Bradley University focuses on peer-based preventative education to lower trend on campus BY: SAVANNAH T. JONES PEORIA, ILL.: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Peoria County has an alarming number of Gonorrhea cases, with a rate of 337.2% compared to the total US median rate of 30.5%. Peoria County is ranked with...
Midwestern states with mandated sex-ed classes rank lower in teenage pregnancy rates By: Savannah T. Jones Out of the twelve Midwestern states, Illinois has the largest rate of teenage pregnancies with a rate of 57 percent among teenage girls. The most recent study by The Guttmacher Institute shows from 2010-2013 teenage pregnancies comprised 7,296...
Deputy Corporation Counsel Sonni Williams spearheads new initiative
By: Savannah Jones
PEORIA–The Liquor Commission is overlooking a tax on large-packaged-alcohol sales after Deputy Corporation Counsel Sonni Williams proposed looking into the new tax at the Commission’s monthly meeting on November 2. Williams explained the Commission researched introducing a tax on case lots of alcohol several years ago but did not reach a conclusive decision. However, Williams suggested the plan could bring in $140,000 in revenue and help alleviate the city’s budget deficit.
“The tax must be reasonably related to the cost of administering licenses by the Circuit Clerk,” Williams said. “Normal and Bloomington introduced a four-percent tax on case lots but there is none in Peoria.”
Liquor Commission board member Drew Cassidy agreed Peoria is “behind the curb” in the region for taxing case lots however he raised concern that the tax would benefit major chain stores such as Wal-Mart and Kroger over smaller local bars and restaurants. Williams and Cassidy both agreed to look further into the plan over the next few weeks.
The Liquor Commission met for their monthly meeting to review license applicants and to discuss to taxes.
The Liquor Commission also discussed extending bar hours to 4 a.m. in order to attract more people to Peoria on the weekends. The Commission tabled this issue for future meetings as well. Board members approved three local restaurants recommendations to the City Council for liquor license approval.
Year-long exhibit enhancing Peoria’s art community By: Savannah Jones On the Peoria Sculpture Walk, art isn’t only observed but interacted with and brought to life. Sponsored by the Peoria Riverfront Museum, visitors are encouraged to feel and add their own interpretation to the sculptures lining Southwest Water Street in downtown Peoria. While art lovers...