Columnist

Love and tragedy, the Noel's of Will County

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:04am

In our continuing look at the history of our neighbors to the north, we must look at the Noel family. Their story is the story of early Will County. It also tells of the effects of love, both on family and history. Back now to the founding of Will County.
Our story starts in Scioto County, Ohio with the Webb family. Thomas Webb was one of those men who were never happy where they were, but always wanted to move further west.
In August of 1833 he moved his family, including his young daughter Louisa, to the west side of the Des Plaines River in Lockport Township.

Just follow the trail, early area roads

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:03am

Have you ever driven down a road and wondered why it curved at a certain place when there was no obstacle to a straight path? The answer in most cases lies in the animals, which were alive perhaps thousands of years ago.
Let me explain. When animals travel, they take the path of least resistance, around swamps and hills, keeping next to precious water whenever possible. Soon a path develops which can easily be seen, especially by Native Americans who also used these animal trails to travel. This was much easier than hacking a new path where ever you went.

Illinois lawmaker going after fellow Republicans

Published by admin on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 1:21pm

For the second time this year, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has stripped one of his member's access to a House communications staffer.
Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) is the most recent to lose his state-funded communications staff member. Earlier this year, Rep. Dave McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) lost his comms staffer for criticizing fellow Republican Rep. Steve Reick for allegedly making "racist" comments and calling on House GOP Leader Jim Durkin to resign for being a "fake Republican" and "corrupt insider."

The Bobby Burns, enjoyed around the globe

Published by admin on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 11:22am

Whenever I encounter a namesake cocktail, the first order of business is to figure out why this person or place has been immortalized in the name of a drink. The Bobby Burns (aka the Robert Burns) is named after the national poet of Scotland and is enjoyed at “Burns Night” functions held by poets around the globe.
In addition to being the drink of choice for a “Burns Night” poetry reading, the Robert Burns is traditionally enjoyed on St. Andrew's Day in Scotland and on Hogmanay, or New Year's Eve as we call it here.

Pension squeeze is real for all Illinois towns

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2019 - 8:00am

One of the points that Gov. JB Pritzker has made since Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot began using the news media to ask for a multi-billion dollar state pension bailout is that other parts of Illinois are having the same problems as our largest city.
Rockford is one of them, as the governor noted last week. Its first responder pension funds are in horrible shape for pretty much the same reason as so many others are: The state didn't require local governments to fully fund those particular pension funds, so a large number of locals just didn't do it.

High crime by the lowest of low, horse thieves

Published by admin on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 10:55am

The most common crime of the 19th century was that of stealing horses. It is hard for us to imagine what a true tragedy it was to have a horse stolen.
First, it is your means of transportation, both for yourself and everything you need to run your business, whether it was farming, grocery, or doctoring. On the farm, nothing could replace a horse, and without one there would be no plowing, planting, or harvesting.

Hunting the varmints, bounties on wildlife

Published by admin on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 10:01am

Living in a rural area has some rewards, especially for those of us who love to view the wildlife, or for that matter, eat it. When I was young, somewhat less than a hundred years ago, I never remember seeing a Canadian Goose, a vulture or a bald eagle.
These animals and more have come back. Let's look at some species to understand why they went away in the first place.

Wray and Ting

Published by admin on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 11:15am

When in Jamaica, drink as the Jamaicans drink! Over 90% of the rum consumed in Jamaica is produced by the Wray & Nephew distillery and most of that rum finds its way into the most popular cocktail on the island, the classic Jamaican Wray and Ting.
Wray & Nephew began producing Jamaican rum in 1825 and has marketed many different expressions of their rum with varying degrees of success and staying power. The Wray flagship brand is their overproof white rum bottled at 63% ABV, or 126 proof.

One hundred years old, still making a difference

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 1:17pm

The war was over, that war to end all wars. Some made it back, some did not. Some went on to function well in society, some did not. But for all it was a life changing experience. And as is the case after all wars, the survivors needed to be with others who understand. Thus, was born the American Legion, created by war, but carried forward by men.

A manly diversion, shooting pigeons in the park

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 1:14pm

Accuracy with a weapon has always been a trait to be admired. I imagine cavemen had spear throwing contests. And I am sure as well, that there were other cavemen there betting on the outcome. Today we go back to 1874 to witness the great Captain Adam H. Bogardus shoot down small helpless birds and delicate glass balls with deadly accuracy.