After 17 years, I'm leaving the Journal Star. Here's what I've learned to love about Peoria
Some people clearly are destined for their careers from an early age. Unlike Tiger Woods with a golf club or the animal-loving kid who becomes a vet, I was not one of them.
Saintly second-grade teacher Rose Hahn tried her best as we kids were encouraged to practice our writing by making journal entries each day in class. But this left-handed writer, hyperactive and with poor manual dexterity, did the bare minimum nearly every day. One sentence, four words: "Today I had fun."
By the end of the year — with constant, albeit kind, pressure — I was up to a few sentences.
It only snowballed from there.
I'm periodically reminded by a colleague about reporting and writing an 800-word story "about a bug" — the emerald ash borer's first confirmed appearance in Peoria — way too long for the subject, she said.
But the past 17 years of being paid by the Journal Star to write and edit hundreds of thousands of words owe themselves at least in part to that teacher's encouragement to do more, try more, learn more.
It's been an experience I could never have expected, from moderating an election forum in the tiniest township of Tazewell County with as many candidates as attendees, to spending a full day "inside the bubble" covering the president of the United States as he traversed west-central Illinois. And also spending 13 months growing a 10-inch beard to help highlight the dramatic effects of Illinois not having a budget.
And it might all have happened differently had I been anywhere else. It's one of many reasons I'm glad I stayed here after graduating Bradley University. It's why I'm staying here, though my tenure at the Journal Star is coming to an end as I leave for a new opportunity.
It's easy to find things to knock about Peoria every time you drive over a pothole or spot a seemingly random tax or fee. Or when you drive past the Hotel Pere Marquette and think about the millions of dollars its bankruptcy cost city taxpayers.
But sometimes those things we sneer at or snipe about confound our expectations and remind us why we're so fortunate to live here.
For years I drove by the empty site of Firefly Energy, a bungled economic development deal that cost taxpayers thousands. Today it's the headquarters of locally founded Natural Fiber Welding, which has expanded to two other Peoria sites and has investment from global clothier Ralph Lauren.
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Residents resented — heck, still do — Caterpillar's decision to move its headquarters out of town rather than spending up to $1 billion on a new downtown site. But that location has new life thanks to a growing OSF HealthCare, and the blocks around it are beginning to be revitalized.
Thirteen years ago this month, voters by the narrowest of margins approved the construction of what is now the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Putting aside some early stumbles — remember the ridiculous alternate name proposals like the Amazeum? — it's now a major regional draw instead of a dilapidated, vacant department store that drew drug trafficking and prostitution.
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I admit I was among those who were skeptical, if not openly disbelieving, that the Warehouse District could become anything but a set of aging and crumbling buildings. And I realize how wrong I was every time I drive through or eat at Sugar Wood Fired Bistro or Casa de Arte. It took time and commitment on a bipartisan basis — including among Peoria's lawmakers, who look out for this community across the aisle even while they're vigorously disagreeing on other state or national subjects.
My new work at the Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin focuses on the institution of the U.S. Congress and the leaders from central Illinois, including Sen. Everett Dirksen and Reps. Bob Michel and Ray LaHood. The trio has had an impact on national issues, standing on principle while exemplifying comity, compromise and adult leadership.
Those are the same qualities — by leaders, residents and businesses — that have made those local projects possible. (And, by the way, every single one of these examples is proof positive that with some concentration the city's south side still can be improved.)
I firmly believe that attention from the Journal Star and our media colleagues has helped keep all of those projects I outlined before open and transparent. In some cases, I know it for sure.
Vibrant Peoria: 14 years in the making: A look at the past, future of Peoria's Warehouse District
That's an advantage for readers and taxpayers. And some of it has come thanks to timely tips from citizens who take the time to be engaged in their community — to do more, try more, learn more.
Whether that's showing up to the Moss-Bradley Neighborhood Association candidates' forum — still among the best in town — or signing a petition or speaking up at a meeting, it's incumbent upon all of us to be involved and make this community what we want it to be.
Commentary: Why we decided to do a series on the past, present and future of South Peoria
In 17 years, the news in Peoria has never been dull, and there's always something new on the horizon. I'm excited to keep reading and find out what's next.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Chris Kaergard resigns from the Peoria Journal Star
