•January 21, 2026•

On Friday, February 6th, Lake Land will host local high school students for the first-ever Laker Academic Invitational, a competitive event designed to challenge and recognize academic excellence. During the event, more than 300 students across 17 local high schools will compete in a series of multiple-choice exams, demonstrating their knowledge in biology, chemistry, computer science, software applications, English, mathematics, and physics. Through these experiences, the event fosters curiosity and confidence as students challenge themselves in a supportive environment and explore future college and career pathways.

•January 21, 2026•

The Illinois Department on Aging has released EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well, a landmark multisector plan addressing the needs of older adults and caregivers. The plan establishes a decade-long blueprint to ensure the growing population of older Illinoisans can live dignified, engaged, productive, and meaningful lives at every stage of life. “EngAging Illinois embodies the engagement and thoughtful people from across Illinois, representing the best of our state,” said the Governor. “This bold plan reflects the priorities of the people we serve and the role that state government should play in creating an age-friendly Illinois. We all want to be part of a thriving, multigenerational society, and EngAging Illinois is a smart, strong step in that direction.”

•January 21, 2026•

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding drivers about roadway and plow safety during the winter months, particularly when sharing the roadways with snowplows. 

Don’t crowd the plow. Don’t follow a plow or stop too closely to it. Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. De-icer spread by the snowplow could hit your vehicle. Snow clouds thrown up by plows can reduce visibility to zero and conceal other vehicles and hazards. An operator’s field of vision is restricted. If you cannot see them, they cannot see you. Stay at least five car lengths behind the snow plow. The roadway behind an active plow is safer to drive on. Stay behind it and use caution when passing.