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…
Butcher Block – Salute to Success
By Marie Blood QUESTION: What is the best kept secret in Peoria? ANSWER: The Butcher Block Steakhouse & Grill which morphed from a small meat/deli shop in Lake of the Woods in the mid-90’s to a booming full-service restaurant at…
Hick’ry Stick Cafe: New Addition to Family Catering Business
Standing proudly in front of their new cafe, Hick’ry Stick, located at 1122 E. McClure in Peoria are (L to R) Ron Foster III, Ron Foster, and Ryan Foster. The family-operated business offers eat-in, catering and carry-out. Tip jars on…
Stop the presses!
The sleuths at the Peoria Journal have uncovered another major crime! While there are murders on the streets and alleys of the city, drug deals almost in the open, fights among teens at Peoria High, and muggings of shoppers, the…
‘Waiting for Superman’ incomplete on education
If hospitals didn’t provide scalpels to surgeons or if contractors prohibited plumbers from using wrenches, would we get out the pitchforks and torches to storm operating rooms and basements? That’s unclear after seeing the new documentary from Oscar-winning director David…
Pray to God … But Row Toward Shore
John Shimkus, Republican representative from Illinois, proclaimed recently, during a congressional hearing, that there is no need to worry about global warming because of a promise God made to Noah. With God protecting us from the awful consequences of climate…
Gordon energizes young voters, tosses older Democrats under the bus
The Journal Star’s “Word on the Street” column ran a post-election love letter to State Rep. Jehan Gordon and the young, energized voters who attended her victory celebration. No mention is made of her unnecessarily negative and misleading campaign ads.…
Who Foots the Bill for Illegal’s Expenses?
By Ed Klein, Peoria IL A recent report revealed that upwards of $1.1 billion is spent by U.S. taxpayers on medical, educational and other social benefits for illegal immigrants. Many communities are facing financial hardship because, in some cases they…