News
What’s Happening… in and around the area
Wednesday, March 4 Modern Woodmen Chapter 18050 Dinner at the River Dock from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 Jersey Community Hospital Retires lunch at D.J. Pub and Grill at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11 Modern Woodmen Chapter 1621 Dinner at the Barefoot from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 13 Perry…
Read MoreIVEDC March Menu
Wednesday, March 4 Beef Pot Pie, Pickled Beets, Applesauce and 2% Milk. Thursday, March 5 Pulled Pork on Bun, Baked Beans, Creamy Slaw, Mandarin Oranges and 2% Milk. Friday, March 6 Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Applesauce and 2% Milk. Monday, March 9 Salsa Chicken, Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Tropical Fruit and 2%…
Read MoreLawmakers and advocates push for new protections for sexually assaulted students
Lawmakers have reintroduced legislation aimed at protecting students by strengthening consequences for sexual assaults in schools. Sponsored by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), the bill would mandate at least a one-year expulsion for any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at…
Read MoreIllinois farmers consider expanding cut flower operations
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek When warmer weather returns, people will start heading back to outdoor farmers markets. In addition to fresh meat and produce, bright, colorful cut flowers bundled in unique bouquets or available for custom arrangements are becoming an eye‑catching addition to the market experience. As interest in cut flowers grows, farmers and wholesalers…
Read MoreDeep roots, deep water: A guide to watering for trees and shrubs
By Andrew Holsinger Watering trees and shrubs takes some planning and prioritization to which plants get water first. Growing beautiful woody plants takes some nurturing and care to make sure they last as long as possible. Recent transplants and stressed plants require the most attention. Their root systems are still small or have been damaged,…
Read MoreIllinois soybean farmers welcome federal aid, but fear long-term trade damage
By Rebecka Pieder and Medill Illinois News Bureau Illinois soybean farmers are set to receive special federal payments at the end of February meant to offset losses from last year’s trade disruptions. But while farmers welcome the relief, many say it will only provide temporary respite. Illinois soybean farmers have been caught in a cost…
Read MoreHouse Ag Committee chair talks farm bill timeline
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson is optimistic farm bill legislation will get to the full House floor this year, with committee markup beginning March 3. Illinois Farm Bureau members have been an integral piece of moving the legislation forward, Thompson said. “Thank you for your early investment, coming to…
Read MoreHow Illinois’ Road Fund will help fund transit, especially in the Chicago region
By Jacques Abou-Rizk and Amy L Wong In Dallas City, a small town in western Illinois along the Mississippi River, Mayor Kevin Six says residents have grown frustrated wondering whether the state will ever finish paving Illinois Highway 96. “They just paved six miles between our town and the next, but we’ve been waiting four,…
Read MoreIllinois lawmakers call for governor-appointed Epstein investigatory commission
By Maggie Dougherty Illinois lawmakers are calling for an independent commission to investigate Illinois-linked crimes connected to international sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Democratic lawmakers Monday joined advocates for women and survivors of sexual abuse to introduce House Bill 5723, called the Illinois Epstein Files Investigation Act. The bill, if passed, would create a commission to…
Read MoreGOOD GROWING: Tree topping is never a good option
By Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension, Horticulture Educator As spring approaches, many of us will reach for the pruners or contact a tree care company to have our shade trees pruned. Pruning can improve tree health, safety, and longevity by removing dead, diseased, or weak branches, preventing storm damage, and promoting a strong structure.…
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