•January 3, 2024•

by Sarah Hudson Pierce

columnist

One of the best lectures I’ve heard was at the East Texas Christian Writer’s Conference in Marshall, Texas in 2014. The speaker emphasized that if a writer really wants to develop his talent the best place to start is newspaper writing.

I heartily agree, although I began writing poetry in 1981, while going through a nervous breakdown.  At that time I didn’t realize that therapists highly recommend writing and journal keeping as a means of coping.

Even though I seldom write poetry anymore even though I’ve had three books of poetry published along with two volumes of inspirational pieces, I know the speaker was right. Read More

•December 27, 2023•

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced several new laws initiated by his office that will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law. They include:

Combating Distracted Driving

Giannoulias drafted this legislation to increase road safety by making it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving.

In 2022, more than 24,000 drivers were issued citations for distracted driving in Illinois. Read More

•December 27, 2023•

The minimum wage in Illinois is increasing on January 1st, 2024.

Workers will see an increase of $1 per hour from $13 to $14. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $8.40 per hour and youth workers (under 18) working fewer than 650 hours per calendar year will see their hourly wage increase to $12 per hour.

“Since day one as Governor, I’ve made it my mission to put Springfield back on the side of working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this new minimum wage increase, we are once again making Illinois a more affordable and equitable place to live for all of our residents.” Read More

•December 20, 2023•

Ingredients:

Raw uncooked oats

Sugar cookie sprinkles

Plastic sandwich or snack baggies

Ribbon in festive holiday colors

Paper for the printable tags

Pour 3-4 tablespoons of oats into each plastic bag.

Add a tablespoon or two of sprinkles.

Iridescent sprinkles or red and green sprinkles are good choices; but use what you have on hand. (You can even use the fine sanding sugar used for sand tarts. Just beware: If you mix red and green sugar, the resulting color will be a less festive shade of brown.)

Close the baggie with a piece of ribbon, and shake to mix.

If using a zipper top bag, punch a small hole in the corner and thread a piece of ribbon through the hole.

After you put out the milk and cookies for Santa, head outside to sprinkle this magic reindeer food on the snow or your lawn.

•December 20, 2023•

Entertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family and professional colleagues. 

Entertaining requires keeping plenty of refreshments on hand to ensure guests maintain their holiday spirit. Dessert is no stranger to the season, with office break rooms, dining tables and buffet stations brimming with sweet treats to tempt celebrants’ palates. Everyone should have a go-to dessert to bring along to a holiday party or to offer guests when hosting their own fêtes. Cookies are a standard due to their versatility and portability. Read More