Pastor Steve Jones: Why Suffering Should Lead to Worship

In this series of articles from John 6:16-21, we’re seeking to gain answers to the question, “Why does God allow suffering in the lives of his people?” The apostle Paul helps us in answering this question—at least in part—by connecting the dots from suffering to Spiritual maturity. “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, […]

Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett: Another great County Fair season

One of the best parts of summer in east-central Illinois is our county fairs – there is nothing quite like it. The food, the competitions, the old (and new) friends, the shows, the games and fun – they all combine to create a summertime event like no other. Our area has some of the best county fairs in the state […]

Conditional licenses issued for 28 more cannabis dispensaries in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — A week after issuing conditional licenses for 149 proposed recreational cannabis dispensaries statewide, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued 28 more Friday. Among them were two conditional licenses for proposed dispensaries in the non-metro East Central Illinois region, which includes Iroquois County and 13 others, and one each for proposed dispensaries […]

Cissna Park’s Old Settlers Reunion set for Aug. 18-20

CISSNA PARK — Cissna Park’s annual Old Settlers Reunion is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 20, at the village park. The three-day celebration, sponsored by Cissna Park’s American Legion Post No. 527, opens with a talent show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. Organized by Lynn Hasselbring and Samantha Kidwell, the talent show features two age divisions […]

Orr re-elected chairman of Ford County GOP

PIPER CITY — Jeff Orr of Piper City was re-elected chairman of the Ford County Republican Central Committee during the group’s county convention on Wednesday, July 27. Ted Conkling of Kempton was elected vice chairman, while Kathy Robertson of Gibson City was elected secretary and Steve Pacey of Paxton was re-elected as treasurer. Also during the convention, the committee discussed […]

Ford County, 65 others in Illinois at elevated risk level for COVID-19

CHICAGO — Ford County remained Friday among the Illinois counties rated at a high COVID-19 community transmission level, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Sixty-six counties — up from 58 a week earlier — were rated at the high transmission level Friday with 31 others rated at a medium level. It was the second consecutive week that […]

13 more Paxton properties eyed for rezoning in next round of public hearings

PAXTON — Another set of public hearings regarding the proposed rezoning of dozens of properties throughout Paxton is approaching. The next set of hearings — scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, before the city’s planning and zoning commission and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, before the city council — will be for the proposed rezoning of 13 properties, according […]