Author Archive for Roger Monroe

Too bad …

It was a surprise and disappointing to learn that Suzie Wolstenholm was withdrawing from the race for a seat on the board of District 150. She would’ve been an excellent board member. She’s intelligent, not prone to be a “group…

Not a good year

2013 was a tough year. Losing three very close friends was devastating. Royce Elliott was like a brother. Pete Vonachen was like a father and Jonathan Winters was a joy, an absolute joy. I had known Royce since high school.…

Straight talk for December 2013

BARNEY AND GOMER The 80 year old man took another drink of his coffee and then loudly announced, “I’ve been scammed!” “Stolen identity?” someone asked. “No.” “Over charge on auto repair?” “No.” “What then?” With anger in his eye, the…

Lance Armstrong movie connects with Peoria

They’re making a movie about Lance Armstrong. You know the amazing cyclist who won the grueling Tour de France a record seven times and then was disqualified for allegedly using chemicals, or doping as it’s called. The movie will star…

Egg on their faces

When the news broke that Kent State had won its suit against Bradley for recruiting basketball coach Geno Ford, it looked like a black mark for the Hilltop. A trial was set for October 7 for determining the amount of…

Local man part of military’s anti-rape effort

EXCLUSIVE The national media has done an excellent job exposing the military’s failure to support women who were victims of sexual abuse and attacks. Too often, the military ignored cases of rape. It’s been so bad, critics allege, that many…

The last breakfast

It’s hard to believe. Pete Vonachen is gone. Just a few days before his passing we were having coffee and donuts together at the Buehler Home. Pete was his usual charming and witty self, occasionally complaining about his sore bottom,…

Royce’s Park?

There’s a move to rename the park on the near northside of Peoria after our friend, Royce Elliott. Morton Square Park was a favorite “playground” for Royce and his many friends. They played football and some softball on the square…

Of Royce and Jonathan

LOSING MY FRIEND JONATHAN WINTERS It was a stunning loss, especially the way I learned it. I was driving home listening to the news on WOAM when the reporter announced Jonathan Winters had died. I couldn’t believe it. We had…