Prevention: being ‘Earthers AND Workers

Single-issue activism can be ineffective, and it’s particular noteworthy in April, when people commemorate both Earth Day and Workers Memorial Day, when people urge prevention as the best action against trouble, on global and personal scales. For labor, if the…

Going North … Or South?

There was something new at the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery in Sand Ridge. At least new to me. At the side of one of the fish ponds, basking in the sun, were over a dozen huge, dark, bald headed turkey…

What is Aaron Schock thinking?

Sometimes, you just have to wonder what Aaron Schock is thinking. Obviously, it’s not: “Hey, I better watch myself or I’m going to get my butt kicked in the next election.” Aaron Schock’s campaign reimbursed the Congressman (or friends and…

Editorials

It’s Enough to Make Us Go Postal! by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL We should have guessed it … the predatory privatizers have put their sights on the United States Postal Service. To lend credence to their arguments for turning our hallowed postal…

‘Badge of Hope’

Daddy clung to the old rugged cross. He laid down his trophies and clung to the shame, the reproach and the anguish of the cross of Jesus Christ without apology. Galen Ray Courtney was an intelligent man, full of ingenuity…

West Peoria News

John Carlson, West Peoria City Administrator will retire effective April 30 the end of the current fiscal year. John has been with West Peoria since 2003 and has been a big part of many success enjoyed during that time. He has been diligent, friendly,…

An Ardent Fan of Spring-time!

Ah, April, I’ve waited a long time for your arrival. Right after the New Year makes its debut, I’m ready for you! Sunshine, flowers pushing through the ground, the greening of the grass, even the outside air is fragrant when…

Computer Tech Tips

was recently reminded of the time, when I was driving my daughters and their friends up Springfield Road to Fondulac Park. On our way we saw a man struggling to ride his bike up the hill.  With no traffic, I slowed down to cheer…

Musings

What a different kind of spring we’ve had this year. After the 80 degree weather it almost seems that summer has ended and cool weather is back. It is definitely an unusual year for weather. I haven’t even got my…

The Community Corner

4th Installment Features …… info from Peoria City/County Health Dept. and Peoria County [Editor’s Note: The Community Word offers this column to various agencies and governmental organizations in an effort to inform the public just what it is that they do for our Peoria-area…

April Happenings

April Happenings thru April 8 – Lily Show at Luthy Botanical Gardens. Call 686-3362. April 5 – “Understanding Your Tax Bill,” from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at ICC’s North Campus on University St. This workshop give property owners in Peoria County a chance to learn how…

News briefs

Methodist Offers April “Coffee with the Doctors” If you’re among the growing number of people who has difficulty hearing, Methodist Medical Center is offering a free opportunity to learn the causes and treatments. In another of its regular “Coffee with the Doctors,” Methodist Medical…

Peoria Park District news

FORGET THE LAWN—WE’RE HUNTING FOR EGGS UNDERWATER! Why hunt for eggs on the lawn when you can hunt them UNDERWATER at the AquaPlex? The Peoria Park District and the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center will hold their annual Underwater Egg Hunt for children…

Summer camps at Peoria Park District

The Peoria Park District offers many great summer camps for children at various locations with different themes. For more detailed information regarding specific camp dates and registration fees, check the SummerPlaybook available April 21, or visit http://www.peoriaparks.org/camps-for-kids. This summer, the Peoria Park…

Democrats Look Ahead to Primary

With the March 20 primary on the horizon, Democratic candidates are hoping to sway voters in their direction. As part of a continuous dialogue between candidates and their potential constituents, Democrats vying for the 18th District congressional seat are touting their…

A Fine Romance Awaits You in March and April

By Trish Noack, Supervisor of Public Relations @ Peoria Public Library “A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965” exhibit and programs are coming to Peoria Public Library in March and April to tell the story of the many Jewish composers,…

Exclusive

Marketing is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. Colleges and universities now offer degrees in marketing. Every successful business has a marketing department or at least a marketing officer. I want to tell you about one of…

NCAA Hardly ‘Squeaky’ Clean: BU Guest Speaker

When Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Taylor Branch comes to Peoria this month, he’s returning to “the scene of the crime.” But the crime wasn’t the 1951 indictment of Bradley University players like Gene “Squeaky” Melchiorre, caught up in the scheme to fix basketball games. The crime…

Goose Music or ‘Sky Carp’

Irene Cull was a botanist, but her enthusiasm for all things natural was contagious. It was March, just over 30 years ago, and my wife, Mary, and I were on our way to a prairie conference in Chicago. Irene was scheduled…

Book burnings all around

There’s a rumor we’ve burned some Korans in Afghanistan and some Muslims go on a murder spree. Oh, really not good. President Obama apologizes for the burnt Korans. And the religious right goes nuts. Also not good. Iran starts burning Bibles (or so…