The same house, same address, same bedroom, same phone number, same neighbors, same schools and the same parents.  That was my childhood.  That was my stability growing up in Wichita, Kansas.  This is also very rare in our society today.  If nothing else, the divorce rate in our nation makes…

Dear Editor,

“Ginger Cookies”

“A Good Story”

“Hardworking People”

I am announcing that I am running for Mayor. While I can’t compete with our current mayor’s 20 years of experience, I do have the unique experience of seeing how our local government works from the inside. What I have learned is that we need to work harder to hear all citizen’s voices and ma…

“The Agate Polisher”

Dear District 52 taxpayers, please note on page 13 of June 17th Courier a plan to allow pupils of non-district, full time employees to attend school tuition free. After much growth of our schools, we don't need students to be allowed to enjoy our schools scot-free. If we are cash flush to al…

“A Little Awkward”

We thank you from the Kimpling family and Mark Hodges for all the years you supported us in business. Without all of you, we wouldn’t have survived. It has been a pleasure to know all of you as friends, customers and employees. We hope you will support the new owners. 

“The Only Dog in Minnesota”

Perhaps you and your family are alone,

“Biscuits and Gravy”

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor,

We live in a world today where families are scattered and fragmented.  The current virus floating around the world has led us to see just how many people are scattered across the world as they try to get home away from the most dangerous locations for the virus.  Families are scattered acros…

To All of our Residents and Business Owners:

"Sparkles"

I went with my parents to get a Christmas tree.

It is the tender cusp of Christmas.

“People have been asking about the squeaking of the ship,” our captain reported, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, “but I must tell you, this is nothing to worry about.”

The Christmas season is upon us again seemingly so soon.  Once again, I’m reminded by the real reason for the season how God makes somebodies out of nobodies.  That is ever so much a refreshing side of Christmas in a world where people strive to be great in the eyes of men.  This is a side o…

In Gratitude,

Dear Editor:

“More Owls”

“An Autumn Tale”

Brenda asks: I started a new job in September. My company is having a Halloween party and I don't want to go. It's considered mandatory I guess, since it's during work hours from 3-5 on Halloween day. They are giving us wine, beer, soda and sandwiches which is nice, but they asked us to brin…

Jason asks: Once or twice a week, someone has been ringing my doorbell at 1 a.m. and running away. I believe the culprit is a child (maybe 10 years old) who lives a few houses down. His family has problems and we have seen the mother walk up the road in nothing but a towel. I believe in talk…

Peter and I are packing for our annual trip again.

Overthought

“Blooming Late”

Morton Premier Soccer Club hosted the Pumpkin Classic September 20-22, 2019 at McClallen Park. The event is a large undertaking and there are many people/groups we would like to recognize that made that weekend run as smoothly as it did. 

Disney on Ice made its return to Peoria on Friday-Sunday, bringing with it a new tour that hadn't been seen before in the area.

“No Coffee”

Virginia Beach.  Hurricane Dorian.  We watched the demise of the Bahamas unfolding on a television in our condo.  We watched the winds, waves, and destruction coming up the south eastern coast with the various outer bands making landfall.  Then, as predicted the flood waters came up the tide…

Alexis asks: I am taking a long weekend trip and can’t find anyone to watch my cat while I am gone. I am staying at a friend's cabin about an hour and 45 minutes away. My cat has never been there, and I have no experience with taking her away on vacation. Should I take my cat away with me?

“Marriage Stew”

Her husband is sitting in his recliner reading his newspaper, after supper, as he always does in the evening after a long day of work.  His wife comes into the room and asks him if he would change the batteries in the smoke alarm, which is very high in the entryway, sometime before retiring …

Week One

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

“Singing Lessons”

It’s that time again, school supplies for thousands of kids going back to school. Some parents are thrilled and some are sad to see the summer ending too soon.

“Anniversary Toast”

“This body is really only the worn-out garment that he has cast aside.”  This line, or something similar, is often said at a committal service at the cemetery when committing a body to the ground or the tomb.

The GFWC IL Metamora Woman’s Club is pleased to announce the winners of their raffles held at the Old Settler’s Festival.  Louise Wells of Metamora was the winner of Abby, the Springfield Boutique Doll, along with 17 outfits of clothing.  Mary Miller of Metamora won the Gift Card Bouquet fea…

WHIP, Washington Helps Its People, would like to thank the Washington residents and postal carriers for the  “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive. Over 7,000 pounds of food was collected in Washington! This food will stay in Washington to help those needing assistance. Thank you for helping stock t…

“Happy Anniversary”

“Coconut Head”