Good morning, Peoria.

Pastor Chuck Brown’s CJ Harvest grocery nears opening on the south side after four years of planning.

Work permits have been approved and contractors are finishing the build, so the food store is expected to open in 2-3 months near S. Western and W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Gas prices in Peoria have dropped by 5.5 cents to an average of $2.87 per gallon this week, though they remain 2.7 cents higher than last month yet 40.9 cents lower than last year — GasBuddy points to local supply constraints and contrasting national trends.

Voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, March 17 for the Peoria Public Schools District 3 board seat as early voting is already underway in Peoria County.

Candidates Sarah Howard and Doug Shannon offer competing plans to boost student success, improve classroom discipline, and support teacher staffing — key priorities for local education.

Illinois Central College will host public forums with its three presidential finalist candidates on March 5, 9 and 10 on the East Peoria campus at 4 p.m. each day to collect community feedback that will guide the Board of Trustees in choosing the next college president.

Coach Jon Scheyer of Duke Men’s basketball visited Chicago on Sunday for lunch at The Wieners Circle before Tuesday’s game at Notre Dame.

He practiced at the Chicago Bulls Training Facility, nodding to his high school legacy as Illinois Mr. Basketball (a local sports icon).

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.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Mountain Waterfall

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist with a serene landscape painting class inspired by Bob Ross.

Gnome Clay Hand Building Class

4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Craft your festive St. Patrick’s Day gnome with guided clay hand-building fun!

Charcuterie Board Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Design and craft your own unique ceramic charcuterie board in a fun, beginner-friendly class.

Wall Planter Clay Hand Building Class

1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized wall pocket planter in this fun, beginner-friendly class!

Cross Clay Hand Building Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a beautiful clay cross in a relaxed setting suitable for all skill levels.

Fused Glass Snowflakes Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation, piece prices range from $33 to $64 — Create a shimmering glass snowflake for your winter décor.

Friday the 13th Spooky Pottery Painting

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 ticket reserves your seat — Unleash your creativity with spooky pottery painting this Friday the 13th.

2026 Blarney Blitz

8 AM – 2 PM — Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery — Entry fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive themed race in downtown Peoria.