EXCLUSIVE

The national media has done an excellent job exposing the military’s failure to support women who were victims of sexual abuse and attacks. Too often, the military ignored cases of rape. It’s been so bad, critics allege, that many victims have failed to report such attacks. Things are changing and a Peorian is part of that change. Captain Michael O’Brien, the son of former Peoria County Board member Bill O’Brien and Norah O’Brien, is one of 24 selected Judge Advocates to represent rape and sexual abuse victims in the Air Force. That’s quite an honor and a huge responsibility. But, O’Brien is up to it.

A graduate of Peoria High, O’Brien attended North Central College in Naperville and then John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He joined the Air Force as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. He served in Iraq in 2010 and 2011 as a prosecutor for court martials and worked with the Iraq government in establishing its legal system. Now a Captain, O’Brien is stationed at Offutt Air Base in Omaha.

Stung by accusations of having a deaf ear about rape victims in the military, the Air Force has developed a pilot program to aggressively support rape victims as their cases move through the legal system. “It’s a fundamental shift in the way the Air Force has been doing business,” said O’Brien. He added he’s looking forward to serving as Judge Advocate for victims. He will be a guest on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” at a day and time to be determined. Stay tuned!

STILL AT IT

It’s a comedy. Really. Administration and District 150 board members continue to have a running comedy stage show. Here’s the latest episode. The board bought themselves 11 new chairs at $500.00 a pop and a large table for $3,000. That’s according to a couple of board watchdogs. The critics point out that $8,500.00 is easily above the amount requiring bids. Reportedly, administration not only failed to seek bids in violation of board policy, but made the purchase from a company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Then the board complimented the purchase with such asinine comments as, “We deserve the new chairs.” The no bid purchase is bad enough, but to add to it failure to buy from a local business like Widmer Interiors or Lincoln Office is irresponsible. But, get this. I was told the district’s administration said the purchase was legal because it was done using the district’s credit card. Are you kidding me? Are we on Candid Camera?

BLUE ANGER

Apparently, some of the city’s blue officers are blue about Chief Steve Settingsgaard. That’s nothing new in Peoria. Historically, there’s always been a faction of unhappy police. This time the small faction has enlisted the aid and support of a PJS reporter giving the critics some ink they normally would not receive. Some of the police union’s leadership defied membership policy by openly voicing their support for Settingsgaard. Mayor Jim Ardis had no hesitation in expressing his strong endorsement. That should be enough to quiet the criticism unless the reporter has a personal vendetta which is what some are claiming. Here’s what I know based on recent interviews with Peoria County

State’s Attorney Jerry Brady, Mayor Ardis, and Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy, after appearances on our morning radio show.

There’s almost historic cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies of which Chief Settingsgaard is a major part. In virtually every statistic, crime has been reduced. The “Don’t Shoot” program, a program nationally acclaimed, is showing positive results in Peoria. Settingsgaard has been a strong supporter of “Don’t Shoot.” Personal attacks through innuendo are of no benefit to the department or the city.

WELCOME!

Peoria was recently blessed with a group from Clonmel, our sister city in Ireland. Once again, WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” had an exclusive reception for the former Mayor of Clonmel, Vera Hewitt, Friday, August 23.

She was accompanied by her host, Leo Jordan, who’s been to Clonmel nine times. Vera gave a wonderful description of her city of 18,000. She also reported Clonmel’s band with over 100 members will be returning to Peoria next July.

They’re looking for families to host band members. If interested, call Leo at 692-2919.

BITS ‘N PIECES

Throw away your new AT&T phone book. It’s almost useless for a variety reasons. First, it’s not up-to-date with many phone numbers missing. Secondly, if the print were any smaller it would be impossible to read without a microscope.

Obviously, the small print is a cost saving measure. If you have a phone book from 2009 or 2010, use one of those. Either is more reliable and extensive than 2013.

HELLO! HELLO!

The Peoria Journal installed a new automated phone system that’s the pits.

When you call 686-3000 you get a live and cheerful voice. From there it’s all downhill with one automated program after another. I wonder how many people have hung up after hearing a series, and I mean a series, of recorded options. The newspaper has a clever billing system. I buy for 26 weeks at a time. After 26 weeks the newspaper continues to send the paper with reminders to renew. When I decided to renew, the voice told me I owed over $21.00 for the papers they sent though I had not requested them. Nice try, but no cigar. I quit.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS

Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady is one of the elected nice guys in Peoria County. He’s been associated for over 30 years with the Christmas Basket Program started by the late Paul Reatherford. When Paul passed away, Jerry “picked up the ball” to make sure the program continued. Each year, volunteers deliver food and toys to needy families. It’s possible because of people who make donations of time and money. Jerry and a group of volunteers held the first of several planned fund raisers at the Lariat Steak House, Wednesday, August 28. If you missed it, stay tuned for the next fund raising event. Your help is needed.

50 AND OVER

If you’re over the age of 50, write this phone number down and then call it: 681-2859. You’ll find out how you can participate in a fun day at one of my old camp grounds, Camp Wokanda. I spent a number of days and weekends camping there when I was a Boy Scout for Troop 46 based at Madison Avenue Methodist Church. Now it’s for older “scouts” who’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities from pickleball to canoing to wine tasting to an evening of campfire fun. It’s called “50 Rock” and is sponsored by the Peoria Park District. The event is Saturday, September 7. For more details check the Internet at peoriaparks.org

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

All of the initial publicity and media advertising from Peoria County announced the opening of its new nursing home, Heddington Oaks, as June 1. It didn’t happen. Then their publicity switched to “a summer opening.” As summer nears a close, there’s still no word on the opening. One source told me the county is giving residents at the “old” home on Plank Road, two weeks to move in once the green light is flashed (pardon the expression) by the Illinois Department of Health. As we went to press the light had not flashed green from red. What’s the deal? Still, the facility is state-of-the-art and residents will be excited after moving in.

A NEW HOME

We understand 4th District councilman, Jim Montelongo, has moved into a new home in Weaver Ridge. A check reveals, yes, that elite sub-division, is in the 4th District, though barely. Someone claimed Montelongo had quietly moved into the 5th District after his election. Quietly maybe, but he’s still in his elected area of representation. The question about the move by Montelongo was raised because three of the five at-large council members live in the 5th District, hardly at-large representation. Who thought up the at-large idea anyway? Ridiculous. We should go back to the days of 10 wards when we had true at-large representation.

CONGRATULATIONS

Theo Epstein and the other Chicago Cub brain trust are to be congratulated for leading their team to the bottom of the Central Division of the National League.

Their losses are surpassed only by Miami in the National League and the miserable Houston Astros in the American League. It comes as no surprise after they dumped some of their best players to other teams. Someone suggested the Cubs now have Triple A teams in Des Moines and Chicago. Give Cub fans credit, though. They continue to attend games despite a horrific home record, the worst in the majors. But … “wait ‘til next year.”

NEW MEMBERS

As president of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, I want to publicly welcome three new members to the board. They’re Tom Kahn, Dave Eminian, and Chris Peterson. Kahn recently retired as Superintendent for the Elmwood School District. He was an assistant football coach at Manual, Peoria High, and Metamora, and head football coach at Spalding.

Eminian is a long-time sports reporter for the Peoria Journal who specialized in covering the Peoria Rivermen, but has covered all sports from arena football to high school basketball, soccer, swimming, track and more. Peterson is a former Brimfield All-State basketball player who went on to captain the Eureka College 1994 NAIA National Championship team. He holds the all time single scoring record and has the second best 3-point NCAA shooting percentage.

The Hall of Fame board is in the process of selecting players and teams for induction at next years annual banquet scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at the Civic Center.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“True friends are those who really know you but love you anyway.” – William Arthur Ward