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Articles by Mike Rundle
Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Losing faith: Rural, religious campuses are among the most endangered
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Peoria Public Schools utilizing new software to track college and career readiness
Peoria Public Schools is implementing a new system to help students plan their lives after graduation. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Peoria Public Schools Innovation and Grants Officer Dr. Susan Grzanich presented a new software called SchooLinks that will assist in keeping District 150 students in-line with the State of Illinois’ Postsecondary and Career Expectation (PaCE) requirements.
Plenty of updates at Peoria Public Schools, from a Golden Apple award to a new grading system
Peoria Public Schools hosted a busy Board of Education meeting Monday night, with multiple awards and presentations from District representatives. Charter Oak Primary School Principal Kathy Rodriguez was honored as a recipient of a Golden Apple Excellence in Leadership award—a “highly competitive” distinction according to Executive Director of Primary Education Dr. Nicole Couri-Malson. “Mrs.
Q&A: Chef Josh Lanning is hoping to overhaul Peoria's hospitality industry
Between consulting in New York City, running a pop-up burger restaurant in Sonoma County, California, and establishing part ownership of Slow Hand Craft BBQ in Peoria Heights, Chef Josh Lanning has been busy.
The impact of the Clean Water Celebration ripples through generations
For 30 years, the Sun Foundation has been bringing together the best environmental minds in the area for its annual Clean Water Celebration—but the impact of the event goes far beyond the walls of the Peoria Civic Center exhibit hall. Founded by Joan Root Ericksen and Bob Ericksen in 1973, the Sun Foundation is celebrating 50 years of art and science education for youth across central Illinois.
Curriculum and food service improvements on the horizon for Peoria Public Schools
As the 2022-2023 school year winds down, Peoria Public Schools is seeking improvements to multiple district-wide programs from the classroom to the cafeteria. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction Dr. Sandra Wilson led a presentation regarding the implementation of the Black History 365 program within District 150. Thus far, reviews from students have been positive, but teachers have been hitting roadblocks.
Kherat: Residency requirement would 'put Peoria Public Schools at a big disadvantage'
A residency requirement for district administrators would “hamper” Peoria Public Schools in the future, claims Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board was set to vote on a new policy that would require members of the Superintendent’s cabinet making more than $100,000 per year to live within the boundaries of District 150.
District 150 Board delays renewal of Administrative contracts, speech team brings home awards from California
Contract renewals for District 150 administration have been put off–for now. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, board member Chase Klaus pushed for delaying the approval of contracts until a clause requiring District administrators to live within the city of Peoria was added. “We’ve talked about the live-in requirement in the past,” said Klaus.
Wraparound Center is providing services to thousands of Peoria Public Schools students
The Wraparound Center at Peoria Public Schools has been active, serving thousands of students since opening in 2018. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Dr. Derrick Booth, the outgoing Director of Social/Emotional Learning and the Wraparound Center, led a presentation from community partners who offer services from the Wraparound Center, including OSF HealthCare and FamilyCore. Booth says that the Center’s work is multifaceted, serving both students and the community.
Six Peoria Public Schools students invited to California for speech tournament
Six Peoria Public Schools students are heading to the West Coast to compete in a national speech tournament. The students—who represent Lincoln, Annie Jo Gordon, Sterling Middle, and Elise Ford Allen schools—will be participating in the tournament hosted by Advantage Communications, a California-based organization that helps bring speech programs to school districts around the country.
‘George’ highlights the life-long work of a local legend
On the 76th anniversary of his business, George Manias of George’s Shoeshine and Hatters celebrated in a big way. The Peoria Riverfront Museum hosted the premiere of “George” Tuesday night, a film offering a look at the life of Manias as a survivor of the Nazi occupation of Crete, a Peorian, and a businessman. Directed by fellow Peorian Matt Richmond, “George” follows the title character as he navigates the operation of his longstanding business after the death of his sister, Angela.
Stepping onto the mat and into the future with the women’s wrestling program at Eureka College
Inside a once-vacant storefront at Eureka’s Lakeview Shopping Center, one of the area’s newest collegiate wrestling programs takes its first steps toward glory. Their practice space holds three mats, and features large Eureka Red Devils logos spread across two walls. It’s humble beginnings for a team quickly gaining local traction. Led by head coach Eric Biehl, the Eureka College men’s and women’s wrestling programs have made a splash in a community filled with wrestling fans of all ages.
Peoria Public Schools fills teaching vacancies with Grow Your Own program, international teachers
The Grow Your Own Teacher program at Peoria Public Schools will add four more graduates by the end of the current school year. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Grow Your Own Coordinator Linda Wilson presented an update to the board, sharing that the program will reach ten total graduates come spring. With an overall goal of recruiting and retaining teachers in the Peoria area, the program is a branch of the central Grow Your Own Teachers program based in Chicago.
Board extends Kherat’s contract, approves dress code without committee recommendations
The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education voted to extend Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat’s contract for four more years. At Monday night’s meeting, the Board approved the extension through June 2026 by a 5-2 vote. Board members Chase Klaus and Dr. Anni Reinking voted against the continuation. Later in the meeting, the Board approved an updated dress code for the District, but chose to exclude the recommendations offered by the Parent Teacher Advisory Committee.
Original property owner files lawsuit over ecotourism resort in Spring Bay
The original owners of the property that became the Sankoty Lakes resort have filed a lawsuit against noted Peoria developer Kim Blickenstaff, alleging their partnership was spoiled by fraud and breach of contract. The lawsuit filed in Woodford County court centers around the 220-acre ecotourism resort that opened in early 2021. Located along Route 26 just south of Spring Bay, the resort boasts three lakes, a trout stream, and glamping tents along with a full-service on-site restaurant.
Peoria Public Schools to establish 'Principal Pipeline' with Rockford University
Peoria Public Schools has approved an agreement with Rockford University to establish a Principal Pipeline Program. The new program will create space for up to 25 teachers in District 150 to participate in a two-year cohort to receive a master's degree in urban education. Each course within the program is designed to align with the District’s demographics and goals, and participants are expected to remain in the District for at least two years following graduation.
Peoria Public Schools approves renaming of five schools, modified academic calendar
Published March 15, 2022 at 7:47 AM CDT Peoria Public Schools / YouTube Peoria Public Schools has approved the renaming of five schools in the District. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board voted unanimously to approve the renaming of the schools as follows: Calvin Coolidge Middle School will become Harold B.
Peoria Zoo staff-and animals-eager to return to normalcy
Published March 2, 2022 at 8:53 AM CST Provided Photo / Peoria Zoo Staff The Siberian tiger at the Peoria Zoo was a little anxious about the public's return, but soon adjusted to the normal routine, according to Zookeeper Kenny Lemon. The Peoria Zoo was closed for over two months in 2020, and now almost two years later, they are excited to be getting back to normal.
Peoria Public Schools approves district-wide modified calendar
Published February 8, 2022 at 7:48 AM CST Peoria Public Schools / YouTube Peoria Public Schools will operate under a modified calendar beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Monday night’s Board of Education meeting saw a lengthy public comment portion in which the majority of commenters expressed their disapproval of the modified calendar.
Modified calendar at Harrison sees positive response through first half of school year
Published December 14, 2021 at 9:39 AM CST Peoria Public Schools / YouTube Through one half of the school year, the staff at Harrison Community Learning Center says they would like to hang onto the modified calendar. Harrison volunteered to pilot the modified calendar program after approval from the Board of Education earlier this year. In its current form, the calendar has a two-month summer break with school beginning Aug.
Luke Rosenbohm hopes to make the future a little greener with Better Earth Compost
Mike Rundle / WCBU Luke Rosenbohm oversees the daily operations of Better Earth Compost in Peoria. When Better Earth Compost launched in 1998, the mission was to help the community in a new way. Now, 23 years later, that mission remains the same. Founded by Paul and June Rosenbohm, who were primarily dairy farmers, Better Earth Compost first launched as a method of processing manure produced by their own farm as well as their neighbors’.
Peoria Public Schools voting district reapportionment right on target
Published November 23, 2021 at 7:39 AM CST Peoria Public Schools / YouTube The Peoria Public Schools voting districts are the closest to “prime” they have been in 30 years. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Attorney Phillip Lenzini presented the proposed district reapportionment boundaries according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The Board is required to revisit the districts every 10 years in accordance with a ruling from a 1987 voting rights lawsuit.
Forum says 'all hands on deck' needed to solve Peoria gun violence
Published November 14, 2021 at 7:51 AM CST Mike Rundle / WCBU The discussion was led by Agbara Bryson of New Millennium Institute. Community leaders say collaboration is essential to tackle the ongoing issue of gun violence in the Peoria area.
Staff at Glen Oak Community Learning Center voice concerns over lack of support
Published November 9, 2021 at 7:50 AM CST Peoria Public Schools / YouTube Security breaches, resignations over mental health concerns, and students with soiled clothes—staff members at Glen Oak Community Learning Center are worried about the state of their school.
Use of racial slur in video featuring Richwoods secretary denounced by students, parents
Published October 26, 2021 at 8:05 AM CDT Peoria Public Schools / YouTube A number of students are concerned for the Richwoods High School community after a recently surfaced video appeared to show secretary Courtney Lewis use the n-word. Reports of the video first emerged early last week, along with confirmation by Peoria Federation of Teachers leadership that Lewis was placed on paid administrative leave.
Lifeguard training program approved for Peoria Public Schools
Published October 12, 2021 at 7:40 AM CDT Peoria Public Schools / YouTube WCBU is community powered. It’s the Fall Fund Drive and your financial support at WCBU.org is the power we rely on to keep your favorite NPR programs on the air and your newsroom local. Join the community that powers WCBU with a contribution. Peoria Public Schools has approved an agreement to launch a lifeguard preparation class for students.
History and hops come together at Evergreen Farm Brewing
Published October 12, 2021 at 7:26 AM CDT Mike Rundle / WCBU Adam Sommer moved back to the Sommer family farm in 2017, and soon after, the idea for a farmhouse brewery was born. WCBU is community powered. It’s the Fall Fund Drive and your financial support at WCBU.org is the power we rely on to keep your favorite NPR programs on the air and your newsroom local. Join the community that powers WCBU with a contribution.
My Missing Memory
I can remember and rap along to every word from Quiet Storm released by Mobb Deep in 1999. I can’t remember my high school graduation ceremony that took place a few years later. I can remember Doug Bowman’s influential article on making nice-looking tabbed navigation written in 2003. I can’t remember any moments from the September day four years later when I got married.
Peoria Public Schools Approves ChanceLight Partnership to Bring Extra Support to K-4 Students
Published September 28, 2021 at 7:40 AM CDT Mike Rundle / WCBU The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education meeting was held at Harrison Community Learning Center September 27. WCBU is community powered. It’s the Fall Fund Drive and your financial support at WCBU.org is the power we rely on to keep your favorite NPR programs on the air and your newsroom local. Join the community that powers WCBU with a contribution.
Dunlap To Expand After-School Learning Opportunities With American Rescue Plan Funding
Published September 23, 2021 at 7:48 AM CDT Dunlap School District #323 / YouTube Dunlap School District #323 will be offering additional after-school learning opportunities thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan. In the most recent iteration of the American Rescue Plan, also known as ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief), Dunlap was awarded nearly $2.8 million to aid in addressing “learning loss” from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Chef Josh Lanning is Cooking Where He’s Most Comfortable
Mike Rundle / WCBU The interior of Woolly Bugger at Sankoty Lakes features a large bar, fireplace, and lounge seating area. From reading cookbooks on the shelves at Barnes & Noble to some of the best restaurants in the world, Chef Josh Lanning has had a unique path to an acclaimed career in food. Now General Manager and Executive Chef of Woolly Bugger at Sankoty Lakes, Lanning was born in Keokuk, Iowa, and attended Richwoods High School after moving to Peoria early in childhood.
Dunlap To Abide By Executive Order, Require Masks for Upcoming School Year
Published August 12, 2021 at 7:30 AM CDT Dunlap District #323 / YouTube In an emergency meeting Wednesday night, the Dunlap Board of Education approved an updated return-to-school plan that includes a mask requirement in accordance with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order. Previously, Dunlap administration had chosen to make masks optional for the upcoming school year. At the July 22 meeting, a number of Dunlap parents voiced their concerns about the optional mask policy.
Peoria Public Schools Heading Into New Year With Reinvigorated Support Programs, Plans To Rename Schools
Published August 10, 2021 at 7:47 AM CDT Peoria Public Schools / YouTube Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat is “ready to rock and roll” into the upcoming school year. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Dr. Kherat said that the District is in a good position regarding its COVID-19 return-to-school plan which includes a District-wide mask mandate.
Parents Concerned As Dunlap Says Masks Optional In Upcoming School Year
Published July 22, 2021 at 9:39 AM CDT Dunlap District #323 / YouTube Dunlap parents are voicing their concerns over a return-to-school plan that does not require masks for students. Superintendent Dr. Scott Dearman reviewed a revised plan at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday night that makes masks optional and requires students to learn in-person with minimal exceptions.
Peoria City-County Commission Aims to Address Racial Inequity Through Community Engagement
Published July 16, 2021 at 9:26 AM CDT Mike Rundle / WCBU Peoria Mayor Rita Ali outlined goals for the members of the Peoria City-County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity Thursday evening. Peoria Mayor Rita Ali led the launch of the Peoria City-County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity Thursday evening. About 150 Commission members attend the launch, all having been appointed by a committee of representatives from the City of Peoria and Peoria County.
Hickory Grove Hoping to Enrich Early Childhood Education With Outdoor Learning Center
Mike Rundle / WCBU Hickory Grove Principal Jeremy Etnyre and Assistant Principal Michaela Rychener cut the ribbon on the new Outdoor Learning Center May 25. Richard Louv started a movement when his book “Last Child in the Woods” was published in 2005, and that movement has made its way to Hickory Grove Elementary School.
After an Anxious Year, Peoria Area Hospitality Employees Are Hopeful for the Future
Mike Rundle / WCBU / Jim's Steakhouse in Downtown Peoria has struggled since the reduction in business travel and local entertainment. As the hospitality industry in the Peoria area begins to bounce back with relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, more residents are taking to the town; but behind the scenes, many employees are still working to shake the effects of pandemic-induced furloughs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Peoria peaked at 17.1% in April 2020.
Peoria Public Schools Implementing ‘Ambitious’ 5-Year Strategic Plan
Peoria Public Schools will be focusing on “reimagining education” for the next five years. Members of the strategic planning team hope Peoria Public Schools will offer “a re-imagined education that ignites passions and empowers students to be responsible and successful” and Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat made clear that the plan will directly influence future changes across their system.
Dunlap District 323 in Talks with OSF HealthCare to Bring Vaccination Site to High School
OSF HealthCare has approached Dunlap School District#323 about hosting a vaccination site at the high school, and it could arrive as early as next week. At Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Scott Dearman informed the Board that after a conference call with regional superintendents,he was contacted by an OSF representative interested in launching an in-school vaccination site for students ages 16 and up.
Peoria Public Schools Balanced Calendar Vote Delayed, Coaches and Interventionists to Be Reassigned
Peoria Public Schools will delay a vote on adopting a balanced calendar until more input from the community can be gathered. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Balanced Calendar Committee presented findings from surveys given to both families and staff in the Peoria Public Schools system.
Peoria Federation of Teachers Claims 'Promise' Broken With Reassignment of Support Staff
Instructional coaches and school interventionists were the hot topic of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education meeting Monday night, and the Peoria Federation of Teachers was quick to bring the heat.
Peoria Public Schools and Food Service Provider Sodexo Forming Advisory Committee
Peoria Public Schools and their food service provider Sodexo are forming a local advisory committee to oversee decisions regarding student meals within the District. Local Sodexo General Manager Mark Streamer presented the plan to the Board at Monday night’s meeting. The formation of the committee comes just weeks after the Peoria Federation of Teachers shared photos on social media of moldy cheese sticks in student lunches.
Sankoty Lakes Resort Personifies Hope For Spring Bay
Upon their first introduction to Sankoty Lakes Resort, residents of Spring Bay may have felt that it was a gift from the heavens. “I belong to the Methodist church here in town, so I had the pastor get everybody together and I preached a Sunday sermon,” said Kim Blickenstaff, Chairman and Founder of KDB Development Group, the enterprise behind the resort.
Dunlap School Board Still Without A Decision On Budget Cuts, Awaiting Numbers For Next Fiscal Year
The budget cut saga is continuing for Dunlap Community School District 323, and some community members feel like they are on a roller coaster ride. Board Member Karen Disharoon initially requested that the cuts be placed back on the agenda for Wednesday night’s meeting, but upon meeting start, she stated that her intention was to discuss the cuts rather than take action on them.
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