Mold Remediation in Peoria, IL

THINGS-TO-DO

Whether it's parades, parties or music — the Peoria area has its share of St. Patrick's Day celebrations planned. Here's a look at a few:

Downtown St. Patrick's Day parade

The 43rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at the corner of Monroe Street and Hancock Street in downtown Peoria, following Monroe to Main Street, Main Street to Adams and ending at Adams and Hamilton.

St. Patrick's Day street party

Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water St., is hosting its annual St. Patrick's Day celebration on Monday, March 17. Turas will perform during the day, and breakfast will be served beginning at 8 a.m. Lunch, featuring corned beef and cabbage and other Irish favorites, will be served beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a live DJ outside, and the street will be blocked off for a street party.

Kenny's Westside anniversary and St. Pat's Party

Kenny's Westside, 112 SW Jefferson Ave., will open at 9 a.m. Monday, March 17, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and their 12 year anniversary. Food specials will include biscuits and gravy and corned beef dinners, while supplies last. The party will also include live Irish music all day with Still Shine, Skibbereen, Roundstone Busker and Broken Brogue.

St. Patrick's Day parties at both Crusens locations

The Crusens locations at 426 E. War Memorial Drive and 2117 W. Farmington Road will both host St. Patrick's Day parties beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 17. Both locations will serve breakfast and will also have food and drink specials throughout the day. Crusens War Drive will feature live music by Shawn Smith at 11 a.m., Windows Down at 2 p.m. and The Holdouts at 5 p.m. Crusens Farmington Road will feature live music from Revel in Red at 3 p.m. and Taylor Bruninga at 6 p.m.

3 Days of Shenanigans in Peoria Heights

Pour Bros. Craft Taproom and Slow Hand Craft BBQ will host a three-day party starting on Saturday, March 15, through Monday, March 17, at Heritage Square in Peoria Heights. The festivities will include live entertainment, drink specials and great food, including smoked brisket corned beef, corned beef smashburgers and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Pour Bros. Facebook page.

Party all day at Oliver's in the Heights

Oliver's in the Heights, 1231 E. Samuel Ave., Peoria Heights, will open at 9 a.m. Monday, March 17, for an all-day St. Patrick's Day Party. Breakfast will be served and other food and drink specials will be available, including corned beef sandwiches and corned beef totchos. Live music from Funk Yard will begin at 3 p.m.

North Peoria St. Patrick's party

The Fox Pub, 7800 N. Sommer St., Suite 302, will host a St. Patrick's Day Bash. Doors will open on Monday, March 17, at 7 a.m. for Irish breakfast and Sham Rock & Roll live broadcast with WWCT from 6 to 9 a.m. Lunch will include corned beef and cabbage and other Irish features. The event will also include live music and performances by Irish dancers.

Jimmy's 43rd St. Patrick's Day

Jimmy's Bar will host its 43rd St. Patrick's Day party beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 17, at 2801 W. Farmington Road, West Peoria. Food will be available starting at noon and includes corned beef, Irish stew, fish and chips and Irish nachos. The event will also include live music.

St. Patrick's Day Putting and Pizza Party

The Putt Club, 1001 Bass Pro Drive, East Peoria, will have a Putting & Pizza Party from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 17. The event will include a buffet with pizza, salad and bosco stick, unlimited soda and unlimited putting. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 4-12 and free for children ages 3 and under. Adults ages 21 and over can received a free pint of green beer with purchase.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the water

Kuchie's on the Water, 579 Wesley Road, Creve Coeur, will open at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, for St. Patrick's Day festivities. Food specials will include corned beef and cabbage, reubens and their giant pretzel, stuffed reuben style. The event will also include drink specials and Irish music all day.

St. Patrick's Day Party at Peacock's Pub

Peacock's Pub, 5603 S. Adams St., Bartonville, will open at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, for a St. Patrick's Day Party. The event will feature corned beef and cabbage dinners, along with other great food and drink specials.

St. Patrick's bash in Chillicothe

Castaways Bar & Grill, 1707 N. Fourth St., Chillicothe, will host a St. Patrick's Day bash beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17. Irish favorites, including corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches and pizzas and corned beef horseshoes, will be served all day. The event will also include drink specials and entertainment from DJ Mara at noon.

For most Christians, Lent begins March 5 and culminates with Easter, which this year is April 20. Also beginning are the usual dietary restrictions on Lenten Fridays, when the devout eschew meat and poultry.

The Journal Star is compiling a non-comprehensive list of places that offer fish on Lenten Fridays. The list leans toward temporary, Lent-only events, but businesses that will have fish specials are welcome. Most also offer dine-in and carryout options.

If you would like your favorite fish fry added to this list, please email jjenke@pjstar.com with the particulars, including when it's available.

Where to get fish on Fridays during Lent

Holy Family Catholic Church, 3720 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria: 4-7 p.m. March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11. Dine-in and carryout options are available. Visit https://holy-family-peoria.square.site for menu options and pricing. Kids meals are available.

Kickapoo Sportsman's Club, 11125 U.S. Route 150, Brimfield: 4:30-7 p.m. March 7, March 21, April 4 and April 18. Fish dinners for adults and children. Hot dog meals will also be available.

Morton Knights of Columbus, 616 W. David St., Morton: 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11. Baked or fried catfish dinners and a pollock buffet. Cost is $16 for adults, $10 for children ages 7-12 and $free for children ages 6 and under. Child hot dog meals will be available for $3.

St. Ann Catholic Church, 1010 S. Louisa St., Peoria: 5-7:30 p.m. March 7 and April 4. Dine-in and carryout available. $15 adult meals (pollock or shrimp, including bread, choice of coleslaw or salad and baked potato or fries) and $5 children's meals (grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese).

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles, 274 Derby St., Pekin: 4-7 p.m. March 7 and March 21. $14 walleye dinners. Carryouts available.

St. Jude Knights of Columbus, 10811 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: 5-7 p.m. March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11. Carry-outs available. For more information, visit www.stclementkofc.org.

St. Monica Catholic Church, 303 Campanile Drive, East Peoria: 5:30-7 p.m. March 7, March 21, March 28 and April 11. Buffet style, all you can eat. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Child hot dog plates will be available.

St. Philomena Catholic Church, 1000 W. Albany Ave., Peoria: 5-7 p.m. March 7, March 28 and April 11. Visit www.stphils.com for full menu and pricing. St. Phil's 8th Grade Bake Sale will also be available.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 904 E. Lake Ave., Peoria Heights: 5 to 7 p.m. March 7. All-you-can-eat fish fry. $15 for adults and $10 fish and $5 grilled cheese dinners for children ages 6-12. Menu includes homemade french fries, cole slaw, salad bar and desserts.

Peoria Journal Star

In Peoria, a Raising Cane’s location is in the works. The city’s first storefront is working to open at 4200 N. Sterling Ave. in Peoria – right next to Northwoods Mall.

Fourth District City Councilmember Andre Allen told the Journal Star he learned a company was interested in developing the former Firestone Tire building late last summer.

“It's been dormant for a number of years,” Allen said. “Honestly, it's become somewhat of an eyesore. And so, I was immediately interested that there was a development company that was interested in that space.”

Allen said he coordinated a meeting with Quattro Development and various city staff members. He said the conversation went well, and now, the company is working to bring Raising Cane’s to the community.

Quattro Peoria Deux LLC and Joseph Urbana Investments LLC purchased the property from WPG Management Associates Inc. for $1 million late last year.

On Thursday morning, an excavator worked to demolish and clear away the former Firestone building that currently sits on the lot.

Allen expects work on the building to begin in early summer once demolition is completed. Should everything progress smoothly, he hopes to see the restaurant open in late winter or early spring of 2026.

“I'm excited not only to bring a national recognized restaurant and franchise to District 4 in the city of Peoria and the greater Peoria region,” Allen said, “but also, too, anytime you can address blight – which that Firestone had unfortunately become – on a popular corridor of our district right in front of Northwoods Mall ... it’s a win-win.”

Raising Cane’s staple – and sole – entrée is its chicken fingers. Fans can currently find one storefront in Springfield, which is over an hour away from Peoria.

While Allen has never visited a Raising Cane’s restaurant before, he looks forward to visiting the coming storefront.

“I'm excited for it,” Allen said. “I'm excited to bring my wife and my kids to check it out. I hear great things about it.”

In a statement to the Journal Star, a Raising Cane's representative said:

"The Crew at Raising Cane’s is excited to expand in Illinois and we are actively exploring opportunities to bring our signature ONE LOVE® – craveable Chicken Finger meals – to Peoria. We cannot confirm this location at this time, but are always looking for the right sites to bring Raising Cane’s to the Community!"

The Journal Star also reached out to Quattro Development for comment and is awaiting a reply.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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TELEVISION

Peoria Journal Star

Since getting the "golden ticket" to Hollywood on the reality singing competition "American Idol," Peoria native Victor Solomon says he is enjoying the opportunity to share his skills and mingle with fellow artists.

"I've met some wonderful people and encountered some wonderful people as well, and gained a lot more followings and things like that," the Peoria High School graduate said. "It's been really dope just getting recognition from different pages and such on both of my auditions so far, so it's been pretty exciting."

Solomon, a 26-year-old musician and former "The Voice" contestant, auditioned for season 23 of American Idol last year. His audition episode aired March 16, in which he impressed judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood with a rendition of Richie's song "Hello." After his audition, Solomon got high compliments and even a standing ovation from the judges, who sent him along to the first round of Hollywood Week.

"You are blessed," Underwood told him. "You have been given an incredible gift. So many 'yeses' from me."

Solomon has continued to prove his musical prowess to the judges as one of just 62 contestants out of 144 to advance to Showstoppers Week from the "Idol Arena" — essentially a follow-up performance to the auditions that determines who will be given the chance to further develop their craft on the show. While more than half of the contestants were sent home, Solomon blew the judges away again with a performance of Bill Wither's "Grandma's Hands," which he said was one of his favorite moments in the competition so far.

Solomon's performance from "Showstoppers Week" will air on Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

During the "Idol Arena," singers are chosen at random to perform a solo, meaning Solomon didn't know exactly when he'd be singing that night — but he ended up being the first to go, giving him the opportunity to kick off the show.

"The reason why you see me, you know, jumping up, you wish to get all of the nerves out and things like that," Solomon said. "It was really, really cool performing in front of all of the other contestants and kind of just setting the tone for that night."

Solomon said he has already made lifelong friends through the competition, citing Kolbi Jordan, Jamal Roberts, Gabby Samone and Alic Walls as some of the people among his core group of friends. Reflecting on what he's learned from other contestants, Solomon said working with many different styles of singers has helped him stay focused in his own lane.

"It's important for me to stay true to who I am," he said. "Don't try to sound like anybody else. This is a competition and we're all different, we all play our part."

Solomon added he has tried to contribute to the environment by practicing kindness and encouraging others to be fearless and leave all they can out on the stage.

But his connections on the reality show go further than the other hopefuls: Solomon revealed he and judge Lionel Richie are fraternity brothers, both former members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

"I've been able to just build that connection with him on the side of the show, just because we're in the same fraternity," he said. "But Carrie and Luke are super amazing as well ... I think Luke is one of the most honest, and I think I take his words very serious. Carrie, she's amazing, so anything that I can take from her, I also take seriously as well."

Rapper and singer Jelly Roll also joined the show this season as its first "Artist in Residence," guiding and mentoring contestants as they aim to make their way to the top. Solomon said while he was not previously familiar with Jelly Roll's music, he is one of the most genuine people he has ever met, deeply invested in the contestants' success.

After proving himself as a standout, Solomon said he aspires to take his performances to the next level, explore different genres and honor his faith in God. He gave a sneak peek at the "Showstoppers" round, where he said he will bring a little more "rock and soul" to the competition.

"I just want to explore who I am as an artist," he said. "Because I've always been somebody who is unpredictable, especially with my music, and I don't want to be predictable as an artist."

He said he is "super grateful" for all the support he has received from Peoria and surrounding areas.

"Just hold on and be on this ride with me, and let's just take it as far as we can go."

The following are spoilers for this Saturday’s AEW Collision in addition a future episode of Ring of Honor TV, taped Wednesday following Dynamite in Peoria, Illinois.

Ring of Honor TV:

ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes, Ross Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich defeated Dominic Garrini, Kevin Ku & a third enhancement wrestler

Marshall got the pin with a claw into an airplane spin and then a claw slam in kind of a sloppy match. The opponents seemed inexperienced. Not the Von Erichs fault.

AEW Collision:

Announcers are Tony Schiavone, along with Don Callis sitting in for Nigel McGuiness.

Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita defeated Powerhouse Hobbs & Tomohiro Ishii (w/ Rocky Romero)

Fletcher pinned Ishii after two Protodrivers, a variation of a tombstone. Fun, action-packed match. Afterward, Fletcher and Takeshita posed with a ringside fan dressed up like Callis.

Max Caster’s Open Challenge

We learned another Caster open challenge will happen Sunday at Dynasty. Here on Collision, it was answered by Mark Briscoe. Briscoe made quick work of Caster and pinned him with the Jay Driller. He crawled almost the entire way to the back.

PAC defeated Cash Wheeler

Solid match. Claudio Castagnoli came to ringside, Cope cut him off and they started brawling. Dax Harwood ran into the ring, only to get nailed by Wheeler Yuta. Cash gave Yuta a piledriver. PAC caught Cash in a crucifix and pinned him. Cope, Dax and Cash shook hands and hugged in a show of unity.

– Backstage, a face-to-face interview with Kris Statlander and Thunder Rosa talking about how facing each other in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is nothing personal. So, of course, it got personal.

Top Flight defeated CRU (Lio Rush & Action Andretti)

Dante Martin pinned Andretti with a crucifix (same finish as last match). Leila Grey came out by herself at first, allowing Darius and Dante to attack CRU from behind. Fun match. Lots of action and the crowd was behind Top Flight. AR Fox came out after the match to help Top Flight. Nick Wayne followed closely after, helping CRU to lay out Top Flight and Fox.

– Backstage, Harley Cameron and Mercedes Mone with Mini Mone were stretching and arguing over their tag team match coming up.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey defeated Dralistico (w/ Beast Mortos)

Bailey won with a spinning heel kick. Ricochet was on commentary. After the match, Ricochet snuck into the ring and kicked Bailey low from behind, leaving Speedball laying on the canvas.

Julia Hart & Athena defeated Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron

Hart made Cameron tap to the Octopus Hold. Mone seemed to make the conscious choice not to save her partner and slowly backed up the aisle on her own. Hart, who was in the ring for most of the match, looked good. When they were in together, Athena and Mone had great chemistry. Athena did a fall away slam on both Harley and Mercedes at the same time. Julia dove off the ring post onto the other three women at one point.