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Klaas announced recipient of 2026 Lovis Hearo Award

The Lovis Foundation is pleased to announce Hannah Klaas as a recipient of the 2026 Lovis Hero Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to pursuing her personal best and inspiring others to do the same. Hannah’s superpower is her remarkable resilience and determination—qualities she brings to every academic, social, and community endeavor.

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St. Francis Holy Ghost students making a difference in their community

The 7th and 8th grade students at St. Francis Holy Ghost School have proven that young people can make an extraordinary difference in their community. Through more than 15 creative and entrepreneurial projects completed throughout the school year, students collectively raised an incredible $21,676 to support women, babies, and families across the region.

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Friedel Ward Receives Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree

Makayla Friedel Ward, daughter of Neal and Charlene Friedel of Golden Eagle, Illinois, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May 2026. The college is one of only 35 accredited veterinary schools in the United States. Dr. Friedel Ward and her fellow graduates in…

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Illinois is failing its regional universities; it’s time to fix that

By KIRK DILLARD As someone who has spent their career in both policy and higher education, and as a current trustee for Western Illinois University, I have sadly witnessed the erosion of state support for regional universities. In fact, the western region of Illinois isn’t known as “Forgotonia” for no reason. Illinois has over time…

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