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GREAT PROJECT
Thank you to Yolanda Rice for investing in this community (“Former King’s Daughters Home to house nurses,” Aug. 28). I hope there is an open house when the project is complete.
I remember being inside of it in its heyday, it was very nice inside. I even went trick-or-treating there as a child as my grandparents lived at 515 E. Black Ave. I also passed it on my walks to Lincoln Park with my grandpa, the ladies would be out on the large porch, always waving.
Judy Graves
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FOND MEMORIES
I grew up in that building; my mom was a hairdresser there. I spent many hours in the library and talking to different residents. I loved it, and I’m so glad to see someone take over this building and make it a home again.
Suzzie Johnson
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THANKS FOR SAVING
My mother was a resident there for a while and loved it. We also loved the house and all the décor inside the building. Thank you for saving this great home.
Jim Cribbett
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
GREAT MAN
I knew Robert Moore when he was U.S. Marshal (“Robert Moore reflects on his life,” Aug. 29). He was an excellent choice for the position. He was tough and congenial at the same time. I was proud to work with him and remember him as one the best, if not the best, U.S. Marshals this area has had.
Carol Forestier
Rochester
NEED LOCAL NEWS
It’s refreshing have a local news source for timely information, as opposed to the two-day-old news we get from Peoria via the State Journal-Register (“Can alternative papers revive journalism?” Aug. 28).
Bob Disco
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
SELF-INTEREST
This would be his third office in how many years (“Frank Lesko to take on Doris Turner,” Aug. 28)? Whose interest is Frank Lesko serving?
Jenna Broom
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
ANOTHER RINO
The Illinois Republican Party really isn’t Republican whatsoever. And neither is Don Tracy, who donates to Joe Biden (“Don Tracy to run for U.S. Senate,” Aug. 28).
Rosanna Pulido
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
This article appears in September 11-17, 2025.
Choose a Safer Alternative to Leaf Burning
Last Sunday was one of those rare, beautiful late-autumn days perfect for being outside. Unfortunately, our neighborhood was blanketed in a thick haze of leaf burning smoke. By mid-afternoon, the smoke was so heavy it dimmed the Christmas lights on my neighbor’s house across the cul-de-sac.
As I breathed in the acrid air, I found myself thinking about the young children who live nearby, my own family’s health, my neighbor who has asthma, and others who struggle with respiratory issues. I thought about my sister-in-law Lois, who died from lung cancer. For many people, leaf smoke isn’t just unpleasant, it can be dangerous.
The health risks associated with leaf burning smoke are well documented. Fine particulates and toxins released during burning can trigger asthma attacks, worsen heart and lung conditions, and increase respiratory symptoms in children and older adults.
The good news is that safer and healthier alternatives are readily available:
-Mulch leaves back into the lawn using a mulching mower blade. Chopped leaves settle between the grass blades and break down naturally, improving soil health.
-Compost the leaves at home. Simple instructional guides are widely available online.
-Use paper yard waste bags and take leaves to a recycling or composting center where they are turned into valuable organic material on farm fields.
-Use leaves as mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
I hope more of our neighbors will consider these cleaner, healthier alternatives to burning. They protect our health, improve our soil, and preserve the beauty of the days we’d all like to spend outdoors.
Thank you for considering a safer choice for our community.