James Surowiecki wrote a book a few years ago that began with an anecdote about a crowd that guessed the weight of an ox. When their individual guesses were averaged, they were spot on. The title sums it up: “The…
The wisdom of crowds
West Peoria News for August 2014
Boy Scout Troop 11’s annual ice cream social is scheduled for Thursday, August 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the West Peoria Fire House. Tickets are $2.50 and can be purchased in advance from Troop 11 scouts or at…
Once again, the Journal Star fails to deliver on the Web
If I were JS reporter Nick Vlahos, I would be royally PISSED at the morons who run the newspaper’s Website. First, go to the front page of the PJStar.com and try to find ANY reporting on last night’s Peoria City…
Central planners are failing again with Common Core
by Terry Rowe – Peoria, IL The inherent flaws of central planning include a lack of information and the absence of communication with the intended victims. We are observing this scenario play out again as the wheels fall off of…
Farewell Letter from the Editor
After much deliberation, soul-searching, planning and researching, I decided the time had come for me to retire and find a new caretaker to carry on with the paper. This August 2014 issue is my last issue. After nearly a year…
Happenings for August 2014
Aug 3 – German-American Central Society presents the annual Bratfest 2014 at Hickory Grove Park – 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Call 309-691-7484. Live Entertainment, Muscle Car, Hot Rod & Customized Motorcycle Cruis’n, Arts & Craft Village, soccer, folk dancing, Bingo,…
Puzzle pieces
It was complicated. Three hundred pieces cut in the oddest shapes I’d ever seen for a puzzle. Some I swore were edge pieces and for a while was frustrated that they weren’t fitting into the frame with the other edge…
Peoria Public Library book clubs meetings for August 2014
Join a book club at Peoria Public Library this month. New members are always welcome! Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Branch to discuss Windy City Blues by Sara Paretsky.…
Chillicothe Library Happenings for August 2014
Aug 5 – World Travelers – 2pm – 3pm – Grades 3-7. Experience cultures from around the world! Meet people from other countries, taste new food, and try crafts and games. Register by August 1st, Call for more info. Aug…
Jump Simulation attracts Disney Institute to Peoria
The creative concepts and innovative business practices that helped build Disney into a $150 billion worldwide enterprise are coming to Peoria. Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center is excited to host the Disney Institute for a magical, one day educational…
Peoria Park District happenings for August 2014
As Central Illinois residents, we are lucky to live in one of the most diverse migratory flyways in the world called the Mississippi Flyway. Nearly half of North America’s bird species, and about 40 percent of its waterfowl, spend at…
Unity Point mamogram schedule
August 2nd Friendship House, 800 Madison, Peoria August 5th Metamora UnityPoint Health Clinic August 6th Cherry Tree Shopping Center Washington August 9th Richwoods High School August 12th Morton UnityPoint Health Clinic August 13th Princeville UnityPoint Health Clinic August 15th Mackinaw…
Peoria Zoo staff help with release of endangered species
On July 23, 2014, 22 Alligator Snapping Turtles (AST) that had previously been housed at Peoria Zoo were released into the wild in southern Illinois. Helping with the release were four members of the Zoo’s staff. The Zoo’s partnership in…
Early voting giving Democrats the edge, some say
Election Day is still months away, but early voting may give some lawmakers an advantage at the polls. Election Day used to mean early risers, long lines and 30-minute waits in the chilly air of early fall. But with the…
Area colleges’ tuitions
Private schools Tuition/fees per year Bradley University … $29,300 Eureka College … $19,600 Robert Morris University … $22,200 Public institutions Tuition/fees per year Illinois Central College … $7,100 Illinois State University … $18,700 University of Illinois/Springfield … $13,300 SOURCE: American…
News analysis: ‘Business’ model hurting college access, sparking colossal debt
Just as health-care costs remain a dilemma despite better insurance coverage, college costs aren’t being addressed much in discussions of education in general and student loans in particular. Students’ loans and the enormous debt they create are a problem, but…
Have a happy and safe July 4
New law streamlines farmers’ market regulations
A new law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler’s will soon make it easier for farmers and other vendors to sell their products at farmers markets throughout the state. Under Illinois’ current system, local health departments set the rules for…
The good, the bad and the ugly
Famed actor Eli Wallach died recently at the age of 98. He was one of the actors in the movie, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Clint Eastwood was the good, Lee Van Cleef was the bad, and Wallach…
Becoming at home on the range
Between my father and Roy Rogers, I didn’t stand a chance. Songs of wide open spaces, mountains, and prairies, would weave a tantalizing tapestry of the trail. Dad grew up a country boy working around the farm and orchard, and…
It’s time for cooler heads to prevail in Twittergate
This is what should happen in regards to the Twittergate lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the mayor of Peoria and various city officials in regards to the deplorable Twittergate debacle. Both parties should agree to release…
Is your water making you sick?
Lauri Gannon – Peoria, IL Have you recently been suffering from a compromised immune system, respiratory difficulties, congestion, coughing, sneezing, increased allergies, or skin ailments such as itching, roughness, blistering, etc.? Have the fish in your backyard pond died in…