Mayor Jim Ardis was a recent guest on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger.” In an exclusive interview with us, Jim said he has not yet decided whether to seek re-election. “My wife and I have discussed the subject, but no decision has been made,” he stated. The mayor explained that others will have a major influence on whether he runs again. “We have an excellent city council. I enjoy working with everyone,” said Ardis. “If people like Bob Manning and Bill Spears decide not to seek re-election, I would have a hard time returning. They’ve played a significant role in the progress city government has made,” he added. Time will tell whether he will or won’t run for re-election.
Read the rest of this entry »

The contest between Republican Darin LaHood and Democrat Kevin Lyons for Peoria County state’s attorney became a hot topic of political discussion after it was revealed LaHood attempted to talk to the father of an alleged rape victim. The revelation was made by Lyons, who’s seeking re-election. The story was widely covered by the PJS and the local electronic media. Who benefited?

Supporters of Lyons believe the story helps the current state’s attorney because LaHood, they believe, used poor judgment in trying to talk to the victim’s father without first getting his permission. LaHood’s supporters feel the Lyons’ news conference actually helped LaHood bring attention to his campaign issue that many in police enforcement feel Lyons is soft on crime. LaHood has been endorsed by every police organization in Peoria County. Read the rest of this entry »

Amazing. President George Bush comes to Peoria again and the smear merchants at the Peoria Journal Star see nothing positive about his visit. It’s hard to figure why the left-leaning newspaper and their intellectually-challenged writers would find anything negative about the leader of the greatest country in the world making a return to our city. Could they be angry because his approval ratings are much higher than the 9% “enjoyed” by the Democrat Congress with such Illinois luminaries as Senators Dick Durbin and Obama?

Could they be upset because the “surge” has been successful and we’re winning the war in Iraq? (Deaths so far in Iraq for the month of July are lower than in the city of Chicago.) Could it be because this President and his administration created more jobs than at anytime in the history of this country with the lowest unemployment during any previous administration? Could it be the left is disappointed that Mr. Bush has prevented any terror attacks on America since 9/11? Could the newspaper’s smear attacks be the result of their disappointment that this President didn’t commit adultery in the Clinton Oral Office like their hero? Read the rest of this entry »

While the news media is heavily invested in telling everyone how terrible the economy is supposed to be, Peoria and central Illinois, for the most part, continues to roll merrily along. Caterpillar just announced a huge contract with the government, home sales are up, lines at many restaurants are common, and the medical community totals nearly three quarters of a billion dollars in new construction. Methodist Medical Center is the largest investor in new construction. The hospital will spend an estimated $425 million for what will be virtually a new medical center at the edge of downtown Peoria.

But wait. Les Kenyon, an architect who lives in East Peoria, is apparently seeking to thwart hospital plans. You see Kenyon is part of the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation. This is a small group that comes out of the ground now and then to wave its historic flag to halt or alter any plans for building that Kenyon or someone opposes. Kenyon opposes any changes Methodist would like to make to Hamilton Boulevard. After all, it’s the oldest street in the city. And golly gee whiz it was named after Alexander Hamilton by his son, Billy the Kid Hamilton. Now that’s heavy history. Read the rest of this entry »

School District 150 is in the middle of another controversy—again. This time it’s about reducing the school day for all primary students by 45 minutes. A few schools, like Edison, will not be affected by the ruling.

The school board accepted the recommendation for a shorter school day made by Ken Hinton, superintendent. Shortening the day should save the district an estimated $645,000 says Hinton. However, a number of parents, teachers and others are saying, “Not so fast.” They want school board members and District 150 officials to consider other alternatives to reduce the district’s budget.

One of the objectors is Diane Vespa, mother of two children and a well-known realtor. Appearing on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” Vespa argued that a reduction of the school day will be harmful to students and will create hardships for parents. “Parents will have to change work schedules to accommodate the new departure and arrival times for their children,” Vespa said. “I don’t think the decision was thoughtfully considered by the board,” she stated. “There are alternative ways of reducing the deficit,” Vespa added.

Former board member Alicia Butler suggested district officials should give consideration to alternatives that have the least impact on students and parents. “A reduction of the school day has an immediate and direct negative impact on children,” Butler said.

Several knowledgeable and experienced educators and interested people have been meeting to study ways to help the school district reduce the budget deficit by the desired $645,000. Here are some of the cost-saving measures they recommend:

1. An immediate freeze on filling new positions.
2. Elimination or reduction of the number of cell phones by school personnel.
3. Institute a bidding process for all legal and auditing services.
4. Sell all of the homes on Prospect Road that cost the district $877,500.
5. Sell White & Loucks schools.
6. End the practice of allowing district vehicles to be driven to and from employee homes each day.
7. Evaluate the need for assistant principal positions at schools with student populations under 400.
8. Re-evaluate administrative staffing.
9. Eliminate rehiring retired administrators as consultants.
10. Eliminate all overtime except campus police for extra-curricular events.
11. End all travel except when paid for by grants.
12. Revisit outsourcing services including food service.

Wow! That’s an impressive list of alternative ways to save district revenue. It sure beats reducing the school day. Hopefully, the District 150 board will look at these suggestions and reconsider the decision to reduce the school day for 2008-2009. Read the rest of this entry »

ROYCE IS BACK!

After a brief bout with his health, my radio co-host, comedian and good friend Royce Elliott, is once again bringing smiles and laughter to those who participate and listen to “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” on 1350 WOAM. Everyone knows how funny and witty Royce is and he was sorely missed while struggling with health issues.

TIM WILES SCORES WITH NEW BOOK

Speaking of “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” former Peorian, Tim Wiles, was a guest on the show. Tim is director of research at baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

A graduate of Bergan High School, Wiles is co-author of a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of the writing of the song, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

Titled, “Baseball’s Greatest Hit,” the book traces the history of the music composed by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer. The colorful book is filled with fascinating photos and even includes a CD with a variety of versions of the song. Obviously, our favorite version is by Harry Caray sung in the 7th inning during the first Cub night game. The book sells for $29.95 and would make an excellent gift. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a long time since I heard such strong criticism of a PJS sports reporter. Bradley basketball fans are still chatting about Kirk Wessler’s column calling Bradley basketball a “renegade program.”

While Wessler didn’t actually call basketball players “renegades” on the Hilltop, he did repeat the charges from a blogger many are calling a “nobody.” One fan asked, “Why repeat something you saw on the damn internet?” Another said the Wessler column reminded him of when Phil Theobald raked Jim Molinari over the coals for his coaching skills. A third fan wanted to know what Wessler’s coaching background was and a fourth lamented that it was a cheap shot at Jim Les.

I don’t agree with all of the criticism of Kirk Wessler. It’s tough to write a column each day. I think the guy was desperate for story ideas and turned to the internet for help.

Since I’m on Bradley basketball, I might mention WMBD-TV sports director Kurt Pegler had to apologize after ridiculing the CBI basketball tournament. In reporting the Bradley victory over Cincinnati, Pegler uncharacteristically panned the event as a tournament of losers. The next night he apologized to Bradley and its players for his demeaning comments.

Read the rest of this entry »

CONTROVERSIAL HIRING

The hiring of former Caterpillar executive Henry Holling as interim City Manager was controversial. The long-time Cat official had previous experience in city management in Peoria that provided some wisdom for the recommended hiring. However, critics point to his drunken driving arrest within the last year and failure of the council to apparently consider other possible candidates with greater experience and no tickets for DUI.

Former Peoria County administrator David Krings told this writer he would’ve considered coming to Peoria only as an interim City Manager had he been asked. He wasn’t. Krings left Peoria many years ago to become administrator for Hamilton County in Cincinnati. He led that county government for many years and received accolades for his leadership during a time when two large stadiums were constructed for the baseball Reds and football Bengals. Today, Krings is busy serving as consultant for city and county governments around the country. He’s highly respected in his profession.

Other names tossed around included former Peoria Public Works Director, Steve Van Winkle; former District 150 Superintendent, Harry Whitaker; former State Senator George Shadid; and former Caterpillar CEO Glen Barton.

Bottom line is Holling was hired and I wish him well.

CLOSING THE BARN DOOR

The board of School District 150 made a landmark decision that’s the talk of the town, of central Illinois, if not the entire state. In changing the grade for a student and her family, the board is rightly being roundly criticized in virtually every segment of the community.

Even former superintendent Harry Whitaker was critical of the board’s action. Appearing on “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” Whitaker said he was surprised the board didn’t support the teacher or the superintendent. “Had that happened when I was superintendent, I would probably be working somewhere else.”

Anyone who has served on a board knows its primary function is to develop policy.

Administering that policy is the job of administration and its staff. The board over-stepped its responsibilities. Big time. They all should be replaced. Voted out. Former Richwoods High School student Sarah Nichelson hit the nail on the head when she wrote, “I think now it is time to turn the tables and grade the School Board, which deserves an ‘F’ in meeting the needs of the students and teachers they serve.”

To save face, the board then voted to change its policy leaving grade appeals to the people in the trenches. Good idea, but a little late closing the barn door.

ELECTION RESULTS

As this column predicted, Aaron Shock ran away from his worthy opponents. It wasn’t close. I predicted Johan Gordon would defeat Al Mayer in a close race. It was. I also said Carol Van Winkle would beat her opponent, Kent Rotherham, for County Auditor. Since Rotherham was far more qualified as a CPA, I thought that race would be close. It wasn’t, nor was the race for County Coroner. The incumbent, Johanna Ingersoll, once again easily defeated George Blackburn.

LAY-OFFS COMING AT COMCAST CABLE

Comcast is the new cable company in town after its purchase of Insight. The purchase didn’t create any excitement, but it has caused anxiety among employees. Employees at Insight Media Advertising on Dries Lane and in Bloomington have learned they’ll lose their jobs come June. About eight are affected in Peoria and up to 12 in the Twin Cities. I’m told the employees were offered positions in Detroit where the local operations will be moved. Who wants to move to Detroit, the Baghdad of America, what with all the violent crime there? The Comcast lay-offs will affect some cable employees with over 20 years of longevity.

THE REST OF THE STORY

A few folks gathered for a Civic Center news conference last month to pat each other on the back for relocating over 200 plaques belonging to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. Actually, many of the old plaques were sold. New plaques, reduced in size, were installed on the outside of the concourse walls at the Civic Center. Previously, the Hall of Fame plaques graced the inside concourse walls. They were removed to make way for Bradley and Rivermen pictures.

New Civic Center Authority Board President Dr. Peter Couri was on hand for the glad-handing event and stated, “This exhibit was given top priority. The Civic Center is our sports center, so it was important to keep it here.”

Not so. I like Dr. Couri and worked closely with him, but he fudged on the truth and he knows it. There was never any intention for the Hall of Fame plaques to be relocated anywhere, especially on the walls of any Civic Center structure.

The truth is in 2005 Civic Center director Debbie Ritschel sent a letter to Michael Higgins, president of the sports board, announcing the pending removal of all of the plaques…..forever. The essence of the Ritschel letter was, “come and get your plaques. They’re no longer wanted at the Civic Center.” After Higgins read the Ritschel letter to Hall of Fame board members, the room was quiet. An air of resigned acceptance filled the room as Higgins moved to the next item of business, failing to ask for comment or voicing any objection or resistance. There was none until this writer said, “Wait a minute. Let’s talk about this. We need to discuss this move by the Civic Center.” Phil Salzer then joined in and so did fellow member Ed Murphy. With support from other board members, the three of us decided to object to Civic Center plans and seek another possible location for the plaques.

Hopes for a compromise to the Civic Center’s administrative decision were dashed early in discussions. The Civic Center suggested production of a video for its kiosks. The video would show pictures of plaques. The board objected, but the Civic Center insisted. Finally, I asked Mayor Jim Ardis for help. To his credit, a meeting was held September 2, 2005, in City Hall. The Mayor was there, so was Councilman Bill Spears. On hand for the Civic Center were Ritschel, Marc Burnett, Dr. Couri and Ken Goldin. The Civic Center people were adamant. The plaques were being removed and they would be replaced by a video installed in lobby kiosks.

It was not a peaceful meeting as Murphy, Salzer, and this writer strongly voiced objections. Finally, Mayor Ardis changed the entire mood, tempo and flavor of the meeting when he simply, but powerfully said, “I don’t think the kiosks are a good idea for the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame.” Now folks, after first Ritschel, then Couri and Goldin repeated the same argument that there were no walls for the Hall of Fame plaques, Mayor Ardis literally changed the complexion on the faces and minds of those Civic Center officials with that simple statement. The meeting ended with a sense of expectancy for Salzer, Murphy and Monroe thanks to the Mayor. Subsequent meetings were punctuated with cooperation and, yes, confrontation. A couple of times we thought we had an agreement only to be disappointed. All of the hopes, disappointments, arguments, suggestions, discussions, and compromises, culminated in development of the new location that showcased Friday, January 25. Congratulations to Mayor Jim Ardis for making it possible. And now you know the rest of the story.

MY BUDDY ROYCE

In response to the many personal inquiries by letter, phone, and email about my buddy Royce Elliott, let me say he has been experiencing a variety of significant health issues.

Royce has been struggling with these problems for over two years. It hasn’t been easy for him, but he has tried his best to join me each morning for “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” on 1350 WOAM. So many people have expressed their concerns for him. Among those was East Peoria native and new manager of the New York Yankees, Joe Girardi. Joe called our morning show, not once, but twice, asking about Royce. The first time Royce was home sick. The following morning Royce was on hand when Joe called while driving to Spring training in Florida. The former Peoria Chief, Cub, Cardinal, and Yankee player joked with his long-time friend and definitely boosted his spirits. What a class guy! Always has been and always will be!

There’s more than one way to skin a (voter) cat.”

QUOTE OF THE MONTH?

“For the first time in my adult life-time, I’m proud of my country…” — Michelle Obama

How sad that a potential First Lady of the United States, has thought so poorly of her fellow Americans, past and present. The noun “country” means people, in this case, Americans, including those who fought and died in World War II to save Europeans, in the Korean War and in Viet Nam. Americans are typically the first to respond with aid around the world when disaster strikes. I’m saddened that someone would think so badly of America and Americans that finally at age 45, she is proud of the USA.

A BETTER QUOTE

American engineers were attending an international conference in France with others from around the world. During a break, one of the French engineers loudly announced, “Have you heard the latest dumb stunt President Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied, “Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they’re nuclear-powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day; they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day; and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships. How many does France have?”

A BIT OF IRISH HUMOR

The story is told about Paddy O’Flaherty who was working in the town brewery. Town folk were saddened to learn one day that Paddy had fallen and drowned in one of the large vats filled with beer. A fellow worker said, “I thought he was going to make it since he got out twice to go to the bathroom.”

— Comedian Royce Elliott

Listen to “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” on 1350 WOAM, St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17. For the fourth consecutive year, we’ll be talking with officials in Clonmel, Ireland, our Sister City.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Political campaigns always seem to bring out crazy things and even crazy people. I don’t mean crazy in the sense of mental instability, but crazy as in bizarre or weird. Remember Ross Perot and Admiral Stockdale? Then there was the Florida silliness over the ballot “chads.” Who can forget the national media predicting Al Gore would become President? Just a few examples of political craziness.

92nd DISTRICT HOUSE RACE

We’ve had some wild things on the local political scene as well. This year is no exception. Cindy Jenkins, the sister of Mayor Jim Ardis, announced she wanted to be the Republican candidate for Aaron Shock’s House seat in the 92nd District. After her name was officially printed on the February primary ballot, she quit. Enter Joan Krupa who quit as administrator of the Heartland Clinic. Krupa announced she wanted to take Cindy’s place even though Krupa’s name won’t be on the ballot. Strange. Stranger is the revelation Krupa selected a Democrat ballot after serving as a Republican on the County Board. Who does she think she is, Eldon Polhemus? I also learned Krupa has made contributions to Democrat candidates. Look for Republicans to lose that office come November. By the way, another rumor floating among local political observers is that Shock will resign his state office if he wins the Republican nomination for Congress. As the rumor goes, Krupa then would be appointed to serve until the General Election.

Personally, I don’t believe the rumor, but it is out there.

But don’t laugh Democrats. There’s craziness with supporters of the donkey symbol. County Board member Al Mayer reportedly talked political newcomer Jehan Gordon into running as the Democrat nominee for the 92nd District. After she agreed to run, Mayer decided to run against her. Crazy? Next we learned that Gordon lied about having a college degree. Give the newspaper credit for exposing the lie, but then new reporter Ed McMenamin excuses the lie in his Sunday, January 20 story, by saying, “But actually she is three hours shy of an official degree, she confirmed to the Journal Star on Thursday.” Pray tell, what is an “official” degree? Is there an unofficial degree? And I guess if you’re only three hours short of an “official degree,” it’s okay to lie and say you have a degree. This story puts the editorial staff in a dilemma. Who will they endorse? Will it be Mayer or Gordon?

RACE FOR LAHOOD’S SEAT

The three Republicans seeking the Washington D.C. seat of the retiring Ray LaHood have been campaigning furiously as the primary nears. All three performed quite well in the televised debates. Aaron Shock showed his legislative experience by appearing to be the most comfortable with challenging questions. WMBD-TV was first with the televised debates and Bob Larson, the Channel 31 news anchor, moderated the event with class, poise and without injecting his own politics. He wasn’t abrasive, sarcastic and didn’t continually interrupt any of the candidates.

A COUPLE OF PREDICTIONS

When the primary votes are counted, Shock will emerge as the winner in the Republican race for Congress. It will be close, but look for Jehan Gordon to defeat Mayer despite lying about her education. She will win primarily because the Democratic leadership in Peoria County is supporting her.

The same is true in the Democrat race for County auditor. Carol Van Winkle, who was appointed to the office, will defeat Kent Rotherham. That just might be another close contest in the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, Republicans will again choose to push for the re-election of Johnna Ingersoll as coroner. She’s opposed for the second time by George Blackburn, but Ingersoll should win.

STRAIGHT TALK NOTES

Congratulations to director of public relations, Chris Lofgren, of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. He retired after 22 years in that position. Knowing a little bit about hospital P.R., I can tell you Chris did an excellent job and was highly respected for his work. Chris is being replaced by WMBD-TV news anchor Amy Paul.

FIRST CHURCH GOES LEFT?

First United Methodist Church in downtown Peoria hosted a well known political leftist of the Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church based in Washington D.C. Jim Winkler, general secretary of the board, was the featured speaker at a so-called forum at the church, Friday evening, January 11. It was a carefully controlled forum for the controversial Winkler who has appeared in numerous protests and demonstrations against the Iraq War, Israel, and President Bush. Winkler has been an out-spoken critic of Caterpillar and is seeking to get United Methodist Church to sell its Caterpillar stock worth an estimated $5 million. Winkler doesn’t like the fact that Caterpillar sells equipment to Israel. That equipment, claims Winkler, has been used against Palestinians.

A lobbyist for the Methodist Church, Winkler’s views reflect the liberal faction of Methodism that’s running Washington D.C. offices. But that influence is rapidly declining like membership in Methodist churches. In the last 43 years, the Methodist Church has lost over three million members according to UM Action, a publication of the Institute on Religion & Democracy.

Winkler’s political effort to get the church to divest itself of Caterpillar stock will be decided in April at the General Conference to be held in Fort Worth, Texas. Winkler will fail.

LOCAL DEMOCRATS CAMPAIGN IN IOWA

Local Democrats were on the move. Former State Senator George Shadid, current State Senator Dave Koehler, and Billy Halstead, chairman of the Peoria County Democrat Central Committee, were working on behalf of Illinois Senator Barrack Obama in Iowa. All three traveled to Clinton and Davenport stumping for Senator Obama. They spent the better part of one day going door-to-door in Clinton, Shadid’s hometown. The next day they drove to Davenport. Now that’s commitment.

TOO MANY RESTAURANTS?

Two new eating establishments have opened on restaurant row in East Peoria along the Illinois River. Gosh, how many does that make around the Wal-Mart Super Center? In Peoria, three businesses have closed, two in the Metro Center. Mocha Joe’s and Leo’s Flowers have called it quits as did Fiesta Ranchero next to Landmark Recreation Center on Dries Lane. It was sad to see the end of Leo’s. Owners had hoped moving from Knoxville to the Metro Center would breathe new life to their flower business. It didn’t. How many readers can remember when Leo Walsh would stand on Knoxville handing out green carnations to motorists on St. Patrick’s Day? It was a memorable Peoria tradition.

TRADITIONS & HISTORY

Speaking of traditions and history, City Clerk Mary Haynes is busy working with a committee of folks seeking to develop historical displays for City Hall. Mary has written former city officials and/or their families to submit documents for use in what will be a rotating display of the city’s history of people and events. She envisions schools sending students to City Hall for a tour of Peoria’s history. Great idea, Mary.

TRUE PICTURE OF IRAQ

We’ve had some great guests on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” about the war in Iraq. We featured weekly reports on the war effort from Lt. Colonel Bob Lickiss of Pekin. The former Tazewell County deputy sheriff was stationed just outside Iraq and handled the movement of troops going in and coming out of that country. After serving 15 months in Iraq, Sgt. Jason Adams, a Toulon native, told our listeners about his battle experience with the insurgents. He also made arrangements for us to talk by phone to his Iraqi interpreter in Baghdad. Amazingly, Adams was able to help Magid, his wife and three year old daughter leave Iraq. They now live in Toulon.

In January, our special guest was Lt. Colonel Steve Russell who commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, in Iraq. He led patrols in and around Tikrit and also served in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kosovo. And Colonel William (Bill) Robertson, who commands the Air Wing in Peoria, has flown in and out of Iraq. Peorian Mark Vonachen has also been a guest on our morning show after serving as crew chief on a Blackhawk helicopter. Stealing a line from a United Airlines commercial, Mark has “flown the(unfriendly) skies of Iraq.”

All of the guests made the same point in our conversations. That point was the U.S. military and the Coalition forces were winning the war and the success of that war effort was not being accurately reported by the national media. What in the world has happened to the media in America?

A recent poll by Sacred Heart University found that just 19.6% of those surveyed could say they believe all or most news media reporting. “The fact that an astonishing percentage of Americans see biases and partisanship in their mainstream news sources suggests an active and critical consumer of information in the U.S.,” said James Castonguay, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Sacred Heart University’s Department of Media Studies and Digital Culture.

This same survey reported by a 4-to-one margin, Americans consider the New York Times and National Public Radio as mostly or somewhat liberal. No kidding. The survey covered all 50 states.

A BIT OF HUMOR

The story is supposed to be true. A local homeless vagrant was making his usual winter appearance before a judge at the Courthouse. Facing charges of disorderly conduct with a sentence to the warm and friendly confines of the County jail, the man was smiling and having a good time misbehaving in the Courtroom. The judge, growing angry, sternly told the vagrant, “Sir, if you keep misbehaving, I will find you not guilty.” The man quietly sat down.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. So practice happy thinking every day.” — Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

It was another wonderful Christmas. So much happening in the community and on television and radio. Special thanks to East Peoria for the splendid Festival of Lights including another spectacular parade and for returning the beautiful lighted wreath to the hillside for all to enjoy. Peoria’s longest consecutive running Santa parade was a big hit as well, although I don’t understand how a red pickup truck with an American flag qualified to be in the parade. Ugh! Whoever approved that entry ought to be horse-whipped with a real horse, as Royce would say. There were a lot of terrific Christmas music and drama programs on television. The best shows were on the Hallmark channel. The happy, positive and inspiring themes made the shows most enjoyable. And the same might be said for those radio stations programming all of the Christmas music. Special accolades to WOAM-AM, 1350. Kelly Communications featured Christmas music 24 hours a day seven days a week, with the exception of Saturday mornings.

Congratulations to the Peoria Journal for its sponsorship again of the 60th annual Christmas Sing at the Peoria Courthouse Plaza. It marked the return of song leader and former mayor Jim Maloof. Sir James missed last year while recovering from injuries he suffered in an automobile accident. He was in his usual fine voice. Due to the cold temperatures, attendance was around 150.

Politics was the only disappointment during the Christmas season. The constant political news, the debates, the stories, and the presidential candidates were boring. It supports the argument against those who moved up the primary dates in Iowa and New Hampshire. They shortened the campaign season by moving the primaries to April and the general election to November. Spare us all of the campaign news in December. We have better things to think about and enjoy. Hopefully.

GOOFS & GOOF-OFFS IN 2007

As we look forward to the News Year, permit me to review the year that just ended with some special awards.

FIBBER OF THE YEAR

No contest here. Democrat Senator Harry Reid. He wins for stating, “The surge isn’t working.” It was and is. Britain just turned over a province to the Iraqi government.

Virtually every one, including another anti-surge spokesman, Colonel Klink, I mean John Murtha, has acknowledged that the surge was working. Another Reid fib was obvious when he announced that global warming had caused the California fires. Later, a teenager admitted he started the fires. Reid should submit to a urine test.

ELECTIVE OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

A number of people qualified for the award. My choice is Peoria County Board chairman, Bill Prather. Despite an overwhelming Democratic majority on the board, Prather divided board chairmanships evenly. The result has been virtual elimination of the backroom wheeling and dealing that took place for too many years by former board chairpersons Dave Williams and Sharon Kennedy. County government is much healthier and cooperative.

2007 LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

The winner is Patrick Ulrich, Peoria County administrator. Ulrich has done an outstanding job attacking county problems from Bel-Wood to finances. This year’s budget, guided by Ulrich, his staff and department heads, was approved in record time, primarily because it was reviewed and discussed in a professional and bipartisan way by all parties concerned. Ulrich deserves much of the credit. Runner-up is Peoria Police Chief Steve Settingsgard. Steve has established an excellent working relationship with just about everyone including Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy. He has an open mind and makes himself available to the community.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Peoria and Central Illinois are fortunate to have so many fine people coaching in our schools. Bradley University soccer coach Jim DeRose wins this award and will also probably win the Tri-County Coach of the Year award from the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. He took his unranked Braves team to the Final 8 of the NCAA. Though shutout in their loss to Ohio State, DeRose and his players can be proud of their record setting season.

SCAM OF THE YEAR

Thanks to the left-wing national media, the Scam of the Year featured Republican Senator Larry Craig. Poor guy got caught playing “footsie” in a men’s restroom stall with an undercover detective who apparently thought the accused gay was more important than a potential airport hijacker. Craig first resigned and then changed his mind … perhaps after talking to Barney Frank, admitted gay, who was accused of once having a gay prostitute ring operating out of the house he owned.

Tied for first place with the Larry Craig media scam is the ongoing effort to convince the American people the economy is terrible, or as the Associated Press said, “a bleak economy.” But, here are the facts to counter that media scam:

*4.7% unemployment one of the lowest ever

*productivity up nearly 5%, fastest in 4 years

*more jobs have been created by President Bush than any other President in the country’s history - 8.4 million jobs since the 2003 tax cuts

*GDP up 18.5% since Bush was elected

*deficit reduced from $401 million to $163 million

*discretionary income for U.S. consumers grew to a record high $1.7 trillion.

FOX NEWS & POOR TASTE

Fox News is the clear leader among cable networks, but they were scraping the bottom of the barrel Sunday, December 16. Appearing on the morning show was a female porn starlet, Mary Carey. She was being interviewed and praised for raffling off a bit of her anatomy for breast cancer research. It was poor taste and ill-timed during the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Christ. Shame on Fox News. And shame on the male and female Fox hosts for their jolly and tasteless interview.

WELCOME RYNE SANDBERG

Pete Vonachen had it right. He privately suggested that Ryne Sandberg just might be returning as manager of the Peoria Chiefs. Vonachen told this writer a couple of months ago that there had been no apparent managerial changes in the Cub farm system. This meant there was no place for Sandberg to move up.

So, that’s good news for local baseball fans. Sandberg’s presence last season helped the local ball club to set an attendance record. He’ll do the same in 2008.

Vonachen and Peoria Chief executive Ralph Converse were guests on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” Wednesday, December 19.

ELECTION COMMISSION MAKES IT OFFICIAL

As exclusively reported in this column last month, the City Election Commission has new legal counsel. You’ll recall Mary Harkrader and Camille Gibson fired long-time commission counsel, Bob Day and then hired the county state’s attorney’s office. State’s attorney Kevin Lyons notified election officials his office was bowing out of those duties. The law firm of Howard and Howard has been hired. No surprise there.

INTELLIGENCE?

The CIA has been roundly criticized for allegedly misreading and misinterpreting intelligence in Iraq over weapons of mass destruction. However, three well-known liberal CIA officials have announced Iran doesn’t have the ability to manufacture nuclear weapons. That dangerous conclusion was rapidly accepted as “gospel truth” by the left-wing media and some Democrats. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence has a different opinion. They’ve announced the American NIE report is flawed and inaccurate. So who do you believe? Senator Kit Bond, the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, says Iran is continuing to enrich uranium “which is a long pole in the tent of getting towards having a nuclear weapon, and they are continuing to work on a missile program which could be used to deliver a nuclear weapon by missile.” I ask again, “Who do you believe?” Which reports makes the U.S. safer?

A LOOK BACK

While Christmas shopping, I ran into former Manual athlete Gene Waller, one of the really nice guys in our community. An end on the 1951 Manual football team, Waller recounted a game with Kewanee. He said at half-time the Rams were trailing 12-0. Manual coach Bob Jauron told his players if they came back to beat the Boilermakers, he would name his soon-to-be-born son after Manual. Waller said Manual did come back and win and Jauron fulfilled his promise to the team. He and his wife named their son, Richard Manual Jauron. Dick Jauron was to coach the Chicago Bears and is now coach of the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

GOOD LUCK CHANNEL 47

As everyone knows, local public broadcasting is in financial trouble. The station and its staff are rallying for support from central Illinois in the hopes of saving it from bankruptcy and acquisition by the bank. People want to know what happened and why? The short-term explanation failed to convince some people during the televised appeal. A fairly good sum of money has been pledged. It’ll be interesting to see whether the effort will impress bank officials. WTVP needs Jimmy Stewart to come running in from the snow and “It’s A Wonderful Life” to save the station.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

New Bradley University president Joanne K. Glasser has only been in Peoria and on the Hilltop for a short time, but has already won the hearts of many. Her unabashed enthusiasm for Bradley basketball and soccer and everything red and white has installed her as a winner. Word is she has moved the talented Dave Snell from Development, as in fund-raising, to kind of a special assistant to the president. I’ve also heard that former PJS editorialist Shelley Epstein, employed at Ameren CILCO, will be writing speeches for Glasser. If that rumor is true, that’s a surprise decision.

Mocha Joe’s in the Metro Center reportedly will close its door December 31. Apparently, the nearby Starbucks had a devastating influence on revenue. Too bad. Mocha Joe’s was a favorite stop for a lot of coffee and hot chocolate drinkers who enjoyed the brews at competitive prices.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way; if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”