Good morning, Peoria.

The Salvation Armies in Peoria and Pekin reached their Tree of Lights campaign goals, raising $2,087,762 in Peoria and $208,230 in Pekin before the end of January.

The funds support youth programs + emergency services + food access for residents.

Girl Scout Cookie season will start Friday, Feb.

13 in Central Illinois with familiar treats and a new Exploremores cookie, with sales running through March 29. Customers can purchase cookies from local Girl Scouts or via an online Cookie Finder.

The Catholic Diocese in Peoria announced that Archbishop Fulton J.

Sheen’s path to sainthood will continue after the Holy See approved his beatification, and officials are coordinating with Vatican units to set ceremony details.

Peoria drivers face nearly 10 cents higher gas prices, with the average rising to $2.94 a gallon over the past week, according to GasBuddy — AAA Illinois reports similar trends and seasonal factors may push prices upward this spring.

Peoria Public Schools has selected Michael Curry (a Decatur administrator with 18 years of experience) to serve as chief financial officer on July 1 when Mick Willis retires.

The board approved his three-year contract unanimously as part of its recent leadership changes.

Vote for the Journal Star boys athlete of the week for Feb.

2-7 at the sports site; poll closes at noon Friday. Nominees include Brady Ward (IVC), Jerry Hahn (Deer Creek-Mackinaw), Alex McKie (Morton), Tucker Garey (Olympia wrestling) and Drake Shepherdson (Washington co-op).

Galentine’s Night

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 ticket — Celebrate friendship with pottery painting, champagne, and sweet treats.

Clay Together, Stay Together: Throwing for Two

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 per couple — Experience a fun and creative night of sculpting with your partner while making personalized cups.

Valentine's Glass Blowing Experience

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $150 per couple — Create beautiful blown glass ornaments while sipping champagne on a romantic date night.

Clay Together, Stay Together: Throwing for Two

2:30-4:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while crafting whimsical mushroom mugs in a festive Valentine’s wheel-throwing class.

Spiral Olive Dish Clay Hand Building Class

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Materials included — Create a unique spiral olive dish while learning hand-building techniques in this beginner-friendly class.

Romantasy: A Book Lovers Art Night

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Immerse yourself in a cozy evening of creativity with bookish art projects and delightful treats.

Doodle Love Canvas Class

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Unleash your creativity with a whimsical Valentine’s painting of a pup in a bow tie, perfect for all skill levels.

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Results...RECYCLE!

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Brimfield Library — Free program — Learn about the complete recycling process from an industry expert in this engaging session.

Tissue Box Clay Hand Building Class

4:00-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a custom tissue box cover in this hands-on clay class for all skill levels.

Flower Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $ — Create your own floral-inspired chip and dip dish while learning hand-building techniques in a fun and creative environment.