Margaret Allen, a 25-year-old resident of Delavan, was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-car crash at the intersection of Illinois Route 122 and Springfield Road on Monday, April 15.
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Naughton Recognized As a 2024 State FFA Proficiency Winner
Reed Naughton has been honored as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Agricultural Services. A member of the Olympia FFA Chapter within the Illinois Association FFA, Naughton was recognized for his work-based learning, also referred to as Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE). The Illinois FFA acknowledges students in forty-eight distinct areas for their SAEs. FFA members who exhibit exceptional agricultural skills and competencies through meticulous record-keeping, leadership, and academic accomplishments are eligible for this accolade. SAEs provide students with practical learning opportunities, whether through owning and operating an agricultural business, interning or working at an agriculture-related business, or conducting and reporting on an agricultural scientific study. Naughton's SAE is centered around his involvement in his family's auction service.
Olympia FFA Recognizes National FFA Week
Olympia High School celebrated National FFA Week from February 19 to 23. Throughout the week, FFA members engaged in a variety of activities, including themed dress-up days, driving tractors to school, and creative alternatives to backpacks. The events featured a truck competition, a 'kiss a pig' challenge, multiple assemblies, and relay races. Senior Chase Litwiller won the straw bale tossing contest. An impressive turnout saw 16 tractors at school on Tuesday morning. FFA Officers dedicated Wednesday morning to preparing and serving a homemade breakfast for members and staff at OHS. During Tuesday's assembly, Kamryn Rader presented 'The FFA Creed' to the students. It was a week filled with enjoyable activities, celebrating our passion for FFA within our school community.
KDJ Sales and Services in Mackinaw
By
MACKINAW, IL –
For this week’s Business Spotlight, I was able to speak with President of KDJ Sales and Services Inc, Dustin Schmidgall, and get a peek into the history of his company and what the future may look like moving forward. Started by Keith Schmidgall in Armington IL in 1978, the company originally focused on residential plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. After about 7 years, the decision was made to move the company to Mackinaw in 1985 and switch focus to doing electrical work on grain elevators. In 1987, the company moved to the Mackinaw Industrial Park, where they remain today. In 1995, KDJ added to their list of services when they added automation and control systems development.
Leann’s Something For You
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ARMINGTON, IL –
Leann Boyd is a mom of two children with a passion for selling rare and unique items. Boyd began the business “Leann’s omething For You” to fufill her passion. Located in Armington, IL, she sells antiques, jewelry, home decor, books, music, and other unique items. She will also be selling flowers and plants throughout the warmer months. Boyd also has a passion for gardening, and will sell quality plants that have been taken care of well. She has been running this business for over a decade, so you can expect high quality items from the shop. Many of the reviews on the business’ eBay shop state that the items are packed very well, the shipping is quick, and that Boyd is easy to work with. Boyd’s average rating for the business within the last 12 months are: five stars for accurate description, shipping speed, and communication and four and a half stars for reasonable shipping cost.
Sweeney Repair: Specializing in On-Site Diesel Work
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ARMINGTON, IL –
Sweeney Repair is a diesel repair shop for businesses and farms located in Armington. They specialize in on-site repairs to give their customer’s the most convenient service they can. Sweeney Repair is owned by Ryan and Stacey Sweeney and they got their start in 2010, with Ryan working in their driveway. Soon after, they had a machine shop built and Ryan started working out of the shop. They now own a shop on N Maple Street in Armington.
Carz R Us
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ARMINGTON, IL –
Carz R Us is a car dealership located in Armington. Carz R Us sells used cars, car parts, and offers car service to customers. They offer many different types of vehicles such as, coupes, sedans, convertibles, vans, suvs, and trucks. Carz R Us is open from 9 am- 5 pm Monday through Friday. Carz R Us works with customers from all over the Armington area. The statement on the business’ website says, “We take pride in the way we do business. We focus 100% on our customers and believe car-buying should be a fun, hassle-free experience! Our impressive selection of cars, trucks, and suvs is sure to meet your needs.”
DIY Fire Pit
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PEORIA, IL –
With summertime approaching, there is nothing more fun than sitting around a fire pit with your friends or family! Well, maybe a tropical trip! Fire pits are a great way to add some fun to a yard! With a little hard work and some elbow grease, you’ll have one in no time. We put one in at our last home and loved it, I can’t wait to do it again!
How to Make a Dreamcatcher
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PEORIA, IL –
In Native American culture, dream catchers were believed to catch and trap bad dreams, whilst allowing good dream to pass through the spider-web design, and drift into the heads of the children that lie sleeping below them. Nowadays, dreamcatchers come in many shapes and sizes, and are an incredibly popular bedroom decor choice! If you’re ready for some sweet dreams, why not learn how to make a dreamcatcher?
Baked to Perfection Ziti
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PEORIA, IL –
The key to creating a perfect Baked Ziti is to keep it from drying out. This classic Italian baked pasta dish is made by layering penne noodles, sauce and cheese. Once it is prepared correctly, however, it will become the only way you make it.
Small Raised Paver Patio
By
PEORIA, IL –
Sometimes you are in the middle of a project and realize you need something else! This happened to me when I was creating my back garden scape. I placed my new Adirondack chairs in there place. They were a perfect fit, if the ground didn’t slope down in the back! I knew I needed to make an elevated bed for them. I had recently found a ton of old pavers in the yard and knew this was the spot for them.
New Faces, Same Wicked Games
Cruel Intentions
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WASHINGTON, IL –
Prime Video is set to launch a new chapter in CRUEL INTENTIONS' seductive and strategic world, reviving the spirit of the beloved 1999 drama. The series transports us to the corridors of Manchester College, where the game of social hierarchy is more intense than ever. I have to admit, I had tempered expectations, as I’m a big fan of the original film (and even its two direct-to-video follow-ups to some extent.) So when I heard this series was being made, I was intrigued!
Heritage and Healing Intersect
New Blood
By
WASHINGTON, IL –
Slated for its premiere on CBC Gem and set to tour on the festival circuit, NEW BLOOD stands out as an extraordinary documentary that breaks the mold of conventional documentary filmmaking. Under the direction of Blackfoot Adam Solway, this film provides an immersive look into the life and times of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, painting his enduring legacy with strokes of vibrant cultural fusion and historical insight.
Uncovering the Mystery of the Mojave
Zyzzyx Road (2-Disc Collector's Edition) [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray]
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WASHINGTON, IL –
In a universe where box office numbers often dictate a film's perceived value, ZYZZYX ROAD emerges as a striking contradiction. Despite securing a spot in history for its notably meager $30 earnings (yep, it was only released in one theater), this 2006 release offers a compelling narrative that dives deep into psychological tension and moral ambiguity. Set against the haunting expanses of the Mojave Desert, the film weaves a tale that challenges the metrics we gauge cinematic success.
Can They Escape the Shadows of Their Past?
Based on a True Story - Season 2
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WASHINGTON, IL –
Three months into their foray into parenthood, Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) grapple with the ordinary challenges of new parents and the extraordinary complications of reviving their respective careers. Ava's pivot back to real estate diverges from her recent true-crime podcast obsession, while Nathan returns to his roots as a tennis coach. However, their efforts to normalize life are shattered by a sinister wave of criminal activity that drags them unwillingly back into the dark corridors they've tried to leave behind. In BASED ON A TRUE STORY: SEASON 2, the narrative seamlessly throws personal struggles and mystery all into the fold, hooking viewers with its intricate blend of drama and enigma.
Women's Defiance Against Silence
Bread & Roses
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WASHINGTON, IL –
Sahra Mani's BREAD & ROSES serves as a stark chronicle of the chaos unleashed by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, casting a searing light on the altered lives of Zahra, Taranom, and Sharifa. This documentary dissects the fabric of Afghan society, unraveling the threads of systemic challenges that resonate through the experiences of these three women at a critical juncture of political upheaval.
Caring for Your Garden in the Summer Heat
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DANVERS, IL –
Temperatures are looking to rise again this week, making now a great time to talk about how to help care for your garden crops in the hot and dry times of summer. Late July through August can tend to be very hot and it is important that you are taking proper care of your crops to get them through when they are ready to be picked from the garden. Some plants can tolerate the heat better than others. When you consider that most plants are made up of 85 to 90 percent of water, it makes more sense why plants need extra attention in the heat.
The Importance of Crop Scouting a Field
By
DANVERS, IL –
Crop scouting is when fields are evaluated for pest and disease problems, or for checking in on growth progress. Scouting is important because if a problem of any kind is found in the field, it can be solved or managed as quickly as possible. This process is critical for farmers to grow their best crops and have the highest yields possible, which allows them to make the most profit. Crop scouting is a critical tool to protect a farmer’s investment in each field.
Agriculture and the Fourth of July
By
DANVERS, IL –
Like many holidays, the Fourth of July is connected to agriculture! In the spirit of celebrating our Independence Day this weekend, we can look at a quote about agriculture from Thomas Jefferson. The Founding Father and former president stated, “Agriculture.. is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to wealth, good morals, and happiness…”. Jefferson proclaimed the importance of agriculture in our country in a letter he wrote to George Washington.
Dairy Farms in Central Illinois
By
DANVERS, IL –
All dairy products like milk and cheese start by the production and care of dairy cows on a dairy farm. Dairy farming is when farmers raise mother animals and use their milk to feed humans. Other dairy products than milk and cheese include butter, yogurt, ice cream and more. Byproducts from dairy farms are even used for nonfood purposes. Byproducts allow for an operation to produce more goods and be useful for as much as they possibly can.
Standards Apply for Organic Farming
By
DANVERS, IL –
When you look through a produce section at the grocery store, you will likely find both organic and nonorganic items for sale. To be labeled organic, foods must meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. Companies or farmers can not just label something “organic” without meeting these standards. The USDA sets organic standards for crops and livestock, as well as the handling process.
Recent Grads Become College Athletes
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STANFORD, IL –
Many recent Olympia High School grads are going on to pursue athletics in college. From a class of only 86 students, 5 females and 4 males will be continuing their athletic careers. Most of them will be staying right here in Illinois, with just a few moving over to the bordering states.
Olympia High School Weekly Sports Recap
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STANFORD, IL –
The sports season for OHS in the 2021-2022 school year concluded on Friday. Friday was the state track & field meet for our boys' team. The boys competed in the prelims on Friday but did not end up making it to the finals on Saturday. The qualifying 3200-meter team consisted of Anthony Ragland, Cooper Phillips, Owen Dare, and Brad Schardan. Owen and Brad wanted to save their energy for the 800 so the alternates, Logan Demling and Caden Clark ran instead. The team ran an 8:42.37 relay. Then, Brad Schardan ran the 800-meters at a personal best time of 2:00.20. Owen Dare was right behind him with a time of 2:00.26. Then, Keagan Uphoff did the 300-meter hurdles and had a time of 44.40. With Keagan being just a sophomore, he has a lot more potential to advance further in the coming years. He is off to a great start and ready for more!
Olympia High School Weekly Sports Recap
By
STANFORD, IL –
This was regional week for the softball and baseball teams! To begin, the baseball team played Clinton on Monday night, coming away with a 3-2 win. This advanced them to play Pontiac on Thursday. The Spartans were not as good as Pontiac’s baseball team and lost 1-14. Pontiac is now going to the regional championship game on Monday vs Tremont. Olympia High School hosted all these regional baseball games. The high school baseball season has now ended and the boys are ready to play travel ball. The baseball program is grateful for finally having a full season that was very fun and memorable, too!
Olympia High School Weekly Sports Recap
By
STANFORD, IL –
Post-season for Olympia High School athletics is coming into full gear. Just this week Girls Track and Field competed in their IHSA Sectional Meet. Anna Beiber qualified for State at the meet with a time of 2:21.68, just 2 seconds under the state qualifying time. Melissa Bieber just barely missed the qualifying time by .29 seconds with a 47.98 in the 300 hurdles, which is less than a second off the school record. Boys Track and Field will compete in their Sectional this coming week on the 18th.