By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – You can color Gov. JB Pritzker “gobsmacked,” and when was the last time you heard a governor use that word? He reacted to Wednesday’s unveiling of the 101st edition of the butter cow, an Illinois State Fair staple. Sculptor Sarah Pratt of Iowa has finished her sixth creation for the…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 7, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 78.6 degrees, 4.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.50 inches, 0.60 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 16 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 18…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – You’ll see and experience some new things at the Illinois State Fair this year. Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello says the ongoing infrastructure projects – and their results – dominate. “Livestock exhibitors will definitely notice the difference on Eighth Street,” said Costello during Thursday’s fair preview for reporters.…… MORE
By 25 News and WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – The 91st Annual McLean County Fair got underway Wednesday. Last year was their first time back to normal after COVID and it was a record-breaking year. This year, they’re hoping to break that record and they have plenty to offer. There are carnival rides, horseback riding, tractor…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.4 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 31, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 72.2 degrees, 2.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.43 inches, 0.59 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 13…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 24, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 78.8 degrees, 2.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.94 inches, 0.09 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 16 percent very short, 19 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 5…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 17, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 75.3 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.68 inches, 0.01 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 5…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – This may be another big year for winter wheat in Illinois. According to the July production report, harvested wheat acres are estimated at 720,000, up 110,000 from last year. Crop statistician Mark Schleusener says the yield should be strong. “NASS forecast the 2022 wheat yield to be 79 bushels per…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 10, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 77.5 degrees, 1.5 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 2.07 inches, 1.22 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 22 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 10…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Looking to make some extra money this summer? The Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair are hiring seasonal workers. Spokesperson Krista Lisser says they are short about 250 workers between the two fairs. The temporary jobs pay $14 an hour and are an important part of state fair…… MORE
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…