ROYCE ELLIOTT PLACE
The sun was shining brightly, almost like God’s spotlight on America’s cleanest comedian, Royce Elliott, as people gathered to honor the man who made so many laugh and smile. The occasion was the unveiling of the honorary sign, “Royce Elliott Place,” in the 600 block of Evans Street on the north side of Morton Square Park. That was the park where Royce played as he grew into manhood.
Mayor Jim Ardis opened the well-attended ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, August 7 with words of praise for Royce. It was Ardis who set the tribute in motion and made it possible. As the sun grew brighter, so did the smiles on the faces of all those who knew the funny man, including some who attended nearby Irving and Woodruff schools with the talented athlete who parlayed his comedic personality into a national reputation. Royce did not need to tell dirty jokes or use profanity to be funny and some of the biggest names in the entertainment world knew it. That’s why he opened for them in every major entertainment venue in the United States and Canada. Special thanks to all of the friends and dignitaries who came to remember him at “Royce Elliott Place!”
EXCITING SCHOOL DAYS
Students and teachers have returned for another year of education in District 150. Excitement is in the air in Peoria with the departure of Dr. Grenita Lathan and most of her close associates and the arrival of Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat as Acting Superintendent. She brings a totally different management style and attitude, say those who know her, particularly many who worked with her when she was a part of the district several years ago. Even the attitude of the school board appears changed. Perhaps the election victories of new members Dan Adler and Ernestine Jackson have something to do with that.
“The job isn’t done,” said one of the critics of the school board, who added, “We will continue to work toward removal of those who supported Grenita Lathan.”
Next year Debbie Wolfmeyer and Rick Cloyd are ending their terms. Both have been big supporters of Lathan. Change 150 is already busy recruiting candidates to challenge the incumbents. One of those is Dan Walther who finished just behind Jackson in the recent school election.
THUMBS UP FOR PROJECT
Despite the noise from that small group of objectors, word is the city council will approve moving forward with the proposed River Trails apartment complex. A realtor with years of experience, but no connection to the development, told me, “It’s a no brainer. Goodness, there are so many positives for this project. It brings badly needed revenue to the city, adds a beautiful complex to the riverfront, will be a catalyst for additional development, and will offer attractive housing for Caterpillar employees working downtown.”
A city official said he was perplexed by opposition from the Peoria Park District. Speaking bluntly, he said one of the investors in River Trails is Glen Barton, who has given the park district millions. As a partner with St. Francis in the Riverplex, one would think the Park District would be excited to have a 144-unit apartment complex as a close neighbor. The district’s marketing staff should be whispering in the ears of district board members.
The apartment project was actually on the drawing board in 2007. It was resurrected in 2011, has undergone several revisions requested by the city council, and has been reviewed by several city commissions. Under the agreement, the city will sell 5.8 acres of land to developers and then acquire a like amount of land to be used for public open space.
By the way, the leader of the small opposition group, David Pittman, doesn’t live in Peoria.
CHECK THE CALENDAR
Supporters of Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady will break out their golf clubs Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Weaver Ridge. The annual fund raiser kicks off with a shotgun (it’s legal) start at noon.
The annual Mark Linder Walk for the Mind takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Riverplex with a brief program beginning at 9:30 a.m. This year’s honorary chairman is Eric Elliott, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor after collapsing on the basketball floor at Olympia High School. The story about Eric was made into the movie “Hoovey.”
“Breakfast with Royce and Roger” will remember the 9/11 tragedy with a special program of interviews and music, Friday, Sept. 11, on WAZU-FM 90.7 from 6-9 am.
Remember, the special election to replace Aaron Shock in the 18th Congressional District, is Thursday, Sept. 10. Look for Republican Darin LaHood to win by a large margin.
CLEANING HOUSE
Bradley basketball coach Brian Wardle continues to “clean house” on the Hilltop. Another of Geno Ford’s players, Warren Jones, is gone; dismissed for team violations. Reasons for the dismissal were not provided, however a court website says he missed a probation appearance. Jones is on probation after he was charged with underage drinking and using a fake ID at Big Al’s.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” –Martin Luther King Jr.