Featured News

CHICAGO – Starting Jan. 1, schools will be prohibited from discriminating against natural hairstyles traditionally associated with race and ethnicity- including locs, braids, twists and afros – thanks to a law championed  by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago).    Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) “No child should ever be singled out for sporting a hairstyle that […]

By Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension URBANA, Ill. – Once holidays are over, the Christmas trees tend to come down. Instead of hauling this year’s tree to the dump or having the city pick it up, consider repurposing it in your landscape. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson says one popular use

KANKAKEE – A new law on the books will prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit thanks to State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) with Hayli Martinez testifying during a hearing on Hayli’s Law. This new law was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand

CHESTER — A total of 19 “Welcome to Teaching” bags or baskets filled with assorted classroom supplies, snacks and personal items were presented to first-year teachers at all Randolph County schools by Beta Delta Chapter members of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.   The useful containers were presented to welcome the teachers to their new careers

By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer    CHESTER — For years the American Legion in Chester has made sure to keep local veterans in mind during the Christmas holidays.  Members of Post 487 visit vets and take gifts to let them know that they have not been forgotten at Christmas. Members of the American Legion in

By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer    CHESTER — The Chester Grade School 1st through 4th grade students were featured Thursday December 9 in two separate performances to add their take on the 2021 Christmas season.  The 1st and 2nd graders performed at 6:00 p.m. while the 3rd and 4rth graders took the stage at 7:00