Pat Lewis, former administrator for Springdale Cemetery, was excited about his decision to run for a seat on the Peoria County Board. He told me he had been urged to run against fellow Republican Brian Elsasser by both Republicans and Democrats. Elsasser was vulnerable for a couple of missteps including an ill-advised attempt to...
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As winter arrives this month, progressives are stepping up efforts to fight Capitol Hill’s chilling attack on Social Security, and areas such as Greater Peoria are especially vulnerable to a loss of government’s popular and successful program for older Americans, disabled people and survivors of working people. The Peoria area has a higher percentage of...
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My wife, Mary, and I were driving south of Peoria to visit the Emiquon Wetland Restoration and National Wildlife Refuge at Dickson Mounds near Lewistown. It was just before Thanksgiving, and I was looking forward to finding a bunch of migratory birds before things freeze up. And what should “appear” on National Public Radio,...
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It’s amazing. A couple of years ago, the Peoria County State’s Attorney had some cops arrested and changed with police brutality. The arrest was based on a YouTube video taken immediately after a nighttime race through Peoria’s streets. The convicted drug dealer suspect claimed he was horribly beaten by Peoria police who were trying...
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by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL As we see the Holidays “coming at us” all around, we remember too well the hectic-ness, cleaning, cooking and baking, writing Christmas cards, inviting family and friends to celebrations, gathering the Christmas lists from our children — we have to say: Enjoy it while you can, it goes way...
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by Elaine & George Hopkins, Peoria, IL We support  protecting the Springdale Savanna.  It’s a piece of Illinois history that deserves to be left alone. Please keep the existing agreement with the state IDNR. The Savanna should not be used for green burials because of its biological value.  There are many other sites in the cemetery...
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by Lori Curtis Luther, Peoria County Administrator Thanksgiving Day marks my 100th day as Peoria County’s Administrator. Reflecting on the past 100 days, I certainly have much to be thankful for since August 16, 2011. First, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the County Board, other elected officials, my staff, and the community...
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by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL With more that 25 million unemployed, the poverty rate moving upward every month, corporations going overseas, and many small businesses turning belly up, I think it is appropriate to take a backward glance to the 1930’s when Franklin D. Roosevelt was facing a situation similar to what’s happening in this...
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Rachel is in the lobby of the Afterglow Journey Center, baffled by her receptionist’s hesitation on answering her question. “Tina, I was just talking with Mrs. Stone an hour ago. Is she still cleaning out Mr. Stone’s room or isn’t she?” The girl just stared at me like I had lost my mind. “Tina. Why won’t...
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Dear Santa Claus, Yes, I know you’re a very busy man in December and probably wondering why a woman my age would be writing you a letter. Sentimentality for one reason and a genuine fondness for the season is another. You charmingly represent that which is good in society. You’re for all ages, just watch...
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You are invited to the annual Christmas Party given by the West Peoria Resident’s Association co-hosting with the Franciscan Center to start the Holiday Season, on Sunday, December 4th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Santa will light the Christmas tree at 5:00 p.m. to start the festivities of songs with the 9 to Five vocal...
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Here it is the last column of the year and it seems like I just wrote the first one last month. It has been an eventful, exhausting and draining spiritually in so many ways. Both Jason and I have been in and out of the hospital with nothing very serious fortunately until last month...
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