Shirland News

“We are very, very grateful to the municipalities that step forward to do this ... Especially with the increase in mortgage foreclosures and the tough times in the economy, we really need to be able to offer this”

Losing about $29,000 in federal assistance has not stopped the people of Grundy County from being able to help those going through bad times. via Herald News

“They are having fun. They are saying it's the best field trip ever.”

While digging a hole into the dirt for her plant, Vanessa Rangle, 9, found a slimy surprise. via Lincoln-Way Sun

“It will renew some old rivalries with Ottawa, LaSalle-Peru and some others Morris has played in the past.”

An invitation from the North Central Illinois Conference could match Morris High School with some of its past rivals. via Lincoln-Way Sun

“Illinois is recognized as a formidable leader in agriculture around the world. It is imperative for the Governor to take a serious look at the big picture when he threatens 100 percent cuts to these important programs.”

LaSalle County Extension, as well as every other U of I Extension office across Illinois, is facing a dramatic loss of state funding in the coming months. via Mendota Reporter

“While it's still huge, population has increased, and a great many of our programs are now related to meeting changing population needs.”

Don Schellhaass, a pillar in agriculture as well as education, is deeply involved in two important things: helping unscramble uncertainties in funding for the McHenry County University of Illinois Extension ... via Northwest Herald

“I tell them to go to www.irs.gov, fill out an extension and call me after April 14.”

If you haven't filed your taxes yet, you're not alone. More than a million people in Illinois hadn't filed their 2007 income tax returns as of last week. via Lincoln-Way Sun

“She actually entertains you. You have fun while learning. It's a pretty good thing”

French teacher Jo Anne Bratkovich admits she's not afraid to try things. And, that's why she's a good teacher, her students say. via Herald News

One of Illinois' most spectacular bluebell flower displays is ready to be shown off on April 26 and 27 in Earlville. via Mendota Reporter

“It will be one of the most expensive (of its kind) in the nation.”

One of the Gorman families has sold off its part of the family farm. The part that sold belongs to Julian Gorman, brother of Jim Gorman, whose family has run the popular vegetable stand along Illinois 53 for ... via Lincoln-Way Sun

“This conference is an excellent opportunity for families and professionals alike to learn about Alzheimer's disease, memory loss and better care in a very practical manner”

The Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter will host its spring caregiving conference, Focus Forward-Breaking Barriers, on April 17, at Harrah's Joliet Casino and Hotel. via Lincoln-Way Sun

“Care Abounds in Communities makes the impact of Thrivent Financial members who join in service even greater”

Spaghetti benefit planned at FOCUS House BY LIFE STAFF ROCHELLE - Focus House of Rochelle will benefit from its seventh Annual Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction supported by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans ... via Ogle County Life

Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 815-732-2156 -- Fax: 815-732-6154 Deadline for all articles BY LIFE STAFF The deadline for all articles, including letters to the editor, is 10 a.m. on Thursday for the following ... via Ogle County Life

“Nobody has bolted from the meetings.”

The Illinois Labor Relations Board has requested a hearing over whether the New Lenox Fire Protection District improperly reassigned 55 part-time firefighters in April as they were in the midst of unionizing. via Lincoln-Way Sun

Spaghetti dinner: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 2, Knights of Columbus No. 382, 100 S. 129th Infantry Drive, Joliet. via Herald News

“Even though I wanted to do fish, I had to learn all the animals”

Browser, a large yellow Lab, was recovering from a little cosmetic surgery March 18 at the new Shirkey Veterinary Clinic. via Herald News

WGN'S Julian Crews is once again looking for great places to visit...and he says right now is the perfect time to see one of nature's command performances: Spring wonders at Starved Rock. via WGN-TV Chicago

“I feel the rezoning would devalue my property. I paid prime money for a single-family lot. I want neighbors with children for my children to play with”

The city council said it was OK for one developer to construct 15 duplexes, but at the same meeting tabled a request from another developer to construct seven duplexes. via Herald News

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicagoland area beginning late Thursday evening and continuing until Friday afternoon. via Daily Herald

“If something turns into a criminal matter where someone needs to be charged, parole agents will back away and police will take over.”

The crack of dawn brought a crackdown on potential parole violators Wednesday. Joliet police and parole agents from the Department of Corrections spent the morning making sure felons were complying with the ... via Herald News

“JT doesn't get to go to many state finals.”

After a 12-year dry spell, Joliet Township High School District is competing in IHSA's state drama finals today, performing "The Fiery Furnace" with a time limit. via Lincoln-Way Sun