botulism

Peoria's resident botulism historian is out with a new book on the rare illness

Tim Shelley

Dr. Jane Talkington's new book, Recognizing Botulism: New Insights from Old Narratives, suggests the illness is actually a lot more common than most people think.

The cover of Gee, That Was Fun: 7 Days of Mayhem by Robert Fromberg.

Local News

Peoria botulism outbreak inspires new book stringing together 7 days of strange 1983 events

Tim Shelley

A Peoria native's latest book delves into a series of freak occurrences that happened one wacky week in October 1983.

Mary "Lou" Dobrydnia was a gym teacher at Limestone Township High School in Bartonville in 1983 when she unknowingly ate a patty-melt contaminated with the botulism toxin at the Skewer Inn in Peoria. She was one of 28 people hospitalized in the outbreak after consuming the meal. Sautéed onions were later found to be the culprit.

Local News

This Peoria woman survived 2 battles with paralysis. Here's what she wants you to know

Tim Shelley

Lou Dobrydnia ordered up a life-changing sandwich at a Peoria restaurant four decades ago.