More than 250 new laws came into effect in Illinois on January 1, 2019. The following are a few that may impact life locally. A pdf of the new laws is provided below. Schools Pre-K Chronic Absence (SB 3536/PA 100-0822): Requires any preschool that receives funding via the Preschool for all programs […]
Author: Dani Tietz
What will you do for New Year’s Eve?
For the past 28 years, Tatman’s Towing has provided free rides on New Year’s Eve. With this service, partygoers who find themselves too impaired to drive can find themselves home safely. When: This service runs from 7pm New Year’s Eve to 3am New Year’s Day. Tatman’s Towing will take you and your car, SUV […]
Where to donate your live Christmas tree
The Champaign County Forest Preserve will accept Christmas Trees for recycling December 26 through January 18. Donated trees can be dropped off near the Maple Sugar Grove at Homer Lake or at the maintenance building at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. There are signs to direct you where to drop […]
Students Participate in Rose’s Youth Advisory Council
St. Joseph-Ogden and Heritage High School joined high school students from the Illinois 51st Senate District to participate in Chapin Rose’s Youth Advisory Council.
Who to know near SJO: Fiona Ely
Teenagers have a lot on their plate. But Fiona Ely, a senior at Heritage High School, believes in filling her plate with time for others. “I think it’s really important for every teenager to be as involved as possible to help their community,” Ely said. Ely began her involvement early, […]
St. Joe Ho Ho Ho 5K on Dec. 22
It was three days before Christmas and all through St. Joe, hundreds of Santas were running merrily and singing, “Ho, Ho, Ho.” That’s the idea behind St. Joseph’s first St. Joe Ho Ho Ho 5K run and walk, which will take place on Dec. 22. The event begins at 8 […]
Opportunity for parents, students and teachers to help improve schools available
Students and teachers can now give feedback on their school environment through the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) 5 Essentials Survey. The student (grades 4 through 12) and teacher surveys became available on Dec. 11. Administered by a third party, the UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago, the […]
Family Holiday Events Around St. Joseph and Homer this Weekend
Santa Clause is coming to town! Riding on a fire truck, at 10 a.m. on Main Street in St. Joseph, to be exact. Santa will be available until 1 p.m. inside the Main Street Salon for a visit and a photo opportunity. Caretakers must bring their own camera. A box […]
20 years later patrons continue to visit Billy Bob’s
Since 1998, Billy Bob’s has been located in the same spot in Ogden, IL. But, it’s also hard to find. “We’re under the water tower,” Billy Bob’s Manager Chuck Buck said. What started out as a tiny bar was purchased by six friends, including the current sole-owner George Woodard, in […]
Christmas wishes come to life at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
In the magic of Christmas, there are few things more enchanting than eight tiny reindeer. And while Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch may not be home to Santa’s famous group, owners Mark and Julie Hardy have seen his patrons light up over the sight of their herd. “They’re just wonderful,” Mark said. […]
