In the New Testament, Jesus says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” and “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Nevertheless, it’s unclear whether Pope Francis will be able to…
Not a good year
2013 was a tough year. Losing three very close friends was devastating. Royce Elliott was like a brother. Pete Vonachen was like a father and Jonathan Winters was a joy, an absolute joy. I had known Royce since high school.…
Peoria Has Major Mental Health Needs: Analysis
When Virginia State Sen. Creigh Deeds was injured by his 24-year-old son Gus on Nov. 19, the attack was preceded hours before by a mental-health evaluation of the younger Deeds, who was recommended for emergency custody, an order that could…
Physicians’ Debut Nutrition Program – Asserts Reform Starts in the Kitchen, Not in Washington
When Dr. Jeffrey Leman and his family moved to India, they cooked chicken the first night in their new home. That prompted a visit from the landlord who informed the young couple that meat could not be brought onto the…
Mental illiness: The big picture
* 20% of American adults have some form of mental illness – 45.9 million people. * 20% of that number – 9.2 million people – have some form of substance dependence or abuse.* 20% of American adults have some form…
The impact in Peoria County
* Suicides are trending upward, with annual rates above the national rate in four of the last 10 years. * Drug-related deaths overtook alcohol-related deaths over the last decade. Drug-induced deaths went from 48.3% to 63.9% while alcohol-induced deaths fell…
Local, State Politicians Step Up in Storm’s Aftermath
After cars were toppled and buildings destroyed in the wake of a massive storm system affecting Illinois and several Midwest states, Governor Pat Quinn and others reached out to help residents of Central Illinois pick up the pieces. The day…
Room in the Inn
As Director of Sales at the Peoria Residence Inn Marriott, Bonnie Petrenko typically is selling overnight stays. But on the night of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, complimentary overnight stays are available to people visiting loved ones in nursing homes and…
Straight talk for December 2013
BARNEY AND GOMER The 80 year old man took another drink of his coffee and then loudly announced, “I’ve been scammed!” “Stolen identity?” someone asked. “No.” “Over charge on auto repair?” “No.” “What then?” With anger in his eye, the…
Predicting holiday shopping is a cynical ‘game’
When the Peoria County Board in mid-November unanimously passed a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, it rekindled an appreciation for independent retailers with local owners and workers – and the merchants who refrain from making forecasts of…
Cones, Conifers, & Christmas
The practice of bringing an evergreen tree indoors to celebrate the winter solstice very likely began around the 16th century in Germany. Now conifers and Christmas go together like eggs and Easter; like cake and birthdays, like Molly and Fibber…
City Beat for December 2013
Boycott all NFL games As I am writing this, word is that the NFL is telling the Chicago Bears that they are NOT allowed to wear patches promoting Washington High School. This would be a way of showing support for…
Guest editorials for December 2013
Valuing Water’s True Worth By Karla Olson Teasley, Illinois American Water President How many times do you use water, directly or indirectly in a given day? Ten? Twenty? More? You’ve probably never thought about it. Yet, you’ve come to expect…
Mary had a little lamb
Enemy forces occupied their country. Without notice, raids infiltrated their towns and their children’s blood ran in the streets. Spies mingled among them as they shopped. Life was not safe when they made their way home. The road was rocky,…
Serendipity for December 2013
December 25th is absolutely the day that causes monumental excitement for some, dread for others, enthusiasm for many, fear for a few, and conflicting emotions ranging from wanting the day to end to hoping it will last beyond its 24…
West Peoria news for December 2013
The West Peoria Residents Association and co-host Franciscan Recreation Complex invites the community of West Peoria to kick off the Christmas season at the Annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 1st from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation…
Laptops vs. Desktops on Selecting Your Computer
Around this time of year, people are looking for new computers. Whether it’s for the last minute business expense spending or a generous holiday gift, a computer is a useful and sometimes frustrating tool. Contrary to what some computer dealers…
Happenings for December 2013
thru Dec 20 – Luthy Botanical Gardens Candlelight Walks – Experience the beauty of the Poinsettia Show at night under the warm glow of hundreds of candles. Conservatory admission will be waived during the holidays. 2520 N. Prospect Rd. thru…
Heading Avenue Franciscans’ Limited Edition 2013 Rolan Johnson Christmas Ornament: “Joy to the World” Available
The Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Heading Avenue Franciscans, are selling the limited edition 2013 Rolan Johnson Christmas Ornament titled “Joy to the World.” The inspiration for the nineteenth annual Christmas ornament is…
Newsbriefs for December
December Programs at Dunlap Public Library Thursday, December 5, 12, 19 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – “Downton Abbey” – Get ready for Season 4! Bring a friend (or two) to enjoy watching Season 3* of the British drama series.…
Food security forum: Is GE food the solution to global hunger?
Advocates of genetically-engineered food often suggest “feeding the world” is the moral justification for embracing GE seed, but scientist Herman Brockman contends “feeding the world” is more marketing gimmick than science. Brockman, a distinguished emeritus professor of genetics at Illinois…