I recently had an opportunity to have lunch at a place that’s a bit off the beaten path, and my experience was such that I thought I should share it, and thus this occasional restaurant/diner review column was born.  I hope that you enjoy it, and maybe it will give you an idea to get…

By: Larry W. Dallas We had corn tassels by July 4. The heat in June moved the corn forward and it began to pollinate at what we think of as a normal time. By pollinating earlier the corn stands a better chance of being dry this fall for harvest. Of course, the replant and very…

The Illinois Elementary School Association Board of Directors held a special meeting on Thursday, July 23. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss fall sports and whether those activities could be held in accordance with the current limitations placed on schools and activities by the Illinois Department of Public Health. After much discussion, the…

Hello Villa Grove! Today is my 22nd day as the Villa Grove Chief of Police and I would like to provide you with a summary of what I have been up to. So far, almost all my time has been spent on administrative duties and getting acquainted with the officers.  I am still waiting on…

For a limited time, anyone can order Rendleman Peaches through the Douglas County Farm Bureau. Rendleman Orchards is from Alto Pass, Illinois. The peaches will be arriving in 25-pound boxes and are non-cling peaches. This year’s prices per 25-pound box are $35.00 for Douglas County Farm Bureau members and $40.00 for non-members. You must reserve…

Due to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19 among high school teams around the state, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are jointly collaborating to modify the IHSA’s Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines.  The modifications place greater restrictions on coaches and student-athletes in order to prevent…

By Tony Hooker Contrary to popular belief, tax assessors don’t hang upside down in caves and swoop in in the dead of night and levy their decisions.  Local tax man Neal Wood laughs at that notion. In fact, they’re local residents, who are often elected to their positions. (They also can serve as an assessor…

By Kendra Hennis The Tuscola City Council meeting was called together at 7:30 p.m. on Monday July 27. All board members were present with council member Dave Slaughter joining via Zoom. There were no public comments to be read.  The council met the last two executive sessions to discuss potential land acquisition and pending litigation…

By Kendra Hennis  The Tuscola Board of Education began their July 27 meeting with a board retreat at 6 p.m. to discuss the timeline and issues presented with the possible rebuilding of a new high school. Unfortunately, they were not able to get an architect to the high school in time and they now need…

By Jim Allen The Douglas County Road and Bridge Subcommittee met on July 8, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Present were Don Munson, Chairman and committee members Dick Hein and Tom Glenn.  Also present were Jim Crane, County Engineer, and members of the public. Jim Crane reported that the work is ongoing in regards to Cronus…