We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
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There was a new preacher in town in need of a lawn mower. Someone in his congregation heard about it and brought him over one that was well used. When it came time to cut the grass, the preacher got the mower out and attempted to get it started. When he was unable to do so, he got on the phone and called the guy who gave it to him and explained his dilemma. “Oh,” the guy said, “I forgot to tell you that if you can’t get it going right away you have to cuss at it while you’re pulling on the ro...
So, be honest, what does National Newspaper Week mean to you? If you are like most people, the answer is simple, “Not a damn thing.” And I won’t lie, when I got all of the emails and downloadable columns, cartoons and ads from the Illinois Press Association, I ignored them for more than a few days. Part of the reason was that it’s a lot easier telling other people’s stories than your own. And along that same line of thinking – you, the person reading this column right now – are a subscriber to...
On November 5, voters across the country went to the polls at near-record numbers. Early voting and vote-by-mail participation also reached historic highs. But amid this surge in voter engagement, there remains a significant divide in how states approach one of the most fundamental aspects of our elections: voter identification. According to a 2024 review by the National Conference of State Legislatures, nine states—Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, T...
Thank You I would like to express a tremendous thank you to Lena and many surrounding communities for the outpouring of love and generosity each and every person provided for me and my family over the past few weeks. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to make many friends through celebrating the athletic achievements we have been blessed. But in times of tragedy and hardship is when you find out how truly blessed you are, having such great people in our lives. I'm sure Bobby is laughing and smiling at us all right now! Again, thank...
Do you believe the Bible to be real? Why is that? Well, there are several reasons. 1) There has never been an archaeology discovery that contradicts the Bible. 2) There has never been a truth of the Bible that if you apply it to your life, your life does not improve dramatically. 3) We have the most accurate and transparent, historically robust account that one can have of the most important figure ever to live in the history of the world. Jesus of Nazareth and the Resurrection is the pinpoint...
If you are at all like me, the fact that you will no longer have to see political ads on television is a little more than just refreshing. On the national scene, like I’ve said, I’m not a Trump fan, but in comparison … yeah, I voted for him. And, I’m sorry, but does anybody else find it totally amazing that a man who is so crass, has used the “c” word about women, openly cheated on his wife, and is on tape talking about grabbing women by the crotch, was just elected President of the United Stat...
I am notorious for ruining almost every surprise I plan. I often get too excited and want to tell the gift or plan for an event or a special activity. The past month or so we have been working diligently on planning and organizing trips for 2025. We are excited to share the trips we have planned so far. Additionally, multiday trips will be added closer to the new year. Fair Oaks Dairy Farm: Friday, June 20th Farm Progress Show: Tuesday, August 26th Warrens Cranberry Festival: Friday, September...
My wife and I took the opportunity to get away last week for a little R & R on the beach. The beach is always our favorite destination. It is such a beautiful place to be. It’s not only the warm weather and the beauty of the sun on the water and the waves lapping up on the shore, but also the fact that God gave man the challenge to go forth and subdue the earth He created. As one looks out across the surface of the water, it boggles the mind to consider and imagine all the marine life in the e...
I like cottage cheese – always have. As a kid, my brother, dad and I always fought over the last serving out of the container – a fight I typically lost – but I was the one to point out that adding pepper in addition to the salt we always added, made it even better. Now, as an adult, I get all of the cottage cheese servings. My wife doesn’t dislike it, but she’s not enamored the way I am. So, I was in no way, shape or form ready for the sudden “fight” that took place last weekend. Our daughters...
Friday, October 25 was a big day around northwest Illinois. First, the excitement kicked off with Lisa Corp being announced the 2025 IAITC Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Corp is a 2nd Grade teacher at Open Bible Learning Center, Freeport, Stephenson County. Not only does Mrs. Corp shine in the classroom integrating agriculture, she also is an avid learner attending multiple professional development workshops at the local, state and national level. She is also an integral part of the Stephenson...
Normally, a questionable call in any sport might happen, but is not worthy of mention because one call typically does not decide the outcome of a game. I've also come to realize that while things might appear one way to me – sitting in my corner of the gym – a referee typically has a better angle, or viewpoint – so, again, I never mention it. But Tuesday night in Polo, the teams fighting in the Sectional were exceptional, while the officiating – specifically one line judge – had a really ba...
Letter to the Editor To the voters of Jo Daviess County District 7-Nora, part Warren & part Rush – I urge you to strongly consider your vote for John Creighton. John has been a strong advocate for you over the years! He is very fiscally responsible and has done his best to stretch your tax dollars as far as they can go. John has made sure that there is no wasteful spending in this county as he commits to keeping the budget in a surplus. He has been very active in trying to generate income through other means of revenue to keep property taxes f...
This time of year, motorists share the road with a special group of people who measure time by the acre rather than by the hour. Its harvest season in Illinois! Agriculture is the top industry in Illinois and a key driver of our state’s economy. This is due to the rich, fertile soil, and temperate climate during growing season. According to the IL Department of Agriculture, about 75% of the state’s total land mass— 27 million acres, is dedicated to agriculture, and 96% of Illinois’ farms a...
As a seasoned pastor of over 30 years, I have received a variety of comments and advice on how to do my job. Most of it has been positive and encouraging. In fact, October is Pastor Appreciation Month and last Sunday our Board of Elders colluded with our congregation and together they dedicated time at both of our services for people to express their love and gratitude to my wife and me. It was fun and encouraging. Every year as election season closes in, I have found that the vast majority of p...
This column is coming with a warning: “Unwanted mental images may be formed by the reading of this column, so anybody eating, or operating heavy machinery might want to wait until near a bathroom before continuing.” As many people are aware, I have been dealing – as many of us are – with the payment of my sins regarding diet as I have been added to the roles of people in America with type two diabetes. The number of pills needed each day makes me feel like I’m a walking pharmacy, and the need...
Every week for the past 18 years or so this column has appeared in this publication. I am grateful Dan Stevens gave me this opportunity so many years ago. It was a dream of mine since high school English class to have a weekly newspaper column. (This is not goodbye). Dan has always encouraged me to exercise my right to free speech and to freely express my opinions. When I first “signed up” he gave me the choice of a weekly column, bi-weekly, or monthly. He told me at that time that he would hol...
OK, I thought everybody knew this story, but after mentioning it in last week’s column I got a ton of phone calls asking me about it, so … I figure I might as well tell the story again. We need to go back to 2005, when the White Sox were battling the Anaheim Angels in the American League Championship series for the right to go to the World Series. On Thursday, October 12th, the White Sox tied the series at a game apiece with a 2-1 victory that was controversial. You see, A.J. Pierzynski was at...
My wife had a class reunion last weekend. She got to ride on her class float along with several of her classmates during the Homecoming Parade and later we all got a tour of the high school we both attended. It was quite interesting walking the halls of the old high school. Everything was so much larger back then. A lot has changed, but then again, it all seemed the same. That night her classmates and their spouses gathered for dinner and a time of reminiscing. The stories began to flow and...
OK, fair warning, you might not want to read this column because it deals with politics. I was taught at an early age that there are two things you should never argue about – religion and politics. Because what people believe in regard to their religion or political leanings is what they believe – you’re never going to change their mind. So, if you’re anything like me, as soon as someone starts going into a political conversation – I tend to tune them out. You’ve been warned. Personally,...
I am sure this is common with others as it is for me: as a kid, tween and teen I often became involved with things because someone in my family had done them previously. I joined 4-H because my mother had been a member and my grandma a local club leader. During my time in 4-H I showed dogs, rabbits, participated in childcare and development and did cooking projects. For those who are not familiar, “4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension- a community of more than 100 public universities a...
With all this nice weather, my wife and I decided it was time to finish up the garden for the year. We picked the few remaining tomatoes, and the peppers, turnips, carrots, and green beans. We pulled all the plants out by the roots and loaded them in the truck for the burn pile. I got the ladder out, and climbed as high as it would take me and reached out as far out as I could possibly reach, and picked the last of the apples and dropped them one at a time to my wife, who was standing below to...
Speaking from experience, it is far better being the grandfather than being the father. Now, the biggest reason is obvious – you get to enjoy your grand kids, and as soon as they become crabby, or in massive need of a diaper change or some other maternal comforts, you can immediately pass them off to their parents. In addition, while they do tend to wipe you out whenever they come to visit – due to incredible energy levels that the Energizer Bunny can never hope to match – they will leave … eve...
Political corruption undermines and erodes public trust in government. There should be no place in our political landscape for those who would use their elected position for personal gain. On this, there should be full bipartisan agreement. This week, the highest profile political corruption trial of our time will take center stage in a federal courtroom in Chicago. Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan will face 22 counts of racketeering conspiracy, attempted extortion, and wire...
As election day draws nigh yet again, one can’t help but notice that the emotion level in the political realm is reaching new heights. Every four years election tension rises to new levels. I have read that 80% of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. If that number is accurate, that should mean that most of us are in agreement with the Bible, God’s Word to man. In Daniel’s book of prophecy, it says that Daniel prayed to the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for...
I don’t know about you, but one of the best investments my wife and I ever made at our house is the addition of a fire pit in the back yard. There is nothing like sitting around an open fire with friends, enjoying a beverage or two and solving the world’s problems on a bright summer night underneath the stars. With the weather beginning to turn, we are nearing the end of the summer fire pit night season. Now, when it comes to the fire pit, I realized that while some nights are a lot of fun, the...
