Columns

Monroe

COUNTY AUDITOR RESIGNS Not many people, especially those holding public office, will walk away from a job paying $96,000 a year, but Carol Van Winkle did. The Peoria County Auditor, angry and frustrated with the county board, resigned from her…

As the nation prepares to cope with a Donald Trump administration that’s nominating a Ku Klux Klan sympathizer as Attorney General (Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions), it’s wise to recall recent history so that it’s not repeated – and to…

Living With a Loose Cannon Welcome to a new year, my friends. We are about to have a new President. I know some people must be happy about that, but I am not one of them. If he is your…

Nature Rambles

Winter Wings Winter has finally tightened its grip on Central Illinois. Crisp air and frozen ground define the landscape that was home to warm breezes and green growth not so long ago. In the shift of the seasons, nature also…

Serendipity

Calendars won’t be replaced by electronic devices in my world anytime soon. I realize my preference is not universally shared, and I don’t consider myself resistant to change. But I believe firmly in the adage, “If it isn’t broken, don’t…

West Peoria News

The motto that the “Living is best to the west of Peoria” defines what we have here in West Peoria. The recent elections proved that when the counts were done for the voter turnout from Peoria County this past November.…

Bricks & Mortar

When thinking of a city like Charleston or New Orleans, it’s easy to connect that city with its historic architecture. Tales are told about the lives and activities that once were touched by buildings in those communities. Part of those…

Real Talk

Character Matters I am still in a state of disbelief and hoping we discover that the Russians or someone did hack into computers in states and altered the vote tallies. Unfortunately, today the fact is that the 46 percent of the…

In 2008, I founded the Inland Visual Studies Center at Bradley University. The Center’s mission draws attention to the significance of Illinois and the Midwest as a critical hub of American art that has been under-identified in the broader art…

Arts Beat

MUSIC Jan. 6: “Jazz Night in the Broadway Lounge,” with the Boss Trio. 8 p.m. The Waterhouse. 494-9100. Jan. 6: Dexter O’Neal & Funk Yard “Live at the Five Spot.” 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Art Center. 674-6877. Jan. 6: Three and…