BLUE DUCK – A half-rack of ribs with sides of baked beans, bacon potato salad and a cornbread muffin at the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in the River Station at 212 SW Water Street in downtown Peoria.
BLUE DUCK – A crowd gathers at lunchtime at the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in the River Station in downtown Peoria.
BLUE DUCK – An old decoy duck serves as decoration at the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in the River Station in downtown Peoria.
REGIONAL WRESTLING – Washington’s Michael Mendoza, left, and Morton’s Cade Robison tangle in the 138-pound title match of the Class 2A wrestling regionals Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at Morton High School. Mendoza pinned Robison for the win.
REGIONAL WRESTLING – Washington’s Symon Woods, right, and Richwoods’ Wensley Rahn compete in the 106-pound final of the Class 2A wrestling regionals Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at Morton High School. Woods won the match by major decision 15-7.
REGIONAL WRESTLING – Metamora’s Grady Neal, top, and Dunlap’s Colton Mosack compete in the 150-pound title match of the Class 2A wrestling regionals Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at Morton High School. Neal took the title with a 7-1 decision.
REGIONAL WRESTLING – Washington’s Wyatt Lehman, facing, battles East Peoria’s Dalton Oakman in the 190-pound title match of the Class 2A wrestling regionals Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at Morton High School. Oakman took the title with a 16-1 technical fall.
EAST PEORIA VS MORTON – East Peoria’s Jackson Ahrens (1) tries to steal the ball from Morton’s Wes Gudeman in the second half of their Mid-Illini high school basketball game Friday, Feb. 8, 2025 at East Peoria High School. The Raiders upset state-ranked Morton 72-69 in overtime.
EAST PEORIA VS MORTON – East Peoria’s Jackson Ahrens (1) puts up a three-point shot against Morton in the second half of their Mid-Illini high school basketball game Friday, Feb. 8, 2025 at East Peoria High School. The Raiders upset state-ranked Morton 72-69 in overtime.
EAST PEORIA VS MORTON – East Peoria’s Jordan Marsh (21) and the Raiders congratulate teammate Quinton Kitt (23) after their 72-69 victory over Morton on Friday, Feb. 8, 2025 at East Peoria High School.
WASHINGTON VS MORTON – Washington’s Dani Guedet, middle, tangles with Morton’s Paige Selke (31) and Katie Brock in the first period of the Mid-Illini Conference title game Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Morton High School. The Panthers defeated the Potters 67-50.
WASHINGTON VS MORTON – Morton’s Abby VanMeenen (24) and Katie Brock, right, converge on Washington’s Ainsley Redlingshafer for a loose ball in the first period of the Mid-Illini Conference title game Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Morton High School. The Panthers defeated the Potters 67-50.
WASHINGTON VS MORTON – Washington’s Avery Tibbs tees up a three-point attempt against the Morton Potters in the first period of the Mid-Illini Conference title game Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Morton High School. The Panthers defeated the Potters 67-50.
WASHINGTON VS MORTON – Morton’s Jorja Farrell (11) and Katie Brock show some dejection as the Potters fall well behind the Washington Panthers late in the second period of the Mid-Illini Conference title game Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Morton High School. The Panthers defeated the Potters 67-50.
WASHINGTON VS MORTON – A cheerleader hugs Washington’s Mazzy O’Brien after the Washington Panthers’ 67-50 victory over Morton in the second period of the Mid-Illini Conference title game Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Morton High School.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Bradley’s Darius Hannah dunks over Southern Illinois’ Davion Sykes in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Bradley head coach Brian Wardle directs his defense as they battle Southern Illinois in the first half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Southern Illinois’ Davion Sykes (4) and Jarrett Hensley (32) pressure Bradley’s Zek Montgomery in the first half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Bradley’s Demarion Burch, far right, and Jaquan Johnson, middle, help teammate Duke Deen get back on his feet after he sank an off-balance three-pointer against Southern Illinois in the second half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Bradley’s Christian Davis defends against Southern Illinois’ Kennard Davis Jr. in the first half of their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
BRADLEY VS SIU – Bradley teammates Almar Atlason (1) and Christian Davis congratulate each other after the Braves defeated Southern Illinois in their MVC basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 78-64.
Matt Kelly of Illinois Mutual creates his own snowstorm as he clears the sidewalk with a leaf blower in front of the company’s building Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in downtown Peoria
POLAR PLUNGE – A diver tees up a belly flop during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
POLAR PLUNGE – An enthusiastic diver high-fives after her plunge during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
POLAR PLUNGE – A plunger is engulfed by 40-degree water in a pool during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
POLAR PLUNGE – A polar plunger gives the thumbs up just before hitting the water during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
POLAR PLUNGE – A polar plunger creates a big splash during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
POLAR PLUNGE – Volunteer TJ Pfeiffer of the Illinois Central College baseball team takes the final plunge during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. Pfeiffer was in charge of helping participants out of the water. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
QUAD CON – Marie Berchtold of Pekin shows off the lily pad hat she made as part of her costume for the cosplay pageant during the Peoria Quad Con on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 at Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
QUAD CON – John Wells, organizer of the Peoria Quad Con, chats with customers at his comic book stand Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 at Northwoods Mall in Peoria. About 65 vendors offered comics, games, art and other pop culture collectibles while cosplay enthusiasts put their costumes on display in a pageant and parade.
QUAD CON – Payton Ried of Tremont sports an elaborate costume and colored contact lenses as the character Angel Dust from the animé series Hazbin Hotel during the Peoria Quad Con on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 at Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
QUAD CON – Katerina Lusch of Bloomington adjust her three-year-old daughter Yari’s costume during the Peoria Quad Con on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 at Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
METAMORA VS DUNLAP – The Metamora student section cheers on the Redbirds during player introductions before the start of their Mid-Illini Conference basketball game against Dunlap on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Metamora. The Redbirds clinched the conference title with a 59-58 win.
METAMORA VS DUNLAP – Metamora’s Jonah Funk, left, and Colin Ramage, right, stop Dunlap’s Gavin Gibbs at the basket in the second half of their Mid-Illini Conference basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Metamora. The Redbirds clinched the conference title with a 59-58 win.
METAMORA VS DUNLAP – Metamora’s Jonah Funk defends against Dunlap’s Mack Sutter in the second half of their Mid-Illini Conference basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Metamora. The Redbirds clinched the conference title with a 59-58 win.
METAMORA VS DUNLAP – Metamora’s Matthew Zobrist (5) drives to the basket between Dunlap’s Jack Steffen, left, and Austin Walker in the second half of their Mid-Illini Conference basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Metamora. The Redbirds clinched the conference title with a 59-58 win.
BRADLEY VS ISU – Illinois State fans toss confetti after the Redbirds’ first score of the game against Bradley in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU in Normal. The Braves fell to the Redbirds 82-71.
BRADLEY VS ISU – A stream of blood flows down Illinois State guard Johnny Kinziger’s face after a collision with Bradley’s Zek Montgomery in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU in Normal. The Braves fell to the Redbirds 82-71.
BRADLEY VS ISU – Illinois State’s Dalton Banks reacts after a score against Bradley in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU Arena in Normal.
BRADLEY VS ISU – Bradley’s Duke Deen sticks out his tongue after hitting a three-pointer late in the game against Illinois State on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU Arena in Normal.
BRADLEY VS ISU – An Illinois State fan swings his pom poms as the Redbirds battle Bradley in the second half of their Missouri Valley Conference basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU in Normal. The Braves fell to the Redbirds 82-71.
BRADLEY VS ISU – ISU guard Johnny Kinziger sports a bloody wound as he stands with his teammates to sing the Redbirds fight song after defeating Bradley 82-71 on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. Kinziger suffered a cut over his eye on a collision with Bradley’s Zek Montgomery.
BRADLEY VS ISU – Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon hugs freshman forward Jack Daugherty after the Redbirds’ 82-71 upset of the Bradley Braves on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU Arena in Normal. Daugherty landed seven three-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 points.
Renowned artist Preston Jackson ponders his next brush stroke on a large painting in his studio at the Contemporary Arts Center in Peoria.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – The Dee-Mack Chiefs celebrate their 46-40 victory over Manual in the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – Manual’s Aylana Maxwell, left, and Ma’Kya Maxwell, right, force a turnover from Dee-Mack’s Rylie Durbin in the first half of the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School. The Chief took the title with a 46-40 win over Manual.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – Manual’s Admyre Thompson tries to get around Dee-Mack’s Dalia DeJesus (24) after a Chiefs turnover in the first half of the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School. The Chief took the title with a 46-40 win over Manual.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – Manual’s Aylana Maxwell, left, tries to knock a rebound away from Dee-Mack’s Dalia DeJesus in the first half of the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School. The Chief took the title with a 46-40 win over Manual.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – A teammate consoles Manual’s Cameeya Wade after the Rams’ 46-40 loss to Dee-Mack in the second half of the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School.
BASKETBALL REGIONAL – Dee-Mack’s Dalia DeJesus, facing at right, and head coach Joni Nightengale celebrate their 46-40 win over Manual in the Class 2A girls basketball regional final Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Manual High School.
CURLY SHAWARMA – Customers can watch the crew at Curly Shawarma on Western Avenue in West Peoria prepare meals behind the glass at the front counter.
CURLY SHAWARMA – Curly Shawarma owner Fahd Sanany slices beef from the rotisserie at the new West Peoria restaurant on Western Avenue.
CURLY SHAWARMA – One of the most popular dishes at Curly Shawarma is the mix grill plate featuring beef kufta, kabob and chicken tawook with rice, hummus and salad.
JONAH’S – Large windows give patrons at Jonah’s Seafood House an impressive view of the East Peoria riverfront and the Peoria skyline. The longtime local favorite was awarded a Community’s Choice Award for best seafood restaurant in the area.
JONAH’S – An entrée of sesame-encrusted Hawaiian Ahi Tuna at Jonah’s Seafood Restaurant is pan-seared, covered with toasted sesame seeds and served with pickled ginger, sweet ocean greens, peanut butter lime, wasabi aioli and asian ginger sauces.
JONAH’S – The flaky pink meat of the Jonah’s “devil-bronzed” Ora King Salmon stands out against the pan-seared, creole-crusted skin covered with a sweet vinegar raisin sauce.
JONAH’S – A pair of giant mirrors make the 2601 Oyster Bar at Jonah’s Seafood House appear doubly large.
Naya Grimm, left, and her mother Lena, plus Naya’s dog Trout, have turned their love of cowboy hats, horses and all things Western into Mud Creek Mercantile at 104 W. Jefferson Street in Morton.
RIVS VS STORM – Peoria’s Carlos Baptiste (26) tries to get a shot past Quad City goaltender Roni Salmenkangas in the second period of their SPHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen defeated the Storm 7-3.
RIVS VS STORM – Peoria’s Carlos Fornaris celebrates after scoring the third goal of the game against Quad City in the second period of their SPHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen defeated the Storm 7-3.
RIVS VS STORM – Peoria’s Jordan Ernst left, and Quad City’s Weiland Parrish tangke in the first period of their SPHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen defeated the Storm 7-3.
RIVS VS STORM – Peoria’s Zach Wilkie, left, and Jacob Gagon crash into the boards in the first period of their SPHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen defeated the Storm 7-3.
RIVS VS STORM – The Rivermen and their fans celebrate a goal against Quad City by Griffen Fox in the second period of their SPHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen defeated the Storm 7-3.
STATE WRESTLING – Washington’s Peyton Cox sheds some tears of joy after defeating IC Catholic’s Aidan Arnett 1-0 in the 144-pound match of the Class 2A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
STATE WRESTLING – Rockford East’s Donald Cannon tangles with Lombard Montini’s Kam Luif in the 138-pound match of the Class 2A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Luif took the title with a 15-5 major decision.
STATE WRESTLING – Tears well up in the eyes of Lemont’s Juda Heeg as he celebrates his win over Crystal Lake Central’s Cayden Parks in the 190-pound match of the Class 2A state high school wrestling finals Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
STATE WRESTLING – Tremont’s Bowden Delaney, right, tangles with Roxana’s Lyndon Thies in the 165-pound match of the Class 1A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Delaney took the title with a 7-4 decision.
STATE WRESTLING – Tremont’s Bowden Delaney, right, celebrates after defeating Roxana’s Lyndon Thies in the 165-pound match of the Class 1A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Delaney took the title with a 7-4 decision.
STATE WRESTLING – Washington’s Noah Woods jumps into the arms of coach Nick Miller after his victory over Lombard Montini’s Mikey Malizzio in the Class 2A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.,
STATE WRESTLING – Vandalia’s Max Philpot breaks down in the arms of his coaches after defeating Woodstock Marian’s Austin Hagevold in the 113-pound match of the Class 1A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
A long line of emergency vehicles leads the way down Knoxville Avenue from Northwoods Community Church for the funeral procession of Peoria Fire Department Captain Eric Scoby on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in Peoria. Scoby passed away February 17 after a battle with cancer.
REGIONAL FINAL – Dee-Mack fans high-five star player Dalia DeJesus during player introductions before the Chiefs face Peoria Notre Dame in the Class 2A Mackinaw Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Dee-Mack High School in Mackinaw.
REGIONAL FINAL – Dee-Mack’s Dalia DeJesus, far right, jumps on a loose ball as Peoria Notre Dame’s Aidan Maloney (14) and Cora Heinz, top left, try to defend in the second half of the Class 2A Dee-Mack Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Mackinaw. The Irish took the title 47-43.
REGIONAL FINAL – Peoria Notre Dame’s Lexi Baer, right, knocks the ball away from Dee-Mack’s Mackrenzie Knowles in the first half of the Class 2A Dee-Mack Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Mackinaw. The Irish took the title 47-43.
REGIONAL FINAL – A fan pours popcorn into the mouth of another in the Dee-Mack student section as the Chiefs battle the Peoria Notre Dame Irish in the second half of the Class 2A Dee-Mack Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Mackinaw. The Irish took the title 47-43.
REGIONAL FINAL – Dee-Mack’s Dalia DeJesus, left, comes down with a rebound against Peoria Notre Dame’s Cora Heinz in the second half of the Class 2A Dee-Mack Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Mackinaw. The Irish took the title 47-43.
REGIONAL FINAL – Peoria Notre Dame head coach Layne Langholf coaches and the Irish bench reacts to their lead over Dee-Mack late in the second half of the Class 2A Dee-Mack Sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Mackinaw. The Irish took the title 47-43.
REGIONAL FINAL – Peoria Notre Dame’s Alli Stickelmaier (12) and Lexi Baer embrace as time runs out on the Irish’s 47-43 win over Dee-Mack in the Class 2A girls basketball sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Dee-Mack High School in Mackinaw.
REGIONAL FINAL – Peoria Notre Dame’s Lexi Baer celebrates with her friends after the Irish defeated Dee-Mack 47-43 for the Class 2A girls basketball sectional title Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Dee-Mack High School.
REGIONAL FINAL – The Peoria Notre Dame Irish celebrate with their fans after defeating Dee-Mack 47-43 in the Class 2A girls basketball sectional title game Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Dee-Mack High School.
