By DOUG OBERHELMAN There are few wetlands in this world that don’t offer feelings of solace to sheer emotions of awesome being. From the Everglades, the Pantanal in South America, the Boreal Forest in the northern hemisphere, the Prairie Potholes…
Illinois continues to collaborate with feds to manage wetlands
In 2020, Florida took over management of a U.S. Clean Water Act program, so in the Sunshine State federal officials no longer decide whether wetlands can be dredged or filled for developments. Other states could follow, but Illinois seems content…
The Lion’s Den | Is actual Happiness an unalienable right or just its pursuit?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. On July 4, 1776, America…
Real Talk | The fight to exist
Between the 18th and 20th centuries more than 1,200 Black settlement, enclaves, and towns were established in the United States. According to the Historic Black Towns and Settlement Alliance, there are 13 historical all-Black towns in existence today. The state…
Straight Talk | Caterpillar move no suprise, but ‘Cure Violence’ sure is
When Caterpillar announced it was moving its headquarters from Deerfield to Texas, the news surprised no one. It was expected. After all, the new CEO, Jimmy Umpleby, had no loyalty or affection for Peoria or Deerfield. The Indiana native became…
Editorial | Good ones got together, and passed a bill on guns
A few weeks ago, one of the co-owners of The Community Word received a campaign mailer from a Republican state senator that asked, “Are you tired of politicians threatening your right to own guns?” It claimed, “The rights of Illinois’…
OpEd | How many babies are born because parents can choose?
As of this writing, the recently leaked draft opinion of Justice Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court raises a number of issues. Here I shall consider several issues raised by it. First, some observers argue that in the absence in…
Inland Art | Rapport to explore
If you have seen Janis Mars Wunderlich’s work, it is not simple to feel neutral about or easily forgotten. Table-top-sized, ceramic sculptures are full of allegorical, symbolic and personal story telling. Vividly colorful paintings, embellished to the edges with flora…
Adams shares bright blend of melodic musings in CD
The highly recommended CD “This Curious Wonder” by Peorian Paul Adams (as pd adams) is a bright blend of contradictions, like existence. Ambitious and accessible, ethereal and familiar, wistful and poetic yet brash and bold, the 12-cut record causes feelings…
Art Alerts | July 2022
Peoria’s new “Sculpture Walk” is now showing. Publicly unveiled on May 21, it features eight new pieces displayed on Washington Street between Liberty Street and the Bob Michel Bridge. Artists are from throughout the country and include two Peoriams, Fisher…
Local links offer access to healthy food
Food insecurity affects many Peoria families. Local organizations are finding innovative solutions to combat this complicated issue. Peoria Grown was founded in 2018. Founder Julie Eliathamby and her team work not only on tackling food insecurity, but health issues related…
The Watch | Expect higher utility rates this summer
You aren’t the only one concerned about rising utility costs. Your local governments feel the heat, as well. Check the discussion. Peoria City Council On April 26 City Manager Patrick Urich provided information on predicted Ameren energy rate increases related…
Nature Rambles | Lines of our landscape laid out long ago
In the cold winter of 1819, a crew of surveyors was crisscrossing the hills along the bluffs of the Illinois River. They were part of the General Land Office’s new initiative to deploy a square-grid geographic identification system. This process…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | Forecast for rolling blackouts?
The ultimate just-in-time commodity, supply and demand for electricity must be immediately and precisely balanced. If a supply deficit can’t be closed rapidly, grid operators order round-robin shutoffs across all customers, i.e. “rolling blackouts” lasting hours to days depending on…
Environmental News & Notes | Dumping Fukushima water into the Pacific plan blasted
This month, a controversial plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean could be approved over the objections of Japan’s public, local leaders and environmental activists. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority in May…
Bill Knight | George Shaheen: A man before his time
Area native George Shaheen was enormously successful in business, leading Andersen Consulting from 1989-99, when its revenue grew from $1.1 billion to $8 billion. So it wouldn’t be surprising for him to sour some after a failure — especially one…
Serendipity | Who’s ready for a road trip?
Mornings are perfectly charming times if the sun is shining and there’s no rush to be somewhere within 45 minutes. I’m not one who opens my eyes, jumps out of bed, and is ready to begin the day. I have…
West Peoria News | Swords Hill still under construction
Swords Hill has been closed for repairs and will not be in service for multiple months. Much traffic has been diverted and cannot travel Swords and Farmington Roads. It will be taking much time on those streets. It also takes…
Labor Roundup | Another Starbucks voting to unionize, Teachers firing back at the far right
Second Peoria Starbucks voting on unionizing. The Starbucks at 707 W. Pioneer Parkway is now participating in a mail election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board on whether to unionize at that location. “Those eligible to vote are all…
Family matriarch finds final resting place of Airman who fathered her in Philippines
I met Corazon Weatherspoon in December of 2017 on a trip to California. She is my mother-in-law and among the rarest individuals I have had the honor of knowing in my life. Her easy smile radiates an inner beauty and…