James Brosher

Sweet costume

December 18, 2010

Gingerbread man Carl Duckwiler interacts with a youngster during a Christmas party hosted by the Outlaws Peoria motorcycle club on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at Itoo Hall. Duckwiler said has been dressing up in gingerbread after the costume won a Christmas party contest a few years back. The annual Outlaws party is in it's 28th year, and organizers said it will provide individual toys to 305 needy children this year. — Gingerbread man Carl Duckwiler interacts with a youngster during a Christmas party hosted by the Outlaws Peoria motorcycle club on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at Itoo Hall. Duckwiler said has been dressing up in gingerbread after the costume won a Christmas party contest a few years back. The annual Outlaws party is in its 28th year, and organizers said it will provide individual toys to 305 needy children this year.

Peoria Central-Peoria Notre Dame basketball

December 17, 2010

Notre Dame's Drew Blumenshine fouls Central's Kevin Jordan (50) during a game on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at Peoria High School.

Central's Deontray Dorsey (24) reacts as he is introduced in the starting line up during a game on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at Peoria High School.

Happy Hanger closing after 30 years

December 17, 2010

There were more laughs than tears on Friday as Sylvia Straw, owner of Happy Hanger in Peoria Heights, prepared to close her store after 30 years in business. The store is closing due to retirement as the owner plans to walk away to focus on painting and traveling in her retirement. The store offered a special on Friday: $1 for a bag full of anything in the store except for clothes hangers or furniture.

Sylvia Straw, owner of Happy Hanger, hugs Julie Polonus, a long-time patron, during a retirement sale on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at the store in Peoria Heights. Straw is closing the store after 30 years to retire. She says she's looking forward to painting and traveling in retirement.

Sylvia Straw, owner of Happy Hanger, interacts with a patron during a retirement sale on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at the store in Peoria Heights. Straw is closing the store after 30 years to retire. She says she's looking forward to painting and traveling in retirement.

Bradley basketball players visit Methodist Hospital

December 16, 2010

Payton McSimov, age 10, gives a high five to Bradley basketball guard Walt Lemon Jr. during Methodist Hospital's annual Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at the hospital. The players greeted patients at Methodist and signed autographs.

Bradley basketball forward Milos Knezevic shares a laugh with his teammates as they sign autographs during a visit to Methodist Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010. The team greeted patients in their rooms and signed autographs for employees and patients at the hospital's Christmas dinner.

Wrong way?

December 16, 2010

Is this guy going the wrong way? By the pattern on the floor it might seem that way. I figured I couldn’t allow myself to take a big trip without posting at least one shot. This was taken at the Denver airport during my trip this week. It includes two of my favorite things: an overhead point of view and a pattern.