The kids came home — and I had to clean
Homestead Festival is the only time we get both of our kids home at the same time. It has become an annual visit. The festival was a first f…
Community journalism matters because communities matter
“Everything in this newspaper is important to someone.”It’s become something of a mantra for me, in …
Our higher education — from best to bleakest
In 2000, a national group that knows about such things declared Illinois to have the best higher education offerings among the states for qu…
The silent witnesses of domestic violence
If you’ve driven past Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton in recent days, you likely noticed the 15 life-sized silhouettes, painted blood…
Hobbies can be stress relievers; apologies, too
I helped craft a butterfly tray yesterday. I strung beads on baler twine. I know. You have to understand that this is my skill level and up …
This year’s Emmy winners — who are these people?
I don’t know about you, but I grew up watching television. Certainly not the 50-inch flat screens of today, but I don’t really remember ther…
Bellino misses coaching, not the losses
John Bellino coached at St. Bede Academy for 40 years, 36 as head baseball coach and 35 years as head football coach.
Look who’s riding high in the Wienermobile
Oh my gosh! I just got back from checking off another item on my “bucket list.” I’m still riding high and had to share it with you. This rat…
Transportation infrastructure a neglected crown jewel
Transportation infrastructure is our crown jewel, sparkling atop the lid on Illinois’ economic development toolkit. Neglect the jewel, and i…
State, locals are drowning in pension costs
Note to readers: This is the second column in a series that offers a blueprint for fixing Illinois.T…
Listen to nominee and accuser first, and then decide
Regular readers of this column will remember that last December, I wrote about being assaulted when I was 12.
