Columns

West Peoria News | Street parking and snow

Daniel Kerns was installed as Troop 11’s 70th Eagle Scout on Nov. 13. He is the son of Dan and Barb Kerns, has two older sisters and is a senior at Notre Dame High School. His Eagle project was landscaping…

Views & Perspectives | Happy New Year — Happy 2019

My good wishes for a productive and happy 2019 and a list of important events and issues to be considered by you and others. 1. Even though we just participated in a very important November 2018 election, this spring will…

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…

Bill Knight | How to address homelessness

Neither the City of Peoria nor Peoria County has a lot of extra money sitting around, but do you know who has even less? The homeless. Helping the homeless, however, should be more than a passing winter impulse, and ensuring…

Reflections From The Clergy | Justice reform

As we begin a new year, many of us will dream of new beginnings and second chances. We may take another shot at last year’s failed resolution. We may commit to finally get some aspect of our life in order.…

Real Talk | How to get away with murder

Jamal Khashoggi a 59-year old journalist for the Washington Post, was a Saudi Arabian national and a U.S. resident. He also was a frequent critic of Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (M.B.S.) and the Saudi government policies. Khashoggi was…

Nature Rambles | Winter Butterflies

winter butterflies

While January might seem a strange time to think about butterflies, it is actually a great time to look back at the past season and start the process for planning for next year. In past columns, we have touched on…

Inland Art | LJ Douglas

LJ Douglas

LJ Douglas’s work began in the eighties in Chicago before there were more than a handful of contemporary galleries on Ontario Street. It was the twilight of the Hairy Who, and the Baby-boomers were surging from the region’s schools of…

Arts Beat | January 2019

MUSIC Jan. 4: Dexter O’Neal and Funk Yard “Live at the Five Spot.” 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Art Center. 674-6822. Jan. 8, 15 and 22: Chicago Farmer “Folkin’ Tuesdays.” 8 p.m. Kenny’s West Side Pub. 676-1693. Jan. 11: “State & Water…

Serendipity | Teenagers, suddenly

Announcing the arrival of teenagers in our family! Not since 1997 when our youngest of three turned 20, have teens been part of the mix. On Dec. 27 Jules, our oldest grandchild turned 13; Emma following on Jan. 25; and…