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…
The general election this fall is November 8, 2022. October 10 is the last day to register to vote or change your address. West Peoria residents can register at City Hall during regular working hours. Voting locations in West Peoria…
Three beloved teachers have been recently acknowledged in central Illinois. Two Illinois State University professors, Harold Boyd and Harold Gregor, in Bloomington-Normal; and in Peoria, Bradley’s Ken Hoffman. Although each of these artists are long retired, their influence is…
High voltage DC line could transport megawatts of wind energy to Midwest, if Exelon would allow it My last two columns dwelt on Illinois’ electricity shortage and barriers to fixing the problem. One barrier is Springfield’s lethargy. The state could…
I’m sure we all have experienced something that takes us back to our childhood: The aroma of a favorite food, the sound of a familiar place, or the sight of a local landmark. I guess when we…
Farewell to elections expert Tom Bride, who should get a patience award for months of listening to misinformed citizens gripe about voter fraud. Peoria City Council On June 28, Mayor Rita Ali presented an overview of Safety Network’s efforts to…
What’s worse than being sick and tired is being dead. It’s OK to be curious or concerned about monkeypox, an emergency. But it’s far less contagious than COVID-19 (only about 12,000 monkeypox cases have been reported, and no deaths). And…
I made a trip to the Mississippi Delta last month. During the seven-hour drive, I had the opportunity to listen to the story of Anthony Ray Hinton on the radio. Anthony Ray Hinton was a Black man falsely accused of…
Give credit to the majority members of the Peoria City Council. As we reported last month, members blocked an alleged effort by Mayor Rita Ali and City Manager Patrick Urich to quietly slip under the radar screen a payment of…
The free meals at the South Side Mission feed poor souls every day. But what’s been cooking in the kitchen nourishes the hearts and minds of a ministry of culinary artists. Chef Chris Franzoni has been devoted to teaching aspiring…
