There are not many girls who did not want to dress in mom’s sparkly jewelry, and the adage, diamonds are a girls best friend, is not without its avid believers.

For one East Peoria native, however, diamonds are her job. Melissa Mustain-Dornon, a gemologist, is a diamond buyer for Peoria’s Bremer Jewelry.

There was little talk of shutting down.

And then suddenly on Jan. 26, Velvet Freeze owner Kevin Thomas told his employees that the iconic restaurant in Fondulac Plaza— famous for its Wonderdogs — would close the next day.

Looks can be deceiving, but smells are easier to recognize.

Inside a small converted garage, the smell of freshly baked raisin bread permeated the air. In the back room, Brother Gregory Ashton made dough.

Veterinarians are witnessing some sad situations.

In this difficult economic time, some veterinarians said people are having to make tough decisions, and one of those is giving up their pets.

The East Peoria Police Department issued a warning to motorists today about black ice. Authorities said to use extreme caution, especially on on/off ramps.

The primary election is Feb. 2. Incumbent Mike Smith (D-Canton) will run against Mike Unes (R-East Peoria).

The primary election is Feb. 2. Ron Davis is running against incumbent Robert Huston.

The primary election is Feb. 2.

Mary Burress (R-Pekin) and Russ Crawford (R-East Peoria) are running for the Tazewell County treasurer's position.

The Chicago Bears’ disappointing 7-9 season in 2009 likely was a distant memory for fans in attendance Saturday.

With six key members of the 1985 NFL champions in attendance at Embassy Suites for the first Bears Blitz, it was a chance to recall a team that made history.

The burglary at Federal Warehouse Co. Sunday afternoon resulted in cigarettes, reportedly valued at $1 million, taken from the building.

Health-minded individuals, as well as those looking to eat healthier foods, will have a new place from which to choose soon.

Einstein Bros. Bagels will make its way to East Peoria in the near future, said Paul Carolan, senior vice president of franchising and licensing for Einstein Noah Restaurant Group.

An East Peoria native is taking the stage for one of her last performances next weekend in the family musical “The Secret Garden” at Augustana College.

The East Peoria Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner took place Friday night at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. The Citizens of the Year, Business of the Year, Green Company of the Year and Ambassador of the Year were announced.

Just down the street, at 205 Shady Knolls, a house just over 50 years old holds a document of mystery. The Magnolia High School diploma of Lavisa Mae Freeman, Class of 1911, was recently found in the basement ceiling of that house by its current owner.

Truck-driver-turned-restaurant-owner Phill Miller wanted to open a pizza restaurant that had ribs and wings on the menu.

And with a little bit of research, he got just that.