The Watch | Once more into the breach

On Aug. 10, Peoria City Council discussed old tires, which are costly to the city when dumped. The initial resolution required businesses that dispose of tires to register, pay a $50 fee and keep records. Fines were to defray costs.…

Inland Art | Spirit of Place

Gaylord Schanilec

Over many years, book artist, naturalist, wood engraver, and printer Gaylord Schanilec has built a solid reputation in the world of fine press artists’ books. I recently visited Schanilec in his loft studio in St. Paul, Minn., to learn more…

Art Alerts | October 2021

“Out the Other Side: A Post-Pandemic Celebration?” is a faculty exhibition at Bradley University’s Heuser Art Gallery through Oct. 8. “Temple” by Michael Aldag through Jan. 29. Closing reception 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan 29. Time Gallery, East Peoria.…

Nature Rambles | Food for Thought

Chicken of the Woods

Every year, a gloriously colored mushroom pops up at the base of an oak tree in one of our parks. It’s pumpkin colored top and other-worldly shape, makes it look like something that would be more at home on a…

Serendipity | Seasonal charm

Choosing favorites, whether the categories or items are colors, candy, food, vacation destinations, songs, shoes, or almost any other of the multiple choices is not something I do well. I like a variety of things, places, activities, etc. and I…

West Peoria News | Adopt a public garbage can

Through the cleanup initiative started by the Public Safety Committee, West Peoria is looking to strategically place garbage cans/receptacles in the city. West Peoria would like citizen input and participation and is looking for volunteers from businesses and organizations to…

Labor Roundup | October 2021

Workers demanding more – and getting it. The halting-but-improving post-pandemic economy has a little good news for some people, according to the Labor Department, which reported wages increasing 4% this summer, and even major low-wage companies including Walmart, Chipotle and…

School for algebra, language arts and hope

Police Chief Eric Echevarria and students

The pandemic robbed hope from countless students across the country, but 26 young people in Peoria who had been struggling with remote learning got back on track during a special summer program. Then they got an added surprise with an…

Dissecting Afghanistan

The United States spent more than $74 billion on Afghanistan over the course of a 20-year war, the longest in American history. To many people, the withdrawal of U.S. troops felt messy, dishonorable, chaotic, emotional, disloyal, and terrifying. The Peoria…

Medical and economic bonanza

Danette and Josh Swank

Construction of the $237 million OSF Cancer Institute represents the largest capital campaign in the 144-year history of the OSF mission, said Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility. Of the 38…

Straight Talk | Bad proposal by Peoria Park

The decision by Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill and her staff to recommend the demolition of the historic Glen Oak Amphitheater in order to construct toilets, a basketball court, playground, and shelter is puzzling, if not ridiculous. The…

Bill Knight | Trying to please everyone

Even as a Democrat (technically a democratic socialist), it’s difficult to dislike Darin LaHood, akin to scolding a gifted musician’s child for being tone-deaf. But it’s frustrating. The 18th District’s Republican Congressman seems to exalt bipartisanship and express concerns for…

The Watch | The heat remains on

On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…

Nature Rambles | Pink in the Prairie

Prairie Blazingstar

August and early September is a time for pink to join the color palette of the Illinois Prairie. The yellows of several species of sunflower still dominate, but nature seems to know that an ocean of yellow would be overstated.…

Inland Art | Duffy Armstrong

On My Mind

The career path of an artist is unique. They’re self-taught, supplement their practice through residencies, workshops; study under a master, learn through a university; the options are plentiful. Timing of their commitment is another variable that provides definition to one’s…

Art Alerts | September 2021

The Fine Art Fair is Sept. 25-26 along the riverfront on NE Water St. It’s the 59th anniversary of the Peoria Art Guild’s nationally recognized exhibition of original art. The Bridge-To-Bridge River Drive art festival runs 10 a.m. to 4…