Amid solitude and snow, the sound of “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” gives voice to the winter wind. That one-of-a-kind call is so common and recognizable it gives the chickadee its unusual name. This familiar bird may be tiny but it has a very…
Columns
West Peoria News for January 2014
by Sharon McBride • • 0 Comments
Remember that landscape waste pickup has ended for the season and will return in April. All streets within West Peoria are designated as emergency snow routes. It is unlawful to park any vehicles on city streets anytime within 12 hours…
Vatican questionnaire not distributed to area laity
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
In the New Testament, Jesus says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” and “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Nevertheless, it’s unclear whether Pope Francis will be able to…
Not a good year
by Roger Monroe • • 0 Comments
2013 was a tough year. Losing three very close friends was devastating. Royce Elliott was like a brother. Pete Vonachen was like a father and Jonathan Winters was a joy, an absolute joy. I had known Royce since high school.…
Straight talk for December 2013
by Roger Monroe • • 0 Comments
BARNEY AND GOMER The 80 year old man took another drink of his coffee and then loudly announced, “I’ve been scammed!” “Stolen identity?” someone asked. “No.” “Over charge on auto repair?” “No.” “What then?” With anger in his eye, the…
Predicting holiday shopping is a cynical ‘game’
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
When the Peoria County Board in mid-November unanimously passed a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, it rekindled an appreciation for independent retailers with local owners and workers – and the merchants who refrain from making forecasts of…
Cones, Conifers, & Christmas
by Dale Goodner • • 0 Comments
The practice of bringing an evergreen tree indoors to celebrate the winter solstice very likely began around the 16th century in Germany. Now conifers and Christmas go together like eggs and Easter; like cake and birthdays, like Molly and Fibber…
City Beat for December 2013
by Billy Dennis • • 0 Comments
Boycott all NFL games As I am writing this, word is that the NFL is telling the Chicago Bears that they are NOT allowed to wear patches promoting Washington High School. This would be a way of showing support for…
Mary had a little lamb
by Cheryl Courtney Semick • • 0 Comments
Enemy forces occupied their country. Without notice, raids infiltrated their towns and their children’s blood ran in the streets. Spies mingled among them as they shopped. Life was not safe when they made their way home. The road was rocky,…
Serendipity for December 2013
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
December 25th is absolutely the day that causes monumental excitement for some, dread for others, enthusiasm for many, fear for a few, and conflicting emotions ranging from wanting the day to end to hoping it will last beyond its 24…