It was Billy Dennis who first got me into blogging. I had found his blog, “Peoria Pundit,” and was inspired to do my own reporting and publishing in a similar vein. Billy was generous and helped me learn the ins and outs of the blogosphere. He was always encouraging, even when he didn’t agree with … Continue reading Addendum: Rest In Peace, Billy Dennis
Here lies PeoriaChronicle.com. 2005-2013. May you rest in peace. The world will little note nor long remember what was said here. But I had a great time writing, reading, and conversing. It was fun while it lasted, and I appreciate all the friendships and support I have received during my brief sojourn here in cyberspace. … Continue reading The End
Westminster Theological Seminary’s bookstore almost went out of business last Christmas, largely because they have a hard time competing with Amazon.com’s prices, which are so low that even Amazon itself can’t make a profit. In a recent email to their customers, they lamented: Our great challenge is that we continue to exist in an environment … Continue reading Bookstore marvels at Amazon.com’s dubious success
On Thursday, the City of Peoria held a public meeting to discuss ways to redesign the intersection of Main and University. A hundred-year-old water main recently broke there, and while patching has been done, there need to be more extensive repairs made that requires the whole intersection be rebuilt. Since it’s being redone anyway, this … Continue reading Why a pedestrian bridge over Main is a bad idea
After listening to President Obama’s speech this afternoon regarding Syria, I read an article in the newspaper. I imagine the national pundits have already made note of the contradiction I discovered, but I don’t listen to a lot of talk radio, so it struck me as a profound about-face. Here’s what Candidate Obama told the … Continue reading Candidate Obama vs. President Obama on presidential power
I considered throwing my name in the running for Gary Sandberg’s seat. However, after talking it over with my family, I decided this just isn’t the right time (not that I had any illusions of actually being chosen, but I believe you shouldn’t apply for something unless you really are willing to serve). There is … Continue reading Who will get Sandberg’s seat?
Peoria’s newspaper of record, the Journal Star, continues its death spiral as it announces today that it is cutting still more content from the paper. Executive Editor Dennis Anderson writes in a “Note to Readers” in Monday’s edition: The format of the Monday Journal Star is changing starting today. The newspaper will have two sections … Continue reading Journal Star cuts more content
Dear Gary, It’s too bad you missed the All-Star Game Tuesday night. You would have loved it. The American League won, and Mariano Rivera got a standing ovation. It would have brought tears to your eyes. You know, despite being an obnoxious Yankees fan, I always appreciated the fact that you were, above all, a … Continue reading To my friend, Gary Sandberg
I was dumbfounded to read this in the “watchdog” press this morning (emphasis added): City Manager Patrick Urich confirmed Friday afternoon that the City Council ordered funding for Officer Jeff Wilson’s legal fees withdrawn as part of the marathon executive session Tuesday night…. The city decided to continue funding Wilson’s legal fees in June when … Continue reading City apparently violates Open Meetings Act; “watchdog” media don’t question it
It opened on August 16, 1973 — 40 years ago next month. Northwoods Mall was Peoria’s first indoor shopping center, and it was a long time in the making. It was conceived by Carson, Pirie, Scott, & Co., longtime downtown department store anchor and successor to Block & Kuhl. In 1961, they acquired the land … Continue reading 40 years of Northwoods Mall