Author Archive for Brian Ludwig

City Council class has healthy mentality for Peoria

Three of the five candidates who earned at-large spots on the Peoria City Council were elected for the first time. And three retained their seat at the half circle at City Hall. All five want to get things done for…

Editorial: Great reads, Sandra — Serendipity, indeed

It’s the little things that make the moments of our lives extra special. And it takes a big heart to fill them with love. Serendipity. That’s what Sandra Dempsey Post provided for readers for more than 40 years all over…

History of Hoops: ‘Playgrounds to the Pros: Legends of Peoria Basketball’ gets behind scenes of River City roundball

Basketball fans know how the sport plays in Peoria. Finally, some of those stories from an extra-special time in the city’s lore will be captured in print when “Playgrounds to the Pros: Legends of Peoria Basketball” (3 Fields Books, University…

Benchmark in history: Peoria High grad Darrin Gayles, federal judge in Southern District of Florida

  There are plenty of people Peorians can be proud of here, there and everywhere. One such person to have particular pride in is the Honorable Darrin Gayles. The Peoria High graduate sits on the federal bench in Miami as…

Ready to vote? Community Word Election primer here to help

Do Republicans have what it takes to control Congress? Will Democrats keep their hold on statewide offices? Casting an uneducated vote, political scientists say, can be worse than not voting. It’s important for the electorate to be knowledgeable of the…

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…