Relive the excitement and danger of racing through the frozen wilderness with Karen Land and her dog as they share stories of how they work as a team to meet their goals. The Idiatrod is the world’s most famous sled dog race. Since 1967 dog mushers have challenged themselves to beat the Alaskan wilderness in the Iditarod. The race is really a reconstruction of the freight route to Nome and commemorates the part that sled dogs played in the settlement of Alaska. The mushers travel from checkpoint to checkpoint much as the freight mushers did eighty years ago—although some modern dog drivers move at a pace that would have been incomprehensible to their old-time counterparts, making the trip to Nome in under ten days.

This program is appropriate for all ages and is free.

In addition to the keynote speakers, 66 sports communication researchers and academicians from around the country will showcase their research at the conference on March 29, 30 and 31 at Embassy Suites in East Peoria. The purpose of the Summit is to exchange concepts, theories and approaches to the study of communication and sport.

“This is the premiere international conference devoted exclusively to communication and sport research,” said Paul Gullifor, chair of Bradley’s Department of Communication. “Hosting the Summit is an important complement to our new academic program in sports communication.”

Steiner, a Bradley graduate who is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will give the opening keynote address on March 29 at 7 p.m. Branch, a Pulitzer Prize winner for his biography of Martin Luther King Jr. and author of “The Cartel: Inside the Rise and Imminent Fall of the NCAA,” will give a keynote address the following morning at 8. Leavy, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Last Boy, and Sandy Koufax: A Lefty’s Legacy, will address the conference at 12:30 and will join Steiner and Kindred for a faculty-industry panel discussion at 4 p.m.

Among the dozens of research sessions that will be presented are:

The Rise and Fall of Tiger Woods: Sports Illustrated’s Construction of the Genre of the Fallen Athlete – Mike Valvano, Western Illinois University

The Fantasy Sport Trade Association: An Inside Look into a Billion Dollar Industry – Andrew Billings, University of Alabama; Brody Ruihley, University of Cincinnati; and Natalie Brown, University of Alabama

Hurry Up and Write: How Social Media is Effecting Speed and Sourcing in the Sports Newsroom – Keith Strudler, Marist College

The early registration fee for the conference is $179; $199 after February 29. The deadline to register is March 21. Conference details and registration information are available online at http://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/professionals/fifthsummit/index.dot.

Previous Summits have been held at Arizona State and Clemson universities, and the University of Texas at Austin will host the 2013 conference.

Bradley offers a one-of-a-kind sports communication curriculum and has a long tradition of educating world-class sports announcers and broadcasting professionals. Among the university’s notable alumni are Jack Brickhouse, Andy Masur, Ralph Lawler and Steiner.

The Peoria Train Fair is returning to the Illinois Central College campus, Sunday, February 19th. The Fair runs from 10AM to 3PM and is sponsored by the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and Pekin’s River City Model Railroad Club.

The clubs’ fundraiser will feature operating layouts, swap meet tables, videos and more. Admission is just $3 for adults. Kids, 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be available.

“Each show is getting bigger and better” says event organizer, Ron Brown. “Whether you’re a model railroad enthusiast, train buff, or just someone who is looking for a unique gift, there will be something for everybody.”

Attendees will find DVDs, videos, books, and photos, as well as many model railroad parts and supplies. Tables will highlight new and used Lionel, O, HO, N and Z items. Real railroad memorabilia will be available including clothing (hats, shirts, patches, and pins). A test track will be available, as well. Whether you’re adding to an existing design or looking for a child’s first train layout, it will all be there.

All proceeds from the fair supports the Illinois Valley Model Railroad Club in Peoria and River City Model Railroad Club in Pekin and their efforts to highlight and promote the hobby of model railroading to all. For information, call Ron Brown at (309) 369-3515, or email him at pepper7190@yahoo.com.

What: Peoria Train Fair
Where: Illinois Central College, East Peoria
When: Sunday, February 19, 2012; 10AM – 3PM
Cost: $3 for adults. Kids, 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Earlier today, the governor signed a new law that will allow police officers who serve on SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and Tactical Response Teams to possess and use silencers. These officers are much more likely to fire their weapons than other officers, and they operate in situations where even a few seconds of hearing loss can make the difference between life and death.

“Police officers put their lives on the line to protect us every day, and the members of SWAT teams take some of the biggest risks of all,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the law’s chief Senate sponsor. “Letting them use silencers will protect them, and make it easier for them to protect us.”

Whenever police officers fire their weapons, they experience a few seconds of hearing loss. SWAT teams operate in tense, dangerous situations like rescuing hostages. They need all their senses intact to be able to make split-second decisions. Repeated exposure to gunfire without hearing protection can also lead to long-term hearing loss.

Under existing Illinois law, only federally-licensed arms manufacturers can own silencers, and they cannot sell them within the state. Anyone else possessing a silencer—even a police department—is guilty of a class three felony, punishable by a $25,000 fine or two-to-five years in prison.

“We have strictly limited the use of silencers to SWAT teams and other special-purpose police squads,” Koehler explained. “We are protecting their health and effectiveness without making it easier for criminals to get their hands on these potentially dangerous tools.”

Issue Profile:
What: HB 1708 has become law
Why: To protect police officers from hearing loss during dangerous situations
Lead Senate Sponsor: Dave Koehler, Peoria Democrat
Votes : 57-0 (Senate), 115-0 (House)

WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Embassy Suites, East Peoria
COST: $15 for Children/$45 for Adults

The day will include lunch and a fashion show for children of all ages. The highlight of the day will be a kid-friendly concert with Julie K, who engages kids with melodies the whole family will enjoy.

Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchase by calling the Children’s Hospital of Illinois Foundation at 309.566.5666. Proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

“Our senior citizens deserve to be taken care of after all they have done for our community. We are lucky to have senior care providers, like Lutheran Hillside Village and Life Service Network who help take care of elderly in our community,” said Gordon. “I am proud to be considered their partner.”

The “Partners in Quality” Award is given by LSN to legislators who have committed to protecting and serving seniors in their community. Lutheran Hillside Village is a member of LSN and nominated Rep. Gordon for this award.

“It is great to have organizations like Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria because they not only give top-notch care to senior citizens but they also support seniors throughout our community. As a part of Life Services Network, outstanding organizations like Lutheran Hillside Village and seniors in our community have a strong voice advocating for them throughout the state,” Gordon said.

Life Services Network represents providers of the complete continuum of services for older adults, including nursing care, supportive and assisted living, senior housing and home and community based services, including Lutheran Hillside Village. With a diverse membership now numbering over 540 providers, LSN is the largest eldercare association in Illinois.

The market shows signs of strength in several areas: the median sales price jumped 11.1 percent year over year (the highest appreciation rate among the top 10 markets); 81.1% of homes in the area remained affordable to median-income households; and the metro area’s sales rate stayed about on par with the national rate.

Visit http://www.inman.com/reports/markets-watch2012 to view the entire Inman News report.

Peoria County ’s new 151,000 square foot elder care facility is being constructed on approximately 13 acres. It will have the capacity to provide care for 214 residents, including 80 Alzheimer’s patients. The facility will be two stories with rooms situated in a neighborhood setting. A center court will offer laundry, dietary, and physical therapy services as well as an activities area and chapel. Dining rooms will be located in each of the residential pods to allow easier access for residents at meal time.

The “Topping Out” Ceremony marks the beginning of the next phase in the construction process of the elder care facility. For more information about Friday’s ceremony, please call Jenny Fulton, Director of Strategic Communications, at 672-6918.

The program takes place between 6:30 and 10:50 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration is at 3 p.m. Friday. Cost for the two-day event is $69 at the door.

During the 11-city tour, attendees will engage with musicians, artists and speakers who help create an inviting, inspirational atmosphere to worship God. There will also be “experience stations” where youth have the opportunity to purchase merchandise, play games, jump on inflatables and take pictures in a photo booth.

“Believe was created because junior high students need an experience that’s just for them. They learn and experience things differently than high school students,” according to CIY’s website. “Believe is jam-packed with tactile and interactive experience stations, fun-filled free time and intentional small group times. Throughout the weekend you can count on digging into God’s word, inspiring stories and community encounters.”

For more than 10 years, CIY has ministered to youth with Jesus Christ by offering conferences, service projects and mission trips. The group is based out of Joplin, MO. This is CIY’s second visit to Peoria.

For more information, go to ciy.com/believe.com.

Candidates for two contested races in the March 20 Democratic primary are scheduled to participate. They are:

• In the 46th District, Illinois State Senate race: Dave Koehler and James Polk have accepted. Marvin Bainter has been invited.
• In the Peoria County Board District 6 race: Allen Mayer and Rick Waldron.

Candidates for other offices in both parties also may attend and will be introduced. There is no League forum for their contested races unless at least two candidates appear to speak.

The event is free and open to the public.