Murphy’s Law, “If anything can go wrong, it will,” merits climate crisis amplification: If two things can go wrong simultaneously, they will. And they have via electricity blackouts due to extreme weather. Examples: California in August 2020, and Texas in…
Columns
Nature Rambles | Ancient trees key to a land’s legacy
by Mike Miller • • 0 Comments
Way back in forestry class, I learned that a good forestry practice was to leave some old trees standing when harvesting timber. Our forestry professor, Dr. Jay Cravens, used to say, “Make sure you leave some of the old trees…
West Peoria News | Spring forward with eye toward the Fourth of July
by Sharon McBride • • 1 Comment
Winter is slowing down at the time of this writing but not completely leaving us. Many activities and meetings were cancelled and will soon become an active part of our community. March 13 will mark the start of daylight savings…
Serendipity | Hope springs forth from sunny disposition during winter doldrums
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 0 Comments
Every March I celebrate that winter is nearly over. My optimism is boundless. Sure, I realize it can still snow or ice can play havoc with plans. But even with unpleasant possibilities, Spring is right around a corner or two…
Labor Roundup | ‘Egregious attendance policy’ rankles railers; UPS cuts wages
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Thousands of BNSF Railway workers in Galesburg and central Illinois, and throughout the country are fighting the freight carrier’s attempt to implement an attendance policy that would result in many workers receiving less paid time off. Last month, the Transportation…
Bill Knight | Say these names for 2021
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Last year, Peoria County had the highest number of homicides since 2019, approaching the dismal statistic logged by Cook County. The 34 murder victims mean a murder rate of 18.9/100,000 people, compared to Cook County’s 21/100,000 stemming from its 1,087…
The Lion’s Den | What if Malcolm, Martin survived?
by Daniel McCloud • • 0 Comments
For those familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is a series of comics dedicated to “What If?” This comics series has recently been rebooted as an animated series on the Disney+ Channel. The concept of the “What If?” series…
Real Talk | Power of fear feeds on a fragile democracy
by Sherry Cannon • • 2 Comments
You’ve heard the saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same?” This saying came to my mind as I watched the Democratic Congressional members commemorate Jan. 6, 2021’s insurrection at the United States Capitol. After the Civil…
Straight Talk | Journal Star’s Saturday strategy a reason newspapers fading out
by Roger Monroe • • 0 Comments
It came as a surprise when the once great Peoria Journal Star newspaper announced it was eliminating home and business delivery of its Saturday edition. Time was when the Saturday paper was the most popular of the week, though it’s…
The Watch | Charter Oak tabled; Sheriff Asbell will not stand for election in ’22
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council discussed disconnection of property — which was annexed to the city in 1993 with the Charter Oak development — at its Dec. 14 meeting. Michael Fleming, attorney for property owners, requested undeveloped parcels without access to roads…