The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Peoria Players for more midnight madness! Join us for this Peoria tradition. The movie will play on the big screen while the live performers act along onstage. Dress as your favorite character and…
Gordon-Booth legislation makes it harder to committ frauid
A new law backed by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will help fraud and abuse in state programs by punishing anyone who participates in Medicaid fraud. “Medicaid is an important program that provides assistance to people who cannot afford it…
Pragmatic progressive, bipartisan leader
Hours before a fund raiser at a White Sox game in U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, busy State Sen. Dave Koehler took time to chat with the Community Word about the award he’s receiving on Sept. 21, when the Peoria…
Happy anniversary, Debbie
Peoria Council Searches for Replacement to Fill Sandburg’s Seat
Following the death of Peoria City Councilman Gary Sandburg, council members are weighing in regarding who should fill the at-large seat. It has been over a month since the sudden and unexpected passing of Peoria City Councilman Gary Sandburg who…
The Politics of Food: Corporations, not science, shape the nation’s food policies
Do you feel outraged to live in a country that allows toxins to be marketed to children as food? Do you feel angry that the government allows corporate profit to trump truth? Take these examples: · “Zero trans fat”: Misleading…
Giving Back
Jonelle Polk McCloud is very familiar with that rewarding feeling of success in achieving personal goals. Her accomplishments are many, both on and off the basketball court, and in and out of the classroom. She has the trophies, certificates and…
Art in the Heart of Illinois
For over 135 years, the Peoria Art Guild has worked to exhibit contemporary art, created by some of the most talented and professional artists from all over the world. They’ve made it their mission to showcase talented artists with combined…
Local man part of military’s anti-rape effort
EXCLUSIVE The national media has done an excellent job exposing the military’s failure to support women who were victims of sexual abuse and attacks. Too often, the military ignored cases of rape. It’s been so bad, critics allege, that many…
Manna from Heaven
As days shorten, attention turns not just to football, but to such real life topics as harvest and preparation for winter. We tend to plan ahead more now than at any other time of the year. It’s a time of…
The Country Needs a Better Minimum Wage
Whether slinging hash at a fast-food franchise in Peoria Heights or clocking in day labor booked out of a downtown office, minimum-wage workers need better pay. The country needs a better minimum wage – and one that includes everyone who…
Shame on the city council — shame
The Peoria City Council ought to be ashamed of itself. This was not a case of some street department worker caught leaning on his shovel. This was not some clerk at the finance department caught pocketing a buck. This was…
Ironic Headlines
By Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL I’m sure the Suffragists were an ongoing “pain in the neck,” during all those years from when Abigail Adams pleaded with the framers of the Constitution to “remember the ladies … regard us as…
It’s War, Folks!
By Ed Klein, Peoria, IL We’re all aware of the many wars being waged around the world today. However, the war I’m referring to is one being waged right here in the United States. No, not the war against Christmas,…
West Peoria News for September 2013
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch is again this year sponsoring the annual West Peoria Night Out Against Crime on Saturday, September 7th from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. Other local organizations assisting are the City of West Peoria, West Peoria Township,…
‘Ransomware’ Scary Messages that Lock up Your Computer
Our computer repair store in East Peoria has seen a rash of Ransomware computer threats. It’s not just here that this is happened. I read an article recently where a guy fell for the scam. He admitted to child pornography…
In like a flood
When I was a child, the nightly news seemed like a foreign movie. It seemed that everything bad and evil happened on the other side of the planet, far from our suburban home. When we went to church and heard…
Whatever our age, life is a classroom
While my youngest child’s last time to celebrate the first day of a new school year, not counting college, was in 1994 as a high school senior, sentimentality reigns supreme for me each year when summer vacation ends and kids…
‘Worldfest’ celebrates cultural diversity in Central Illinois
With September upon us, Peoria’s various ethnic groups are gearing up for the 10th Annual WorldFest, the biggest celebration of cultural diversity in the area. This year’s event is set for Saturday, September 14th at the Civic Center. Record crowds…
September 2013 Happenings
Sept 1 – Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard & Winery, 33633 State Route 9, Mackinaw. Call 309-359-9463. $5 per person/12 & under free. There is a harvest demo. Wine tasting all…
1st Annual River Harvest Festival Scheduled for September 14
The first annual River Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., outdoors, at the Kellehers Irish Pub & Eatery, 619 SW Water Street in downtown Peoria. Live music by Robin Crowe begins at…
50 Rock to Rock Wokanda
The Peoria Park District’s 50 Rock program for active 50+ individuals is hosting 50 Rock Rocks Wokanda on Saturday, September 7 from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at Camp Wokanda. Cost is $35 per person, which includes all activities and three meals.…