Archive for January, 2008

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24 in the state of Illinois, according to Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley, Katie Jones. Nationally, it is the third leading cause of death in that age group. “Suicide prevention among our young people is not a topic...
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A study released in November, America’s Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People and Their Communities, ranks the overall health of each state. The 18th annual report places Illinois at 27th in the nation, which is two places lower than in 2006. The report was sponsored by United Health Foundation, an independent and not-for-profit...
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Ten new short stories by Illinois writers, illustrated with original art, are featured in the 2007 edition of Downstate Story, Peoria’s only literary magazine. The downstate Illinois writers in this issue are Pepper Bauer of Mapleton; Connie Stepe of East Peoria; Dick Quinn of Macomb; Eric Strand of Bloomington; Bud Bartlett of Springfield;...
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It was another wonderful Christmas. So much happening in the community and on television and radio. Special thanks to East Peoria for the splendid Festival of Lights including another spectacular parade and for returning the beautiful lighted wreath to the hillside for all to enjoy. Peoria’s longest consecutive running Santa parade was a big...
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A medical test was recommended. Insurance cards and forms were completed, and competent health professionals conducted the procedure. A follow-up exam was urged and completed. Good news. Time passed. (More than six months.) The first notice that hundreds of dollars was past due came as an initial statement from the medical center 26 weeks later....
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* Mark Serreze may have finally gotten through to even some of the most oblivious American politicians. He simply stated that, “the Arctic is screaming.” Dr. Serreze, senior scientist at the government’s snow and ice center in Boulder, CO, could have pointed out that Greenland’s ice sheet this year lost some 19 BILLION...
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With the start of the new year, I thought it appropriate to take a look back as some of the news that caught my eye during 2007: The race to replace Congressman Ray: First, U.S. Representative Ray LaHood’s decision to retire caught everyone by surprise. He was one of the first GOP members of the...
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As a girl I spent a lot of time in church. My dad had a key to the building and we often arrived early so he could check the sound system and set up mikes. During those seemingly endless hours, I explored every crevice of the sanctuary, participated in races under the pews (the...
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The Central Illinois Jazz Society, Serving Central Illinois Since 1978 presents Illinois Central Jazz Train at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m. and the CIJS House Band at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the Radisson Hotel in the Mozart Room, 117 N. Western Avenue, Peoria. The Illinois Central Jazz Train, directed by Larry Harms, is...
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