Columns

West Peoria News

Once again we have an annual opportunity to honor fellow West Peorians who have spent many hours improving their yards which in turn improve the neighborhoods. Nominate someone who has noticeably changed and improved the community through their hard work.…

Real Talk

No Justice or Mercy in Donald Trump’s Department of Justice In the introduction to his book, “Just Mercy,” Bryan Stevenson writes: “This book is about getting closer to mass incarceration and extreme punishment in America. It’s about how easily we…

Bricks & Mortar

It’s easy to pass by reminders of our local architectural history even when they are clearly marked. That can happen with the Pettengill Morron House at 1212 West Moss Avenue. The house seen today is actually the second one constructed…

LaHood

ILLINOIS HAS A BUDGET; IT IS ABOUT TIME Finally Illinois has a budget. Two years without a budget has made Illinois look incompetent to deal with fiscal issues. Certainly, the passage of this budget is long overdue, and there is…

Monroe

QUICK THOUGHTS The editor has requested a short column this month, so I’m going to share some thoughts about my morning show, “Breakfast with Roger and Friends,” that started in 2002 as “Breakfast with Royce and Roger.”  We lost Royce…

Reflections from Clergy

As a general rule of thumb, country music is one of my least favorite genres. Before you turn the page and leave me behind, you need to know, dear friend, occasionally there is a song that sneaks through and touches…

Bricks & Mortar

The partnership of Edward Heidrich and Martin Kingman in 1888 to form the Peoria Cordage Company showed the growth of the American agricultural industry. The new company would specialize in producing binder twine and other similar products, and through another…

Serendipity

Our family vacations weren’t intended to become a tradition. They began because travel benefits were part of my husband’s airline employment. Our three children learned early about flying, hotel stays, and visiting family in the D.C. area. They also learned…

West Peoria News

West Peoria Neighborhood Watch is hosting its 17th annual Night Out Against Crime 3 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Franciscan Park. Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles to be inspected and take a test ride through an obstacle…