With the filing for the June primary completed by the 5 pm Monday, March 14, deadline, political observers noted some surprises. The biggest was news that Andrew Rand did not seek re-election to the Peoria County Board. Rand represents District…
Columns
Real Talk | Learning more about race, racism and discrimination is critical … lest we forget
by Sherry Cannon • • 1 Comment
Recently while watching a podcast that DL Hughley was on as a guest, he made a very interesting statement. Hughley said, “the most dangerous place for Black people to live is in White people’s imagination.” That statement illustrates how successfully…
The Lion’s Den | Wonder drug: Empathy-1619
by Daniel McCloud • • 1 Comment
They had finally done it. The smart kids at Florida A&M University had created the drug that would wipe out racism and injustice in all of its forms. But, of course, none of this would have happened if not for…
The Watch | Watch for more: Park District kicking back into action; Springdale reevaluating
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Fans of democracy, rejoice! League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria has expanded its coverage of local government in the wake of journalistic cutbacks. First: thanks to the dedicated Observers. Second: there is such a wealth of information we can…
Nature Rambles | Be on the lookout for first signs of spring
by Mike Miller • • 1 Comment
Each year, as March moves into April, spring tempts us with its erratic presence. One day is 70 degrees and the Cardinals and Song Sparrows are busy singing in the brush. The next day is blanketed with snow and the…
West Peoria News | Spring cleanup April 30 at West Peoria city garage
by Sharon McBride • • 0 Comments
The City of West Peoria is pleased to host a Spring Clean Up Day on Saturday. April 30th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. It will be held at the City Garage on Hillside Drive. Visit the West Peoria website or watch…
Inland Art | Forces of nature, power of community
by Robert Rowe • • 0 Comments
Woodcut artist, printmaker and book artist, Karen Kunc, channels her experience of growing up in the Midwest, specifically Nebraska, into her polychrome woodcut prints. “My prints suggest extremes of weather and natural forces at work, a sense of the micro/macrocosm…
Art Alerts | April 2022
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
The Peoria Art Guild planned to launch “Sculpture Walk 2022” along Washington Street this month with eight different pieces, after input from the Public Arts Advisory Commission and a city engineer, according to City spokeswoman Stacy Peterson. Meanwhile, the Art…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | The Grid-AC Conundrum
by William Rau • • 0 Comments
A climate crisis conundrum involves heatwaves, air conditioners, and blackouts. Air conditioning saves lives during heatwaves, but soaring AC demand can crash the grid and claim lives. Today, the top 20% of peak electricity demand involves the hottest 200 hours…
Serendipity | Music to my ears helps me appreciate my life through the years
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
Musical talent was never something I excelled in or modestly accomplished. What I lacked in musical ability was compensated by appreciation and enthusiasm. I loved listening to music, still do, and am proud of my lyrics recall. Might it be…