•April 22, 2026•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating the public access to Ken Kenney’s at Lake Shelbyville, commonly labeled as Site #46 on USACE hunting and fishing maps. The roadway leading to the site is privately owned and is not a designated public access route.

•April 22, 2026•

Desserts are a welcome treat after a delicious main course. Homemade desserts can be particularly flavorful, and that freshness can make the final course something to really look forward to.

Those tasked with prepared a homemade dessert have plenty of options to consider, including this recipe for “Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a Ginger Cookie Base” from Lines+Angles. 

Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a 

Ginger Cookie Base

•April 22, 2026•

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress. The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois’ commemoration of the nation’s birthday is inclusive, accessible, and statewide. People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or use the do-it-yourself option online at il250.org/il-voices. There is no fee to participate. “The story of America isn’t complete without the story of Illinois. Our people’s diverse perspectives, reflections, and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience.”

•April 22, 2026•

by Tammie Sloup

FarmWeek 

A nationwide survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows 70% of respondents cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico responded to the survey, which was conducted April 3rd through 11th. In Illinois, more than 250 farmers responded. The analysis reveals that almost eight in 10 farmers in the southern US say they can’t afford all needed supplies this year, followed by the Northeast and West at 69% and 66%, respectively, compared to 48% of the farmers in the Midwest.

Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season. In the Northeast, only 30% of farmers prebooked, followed by 31% in the West, and 67% in the Midwest. Even with higher pre-booking rates, almost one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all their fertilizer needs. “The results provide an eye-opening look at the realities farmers are facing today,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said during a media call on April 14th. “We’ve been hearing a lot of speculation in Washington, D.C., and beyond about the percentage of farmers who have preordered their fertilizers. I think that you’ll be surprised by the degree to which it varies between regions.”

•April 22, 2026•

On April 16th, the State of Illinois’ “Mobile DMV” brought in Sullivan locals, including members of the Sullivan Fire Protection District obtaining the requisite licensure to drive the new fire truck, at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. Mobile DMV provides a wide array of DMV-related services, with everything from driver’s license renewals to road tests. As always, the mobile DMV team efficiently met every client with both courtesy and respect. The running consensus of those there was that local access to the Mobile DMV services saved them time, hassle, and even money when considering current fuel prices.