Peoria Public Library McClure Branch to Close for Remodeling Peoria Public Library, engaged in a $28 million dollar building program for all facilities, will close McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Avenue, at the end of the day, Saturday, February 19…
A New Day, New Way in Peoria
Peoria, Illinois, is taking the New Year in stride, building on past successes and moving forward with new ideas to prompt increased safety, better employment and community growth. New Decisions from Washington U.S. Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin’s…
The Bradley Renaissance Campaign Continues
You may have noticed a lot of construction going on at Bradley University lately. Why have we seen so much activity? Well Bradley is actively continuing their Campaign for Bradley Renaissance. The campaign has seven key initiatives, some of which…
Peoria Park District news for February 2011
Senior Days at the Golf Learning Center Peoria Park District Golf and Rock Valley Physical Therapy have teamed up to present four FREE Senior Days this winter at the Golf Learning Center from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The programs…
The Importance of Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign in Peoria
by Martin Hobe The Salvation Army is currently holding their Tree of Lights campaign, a collection of toy giveaways, parties and other social fundraising events. The campaign helps raise money for the local Salvation Army division. It started Nov. 10…
New Faces Eager to Warm Council Seats
New challengers for the Peoria City Council are getting ready for 2011 elections. It’s time for (yet) another election. And locals never seem to tire of the campaigning, mudslinging or celebrating with cash bars open ‘til midnight. But celebrations are…
New Downstate Story Now Available
Ten new short stories by Illinois and Midwestern writers, illustrated with original art, are featured in the 2010 edition of Downstate Story, Peoria’s only literary magazine. The downstate Illinois writers in this issue are Pepper Bauer of Mapleton; Connie Stepe…
A chill in the pocketbook
Merle’s parting shot
Merle Widmer has retired from the County Board, but not from politics. Everyone who knows him, and I do, knew he would not go quietly. After a big time losing effort to slow down, if not stop the downtown museum,…
Good Guys and Wise Men
When the lingering, languid Fall finally faded, it went fast, yielding to the harsh arrival of frigid temperatures, blustery winds and suddenly obvious darkness. The days are too short. The days were too short, too, for two good guys who…
A Sampling of Science Hightlights from 2010
Even though, in 2010, the radio and TV were preoccupied with political prattle, there actually were some interesting discoveries and/ or findings in science, that went largely ignored. Here are just a couple that caught my eye. I’ve included scientific…
Is there a City Manager Gary Sandberg in our future?
There was an article in the Peoria Journal Star discussing the possibility that current at-large council member Gary Sandberg might be a candidate for city manager of the city of Peoria. It will never happen. Now don’t get me wrong.…
Editorials for January 2011
January 22nd Marks 38th Anniversary of Roe v Wade by Debbie Adlof, Editor/Owner Community Word, Peoria, IL It’s no secret that our great country of America has always sought and/or fought to grant freedom to its people. In the beginning,…
The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone, a novelette, part one
NOTE: Here is a link to Part 2 of this story: I have so enjoyed sharing my life stories with you in this Doors & Windows column since 1998. This year, I’ll be sharing a fictional short story that will…
Serendipity for January 2011
You’re as young as you act, so act accordingly! After an early morning eye doctor’s appointment, I visit a fast food restaurant for a quick breakfast at bargain prices. Without inquiring if I qualify, a senior discount on coffee is…
West Peoria News for January 2011
Kudos to our very brave Scouts who once again this year braved very frigid (single digit) temperatures to travel through our community to carol. It is always a very pleasant sound to hear their float escorted by the WPFD travel…
Coffee Crawl
I love coffee. Evidently I’m not alone in that love. Over 100 million Americans are daily drinkers of coffee; 30 million of these drink a specialty coffee daily (such as mocha, latte, espresso, cappuccino, as well as frozen/iced coffees). The…
January 2011 Happenings
Jan. 5 – “Starting a Business in Illinois Workshops” – at PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center, 801 W. Main, St. at 3:00 p.m. For full details and registration info, go to: www.bradley.edu/turnercenter/events or call 309-677-4321. Jan. 7 – 9 – The 87…
Newsbriefs for January 2011
Peoria County Genealogical Society January Meeting Jon Austin, General Manager of Springdale Cemetery, an avid genealogist and professional historian, will speak during the January 13 meeting of the Peoria County Genealogical Society. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and…
Stay Safe in the Face of Old Man Winter with Red Cross
Winter storms may bring hazardous driving conditions and downed trees and power lines. The Red Cross offers these suggestions to help you be prepared and stay safe in the event of a winter emergency. Always stay home when severe weather…
Merry Christmas
Illinois still blue despite Republican gains
A tainted Republican victory leaves Democrats retaining power in the 92nd district, the Senate and in the State of Illinois. Peaking Too Early? In the months leading up to midterms, Republicans were motivated. Voters were disgruntled over a health care…