Archive for August, 2007

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Peoria’s rebuttal to the murder and mayhem of the past few months is to throw a wingding of a party! Yes, August 7 is the 24th annual National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime festivities in Peoria with 25 Neighborhood Association and four Neighborhood Watch parties. Everything will be featured from Gospel Choirs and Karaoke to...
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Fascinated by police work, but realize that’s likely not to be a career choice? Enjoy the unique opportunity to have lunch with Peoria Chief of Police Steven Settingsgaard, tour the Police Department and ride on the streets with the Chief. Rubbing elbows with politicians your idea of a great time? Break Bread with the...
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Everyone was taken by complete surprise when Ray LaHood announced he would not seek an 8th term as 18th Congressional Representative. It was the best-kept secret in a town known for political rumors. Once his retirement plans became known the rumors and speculation started running like a freight train out of control. Truth is,...
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For Peoria and much of urban and suburban Illinois, the Farm Bill and agriculture policies seem mildly interesting at best, like crews of kids detassling rows of corn or a field of beans going gold, or a truck bed overflowing with produce out of a Thanksgiving cornucopia card. However, the Farm Bill being debated...
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An adult osprey was fussing with a stick, poking it very carefully into its lofty nest near the Illinois River, as fledglings looked on. It was nearly August. This late in the season it wasn’t building the nest, but rather doing a bit of housekeeping, perhaps in preparation for next year. The nest was...
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I’ve had a lot of fun with Ray LaHood on these pages as well as the pages on my blog, PeoriaPundit.com. I imagine, though, that wasn’t quite so much fun for the congressman. Now that LaHood has announced his retirement and the end of his current term in January 2009, I think it’s appropriate to...
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Bonnie marched down the hall to my office beaming from ear-to-ear. Her hands were filled with gift bags and I couldn’t fathom the occasion. “It’s July 3rd” she said. Her face tilted as she read my expression. “Did you forget? You’ve had Bootsie for a year!” Yes, that’s right, I said. A year ago...
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Dog days of summer remind me of restful times rather than scorching Midwest afternoons. Probably because when I hear the word dog, my ears perk up, similar to my canine friends, and my heart bubbles over with love. Dogs have occupied a special place in my life since I was a child....
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Mark your calendars for Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at the Franciscan Recreation Center from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. The public is invited. West Peoria Township will be registering bicycles and having drawings to give away bikes. Other West Peoria organizations will be participating including the Sheriff’s Department, Residents Association, the...
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