Poll: Americans concerned about Ebola before Texas case

With Tuesday's announcement that a patient in Dallas, Texas was been diagnosed with Ebola, much discussion has since revolved around looking ahead – containing the disease and preventing it from becoming an outbreak.

Looking back, on the other hand, shows that as little as two weeks before the first diagnosed case within our borders, four in ten Americans (40%) perceived Ebola as a major or moderate threat to public health in the United States. Nearly half (47%) rated it either a minimal threat or no threat, while 13% were unsure.

Looking at other viruses and diseases evaluated in the study, more Americans expressed concerns that Hepatitis C (48%) and West Nile Virus (47%) represented major/moderate threats to public health in the U.S, while slightly fewer said the same of H1N1/"Swine Flu" (37%). Fewer still expressed concerns that SARS or Measles (28% each) represented such a threat, while one-fourth (25%) expressed such concerns over Rabies.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,543 adults surveyed online between September 10 and 17, 2014. It should be noted that while all interviews were conducted prior to the diagnosed case in Texas, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the Ebola epidemic in West Africa an international health emergency several weeks earlier. 

While many of the viruses discussed within the survey varied by generation in terms of whether they represent a threat to public health in the U.S., no significant differences emerged for Ebola (39% Millennials, 37% Gen Xers, 42% Baby Boomers, 41% Matures).

When the same respondents were asked more broadly to describe how much of a threat to public health Ebola and the other diseases tested represent anywhere in the world, results suggest that coverage of the crisis in West Africa had permeated the public consciousness to a substantial degree. Eight in ten (80%) identified Ebola as a threat to public health anywhere in the world, with half (51%) specifically identifying it as a major threat.

Here, generational differences did emerge, with Matures (89%) and Baby Boomers (85%) more likely than Gen Xers (78%) and Millennials (72%) to identify Ebola as a threat to public health anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, strong majorities across generations did recognize Ebola as such.

At the time of the interview, 38% of Americans considered themselves to be very or somewhat knowledgeable about Ebola, putting it on par with Smallpox (also 38%) and just ahead of Hepatitis C (36%). By means of comparison, just over half of Americans considered themselves knowledgeable about Rabies (52%) and Measles (51%), while four in ten indicated the same for Polio (41%), H1N1/"Swine Flu"(also 41%) and West Nile Virus (40%).

Millennials (41%), Gen Xers (40%) and Baby Boomers (39%) were all more likely than Matures (29%) to describe themselves as knowledgeable about Ebola.

WHO reports that while Ebola Virus Disease fatality rates have ranged from 25% to 90%, they average at roughly 50%. Given this, Americans appear to slightly overestimate patients' likelihood of dying from the disease, estimating a mean of roughly 58% of diagnosed cases resulting in death.

Matures and Baby Boomers estimate higher mean fatality rates (64% and 61%, respectively) than Gen Xers (56%) and Millennials (54%).

An especially telling stat drives home the point that self-assessed knowledge does not necessarily equate to true knowledge. Those who consider themselves knowledgeable about Ebola are more likely than those who do not to overestimate the disease's fatality rate (with mean estimates of 64% and 54%, respectively)

This Harris Poll was conducted online within the United States between September 10 and 17, 2014 among 2,543 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

Warehouse District receives Historic Places designation

Peoria officials believe the listing of the city’s Warehouse District on the National Register of Historic Places, which was announced Monday, will help development of the district to pick up speed, largely because of tax credits now available to building owners.

The National Park Service approved the National Register designation Sept. 17, just six months after application was made. The process began when the city creating a River Edge Redevelopment Zone last year.

“This is a huge step forward for the Warehouse District,” said Mayor Jim Ardis. “The assets in that portion of the Warehouse District are tremendous, but it can be expensive to turn a multi-story, century old building into modern living and retail space. These tax credits will be a critical part of the financing package for many of the buildings in the area. This is the result of a huge City effort to first create a River Edge Redevelopment Zone and then prepare this nomination.”

Add 1^st District Councilwoman Denise Moore, “The development of the Warehouse District is a critical goal in the City Council’s strategic plan.  I am excited to see this new tool in place to help make our vision a reality.”

The designation, the city believes, will create interest in the Warehouse District and establish the district as a tourist destination. Building owners who are willing to adhere to redevelopment guidelines established for the National Register of Historic Places will be able to access Historic Tax Credits when improving their structures. 

Historic Tax Credits can offset redevelopment costs by up to 45 percent; investors can receive a 20 percent federal tax credit and 25 percent state tax credit when the renovation is done in line with historic standards. The state tax credit program is only available in Illinois River Edge Redevelopment Zones, of which Peoria is one of five statewide. The registration of the area as a historic district eliminates the need to nominate each individual building to the Register, saving property owners time and money. 

Michael Freilinger, CEO of the Downtown Development Corp., said it is worthy to note building owners do not have to adhere to the redevelopment guildelines if they choose to renovate without applying for the tax credits. “It is voluntary. But if they want the tax credits, they have to follow the guidelines. We think they would want to anyway, if they want to attract tenants and tourists to the district,” he said.

“Preserving the original look and feel of the building is what will draw tenants. The owners know the value of preserving the original look and feel. They know a lot of changes will only diminish the value of the building,” Freilinger said.

Among the guidelines is preserving the original look of the historic buildings as much as possible. That includes the original brick work and even signage  ̶  including signs painted onto the sides of the buildings. If windows must be replaced they must be made to be and look as close to the original as possible.

On the inside of the building wall treatments and light fixtures are important historical considerations, Freilinger said. For example, if a brick wall has been left untouched in the original décor, it cannot be covered in the renovation. Conversely, if that brick wall has been covered by plaster, the plaster cannot be removed.

Freilinger said the owners are not expected to restore the buildings to their original condition and use.

Already, he said, building owners and developers are taking officials from the Illinois Historic Preservation Authority office through the buildings to let them know their ideas. While he declined to identify any of the plans already made, he said the city contemplates construction will begin within six to nine months.

“The state tax credits will expire at the end of December 2016. The building owners know that and they wouldn’t even be bothering with these walk-throughs if they weren’t contemplating going to construction pretty soon,” Freilinger said.

One owner/developer who is excited about the designation and the tax credits that accompany it is Pat Sullivan, owner of Kelleher’s and of several buildings in that area who has been working on development of the Warehouse District for a decade or more.

“Oh my heavens, yes, this will get the investors excited and we will see things really start to move now,” Sullivan said when asked if he believes the Historic Places designation would make a difference. “Those tax credits are huge.”

Sullivan said he believes the Warehouse District was ready to launch in 2007 or 2008, but was stymied by the recession that hit about that time. “What’s exciting it that recent studies show the sustainability is still there that was present then,” he said.

Sullivan will be one of the first to get moving since the designation. He and his partners will break ground Tuesday on construction work they plan for the former Sealtest Building on Washington Street. Among the tenants that will locate there are Thyme, the newest restaurant by Travis Mohlenbrink, who also owns Cracked Pepper, Salt and Sugar. Mohlenbrink also plans to put a banquet center in the Sealtest Building, Sullivan said.

'The Odd Couple' takes the stage at Peoria Players

When Lana Warner starred in the female version of “The Odd Couple” last year at Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre in Goodfield, she began to realize what a gem of a comedy it truly is, how it can cross gender lines with ease and be a show to which most people can relate.

So, when she got the chance to directed the original version of the Neil Simon classic at Peoria Players Theatre, she grabbed it.

“I just really thought it would be a good step to direct this show, since I am very familiar with it and therefore felt like I could do it justice,” Warner said. “That also helped that I just love that show.”

“The Odd Couple, which follows the antics of two unlikely friends  ̶  the slob Oscar Madison and the neatnik Felix Unger  ̶  opens a seven-show run Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Peoria Players, 4300 N. University St., and continues through Oct. 12.

Until she performed in the female version opposite Mary Simon at Conklin’s, Warner didn’t realize how much alike the two versions are. That helped with her schedule because during the first four weeks of rehearsal she was pulling double duty; she also was starring in a show at Conklin’s called “Is There Life After 50?”

“If I didn’t know and love the show so much, I’m just not sure if I could’ve handled it,” she said, chuckling. “Of course, when you love doing theatre you always find a way,” added Warner, a veteran performer on stages throughout the Peoria and now directing her third show.

She said she believes “The Odd Couple” appeals to audience because it is about two guys who are similar to people most of us know and in a friendship many of us are familiar with.

“These are guys we all know or even share traits with. One is a slob, doesn’t care about neatness and just wants to enjoy life. The other is nervous, can’t stand mess and disorganization. These two people are so different and yet by the end their good traits start to run off on each other. Felix becomes less neurotic and Oscar becomes more organized,” she said.

Warner said she lucked out with her cast. Nate Downs, who has no problems characterizing himself as a slob, portrays Oscar Madison. “It is a bit of type-casting, but Nate is such a good actor. I knew he’d do a fine job,” she said.

She was more surprised by how well Dave Schick, who portrays Felix, did at auditions. “I knew he was a good actor, but I didn’t realize how funny he could be. He’s hilarious. I knew the first time they read at auditions they would be great together,” Warner said.

People who may complain about how many times they’ve seen “The Odd Couple” should see this production, Warner said. “They have not seen these two together. It is a special treat,” she said.

She lauded the rest of the cast, as well. They include Shane Pankey as Murray, Joel Shoemaker as Roy, Jim Willard as Speed, Vinnie as Ben Maxwell, and Trish Ballard and Kate Kennedy as the Pigeon sisters, Gwen and Cecily.

“Our poker players are wonderful. The Pigeon sisters are so cut and funny. I like to say Dave and Nate are the cake, the poker players are the frosting and the girls are the cherries on top. We’re having so much fun,” Warner said.

 Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $9 for students 18 and under. They can be purchased online at www.peoriaplayers.org or by calling (309) 688-4473.

Ray LaHood to receive de Tonti Award

Ray LaHood, the former congressman from Peoria who spent more than five years on President Barack Obama’s Cabinet, is the recipient of the third Henri de Tonti Award for outstanding principled community leadership.

The award is conferred annually by the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University and the Peoria Historical Society. It will be presented Saturday, Sept. 27 during a dinner at the Peoria Civic Center.

In his 36-year public service career, including as U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Obama, LaHood made a difference in our region as well as at his alma mater, Bradley University. He helped secure federal funding for the renovation of Westlake Hall, he donated his remaining campaign funds to endow scholarships for Bradley seniors studying American government and he is the first Honorary Senior Fellow of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley. 

“When you think of the reason we established this award to begin with, it is easy to see why Ray was chosen. You can look all around central Illinois and see Ray LaHood’s fingerprints on so many things important to this region,” said Brad McMillan, director of the Institute for Principled Leadership who formerly was Congressman Ray LaHood’s chief of staff.

Mark Johnson, president of the Peoria Historical Society, agreed the choice of LaHood, who was not allowed to accept such awards while a member of the Cabinet, was an easy one. “Ray LaHood has devoted his career in public service to exemplifying principled leadership. He has been an inspiration to many in the region and has demonstrated the effectiveness of maintaining a positive attitude and working with other to achieve many accomplishment,” Johnson said.

The award is named after the French explorer and entrepreneur who was among the founders of Peoria more than 300 years ago. The Henri de Tonti Award will be presented annually, not only as an effort to increase name recognition for the Peoria founder who played a pivotal role in the history of North American exploration, but to honor an individual, company or organization for their leadership to the region.

Before this the only recognition of de Tonti in Peoria is that a small street bears his name.

According to the Peoria Historical Society, Henri de Tonti accompanied Rene-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle on his first voyage to the Mississippi River in 1679 when the explorers first reached the Lake Pimiteoui area along the Illinois River and constructed Fort Creve Coeur. The King of France granted Tonti and his trading partners’ exclusive trading rights for the Illinois territory. In the fall of 1679, Tonti directed that the trading outpost should be relocated from Starved Rock to the Lake Pimiteoui area.

“It is estimated that Tonti traveled over 85,000 miles by canoe and foot negotiating with Indian tribes, discovering new sources of supply for the fur trade and hiring and supervising voyageurs. He was a talented leader and accomplished negotiator,” the PHS said.

Founded in 1934, the Peoria Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization committed to the preservation of our local history. The mission is to preserve and celebrate the Peoria area story. PHS offers historical trolley tours, holiday and special events and the archival of significant historical artifacts.

The Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University seeks to become nationally recognized for developing ethical, bipartisan, collaborative and civil leaders for careers in public service.