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…
Columns
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…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | Forecast for rolling blackouts?
by William Rau • • 0 Comments
The ultimate just-in-time commodity, supply and demand for electricity must be immediately and precisely balanced. If a supply deficit can’t be closed rapidly, grid operators order round-robin shutoffs across all customers, i.e. “rolling blackouts” lasting hours to days depending on…
Bill Knight | George Shaheen: A man before his time
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Area native George Shaheen was enormously successful in business, leading Andersen Consulting from 1989-99, when its revenue grew from $1.1 billion to $8 billion. So it wouldn’t be surprising for him to sour some after a failure — especially one…
Serendipity | Who’s ready for a road trip?
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
Mornings are perfectly charming times if the sun is shining and there’s no rush to be somewhere within 45 minutes. I’m not one who opens my eyes, jumps out of bed, and is ready to begin the day. I have…