The end of a civic journey

Mary Harkrader taught her children they owed themselves and others their active participation in civic life –– both as a responsibility and a pleasure. She taught by example. Harkrader died Jan. 30 at age 86. Her husband Al, long-time photographer…

Bill Knight | Taxing times

These are taxing times; times we face not just a pubic-health crisis, but higher taxes – or lower levels of public services. Or both. Nationally, Republicans who backed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are responsible for federal taxes…

Editorial | Land-grant legacy of injustice

S.A. Shepler (c) 2021 Community Word

A recent report in High County News concluding a two-year investigation revealed “a dark open secret: One of the largest transfers of land and capital in the country’s history had masqueraded as a donation for university endowments.” The report found…

The Watch | Thank public workers

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night may stay United States Postal Service couriers from swift completion of their appointed rounds … but COVID-19 puts a cramp in them and everyone else. I can vouch, having gotten the beast.…

Nature Rambles | An Ancient Song

Sandhill Cranes

The first time I became acquainted with a Sandhill Crane was 40 years ago canoeing in northern Minnesota. They had a nest on the ground, at the edge of the marsh, built from cattail and other vegetation. Their rattling-bugle call…

Inland Art | Leslie Bellavance

Vicious Influence

Leslie Bellavance was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a member of West Hubbard Gallery, and a contributor to and regional editor of the New Art Examiner when I first met her in 1982. She was a recent…

Peoria Area World Affairs Council: Upcoming schedule

The Peoria Area World Affairs Council, a not-for-profit affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America, hosts programming and educational outreach on global issues of national and international importance. Programs are open to the public. Upcoming presentations scheduled on Zoom…

Labor Roundup | March 2021

President Biden on Feb. 3 demanded resignations from all 10 Trump appointees to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, a major victory for federal unions. Eight members resigned, and two were fired after refusing to step down. Trump’s appointees –– partisan…

Serendipity | Finding Inspiration

List making, note taking, journaling, card sending, and frequent reading of profound sayings or devotions are enjoyable for me. List making has become an absolute necessity. I can sing multiple verses of songs from the ’60s, but if I need…

Science Briefs | March 2021

Paper Coca-Cola Bottles: A Danish startup company is working on paper bottles to replace plastic bottles. The paper bottle will be completely recyclable and production avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing plastic from fossil fuels. The company hopes its product…

Camp Dallas: From a life lost to lives saved

Carl Cannon

“Getting corrected in the (prison) system is overrated. Get corrected here,” Carl Cannon told a dozen adolescents in the ELITE program as they stood looking out over Sankoty Lakes Resort glistening in cold January sun. “Today you’re being exposed to…

Post-COVID-19, public finances are grim — but …

Globally, the International Monetary Fund said spending to fight the coronavirus and its financial effects was bursting government budgets. With $11.7 trillion committed by fall, and more needed, cumulative public debt was close to 100% of global gross domestic product…

Avoid mythologizing Native American history

BY LIBBY TRONNES For all of you who have been missing local trivia nights, here are some puzzlers. How old was Pocahontas when John Smith arrived in Virginia? How many federally recognized tribes are there in the United States today?…

The Lion’s Den | Is this America?

Following the siege at the nation’s Capitol, many were left to ponder the question, is this America? For many, their race, ethnicity, culture and political beliefs determined the answer. America has always been a tale of two countries. There has…

Straight Talk | Bad judgment

A dispute between Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood and the Peoria Fire Department became a public debate, and it was entirely unnecessary. News releases from Harwood and the Fire Department described a garage fire at 1928 S. Stanley that claimed…