We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
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What do hip-hop artists do on Christmas? (They unwrap). Decorating outside for Christmas is something I enjoy. Some people like to decorate early when it’s still warm. But to me, part of Christmas is decorating in the chilling cold and stringing lights until my fingers are numb and my toes are about to fall off. My wife takes a different approach. But when we put our heads together, we get it done! And, if I don’t say so myself, it’s beautiful all around our house - both inside and out. One o...
Maybe it was the holidays and the packed schedule I have been dealing with. Or maybe the grind of doing hard news was getting to me – I mean, I truly hate sitting in and listening to the idiocy at the Freeport City Council meetings. Or maybe, well, who knows – whatever the reason, I had lost a bit of pep in my step as of late. Now, one of the major benefits of doing my job is getting to know the really impressive young adults in our region. Yeah, I know they are technically still students, but...
“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree” Tis the season for Christmas Trees. It’s that time of year when families are in search for that perfect evergreen tree to display in their homes for the Christmas season. I love driving through our county and seeing the lighted trees through the windows. But how much do you or I even know about Christmas trees? Keeping that in mind I’d like to share a few of my favorite facts about these wonderful trees. - There are approximately 350 million Christm...
About twelve years ago or so, I read that within the next 10 years eighty percent of the general population would be getting their news from their smartphone. I didn't believe it then because I thought that was preposterous. Turns out they were correct. I used to get about 15 magazines a month. I love reading magazines. I also subscribed to a couple of newspapers for daily news. Trouble is, now, by the time the paper comes out, the news is old because I get it on my phone as it happens. But I...
It’s True, I confess, I am a Sneaky Pete. Now, I realize that most – if not all of you – have no idea what it is I’m talking about, so let me explain. You see, while growing up in Northwest Indiana, my brother, sister and I were all prone to seeing treats prepared by my mother left unguarded. Whether it was the tin of fudge “hidden” above the bread box, or the cookie jar left full without a padlock in place, these screamed to a growing boy, “Come and get me!” So, naturally, we did. In my house g...
It’s hard to believe that 13 years ago I served as the McHenry County Farm Bureau intern. I served as their intern the summer between my Freshmen and Sophomore year in college. I learned so much during that summer not only about agriculture but also Farm Bureau. It is an experience I credit a lot to where I am today. It was my first taste of Farm Bureau and the more I learned the more passionate I became. One of my favorite parts of summer is that Stephenson County Farm Bureau offers a summer i...
Dear Mr. Stevens I agree with you about the importance of local newspapers. I read Dan Rather’s book WHAT UNITES US. He is right that a local newspaper keeps a community together. Social media separates people into little cliques. Who else keeps people informed about local government and events? You do a good job of that. I hope you find someone to carry the torch before you retire. Merry Blake...
The story goes how one Sunday morning as a husband and wife were getting ready for church, the husband decided he didn’t want to go after all. But his wife was very adamant about him going. After several unsuccessful attempts to convince him he needed to get ready, she finally said, “Listen, I can give you two good reasons why you should go to church today. One, it is Sunday, that means it’s the Lord’s Day, and God wants you in church. And, two, there’s going to be a lot of disappointed people i...
OK, I am not – or have not – considered myself to be an idiot when it comes to technology. I know all of the ins and outs of several programs I use all the time like Photoshop, InDesign, and even Quickbooks. But, as I recently discovered, when it comes to iphones and the inner workings of several online platforms … I’m officially a moron. My first clue came the other day when my wife handed me a sign that said “Free”. “Here, hold this up, I want to take a picture for Facebook Marketplace,...
One word sums up this week and that word is “thankful”. I am blessed with many things to be grateful for this week. On Monday, November 19, the Stephenson County Farm Bureau hosted our 2024 annual meeting. We reminisced on a successful year and highlighted many exciting activities for this upcoming year. We also thanked our retiring board member, Dan Scheider. Dan has served Stephenson County Farm Bureau for over 10 years and has recently served as our Vice President. A big thank you goes out...
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...
