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”

“I am never caught up! I always have a list of things to do! I will never get it all done! My work is never done!”.  It seems that just about everyone has said one of these lines or something similar.  This is true especially with those personalities that are never happy with the status quo …

“New Rhubarb”

In many ways the city of Washington has contributed to scouts. Some ways include fundraisers, camping and a place to have our meetings. For example, each year the cub scouts have a popcorn sale. The people see the cub scouts coming and love to support them on their journey in scouting.

“Frying Eggs for Big Boy”

Commencement

With the end of this school year, Moms Who Care at Beverly Manor, which is one of 11 Moms in the area, would like to thank all who have supported us.  We are an exclusively NFP, locally funded organization that relies on in-kind and monetary community donations.   We assist students in need …

The Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund (CIMKF) would like to thank the Morton Civic Chorus, under the direction of Denise Adams, for another successful fundraiser "Encore 2019".  A special "Thank You" to those who attended the event, advertised in our show program or donated to the cause.…

Ravens

Discussion over Debate

Good Neighbors

From Spain to the States

Thank you to all of the people who helped my campaign for Ward 1 Alderman. I am grateful to the 58 percent of the Ward 1 voters for having faith in me to represent you on the Washington City Council.

Thank You to all of the residents of Ward 2 who have supported me throughout my years with the City of Washington. I have enjoyed being one of your representatives on the City Council for over nine years. Thank you for taking time to discuss matters that are important to you, which gave me a…

The County Facilities Sales Tax (CFST) is a one cent per dollar tax placed on qualified purchases that relieves the school district’s reliance on property taxes to fund school facility needs.

Over the past few weeks there has been much discussion over social media and elsewhere regarding the County Facilities Sale tax issue on the ballot in Tazewell County on April 2. Morton District 709 joined an overwhelming majority of schools in Tazewell County to put the County Facilities Sa…

What is the 1 ¢ Tazewell County School Facility Sales Tax?

Jerry Merryman died February 27, 2019 in Dallas.  He was one of my heroes, and I didn’t even know it.