By the time you read this, Patrick Urich will have been hired as the new city manager for the City of Peoria. It’s a done deal. You don’t think that when he announced he was leaving his post as Peoria…
We Need Explicit Equal Rights for Women in the Constitution
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL Did you miss it? When members of Congress read the Constitution aloud recently, a number of members joined representatives of national organizations outside the Capitol to remind the country of the need for the…
The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone: A novelette, part two
Our story continues from last month’s issue with Rachel just a few hours away from divorce court. Her assistant Kevin just presented her with an envelope containing the remaining effects of a resident who passed away the night before at…
Sometimes ‘I’m Sorry’ is the best response
Some 31 years ago, plus or minus a month or two, my handsome date, who later became my handsome husband, stood in a long slow moving line with me and many others at the Madison Theatre in Peoria. We were…
West Peoria News for February 2010
2011 has been a difficult time for the many West Peorians who depended upon Haddad’s Market for their grocery shopping as well as being able to have a very friendly staff help them. The fire caused an unwanted “life style”…
Happenings for February 2011
Feb. 2 – Tutor Training Workshop for the Adult Literacy Program at Common Place Family Learning Center from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. It will continue on Saturdays, Feb. 5 & 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. A registration fee…
Newsbriefs for February 2010
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…