Mission accomplished: Nothing's impossible for chef Robert Irvine

Viewers of Robert Irvine's Food Network shows are used to seeing the celebrity chef turn what appear to be impossible culinary feats into successes.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (center) with Illilnois State Rep. Jerry Weller (left) and Sonny Bono

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (center) with Illilnois State Rep. Jerry Weller (left) and Sonny Bono in 1994.

Speedway donation helps foundation provide HALO SleepSacks

DYER | Chicagoland Speedway’s 501c3 foundation, R.A.C.E., awarded $25,000 in grants to five Chicago-area charities at a recent luncheon, including $2,000 to the Nathan C. Splant Foundation for the Halo Project.

Straight No Chaser to raise voices in song at Rialto

Straight No Chaser, the band that came to the public's attention via You Tube in 2006, will entertain fans with their smooth a cappella blend Saturday at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

OFFBEAT: Glen Campbell's 'Goodbye Tour' at the beautiful Ravinia space Thursday

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Readers help with details about Paula Deen and restaurants

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Paula Deen's Kitchen Restaurant Gift Shop at Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Joliet

A wide selection of food items, furniture, dishes, cookware, cookbooks and clothing is sold at the retail gift shop in the new Paula Deen's Kitchen at Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Joliet, Ill.

OFFBEAT: Paula Deen's new restaurant at Harrah's Joliet heavy with down-home flavor

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Southern Cook Paula Deen

Paula Deen

Classic crooner Bobby Vinton happy for Chicagoland return visit

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Comedienne Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is bringing her one-woman stage show 'Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett: A Conversation' to the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on May 8 and 9.

Legendary Carol Burnett brings her show to Joliet in May

Award-winning actress, funny lady and best-selling author Carol Burnett has been busy "writing away" for the past two years.

Repeat DUI offender injures driver in Lowell, police say

LOWELL | A drunken driver with a history of impaired driving offenses crashed into a parked car Saturday, pushing it into another car and injuring the occupant, police said.

Comedienne Carol Burnett's One-Woman Stage Show National Tour

Carol Burnett is bringing her one-woman stage show "Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett: A Conversation" to Chicagoland for one exclusive performance at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

OFFBEAT: Carol Burnett brings her one-woman show to Joliet Rialto

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Glen Campbell

Singer Glen Campbell has received praise for his national farewell tour of concerts, which included a stop in Joliet, Ill. last month.

OFFBEAT: Jennifer Holliday and All-Star Ensemble Cancel Star Plaza Christmas Concert

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Glen Campbell's 'Goodbye Tour' coming here to Joliet Rialto in January

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Tej'ai Sullivan of Joliet portrays Michael Jackson

Tej'ai Sullivan of Joliet is portraying Michael Jackson in a tribute stage show at Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts on Oct. 1. "Thriller: The Legend Continues," is described as an unforgettable evening featuring music from the undisputed King of Pop, is at 8 p.m. Satur…