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Spanning History: The Bridges of Central Illinois

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 16:45; Written by Dr. Peter Couri

Civic pride was high on April 11, 1909. Peoria’s massive new reinforced concrete arch bridge over the Illinois River was being dedicated. It took three years to construct at a cost of $222,088.

The old 1848 wooden bridge, nicknamed “Old Tooth Picks” for its dilapidated and frightening condition, had two sections that had been swept away in a flood. A new bridge was a necessity.

A few weeks later, the night was dark and clear....

Bundle Up and Run to Help Families

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 14:43; Written by Paul Gordon

FamilyCore's Frosty 5K scheduled for Jan. 26

Traumatic events can happen in anyone's life and often counseling is the best way for a person to move on.

As trauma happens regardless of age, the need for counseling also has no age limits. The problem is that children cannot pay for their own and often, neither can their parents or guardian, said Debbie Ryva, director of...

Selling love: Florists

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 09:57; Written by Paul Gordon

Styles May Change Frequently, but Flowers Always Equate to Love and Other Emotions

One day a certain type of flower may be popular but be out of style the next day, silk may become hotter than fresh or bouquets may go from tight and rather plain to loose and colorful.

But there is no mistaking that flowers are symbols of a variety of emotions, from love to grief and anything in between. Florists...

Pssst! Hey molecule, come here!

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 14:33; Written by Kate O'Hara

Local chemist coaxes molecules to help make many processes better

Horse whisperers, dog whisperers, ghost, pipe and wood whisperers, make room for the … Molecule Whisperer?

Terry Isbell, a research chemist at the Peoria Ag Lab, enjoys a career of figuring out how he wants a molecule to behave and then getting it to oblige. Pretty good for someone who went to college to get an accounting degree.

“I intended...

Selling love: Jewelry Whether It’s Flashy or Sedate, Jewelry Equals Love

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 09:42; Written by Paul Gordon

For decades, perhaps even centuries, men have known there is one gift item with which they can never go wrong: jewelry.

With few exceptions, the gift of jewelry equates to love and happiness, local jewelers said.

“We are selling happiness, no question about it,” said Bob Woolsey, co-owner of Jones...

Converting weeds into fuel

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 14:17; Written by Kate O'Hara

Ag Lab Chemists Finding Good Uses for Pennycress and Other Crops

From quiet fields to high powered jet fuel, there is a new “field to flight” path being created for redesigned camelina, mustard, and rapeseed/canola crops.

Led by a scientist at the Peoria Ag Lab, the research project is part of a broad effort to use renewable resources in gaining American energy independence. It is funded by a $7 million grant...

Peoria Made Personal...Mary Ellen Ulrich

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 09:31; Written by Paul Gordon

Mary Ellen Ulrich is a transplant to Peoria, being a native of Quincy. But today she believes she owes her happiness — and her life — to all that is available in Peoria.

“A year ago today we weren’t sure how much longer I was going to be around,” said Ulrich during an interview a few weeks before Christmas. “If it wasn’t for the doctors and the great facilities we have here in Peoria, I don’t think I would...

Put on that Red Dress: Fashion Show Will Help American Heart Association

Details: Published on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 12:56; Written by Paul Gordon

A fashion show aimed at raising money for the American Heart Association that will also feature potential top models from central Illinois is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Peoria.

Presented by Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, the Red Dress Fashion Show also may help local women find apparel and accessories for the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball, scheduled for Feb. 23 at the Par-A-Dice...