Columns

West Peoria News for November 2014

Packets are still available for anyone interested in running for office in the City of West Peoria. The packets can be picked up 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at City Hall. Early voting for the Nov. 4 election is…

Exclusive: Stadium deal nixed by District 150

Thanks to a conscientious former Peoria County board member and neighborhood leader, the famed Peoria Stadium was close to placing a sold sign on its property on War Memorial Drive. Well, that may be an exaggeration, but credit Bill O’Brien…

Quality of jobs is on the decline in Peoria

The Peoria area lost 2,800 jobs between July 2013 and July 2014, when its percentage of employed people fell 1.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics second-quarter report, but the five-county metro area is stable overall, says Bernard…

The City Beat for October 2014

Here’s how to fix older neighborhoods – I was driven through the Averyville neighborhood this month. It’s what I call a “classic” neighborhood. Lots of older, yet well-maintained homes. And there were homes that are less well-maintained, but still livable.…

Life with the reptilian brain

I am a football fan. I can’t deny it. Even as I write I am anticipating my favorite team playing tonight on Monday Night Football. And I do want them to win. I care. In many ways football is a…

Serendipity for October 2014

In the winter of 1967, Jane and I met in a training class for Ozark Airlines Reservation Agents at Greater Peoria Airport. I graduated from high school the previous June. Jane was 13 months older and more mature. She had…

September heralds the change of the seasons

The cool nights of mid September herald the change of the seasons. The once raucous night calls of katydids and tree crickets of summer literally slow down as the autumn unwinds. Soon the nights will be silent of their song…

Cinnamon might help with diabetes

Background –  Over the past 10 years over 100 medical articles on cinnamon and diabetes have been published.  Partly because of these articles cinnamon is sold with labeling stating that it “Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels Already in the…

Marine Suicide in Downstate Illinois

By Burton Rabbe In the small towns, in the country, it is either marriage or war that we honor.   The chickory here are sky blue. Paler than dress blue. Paler than gun blue. Paler than the bluebirds.   The…

Music and Theater Roundup for October 2014

MUSIC/RoundUp Oct.5: Jim Breuer & Rich Aronovitch. 7 pm Limelight Eventple Oct.7: Carlos Santana, “The Corazon Tour.” Peoria Civic Center arena. Oct. 9: Don Williams. 7:30 pm Peoria Civic Center Theater. Oct.11: The Schwag, with Jaik Willis and The Sites.…