I learned about a disgusting incident at Richwoods High School that will probably go unreported. A 17 year old student was the victim of bullying. You know, it’s that activity that even the President of the United States and his…
Happy Father’s Day
Smoke & Mirrors: Casinos, State want the moola, no matter who’s hurt
I’ve had friends and family who worked at metro Peoria’s Par-A-Dice casino, so I appreciate that it provides jobs and revenue to government, but the legislature’s debate about changing the smoking ban to exclusively benefit gaming interests either oversimplifies or…
Can Chemical Combat Cause Collateral Carnage?
It may not be Iraq or Afghanistan, but it is a war of sorts. We’ve come to view such plants as clover, dandelions, and plantain as territorial terrorists. They invade our lawns with flowers and broad leaves, forcing us to…
Peoria won’t have Aaron Schock to kick around anymore — well, most of us
Where do you live? If you live in the heart of Peoria, you’ve voting for someone new in 2012. The Democratic Party has released a map of the state’s U.S. Congressional Districts. The good news is that the districts are…
Welcome to the U.S. Socialist Republic
by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL How often have conservatives warned us that state and federal entitlements along with other programs designed to help the poor, aged and disabled are leading the U.S. down the path to socialism? They point to…
Civil Rights Era in Peoria History
by Dolores Klein, Peoria, IL As I waited for Public TV’s presentation of the documentary about the Civil Rights Bus Rides through the Deep South, Oprah Winfrey interviewed some of the heroic participants. Among them was Diane Nash, whose name…
The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone a novelette, part six
Mrs. Stone’s journal shakes in Rachel’s trembling hands; the poem devours her like quicksand. It is 8:15 AM. The ink on the page dripped with pain. I read it again… He died at 8 The funeral was at 12. He…
Lilac blossoms remind me of Elizabeth — Serendipity 2011
Lilacs blossoming in the spring will always be a cherished and poignant reminder to me of Elizabeth. She and I knew each other for ten years and a few days. For the first five years, we saw each other twice…
West Peoria News for June 2011
The thirteenth annual Jamboree Run is scheduled for June 4th at 7:00 a.m. It is a 4-mile run through a portion of West Peoria. All runners must register by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4th. Applications can be picked up…
Happenings for June 2011
June 1 – Kick off for the annual summer “Brown Bag-It” weekly events on Mondays & Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Peoria County Courthouse Place. Call 681-0696. Admission free. June 1 – 4 – Annual Washington Cherry Festival…
The Beauty of Nature Mixed with Memoir: Tom Lerczak’s New Book ‘Side Channels’
Tom Lerczak’s love of birding and nature has resonated throughout his life and has helped him create an amazing new book “Side Channels: A Collection of Nature Writing and Memoir.” “Side Channels” is beautifully illustrated, passionately written, and flows gracefully…
Anti-terrorism Expert Spoke in Peoria
by Celeste Restrepo According to Ray Semko, everyone has the power enhance the security of our families, businesses and our country and we all need to assume that responsibility. Semko, also known as the D*I*C*E* Man, was recently in Peoria…
Koehler Opens Farmers’ Markets to More Entrepreneurs
State Senator Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) proposal to open farmers’ markets to home-made products is on its way to the governor’s desk. The bill allows private citizens to sell baked goods and other safe food products made in their own homes…
Illinois Small Business Leaders to Receive SBA Regional Honors
SBA Regional Administrator Marianne Markowitz will visit the state’s top small business leaders and recognize them with the 2011 Region V Small Business Awards. The Award acknowledges these businesses on their outstanding achievements on behalf of small businesses in Illinois…
Kindermusik Village with Seniors – A multi-generational experience
You’re never too young, or too old, to enjoy music and movement! Kindermusik Village With Seniors is a unique intergenerational class with benefits for parents, babies and older adults. Dates are on Sundays, June 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17…
Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Schedule June 2011
The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of June 2011. Methodist features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more mfortable exams. June 1 – Heartland Community Health Clinic Peoria,…
Golf Hole Sponsors Needed for LWML Golf Scramble at WeaverRidge
Golf hole sponsorships are needed for “Tee Up 4 Mites,” a charity golf outing sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), on Wednesday, June 22, at WeaverRidge Golf Course. The cost is $100. Each sponsor will be recognized with…
Proctor Hospital Activities
Counseling Center Presents Free Program on Anger – Pamela Shuck- Hoehne, MA, NCC, LCPC, RDDP, of the Counseling Center at Proctor Hospital will present the “ABC’s of Anger” on June 8. This free program runs 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in…
National Recycling Expert to Speak in Peoria June 6th on ‘Recycling and Economic Development’
Nationally recognized recycling expert Neil Seldman, the president of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (www.ilsr.org), is visiting Peoria to give a talk entitled “Recycling and Economic Development – Turning Waste Into Resources” – followed by a question and answer session.…
Your Adventure Awaits at Zoo To Do
Come to the “Zoo to Do” event on Friday, June 24 from 6:00-10:00 p.m., a fundraising gala by Peoria Zoological Society to benefit Peoria Zoo – where “Your Adventure Awaits!” This special event includes gourmet dinner by Chef Josh Adams…
Methodist Mammography Van Schedules Lewistown & Eureka Visits in June
One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, women should have yearly screening mammograms beginning at age forty. Mammograms are the most important tool for early detection of breast cancer.…