On August 2, 2022 from 6-8 p.m., the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will host the 39th West Peoria Night Out Against Crime at 2516 W Rohman Ave. It is planned for the community to learn many things that are available…
Columns
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | State of our electricity shortage
by William Rau • • 0 Comments
Illinois once exported 40% of its electricity generation. Now, we must import electricity. Between 2007 and 2020, 44 Illinois coal plants closed (EIA) thus eliminating a sizeable fraction of our generation capacity. Another 12 coal plants may close by 2023.…
Serendipity | Super Mom someday: Some how, some way
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
As a child who yearned to have a younger sibling, I can remember my Mother’s response to my request. She lovingly explained I had a sister, and when that didn’t satisfy me, she told me she was too old to…
The Lion’s Den | Is actual Happiness an unalienable right or just its pursuit?
by Daniel McCloud • • 0 Comments
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. On July 4, 1776, America…
Real Talk | The fight to exist
by Sherry Cannon • • 2 Comments
Between the 18th and 20th centuries more than 1,200 Black settlement, enclaves, and towns were established in the United States. According to the Historic Black Towns and Settlement Alliance, there are 13 historical all-Black towns in existence today. The state…
Straight Talk | Caterpillar move no suprise, but ‘Cure Violence’ sure is
by Roger Monroe • • 1 Comment
When Caterpillar announced it was moving its headquarters from Deerfield to Texas, the news surprised no one. It was expected. After all, the new CEO, Jimmy Umpleby, had no loyalty or affection for Peoria or Deerfield. The Indiana native became…
Inland Art | Rapport to explore
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
If you have seen Janis Mars Wunderlich’s work, it is not simple to feel neutral about or easily forgotten. Table-top-sized, ceramic sculptures are full of allegorical, symbolic and personal story telling. Vividly colorful paintings, embellished to the edges with flora…
Art Alerts | July 2022
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Peoria’s new “Sculpture Walk” is now showing. Publicly unveiled on May 21, it features eight new pieces displayed on Washington Street between Liberty Street and the Bob Michel Bridge. Artists are from throughout the country and include two Peoriams, Fisher…
The Watch | Expect higher utility rates this summer
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
You aren’t the only one concerned about rising utility costs. Your local governments feel the heat, as well. Check the discussion. Peoria City Council On April 26 City Manager Patrick Urich provided information on predicted Ameren energy rate increases related…
Nature Rambles | Lines of our landscape laid out long ago
by Mike Miller • • 1 Comment
In the cold winter of 1819, a crew of surveyors was crisscrossing the hills along the bluffs of the Illinois River. They were part of the General Land Office’s new initiative to deploy a square-grid geographic identification system. This process…