The Lion’s Den | Coming to America: So many different stories, so very much still to learn
Many of us are familiar with the PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates. The show’s basic premise is that Dr. Gates helps celebrities trace their ancestry. I have found the show to be quite interesting…
Straight Talk | Another golf learning center? What are they smoking?
The Peoria Park District and some area state lawmakers held a news conference announcing plans to develop a new $4 million golf learning center thanks to a state grant. This will not be an ordinary facility. After all, the district…
The Watch: County refinances Heddington Oaks, Elizabeth Gannon new Executive Director of Election Commission
Too bad we have that debt, but cheers to the Peoria County Board for saving between $20 million and $25 million by refinancing Heddington Oaks. PEORIA CITY COUNCIL On July 26, the council approved a request from City Manager…
City of Peoria launches program focused on housing rehab
Applications are now available for the 2022 Housing Rehabilitation Program, which provides a 50/50 matching grant of up to $15,000 of assistance to property owners of single-family residential properties within Qualified Census Tracts (QCT). Developed by the Community Development Department…
Labor Roundup: Union approval highest in more than 50 years
Pro-union support highest since 1965: Gallup. Public support for unions has hit its highest point since 1965, the Gallup Organization reported, as 71% of respondents approve of unions. The all-time record in the union poll, which started in 1936, is…
Dream, girls: Carla McGhee has marquee role in ESPN 30 for 30 on 1996 Olympic Team
Her hoop dream continues for Carla McGhee because, fortunately, there’s more to basketball than playing the game. The Olympic gold medalist from Manual High School is a national treasure who helped forge the foundation for the WNBA and where women’s…
Coach Van: Godfather for so many men, so many souls
Many people know Dick Van Scyoc, the coach: 826 career victories in a 45-year career that culminated with the 1994 Class AA state championship to cap 28 basketball seasons at Manual. But when I think about Coach Van, the…
Illinois governor’s race
Time to act: Newspapers are under attack
In news, it’s said, “if it bleeds, it leads.” That means the hemorrhaging of daily newspaper circulation should be uppermost in people’s minds — to stay informed, if not remain in a democratic society. The U.S. daily newspaper circulation is…
West Peoria News | Important elections this year and next
The general election this fall is November 8, 2022. October 10 is the last day to register to vote or change your address. West Peoria residents can register at City Hall during regular working hours. Voting locations in West Peoria…
Inland Art | Honorary greats: Area artists Boyd, Gregor, and Hoffman recognized for their life’s work
Three beloved teachers have been recently acknowledged in central Illinois. Two Illinois State University professors, Harold Boyd and Harold Gregor, in Bloomington-Normal; and in Peoria, Bradley’s Ken Hoffman. Although each of these artists are long retired, their influence is…
Heat Waves in Red & Black | SOO Green Line needs green light
High voltage DC line could transport megawatts of wind energy to Midwest, if Exelon would allow it My last two columns dwelt on Illinois’ electricity shortage and barriers to fixing the problem. One barrier is Springfield’s lethargy. The state could…
Nature Rambles | Stench of sneaky snake still tantalizes senses
I’m sure we all have experienced something that takes us back to our childhood: The aroma of a favorite food, the sound of a familiar place, or the sight of a local landmark. I guess when we…