John and Kindra Mumma and their son John, 8, stand in front of their restaurant Toots Treats at 608 W. Main Street in Elmwood. The family, including daughters Kaydence, 13, and Keira, 11, lost nearly everything in a New Year’s Eve fire that destroyed their Elmwood home. But the community stepped up, flooding their business with customers and raising money and other donations to aid the family in their time of need.
ELMWOOD VS. FARMINGTON – Elmwood’s Liv Meyers (32) grabs a rebound from Farmington’s Emily Vallianatos (11), Mariah Hayden (5) and Anna Webel in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 in Elmwood. The Trojans defeated the Farmers 51-23.
ELMWOOD VS. FARMINGTON – Elmwood’s Kaitlyn Noll, left, and Farmington’s Kyleigh Miller collide as Miller steals the ball in the second half Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 in Elmwood. The Trojans defeated the Farmers 51-23.
ELMWOOD VS. FARMINGTON – Elmwood’s Liv Meyers shoots over Farmington’s Averie Gilstrap (21) and Mariah Hayden (5) in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 in Elmwood. The Trojans defeated the Farmers 51-23.
SELFIE SPACE – Renee Waller, owner of the new Selfie Space at 114 NE Madison Avenue in downtown Peoria, stands in the brightly-lit mirror room, one of several elaborate backgrounds for customers to use for selfies and other portraits. Waller opened the studio in August.
SELFIE SPACE – One of the more popular backgrounds at the Selfie Space in downtown Peoria features an elegant soft pink sofa and a neon sign.
SELFIE SPACE – Giant papier-mache flowers fill one of the selfie backgrounds at the new Selfie Space studio in downtown Peoria.
SELFIE SPACE – One of the more unique selfie backgrounds at the new Selfie Space in downtown Peoria is a ball pit with a colorful painted backdrop.
RIVERMAN VS. VERMILION COUNTY – Vermilion County goaltender Brett Epp (34) deflects a shot by Peoria’s Andrew Durham in the first period Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen fell to the Bobcats 4-2.
RIVERMEN VS. VERMILION COUNTY – Peoria’s Louie Rowe (27) keeps a grip on Vermilion County’s Peter DiMartino during an altercation at the net in the first period Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen fell to the Bobcats 4-2.
RIVERMEN VS. VERMILION COUNTY – Peoria goaltender Eric Levine tries to stop a shot from Vermilion County’s Sullivan Shortreed in the first period Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen fell to the Bobcats 4-2.
RIVERMEN VS. VERMILION COUNTY – Peoria’s Alec Hagaman (17) tries to deflect the puck between Vermilion County’s Peter DiMartino (28) and goaltender Brett Epp in the first period Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen fell to the Bobcats 4-2.
RIVERMEN VS. VERMILION COUNTY – Peoria goaltender Ben Churchfield lies on the ice as the Vermilion County Bobcats start to celebrate their tie-breaking goal in the third period Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Rivermen fell to the Bobcats 4-2.
BRADLEY VS. VALPO – Bradley’s Darius Hannah (35) dunks over Valpo’s Ibra Bayu in the first half Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Beacons 88-66.
BRADLEY VS. VALPO – Bradley’s Ja’Shon Henry, right, battles for a rebound with Valpo’s Quinton Green (14), Ibra Bayu (12) and Ben Krikke in the first half Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Beacons 88-66.
BRADLEY VS. VALPO – Valpo’s Darius DeAveiro (4) tries to deflect a pass from Bradley’s Ville Tahvanainen, second from left, to teammate Ahmet Jonovic in the second half Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Beacons 88-66.
BRADLEY VS. VALPO – Bradley’s Ja’Shon Henry, left, loses his feet on a flagrant foul from Valpo’s Ibra Bayu in the first half Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Beacons 88-66.
Mike Johnson, 60 and newly retired, is ready to relax at his East Peoria home after nearly three decades with the Fon du Lac Park Police Department. As chief of the park police, the Air Force veteran built the department’s river policing program from the ground up into the primary resource for local law enforcement on the Illinois River.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Manual’s Dietrich Richardson (11) tries to block a shot by Richwoods’ Sabri Qattum in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Manual head coach Marvin Jordan tries to help Carrion Ferrell after he was injured during a play against Richwoods in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Richwoods head coach William Smith talks with his team during the quarter break against Manual in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Richwoods’ Tavie Smith (4) defends against Manual’s Gerron Trapps in the second half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Manual head coach Marvin Jordan, clapping, and his assistants encourage the Rams as they battle Richwoods in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
RICHWOODS VS. MANUAL – Richwoods’ Sabri Qattum (24) tangles with Manual’s Louis Bailey in the second half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Richwoods High School. The Knights defeated the Rams 70-54.
BRADLEY VS. EVANSVILLE – The Bradley bench erupts after a slam dunk against MVC foe Evansville by teammate Zek Montgomery late in the second half Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves obliterated the Aces 91-46 for their 17th straight home victory.
BRADLEY VS. EVANSVILLE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons (14) and Evansville’s Marvin Coleman II collide on an inbounds pass in the second half Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 91-46.
BRADLEY VS. EVANSVILLE – Bradley’s Rienk Mast, top, and Evansville’s Kenny Strawbridge Jr. scramble for a loose ball in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 91-46.
BRADLEY VS. EVANSVILLE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons (14) drops in a reverse layup against Evansville in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 91-46.
BRADLEY VS. EVANSVILLE – Bradley head coach Brian Wardle, middle, greets Connor Hickman, right, and Ville Tahvanainen as they come off the court late in the second half against Evansville on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 91-46.
UP SHEETS CREEK – Scott Sheets stands outside his new tavern Sheets Creek Saloon at 100 Sheets Creek Way in Spring Bay. Sheets built the business in hopes of capitalizing on visitors from the nearby Sankoty Lakes resort and recreational vehicle park next door.
UP SHEETS CREEK – Patrons fill the bar Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at the new Sheets Creek Saloon in Spring Bay. The new business opened in September.
UP SHEETS CREEK – The interior of the new Sheets Creek Saloon in Spring Bay is decorated predominantly in an outdoors theme including an old canoe on a shelf and paddles on the walls.
UP SHEETS CREEK – Metal fencing separates Sheets Creek Saloon from Lake Canada, one of three recreational lakes available for use at the Sankoty Lakes resort in Spring Bay.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – Delavan’s Micah Brockhouse (4) makes a move to the basket against Peoria Christian during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Chargers advanced to the title game with a 61-41 victory over the Panthers.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – Illini Bluffs’ Hank Alvey, left, blocks a shot by ROWVA/Williamsfield’s Graham Wight during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Tigers advanced to the Saturday title game with a 61-34 victory over the Cougars.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – ROWVA/Williamsfield’s Graham Wight (52) and Riley Danner, far right, tangle with Illini Bluffs’ Hank Alvey, top left, and Devon White during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Tigers advanced to the title game with a 61-34 victory over the Cougars.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – Delavan’s Zach McLean (24) tries to strip the ball from Peoria Christian’s Kitan Isawumi during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Chargers advanced to the title game with a 61-41 victory over the Panthers.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – Illini Bluffs’ Devon White gets past ROWVA/Wethersfield’s Graham Wight during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Tigers advanced to the title game with a 61-34 victory over the Cougars.
ICAC SEMIFINALS – Peoria Christian’s Adam Pepper, right, and Jayce Moody, left, try to grab a loose ball from Delavan’s Zach McLean during their ICAC Tournament semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School in Peoria. The Chargers advanced to the title game with a 61-41 victory over the Panthers.
CARDINALS CARAVAN – St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford chats with a young fan as he signs autographs Friday, Jan. 13, 2022 during the annual Cardinals Caravan at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Woodford was joined by catcher Ivan Herrera, Peoria Chiefs shortstop Masyn Winn, and alumni players Bernard Gilkey and Bo Hart.
CARDINALS CARAVAN – A fan passes an autographed St. Louis Cardinals ball cap laden with autographs to former Cardinals player Bernard Gilkey during the annual Cardinals Caravan on Friday, Jan. 3, 2023 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.
RIVERMEN VS. ICE BEARS – Knoxville goaltender Bailey MacBurnie (29) deflects a shot from Peoria’s JM Piotrowski in the second period Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen fell to the Ice Bears 6-4.
RIVERMEN VS. ICE BEARS – Young hockey players take to the ice between the first and second periods during a game between the Peoria Rivermen and the Knoxville Ice Bears on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen fell to the Ice Bears 6-4.
RIVERMEN VS. ICE BEARS – Peoria’s Marcel Godbout (58) battles Knoxville’s Bailey Conger (12) in front of goalie Bailey MacBurnie in the second period Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen fell to the Ice Bears 6-4.
RIVERMEN VS. ICE BEARS – Peoria goaltender Eric Levine handles a shot from Knoxville in the third period Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen fell to the Ice Bears 6-4.
RIVERMEN VS. ICE BEARS – Peoria goaltender Eric Levine (3) stops a shot on goal from Knoxville’s Nick Pryce in the third period Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Rivermen fell to the Ice Bears 6-4.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – The Metamora Redbirds get pumped up before the start of their game against Sacred Heart-Griffin on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – Metamora’s Tyler Mason, left, and Drew Tucker, middle, celebrate after Tucker took a foul from SH-G’s Zack Hawkinson, right, on a successful layup in the first half Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – Metamora’s Drew Tucker (24) and Tyson Swanson collide with SH-G’s Zack Hawkinson on a rebound in the second half Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – Metamora’s Tyson Swanson (22) gets past SH-G’s Will Hamilton for a score in the second half Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – SH-G’s Bryce Musgrave, left, and J’veon Bardwell, right, double up on Metamora’s Matthew Zobrist in the first half Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
METAMORA VS. SH-G – SH-G’s Keshon Singleton (5) reacts to a foul called against the Cyclones late in the second half against Metamora on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at UI-Springfield. The Redbirds defeated the defending 3A state champion Cyclones 60-50.
DUNLAP VS. MANUAL – A spotlight shines on the Dunlap bench as players are introduced before the start of their game against Peoria High on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Dunlap High School. The Lions defeated the Eagles 71-46.
DUNLAP VS. MANUAL – Peoria High’s De’Kwon Brown (2) knocks the ball away from Dunlap’s Ryan DiGiallonardo in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Dunlap High School. The Lions defeated the Eagles 71-46.
DUNLAP VS. MANUAL – Peoria High’s Leshawn Stowers (21) and Antonio Moore (24) defend against Dunlap’s Ryan DiGiallonardo in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Dunlap High School. The Lions defeated the Eagles 71-46.
DUNLAP VS. MANUAL – Peoria High’s Leshawn Stowers (21) swats the ball away on a Dunlap shot in the first half Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Dunlap High School. The Lions defeated the Eagles 71-46.
PEORIA CHRISTIAN VS. ILLINI BLUFFS – Peoria Christian’s Keton Isuwami (3) blocks a shot from Illini Bluffs’ Jayden Washington in the second half Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School. The Tigers defeated the Crusaders 45-35.
PEORIA CHRISTIAN VS. ILLINI BLUFFS – Peoria Christian head coach Jason Persinger talks with his team late in the second half against Illini Bluffs on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School. The Tigers defeated the Crusaders 45-35.
PEORIA CHRISTIAN VS. ILLINI BLUFFS – Illini Bluffs’ Brandon Coates blocks a shot from Peoria Christian’s Jayce Moody in the second half Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at Peoria Christian High School. The Tigers defeated the Crusaders 45-35.
METAMORA VS. MANUAL – Metamora’s Tyler Mason makesa move to the basket against Manual in the second half Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 in Metamora. The Redbirds defeated the Rams 58-40.
METAMORA VS. MANUAL – Metamora’s Matthew Zobrist tangles with Manual’s Dietrich Richardson in the first half Friday, Jan. 21, 2023 in Metamora. The Redbirds defeated the Rams 58-40.
METAMORA VS. MANUAL – Metamora’s Ethan Kizer, left, and Tyson Swanson, right, defend against Manual’s Daniel Finley in the first half Friday, Jan. 21, 2023 in Metamora. The Redbirds defeated the Rams 58-40.
BRADLEY VS. BELMONT – Bradley’s Malevy Leons, right, and Rienk Mast, middle, try to take the ball from Belmont’s Frank Jakubicek in the first half Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Bruins 78-76.
BRADLEY VS. BELMONT – Bradley’s Malevy Leons, left, and Darius Hannah, right, stop Belmont’s Cade Tyson at the basket in the first half Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Bruins 78-76.
BRIMFIELD VS. HAVANA – Havana’s Angel Cleer (40) blocks a shot by Brimfield’s Ava Simpson in the second half Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at Brimfield High School. The Ducks defeated the Indians 39-31.
BRIMFIELD VS. HAVANA – Havana’s Jaylynn Sarnes (32) and Abigail Cowell, right, fight for a rebound with Brimfield’s Kierra Johnson in the first half Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at Brimfield High School. The Ducks defeated the Indians 39-31.
SNOWFALL – Joyce Harris of Personal Touch Service Solutions blows snow out of the parking lot of her business Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 in Washington. The Tazewell County city woke up to a reported 5.4 inches of snowfall while Peoria saw 4.6 inches.
SNOWFALL – Snow piles up on a pair of lion statues standing in front of a house Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 in Washington.
SNOWFALL – Mercy, a 12-year-old American Eskimo, rolls in the snow during her walk Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 in Washington.
BRADLEY VS. ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons, facing,hugs Connor Hickman (10) as teammates Rienk Mast, background, Duke Deen, far right, and Zek Montgomery join in to celebrate the Braves’ 79-75 overtime win against Illinois State on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons (14) and Zek Montgomery leap for a rebound against Illinois State’s Seneca Knight (3) in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves downed the Redbirds 79-75 in overtime.
BRADLEY VS ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons (14) dunks on Illinois State’s Alex Kotov in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves downed the Redbirds 79-75 in overtime.
BRADLEY VS ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Connor Hickman knocks the ball away from Illinois State’s Colton Sandage in the second half Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves downed the Redbirds 79-75 in overtime.
BRADLEY VS ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Malevy Leons, left, and Illinois State’s Kendall Lewis struggle for possession in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves downed the Redbirds 79-75 in overtime.
BRADLEY VS ILLINOIS STATE – Bradley’s Ville Tahvanainen, left, and Ja’Shon Henry celebrate a score and foul against Illinois State in the first half Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at Carver Arena. The Braves downed the Redbirds 79-75 in overtime.
BURGER BARGE SETS SAIL – With “palm trees” in the background, Rick Babitzke, left, and his wife Nel, second from left, of East Peoria, spend an afternoon with Bellevue friends Lee and Jane Farrar at the Burger Barge, 123 Meadow Avenue in East Peoria.BURGER BARGE SETS SAIL – A century-old bar fills one area of the Burger Barge in East Peoria.BURGER BARGE SETS SAIL – The Burger Barge at 123 Meadow Avenue in East Peoria features arcade games and unique dining booths. Although open since 2013, a contract dispute with the arcade company forced the building to close in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed a planned reopening in 2020.
GIRLS WRESTLING – Richwoods High School girls wrestling coach Rob Penney demonstrates a move to this team in the wrestling room Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2023 at Richwoods High School.
GIRLS WRESTLING – Richwoods High School girls wrestlers practice against a padded wall in the wrestling room Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at Richwoods High School.
GIRLS WRESTLING –– Richwoods senior and four-year team captain Kyley Bair pins an opponent during a 17-team round-robin tournament Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at Richwoods High School.
GIRL WRESTLING – Richwoods sophomore Isabella Motteler, middle, talks with assistant coach Ricky Wood before a match Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at Richwoods High School.
GIRLS WRESTLING – Richwoods junior Kalia Williams grimaces as she puts a hold on teammate Isabella Motteler during practice Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2023 at Richwoods High School.
