News Progress

The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA) is hosting a safety workshop series at 3 locations across the state in January for anyone seeking 10HR OSHA, Flagger, and/or CPR certification. Training will be provided by ILICA member Grey & Associates.  

 The 2-day workshops include a full day and a half of 10HR OSHA certification training, followed by a half day of either flagger or CPR certification training. Attendees may register for any certification individually or receive a maximum of two (2) certifications per workshop. Member and non-member rates apply. No prerequisites required. The first days of training run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the second days run from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with lunch provided both days. Workshops are scheduled for the following dates and locations throughout January:  

•December 11, 2024•

Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their November Students of the Month, Logan Corrie and Dayton Montgomery. Logan is the son of Kevin and Valerie Corrie.  He is currently a sophomore and is involved in Basketball, Golf, Student Council, NHS, and Scholastic Bowl.  His future career is undecided. 

Dayton is the son of Dustin and Robin Montgomery.  He is currently a 7th grade student and is involved in Basketball.  In his spare time, he likes to play video games with his Dad.

The cast and crew of Elf the Musical at The Little Theatre had a chance to meet Comet the reindeer on our first morning of rehearsal. Grab your tickets to Elf, running December 13-22. Multiple performances are already sold out, and make a donation to their $90,000 matching fund before the year end. Call 217-728-7375 or online at www.thelittletheatre.org.

Christmas in the Park was held on Saturday, November 30th at the Thomas L Conn Community Park in Lovington. Families came to see Santa, the Grinch, Olaf, and enjoy festive music while indulging in hot chocolate and sweets. Hometown Love started the tradition of illuminating the park.  When the organization dissolved, the board members decided to use the remaining funds to purchase a gorgeous set of angel wings; make sure to take a walk through the park, and get a picture with the wings. The donations received from this year’s event will help fund the Mapping the Future of Your Community program through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. 

A Secret Mission

•December 11, 2024•

by Janet Roney

“Big Spring smoky hill Camp winter 1810” … “Plat 1-2-3-4 to Jefferson” … “old house 4 mens bones French guns” … “Johns Mary buryed Rok” … “watch trader Vandla 4 British 7 savage”…

These and other cryptic notes fill an 1811 map and report I found while doing a little “light reading” during a January snowstorm about 25 years ago. The book was the 1976 reprint of the History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois that I found in our Historical Society library. This book changed my life! (Yes, I do have a life! I just find searching for old trails fun, and I have a patient, helpful husband.)