First it was news Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady had died. Then we learned that Peoria County Clerk Steve Sonnemaker had also passed away. Losing two outstanding elected officials and community leaders is almost too much to endure. I…
Author Archive for Roger Monroe
Straight Talk | Solve the mystery on West Ann for $5,000
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Solve the mystery on West Ann for $5,000
People are still talking about the tragic death of four year old Jeremiah Ward. The little boy was shot and killed by a vengeful gang member or drug dealer in the parking lot of the Lincoln Terrace Apartments, 2825 West…
Straight Talk | Bullies? Are you kidding?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Bullies? Are you kidding?
The Bradley basketball season is over after a surprising finish by Coach Brian Wardle and his Braves. They won the Missouri Valley tournament and gave nationally ranked Michigan State a run for the money before losing in the NCAA tournament…
Straight Talk | Bradley versus Peoria Journal
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Bradley versus Peoria Journal
It’s a gigantic pissing contest between two of Peoria’s major icons. Bradley’s basketball coach is ticked off at the PJ Star sports department. Wardle’s team this year made it to the NCAA tournament and suddenly the coach decided to get…
Straight Talk | First woman hospital CEO to retire
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | First woman hospital CEO to retire
To some, she came out of nowhere. To those who knew her, she was destined for leadership. Debbie Simon started her career in health as a floor nurse at Methodist Medical Center in 1976. Over the years she advanced in…
Straight Talk | Raising eyebrows
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Raising eyebrows
Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat got a pat on the back and a healthy salary increase from board members. Not much was shared by adoring supporters about her accomplishments, but everyone agrees she’s a vast improvement over Dr.…
Straight Talk | Exclusive
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Exclusive
We all read and heard with sadness about the tragic loss of life when an F-18 Marine fighter jet collided with an KC-130 off the coast of Japan during a refueling exercise. Five crew members of the tanker were killed…
Straight Talk | Post election thoughts
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Post election thoughts
The elections are over … for most. After voters were submitted to countless ads in the media and way too many political interviews, the dust has settled. The winners are enjoying the fruits of their labors and the losers are…
Straight Talk | Conflict of interest claims are shameful
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Conflict of interest claims are shameful
“Never underestimate desperate people. You never know how far they will go to get what they want.” — Anonymous Does that quote apply to the CEO Council? After learning of the personal attacks on Mayor Jim Ardis and councilwoman Denise…
Straight Talk | Loss of a friend
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Loss of a friend
I was shocked and broken-hearted upon learning my dear friend, Alicia Butler, had died suddenly. I knew she had been suffering in recent days because she told me, first on a Monday afternoon and then two days later. I said…