PARK – Metamora’s Jaiduan Cranford, left, and Morgan Park’s Ahmad Grayer go helmet-to-helmet in the first half of their second-round football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Metamora. The Redbirds were eliminated 55-28.
METAMORA VS MORGAN PARK – Metamora’s Mark Frederick Jr. tries to grab a pass in front of Morgan Park’s Kendall Griffin in the first half of their second-round football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Metamora. The Redbirds were eliminated 55-28.
METAMORA VS MORGAN PARK – Morgan Park’s Nasir Rankin (7) grabs a touchdown pass over the Metamora defense in the first half of their second-round football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Metamora. The Redbirds were eliminated 55-28.
METAMORA VS MORGAN PARK – Morgan Park’s Terrance Gurley, left, shoves Metamora’s Brady Karch in the second half of their second-round football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Metamora. The Redbirds were eliminated 55-28.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – A loud crack and puff of smoke kicks off the Class 1A Girls Cross Country State Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – The Eureka Hornets celebrate after their third place finish in the Class 1A Boys State Cross Country Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – Runners in the Class 1A Girls Cross Country Championship race pass by a canopy of all color on the course Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – Elmwood’s Aiden Faulkner gets a hug as he and the Trojans check the scoreboard after the Class 1A Boys State Cross Country Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Faulkner was the top finisher for Elmwood in 25th place, helping the Trojans take second-place overall.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – Morton’s Christian Harris spawls out on the ground as his teammates offer aid after the Class 2A Boys State Cross Country Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Harris led the Potters to a second-place team finish.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – Peoria Notre Dame’s Maxwell Kirby leads the Irish to a fifth-place finish in the Class 1A Boys State Cross Country Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Kirby finished in 14:47.61 for fourth place.
STATE CROSS-COUNTRY – Dunlap’s Aubrey Ott, facing, and teammate Josie Kroll embrace at the finish line area after the Class 2A Girls State Cross Country Championship race Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – Limestone’s Ella Karmenzind (24) and the Rockets celebrate their two-set victory over Providence Catholic in their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets defeated Celtics 25-23, 25-23 to advance to the state semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Normal.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – Limestone’s Bryn Williamson, lower left, gets a hand on the ball as she and teammate Ella Karmenzind defend against Providence Catholic in the first set of their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets advanced to the state semifinals with a 25-23, 25-23 win.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – Limestone’s Khloe Stear dives for the ball in the first set of their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets advanced to the state semifinals with a 25-23, 25-23 win over Providence Catholic.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – Limestone’s Brylee Sprout (23) and Khloe Stear nearly collide in the first set of their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets advanced to the state semifinals with a 25-23, 25-23 win over Providence Catholic.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – The Limestone Rockets and their fans celebrate their two-set victory over Providence Catholic in their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets defeated the Celtics 25-23, 25-23 to advance to the state semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Normal.
LIMESTONE HEADS TO STATE – Limestone’s Bryn Williamson, facing, and Paige Werneburg, right, hug teammate Brylee Sprout after the Rockets’ two-set victory over Providence Catholic in their Class 3A volleyball supersectional Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at Pontiac High School. The Rockets defeated Celtics 25-23, 25-23 to advance to the state semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Normal.
BRADLEY VS UTSA – Bradley fans try to distract a UTSA foul shooter with giant cardboard heads of Shrek and Chuck Norris in the second half of their nonconference basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated UTSA 85-72.
BRADLEY VS UTSA – Bradley’s Christian Davis (5) goes to the basket against UTSA’s Jaquan Scott in the first half of their nonconference basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated UTSA 85-72.
BRADLEY VS UTSA – Bradley head coach Brian Wardle and the Braves bench clap for their team as they battle UTSA in the first half of their nonconference basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated UTSA 85-72.
THE MODERN GENTLEMAN – Aaron Selburg, left, and Heidi Mitzelfelt have opened a new men’s clothing store called The Modern Gentleman at 800 SW Adams Street Suite 105 in Peoria’s Warehouse District. The store is located in a section of vacant buildings under renovation by Baldovin Development next to the new Pop-Up Chicken Shop.
THE MODERN GENTLEMAN – Shirts, shoes and a large selection of ties fill the shelves and tables of the new menswear retailer The Modern Gentleman at 800 SW Adams Street Suite 105 in Peoria.
THE MODERN GENTLEMAN – Fashion designer Aaron Selburg talks ties with customer Mark Black of Peoria at The Modern Gentleman, a new menswear store in Peoria’s Warehouse District. The Modern Gentleman offers expert fashion advice and a custom-fitting service.
RUSSELL’S CYCLING & FITNESS – Over the past 48 years, Joe Russell, owner of Russell’s Cycling & Fitness at 10 Valley Forge Drive in Washington, has evolved his business from a small bicycle repair shop in his parents’ garage to a popular mainstay of bicycle and fitness equipment sales and repair in central Illinois.
RUSSELL’S CYCLING & FITNESS – Russell’s Cycling & Fitness employee Jackson Lenover moves bicycles around in the basement/warehouse area of the Washington business. Owner Joe Russell offers a large selection of used bicycles and also keeps bikes for donation in the lower level.
RUSSELL’S CYCLING & FITNESS – Joe Russell, owner of Russell’s Cycling & Fitness, works the front desk at the longtime business in Washington.
RUSSELL’S CYCLING & FITNESS – Ethan Otte of Russell’s Cycling & Fitness cleans up a customer’s bicycle in the workshop of the Washington business.
PEORIA HIGH VS JOLIET CATHOLIC – The Peoria High Lions take the field against Joliet Catholic for their Class 5A state football quarterfinal Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions fell to the Hilltoppers 43-8.
PEORIA HIGH VS JOLIET CATHOLIC – Peoria High’s Spencer Russell (1) snags a long pass reception against Joliet Catholic in the first half of their Class 5A state quarterfinal football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions fell to the Hilltoppers 43-8.
PEORIA HIGH VS JOLIET CATHOLIC – Peoria’s Dorsey Doss reacts to a Lions’ stop against Joliet Catholic in the first half of their Class 5A state quarterfinal football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. The Lions fell to the Hilltoppers 43-8.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – Limestone’s Khloe Stear (1) and her Rockets teammates celebrate a point against Mahomet-Seymour in the second set of their Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – Limestone’s Paige Werneburg (7) and Bryle Sprout (23) leap to defend against Mahomet-Seymour’s Ava Yeakel in the second set of their Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – Limestone’s Mia Lambert (9) spikes the ball past Mahomet Seymour’s Anna Streicher in the first set of their Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – Limestone’s Khloe Stear bumps the ball against Mahomet-Seymour in the second set of their Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – The Limestone Rockets hold back tears and console each other after falling to Mahomet-Seymour in the Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – Limestone assistant coach Jen Lamberti, left, consoles her daughter Mia after the Rockets’ loss to Mahomet-Seymour in the Class 3A state volleyball title match Saturday, Nov. 15 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Rockets fell in three sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
LIMESTONE STATE FINAL – The Limestone Rockets hoist their Class 3A state volleyball runner-up trophy after falling to Mahomet-Seymour in three sets in the title match Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Bulldogs won 22-25, 25-22, 25-18.
Steam rises from the roaster as roastmaster Chris Bohan drops a batch of freshly-roasted coffee beans at the new Leaves ’n Beans roastery and retail store at 901 W. Lake Ave. in Peoria. The popular coffee house recently completed moving its roasting operations from the Trefzger’s Bakery building in Peoria Heights to a renovated auto repair center in the Evergreen Square Shopping Center.
MATILDA’S LOUNGE – Whitney Calvert sits on a sofa next to a vintage television surrounded by 1970’s-era decor at her new bar Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge at 100 State Street in Peoria.
MATILDA’S LOUNGE – Unique bar stools, wood paneling and a vintage-style countertop hearken back to lounges of the 1970 at Matilda’s Lounge on State Street in Peoria.
MATILDA’S LOUNGE – A vintage plaid sofa and some old puzzles and games await patrons in a side room of the new 1970s-inspired bar Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge on State Street in Peoria.
MATILDA’S LOUNGE – Cocktails are served up in a collection of Looney Tunes and other cartoon character glasses at the new 1970s-themed bar Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge on State Street in Peoria. The lounge’s craft cocktails are inspired by Sesame Street, including the Snuggle Up With Us, a bourbon-based drink in the Garfield glass, and Tickle Me, a vodka-cranberry style drink inspired by Elmo.
MATILDA’S LOUNGE – Wood laminate tables and vintage office chairs fill the main part of the new 1970s-themed bar Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge at State Street in Peoria.
Limestone Rockets sophomore Mia Lamberti is the 2024 Journal Star Volleyball Player of the Year.
FARMINGTON VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN – Despite the cold, Farmington lineman Aiden Shepherd shows a little skin as the Farmers battle Chicago Christian in the first half of their Class 2A state football semifinal Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Farmington. The Farmers fell 34-20.
FARMINGTON VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN – Farmington’s Jerett Fauser (1) forces a fumble on Chicago Christian running back Kenny Jager as teammate Carter Lambin (10) moves in to help in the first half of their Class 2A state football semifinal game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Farmington. The undefeated Farmers fell 34-20.
FARMINGTON VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN – Farmington’s Boston Smith (0) and Carter Lambin (10) react after an interception by Chicago Christian’s Christian Flutman in the second half of their Class 2A state football semifinal Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Farmington. The Farmers fell 34-20.
FARMINGTON VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN – Farmington senior quarterback Lane Wheelwright, facing, and senior wide receiver Tristan Passmore hug after the Farmers’ 34-20 loss to Chicago Christian in the Class 2A state football semifinals Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Farmington.
FARMINGTON VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN – Farmington senior football players hold up their Class 2A state football semifinals plaque after falling to Chicago Christian 34-20 Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Farmington.
WINNINGEST COACH – Rivermen head coach Jean-Guy Trudel gets doused in water after becoming the winningest coach in SPHL history Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Carver Arena. A 5-0 win over Pensacola broke the record for the longtime head coach.
WINNINGEST COACH – Member of the Peoria Rivermen hug head coach Jean-Guy Trudel after honoring him as the winningest coach in SPHL history Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Carver Arena. Trudel and the Rivermen broke the record with a 5-0 win over Pensacola.
WINNINGEST COACH – Former Rivermen captain Alec Hagaman, right, surprises head coach Jean-Gruy Trudel in the locker room after the team’s 5-0 win over Pensacola made Trudel the winning coach in SPHL history Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS JUDSON – Bradley’s Zek Montgomery (3) dunks the ball over Judson’s Isaiah Perry in the first half of the Braves’ 107-41 blowout of the Eagles on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS JUDSON – Bradley’s Demarion Burch, facing, and Zek Montgomery hug after Burch’s dunk against Judson in the second half of the Braves’ 107-41 blowout of the Eagles on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS JUDSON – Bradley’s Duke Deen (21), Demarion Burch (0), Zek Montgomery, upper left, and the rest of the Bradley Braves celebrate a three-pointer late in the second half of their 107-41 blowout of the Judson Eagles on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Carver Arena.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE – Cordt Timke, 6, of Havana checks for traffic as he stretches out on the concrete for candy during the 137th annual Santa Claus Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 through downtown Peoria.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE – Parade-goers stay are bundled up against the cold as they enjoy the 137th annual Santa Claus Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 through downtown Peoria.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE – Members of the Richwoods High School Marching Band perform during the 137th annual Santa Claus Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 through downtown Peoria.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE – Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from their sleigh during the 137th annual Santa Claus Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 through downtown Peoria.
