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.
In Time for Spring, 3:7 Garden Shed in Hopedale
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HOPEDALE, IL –
Opening up on April 9, 2022, the 3:7 Garden Shed is a gardening shop owned by Jeff and Chris Litwiller but you may also see their four daughters around the shed helping out. The 3:7 Garden Shed took the place of the Hopedale Garden Shop after the owner decided to sell the business to Jeff and Chris Litwiller. Before this, the business originated as Slager Lawn Service in the 1980s. The shed’s name comes from 1 Corinthians 3:7; “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow”.
Hopedale Agri Center
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HOPEDALE, IL –
The Hopedale Agri Center is an agriculture business located in Hopedale. They sell both equipment and custom feed for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. They also have recently added a gift shop, The Mill Gift Shop, filled with many items ranging from fun house decorations to boots and T-shirts located inside the Hopedale Agri Center. Right now, the shop is full of fall themed decor and shirts. The Hopedale Agri Center works well with The Mill Gift Shop, encouraging all their customers to check out the shop when they stop by.
Hopedale Agri Center
By
HOPEDALE, IL –
The Hopedale Agri Center is an agriculture business located in Hopedale. They sell both equipment and custom feed for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. They also have recently added a gift shop, The Mill Gift Shop, filled with many items ranging from fun house decorations to boots and T-shirts located inside the Hopedale Agri Center. Right now, the shop is full of fall themed decor and shirts. The Hopedale Agri Center works well with The Mill Gift Shop, encouraging all their customers to check out the shop when they stop by.
Cremeens U-Stor-It
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HOPEDALE, IL –
Cremeens U-Stor-It provides storage needs for three of our local towns. The business has locations for self-storage set up in Hopedale, Minier, and Delavan, IL. Cremeens U-Stor-It is a family owned and operated business that began in 1993. Myrna Cremeens and her husband built two storage buildings as a way to make a good retirement income. Those first two buildings were located in Hopedale and Minier, with one in each town. Myrna explained that they kept adding buildings to each location as they felt it was necessary and expanded to Delavan about 7 years ago.
JD’s DJ Service: The Soundtrack for Cruise Nights
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HOPEDALE, IL –
Everything happens for a reason. This well-known phrase holds true in our business spotlight today. Jeff McGee experienced a no-show for the DJ he hired for his wedding. He improvised and took over the responsibilities of DJ and groom. After working as the DJ for a friend’s weekend, his business never looked back. JDs DJ Service started on November 23, 1991 and began with working weddings and parties. Since then, the business has shifted to working automotive events. The mobile DJ service caters to car shows and cruise nights. McGee’s DJ service is located out of Delavan, IL and has different options for the services that can be provided.
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
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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.
Gig Economy Gets a Horrific Makeover
DeadDash
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WASHINGTON, IL –
DEADDASH shakes up the slasher scene with a clever fusion of horror on a budget, turning a regular evening ordering out into a fight for survival. It offers a unique perspective on the genre, tackling the modern twist of technology into the storyline with an app starting the film's dominos.
Survival and Sacrifice in Harrowing Tale
New Life
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WASHINGTON, IL –
NEW LIFE immediately ensnares the audience, thrusting us into an urgent narrative that contrasts stark wilderness with intimate human conflict. Director John Rosman delivers a thought-provoking thriller that explores the depths of personal and collective survival, set against the relentless backdrop of the Canadian wilds. Unfortunately, the film's pacing held it back for me; it didn't flow well at only an hour and twenty-four minutes.
A Love Story Reimagined
Slow
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WASHINGTON, IL –
SLOW delivers a touching narrative that dives deep into the essence of connection on a level beyond the physical. The film crafts the story of Elena (Greta Grinevičiūtė,) an enthusiastic dancer, and Dovydas (Kęstutis Cicėnas,) a contemplative sign language interpreter whose unconventional romance challenges the standard love story mold. This film captures the audience's heart and opens minds to the beautiful complexities of human relationships.
The Psychological Strain of Mars Missions Unveiled
Space: The Longest Goodbye
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WASHINGTON, IL –
To infinity and… SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE takes us on an emotional and psychological odyssey as we dive into the possibility of astronauts preparing for a mission to Mars. Under the direction of Ido Mizrahy, the film delves into both the personal trials and the immense challenges of space travel, creating a touching and awe-inspiring narrative.
Comedy Uncorked in Wine Country
Wine Club
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WASHINGTON, IL –
As refreshing as a chilled glass of Pinot Noir on a warm afternoon, WINE CLUB invites audiences to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes of wine country, where humor ferments in the most unexpected settings. This indie film cleverly blends the beauty of its location with the zany dynamics of an unconventional vineyard, creating a delightful backdrop for its narrative. Every time you think you know what’s coming, you’re likely wrong.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.