Oh, look. Someone in the mainstream media noticed there might be a violation of the Open Meetings Act:
A half-hour scheduled “meet and greet” Peoria School District 150 officials held Tuesday with the apparent next superintendent and members of the media violated the state’s Open Meetings Act, Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons said Friday.
“Violations...
Read more »
126 search results for "kevin lyons"
‘Catch and Release’ Kevin Lyons talking tough about Open Meetings Act violation
Misdemeanor charge appropriate in accidental shooting death of 4-year-old
I agree with Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons’ decision to charge the owners of a gun that killed a 4-year-old boy with a misdemeanor.
I’m a firm opponent of gun control. But when you own a gun, you assume responsibility to keep it out of the hands of children. It’s about assuming responsibility.
Since this...
Read more »
Poll: Is Lyons in the right by charging sheriff’s son with DUI?
I’ve discussed the DUI charge against Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler McCoy (the son of Sheriff Mike McCoy) in this post and this post. I thought I’d give readers an opportunity to give their opinion. There are five possible replies. Pick the reply that best summarizes your thoughts on the matter. You can pick...
Read more »
‘Catch-and-Release’ Kevin caught being inconsistent
I’m not the only blogger who questions Kevin Lyons’ suspicious prosecution of Tyler McCoy:
So the State’s Attorney is continuing to pursue this case even in the face of scant evidence and only two witnesses — one of whom changed his story after being threatened with criminal charges by the county’s top prosecutor. But Devear...
Read more »
Is long-delayed DUI charge another anti-cop vendetta from Kevin Lyons?
At the risk of being accused of being an apologist for Tyler McCoy and his father, Sheriff Mike McCoy, I’m not sure charging Tyler with a DUI is the smartest — or fairest — thing to do.
Yes, Tyler should have been tested for alcohol after his traffic accident, considering that the deputy at the...
Read more »
Kudos to Kevin Lyons
Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons will not file charges against a man who used his ex-wife’s handgun to shoot an intruder.
The shooter is a convicted felon. There are all sorts of crimes Lyons could have charged the guy with. But Lyons decided not to stand in the way of a guy doing what...
Read more »
Another shooting
More fun and games with firearms:
Police were called to the area about 11:20 p.m. and found the teen with the gunshot wound lying in the yard at 1627 N. Linn St. The teen, who was conscious when police arrived, was transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
The initial caller to 911 reported hearing about...
Read more »
‘Catch-and-release’ Kevin up to his old tricks (UPDATE)
I absolutely cannot wait for Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons to explain this:
Devear Lewis of 2331 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive was in the middle of a trial on charges of murder and aggravated battery with a firearm when the plea to a single count of unlawful possession of a weapon...
Read more »
‘Catch-and-Release’ Kevin still siding with the bad guys
Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis wants to give Peorians the right to carry a concealed weapon, a right enjoyed by citizens in 48 states.
Naturally, Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin “Catch and Release” Lyons is opposed:
In his own words:
“Neither of the words ‘concealed’ nor ‘carry’ should give a community any greater sense of peace when it...
Read more »
Is District 150 destroying evidence? (UPDATED: Destruction may be underway now))
Diane Vespa has heard some disturbing comments:
I have received multiple reports that the District has informed staff and employees that as of the end of this month they will begin purging e-mails – despite the fact there is an on-going criminal investigation into the activities of its central administration. I have placed a call...
Read more »
Politics: Yet another police organization endorses LaHood
From a press release:
Bartonville Police Department Endorses Darin LaHood For Peoria County State’s Attorney
Historical endorsement moves LaHood Closer to Sweeping All Police Endorsements in Peoria County
Peoria, IL –In its first endorsement ever for the position of Peoria County State’s Attorney, members of the Bartonville Police Benevolent Union #120 endorsed challenger Darin LaHood over the...
Read more »
Politics: LaHood raises $212,000 to run against Lyons
From the Darin LaHood campaign:
LaHood Continues Momentum with $212,000 Raised to Date
Challenger for State’s Attorney leads in contributions and support from law enforcement
Peoria, IL – With a significant cash advantage and unanimous support from the Peoria County law enforcement community, Darin LaHood’s bid to unseat a 20-year incumbent State’s Attorney continues to gain momentum.
“We’ve...
Read more »
Local: The glass is all-the-way full as far as crime is concerned
One year and one month ago, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis penned a column for a business magazine saying that the Journal Star was playing up crime stories and that it ought to stop, lest people stop buying the newspaper.
The Journal Star Editorial Board responded by describing Ardis as a hypocrite because he exploited fears...
Read more »
Local: Ruffin cops a plea, Lyons declines to hold a press conference
You know how Kevin Lyons has been getting his name in the paper a lot these days? Well, not this time:
Former Bradley University basketball standout Daniel Ruffin pleaded guilty Tuesday to striking his former girlfriend.
Ruffin, 23, entered his plea in Peoria County Circuit Court during an unscheduled court appearance which saw the charge of...
Read more »
Politics: You know there’s an election coming up …
… when Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons deigns to submit to questions from DeWayne Bartels of the Peoria Times Observer. In fact, Mr. Lyons almost never returns reporters’ phone calls. But he’s been in the newspaper a lot these days.
Read more »
Politics: LaHood one of Illinois’ top globetrotting congressmen.
I’ve recently remarked to more than one person that with his son Darin running against Kevin Lyons for Peoria County State’s Attorney, Congressman Ray LaHood is going to have to do something especially nefarious to get any criticism from me. That’s how much I want Lyons out of office (and how much I think...
Read more »
Politics: Peoria Police group endorses LaHood
From a press release:
Peoria Police Overwhelmingly Endorse LaHood
Candidate for State’s Attorney gets another boost from the largest law enforcement agency in Peoria County
Peoria, IL – Darin LaHood, candidate for Peoria County State’s Attorney, has earned yet another powerful endorsement from a local law enforcement group. On May 30th, the Peoria Police Benevolent Association...
Read more »
Politics: Lyons can’t explain away his absence from task force
Darin LaHood has promised to participate in the City of Peoria’s Crime Task Force is he is elected state’s attorney in Peoria County. The current holder of that office, Kevin Lyons, has refused. LaHood reiterated that promise at a recent event, and the Journal Star dutifully contacted Lyons for his reply:
“This task force thing...
Read more »
Politics: 8 out of 11 Peoria City Council members think LaHood should be state’s attorney
I just received an invitation to a party for Darin LaHood, the former federal mob prosecutor who’s running for Peoria County state’s attorney.
The invite lists eight members of the Peoria city council who have endorsed LaHood, who is the son of retiring Congressman Ray LaHood (R-18th). These include Mayor Jim Ardis; at-Large council members...
Read more »
Politics: A few words about Kevin Lyons …
Former Peoria Police officer Troy Parker thinks Peoria County State’s attorney Kevin Lyons unfairly prosecuted him, and essentially forced him to resign from the force in exchange for dropping charges he was piloting a boat while drunk, killing one man and injuring another.
Parker’s attorney says Lyons had no business filing the charges.
Really? There were...
Read more »
Support Peoria Pundit Advertisers
   SPONSORED LINKS |
Peoria Business Peoria Jobs Peoria Classifieds Peoria Events Crazy Slots Casino |
About Peoria Pundit
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates The Blog Peoria Project, which promotes community-based citizen journalism in his hometown, Peoria IL. Call me at (309) 863-5748 and leave a message.
Recent Blog Peoria Posts
-
It a development that surprises almost no one who’se been paying attention at District 150, it seems that the renovations at PHS are not being done in a competent manner March 21, 2010Billy Dennis
This arrived in my email inbox moments ago:
District 150 Administration and School Board
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are writing as concerned parents and supporters of Peoria High School students. We have been attending school functions and meetings hoping to hear about the upcoming changes for PHS and have been incredibly disappointed with the district’s total lack [...]Original post by Billy Dennis
-
In a development that surprises almost no one who’s been paying attention to District 150, it seems that the renovations at PHS are not being done in a competent manner March 21, 2010Billy Dennis
This arrived in my email inbox moments ago:
District 150 Administration and School Board
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are writing as concerned parents and supporters of Peoria High School students. We have been attending school functions and meetings hoping to hear about the upcoming changes for PHS and have been incredibly disappointed with the district’s total lack [...]Original post by Billy Dennis
-
The only thing missing from yesterday’s tea-bagger protest was Bull Connor, attack dogs and some fire hoses March 21, 2010Billy Dennis
Some of the anti-health care people sure do have some interesting views on race:
Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., told a reporter that as he left the Cannon House Office Building with Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a leader of the civil rights era, some among the crowd chanted “the N-word, the N-word, 15 times.” Both Carson and [...]Original post by Billy Dennis
-
Spring Turning March 21, 2010witchsbrew
The Cosmos strives for equilibrium today. The hours of daylight and dark are equal. Spring returns–even if the day is dark and cold, rainy, snowy, spitting sleet. It’s the thought that counts.
Modern Wiccans call the day Ostara. I am not found of the name. Like Easter itself, the name is taken from a Teutonic lunar Goddess Eostre. Mike Nichols, author of The Witches’ Sabbats, from the website of the same name, “Her holiday, the Eostara, was held on the vernal equinox full moon.” Technically that will fall on the 29th of March. According to Nichols, the Roman Catholic Church divided the vernal holiday into Easter–the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox–and Lady Day, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on March 25th. This, of course, the day that the Angel Gabriel announces that Mary is “with child.” “Lady Day” was the name used by our first Wiccan founders.
I think I prefer the simpler “Spring Turning.” It was the phrase I used in my own fiction back before I was “officially” Pagan. It signifies a becoming. As Nichols says, it’s a springboard to Beltane, May 1st. Processes begun at the equinox find fulfillment at Beltane.
I hadn’t planned to celebrate the day, but a friend called late in the morning and said, “Let’s go to Bloomington to the Mennonite Relief Sale.” The day was dreary; and I knew that by the time we got there, most everything would sold, but I hadn’t been to the Relief Sale since it left Peoria. I was pleasantly surprised to get a bunch of pussy willows. I can’t remember the last time I had pussy willows.
And on the way back, I asked to stop in a Kelly Seed to look over their new shipment of heirloom seeds. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to plant a garden this year or slit my wrists, but Global Village in the Heights is collecting supplies for Haiti this month, and one of the things on the list is garden seeds. So I bought heritage melons, squash, radishes, and corn. And a packet of mixed lettuce if I decide to plant for myself. Spring is such a fickle time of the year…
-
How Railroads Promote Ind’l Development – Past and Present March 20, 2010David P. Jordan
I think the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway’s 172-page Industrial Development Brochure is incredible for its detail, and it shouldn’t leave prospective buyers of listed properties and buildings with too many questions. But if they do have any, they can always contact the railroad.
Closer to home, RailAmerica’s Toledo Peoria & Western Railway lists these properties. I’m curious, though, why two of them, here and here, which are nowhere near TP&W track, are listed (furthermore, they could find out that “Middle Road” is not spelled “Middel.”).
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., owner of two local shortlines – Illinois & Midland Railroad and Tazewell & Peoria Railroad – provide few details on their website, but it does say this:
I&M’s extra-wide 200-foot right-of-way, and adjacent industrial sites on both I&M and T&P, offer excellent location opportunities for manufacturing, distribution and transload facilities.
Before the Internet Age, railroads published and circulated booklets detailing industrial development sites in various communities they served. One example was the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad’s 1964 booklet. One page of the Peoria section, which appeared in the railroad’s 1963 Annual Report, can be viewed by clicking the thumbnail below.
The Rock Island’s promotion of both the Galena Road Industrial Park and Pioneer Industrial Park caught the attention of the Peoria Journal Star, which mentioned it in a June 16, 1964 editorial.
Past and present, American railroads know that to remain viable long term they must continuously promote their services to prospective industrial and logistics firms. And the only change is the type of media.
- David P. Jordan
-
I write this with all love and respect to the local guys because they ROCK, but Comcast is Satan March 20, 2010Billy Dennis
I’m the kinda guy who is always going to wait until the very last minute to pay his cable bill. Usually, I find out it’s due when I can’t get on the Internet
So I’m in the Comcast office on Dries Lane ever other month.
Those guys rock. Professional, friendly and quick. Kudos.
But when I have actual [...]Original post by Billy Dennis
-
Day by Day: Skin status update 3/20/2010 March 20, 2010Billy Dennis
Today’s strip: Chris Muir is hearing my pleas. Sam is again in the low-cut, skin-tight little black dress. Chris treats up to a front view and a maddeningly curvaceous profile.
-
Day By Day: Skin status update 3/19/2010 March 20, 2010Billy Dennis
Today’s strip: Now this is more like it. Sam is in a skin-tight, low-cut little black dress. There’s a front view and a side view. You go, Chris!
-
It’s official: The Captain America movie is going to suck March 20, 2010justiceblogofamerica
Via Slashfilm:
Now there’s a slight update: according to IESB, the shortlist is now only three names: Chris Evans (Sunshine, The Fantastic Four); Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe, Stop-Loss) and Sebastian Stan (Gossip Girl). I’ve stumped for Evans before, but am a bit surprised that he’s still on the list, because of that Fantastic Four association. But that’s no big deal in the long run, as the Marvel Studios film universe has nothing to do with the Fox version of Marvel’s characters. (Confusing!) Evans is easily the best choice here.
Feh. We need a traditional square-jawed hero for this role, not some pretty boy. Evans is an X-games sorta guy. Cap is a baseball/football/track letterman kinda guy. And the FF movies sucked and that kinda stink don’t wash off.
-
Let’s not kid ourselves, we are ALL thinking the same thing about that retired white cop who pulled a gun during a Pekin traffic stop and somehow didn’t get his sorry ass shot March 20, 2010Billy Dennis
But I am far, far to politically correct to suggest that a black guy who did this wouldn’t be sitting in the Tazewell County Jail right now. Just sayin’.
Here are some possibly related postsDecember 23, 2009 — Five Peoria police layoffs averted (0)November 29, 2009 — Pekin is on the right track (2)October 22, 2009 [...]Original post by Billy Dennis
Tell Peoria Business Directory
-
AAMCO Tranmissions Unknown Date FormatAAMCO is your local automotive repair specialist from synthetic oil changes to rebuilt transmissions.
-
Health and Harmony: Barb & Dick Lulay Shaklee Independent Distributors Unknown Date FormatExtremeHealthMakeovers.com offers top quality products with an impeccable reputation. The Shaklee products are all natural, safe for you and your family, and safe for the environment. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed.
-
dESCO, LLC Service Management Software Unknown Date FormatThe Better Way to Run Your Service Company ESC simplifies the management and operations of service companies. ESC will organize and streamline the work flow of both small and large service companies, making them more manageable and profitable.
-
Mitch Williams Magic Productions Unknown Date FormatMake your events absolutely unforgettable, with entertainment programs by international award winning sleight of hand artist and speaker, Mitch Williams.
-
ExplorePeoria.com Unknown Date FormatExplorePeoria.com is a locally owned & managed information portal website featuring a comprehensive events calendar, free e-newsletter, a business directory, free classified ads, restaurant menus, real estate listings, job listings and much more.
PeoriaChronicle
- City mulls over cuts to basic services, giving $37M to hotel developer March 20, 2010According to this Journal Star article, the City of Peoria is looking for ways to cut basic services like sidewalk and sewer improvements due to a nearly “flat projection” in sales tax growth. Meanwhile, according to this other Journal Star article, developer Gary Matthews is still pitching his hotel plan which relies on $37 [...] […]
- Should principals be empowered leaders or branch managers? March 18, 2010The extent to which mechanistic thinking is corrupting our culture might be illustrated in relation to any number of fields of activity. For instance, our educational system suffers disastrously from the dominion of the administrative mind, which is, by the very nature of modern administration, generally mechanistic in its thinking (and therefore unfitted to […]
- Another D150 administrator put on paid leave March 16, 2010District 150 Director of Technology and Library Media Services Mary Ward has been put on paid administrative leave as the district performs an internal investigation. If past is prelude, taxpayers may be paying her to do nothing for a long time. The last administrator to be put on paid administrative leave, Mary Davis, [...] […]
Merle Widmer’s Peoria Watch
- A Common Sense Judge March 21, 2010Forwarded to me by my daughter Mary Jo Greytak whose son is in the armed services. She checked with Scopes. All my family support strong judges and strong actions against terrorists, often called "insurgents" or "freedom fighters" by the liberal press. For comments on my site, please email them to me. If researched and factual info, I wil […]
- FireFly - What Community Leaders Said March 15, 2010"Calling FireFly 'the poster child' of Peoria NEXT", National City regional president Doug Stewart said that technology was not in short supply in Peoria. "Ideas are not our problem. The issue is management, first, and capital second. If we are going to hit a home run, FireFly is the closest thing we've got."Doug was probab […]
- FireFly Closer to Burning Bright March 15, 2010So wrote Molly Parker, reporter for the JS in May of 2007. The resolution by the County to guarantee, along with the city, a six million dollar loan to FireFly by National City Bank, State Representative Dave Leitch, Vice-President, who personally urged the County Board to approve this loan. Quoting Ms. Parker,"The resolution passed both committees by v […]
CapitolFax
- Sunday update: Lt. Governor hopeful videos March 21, 2010
- Reader comments closed for the weekend March 19, 2010
- *** UPDATED x1 *** Afternoon campaign roundup March 19, 2010
- More thoughts about Garrett’s lite guv candidacy March 19, 2010
- Question of the day March 19, 2010
Pieces of Flair
 |
 |
