•February 4, 2026•

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them.

An estimated one-in-four adults who check ICash discover they have missing money or other unclaimed property, shared Frerichs, who recommends checking the website at least a couple of times a year. “It’s a good idea to check the names of family members and friends, as well as your own name, because you might find some unexpected treasures. If you find something for your relatives or neighbors, you can use our website’s Family and Friends ‘share’ feature to let them know,” he said. “We work hard to return missing money and unclaimed property to the rightful owners. The proof is in our record-breaking numbers over the years,” he added. “Putting money back in your warm hands is better than keeping it in our cold bank vaults.”

•February 4, 2026•

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships, which will award up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state’s natural resources. The scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated sustained, voluntary dedication to preserving, protecting, enhancing or promoting Illinois’ lands, waters, and wildlife. One scholarship is reserved annually for a dependent of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee. “The Conservation Achievement Scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of conservation leaders,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “These students are already making meaningful contributions to their communities, and this support helps them continue that work through education and service.”

Submitted

A generous donor has covered the cost of our upcoming leather workshop, so all youth may now attend for free. This workshop is being put on by one of our own, Gareth Coffer, who wins the leather division year after year at the State Fair and now has his own business. This class will be held at the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 7th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will be sponsored by the Arthur Rotary Club. For more information and to register, go to https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/leather-skills-make-and-take-workshop.

Comets and “Cousin” Tecumseh (continued)
•February 4, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Previously, I told you about the famous Shawnee Indian leader, Tecumseh, who attempted to unify the Indian tribes in a confederation to fight the advance of white settlers into the Northwest Territory, which the tribes claimed as their land. In September 1811, while Tecumseh was trying to enlist the Creeks and other southern tribes in his cause, a comet appeared in the night sky. His brother, who called himself The Prophet, convinced Tecumseh’s forces that it was a sign that the Great Spirit had made them immune to white men’s bullets. Then, in November, The Prophet led them in an attack on U.S. forces on the upper Wabash near Lafayette, Indiana. In the ensuing Battle of Tippecanoe, Tecumseh’s warriors were soundly defeated in a bloodbath that nearly destroyed Tecumseh’s confederation.