Like mom – like me

Mom drifted off to sleep long before bedtime most weeknights. As a child I remember how she got up early every day, dressed up real nice and went to work. My brother and I got home before she did, and…

Peoria Public Library Happenings for May 2014

Music in the McKenzie presents Small Potatoes Sunday, May 18 at Peoria Public Library North Branch Peoria Public Library North Branch presents Music in the McKenzie: Small Potatoes at North Branch Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. for a repertoire of music…

Miller Center (Pekin) calender of events

May 2nd Friday night dance The Nostalgics Time: 7:00-10:00pm. Fee: $7.00 each. Treats provided by Pekin Hospital Home Health Care. Call Miller Center at 346-5210 for more information. May 5th New Ballroom Dance Lessons Time: 6:30pm Beginners, 7:30 Intermediate Fee:…

Newsbriefs for May 2014

Dunlap Library Book Club Happenings Monday Morning Book Club – May 12 at 9:30 a.m. – We bring out the toys so the kids can play while we discuss “The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels” by Ree Drummond. 7Up…

Great job

Everyone associated with “Change 150” is to be commended and congratulated for the upset victory by Sue Wolstenholm for District 3 of the Peoria School District. She defeated Laura Petelle by a stunning 70 to 30 percent even though she withdrew from the…

By any other name

Many Peorians will remember the names, “Uncle Bob and Aunt Billy.” Bob and Sybil Prager were naturalists at Forest Park Nature Center over four decades ago. Bob was a pioneer in restoring some of the beautiful, though little known, flora native to Central Illinois, from the fragile snow trillium, to shooting star, to the eight foot tall big bluestem grass. The clearing where the Nature Center’s “Deer Run Trail” meets “Valley Trail,” is actually an amazingly diverse prairie planting, that was meticulously planted and weeded by Bob, Sybil, and a small cadre of volunteers.

No money for Illinois learning standards

I think it is safe to say that everyone is aware that the State of Illinois is broke. Christopher Koch, The Illinois Superintendent of Education, has stated that state aid to schools will be reduced. School districts are reducing staff…

Lest we forget …

I was looking through some of my past articles for Easter and thought I’d share it with you again. It’s a good reminder during the time of year when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:…

Teaching through example

Flipping through newspapers or watching televised news reports gives credence to the fact that tragedies and disturbing situations are part of the human condition. Often less publicized, but deserving attention, are numerous stories of people caring for each other, sometimes…

West Peoria News for April 2014

<p dir=”ltr”>The Annual West Peoria Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the West Peoria Township Office on Rohman Ave. This meeting is mandated to be held the second Tuesday of April each year in…

It’s pothole season in Peoria

By Mike Rogers, Peoria director of public works This year, the City has experienced frequent snow storms and heavy rains, causing more than usual potholes in our streets.  Since mid-February, City crews have been repairing potholes around the clock. Potholes…

Happenings for April 2014

April 1 – 19 – Lilies & The Lorax Lily Show – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Luthy Botanical Garden. This show is a community tradition. See hundreds of beautiful flowers contrasted with lush tropical foliage and experience the…