Periodical cicadas will be emerging across much of Illinois in 2024.

Good Growing – Periodical cicadas are here…now what?

The long wait is finally over! After spending 13 (or 17, depending on where you’re at) years underground feeding from roots, periodical cicadas have started to emerge (at least in central and southern Illinois). Soon, many places will be awash in cicadas. So, what can we expect now that they are beginning to emerge?

Bible and lily

Focus on Faith – The Wisdom of Suffering

The Book of Job is a Christian favorite. For millenia, the faithful have opened up Job to encounter someone experiencing serious suffering, struggling with a mixture of faith and doubt. Most of us know the happy ending when Job gets double all he lost (one chapter), most of us know the strange beginning when God challenges Satan over Job (two chapters), but the real core of the book is the muddy middle. For 39 chapters, neither God nor Satan speak. Job and his three friends have to try and comprehend God in the wake of suffering. 

Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Quality time, reunions and memoriams

My daughter, Tarra, and grandson, Mason, were here for a few days last week and we had so much fun.

Usually they only come for a weekend, but Tarra’s job takes her to Springfield several times a month. Last week they arrived on Wednesday since she had to spend Thursday and Friday in Springfield so I got to “babysit” my 20-year-old grandson. And,wow, did we have fun!

This young man takes such good care of his grandma. And we laugh and laugh. 

One of the things the three of us enjoy is playing board games. However, I’m not very good.We played Clue and I’m terrible at that one. Tarra wins almost every game, but she did allow Mason to win one.

College/University Graduates

Quigley graduates from McKendree U.

Avery Quigley is a 2024 graduate of McKendree University.

Founded in 1828, McKendree University’s historic Lebanon,  campus is 25 miles from St. Louis, Mo. McKendree also offers degree programs online and is one of U.S. News’ “Best Regional Universities,” “Best Value Schools” and “Best Colleges for Veterans” in the Midwest.

University of Illinois/Springfield grads

Ashland-Molly Kathleen Casper, BA Elementary Education-Cum Laude

Delivan Monroe Cox, BBA, Business Administration

IDOT to hold photo contest

Say cheese, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in a new contest to showcase how transportation is helping connect communities and keep our state moving.

“Everywhere you look, you see proof that Illinois is the transportation hub of North America. We’re inviting the public to show why transportation is important to you,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Send us your best photo. It could be the road you travel to and from work, a bike trail you enjoy, an airport, a transit stop, a bridge or a unique stretch close to home – whatever inspires you or helps you get where you need to go.”

LLCC honors  Distinguished Service Awards 2024 recipients 

Lincoln Land Community College honored 2024 Distinguished Service Award winners, employees with service anniversaries and retirees at the LLCC Employee Recognition Ceremony May 16.Anita Glydewell, Arenzville, was recognized for 20 years as a child development teacherJennifer Meyer, Beardstown, retired after 14 years as an education services representative, from LLCC Jacksonville.

American Flag

Cass County Memorial Day Services

Ashland

Memorial Day Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the A-C Central High School Gym in Ashland. There will be a meal following the service. There is a suggested donation per meal.

Beardstown

VFW Post 1239 will hold Memorial Services at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Art Zeeck Park, downtown Beardstown.

Cass County Courthouse News

Courthouse News

Information as recorded at the Cass County Courthouse, Virginia. Marriages: Johnnie Coultas, Virginia, and Bobbie Jo Vancil, Virginia. Jair Lopez Paz, Beardstown, and Nunez Figueroa Dayanis, Jacksonville. James David Braswell, Chandlerville, and Tiffany Lynn Daly, Beardstown. Divorces: Elizabeth Molina Rendon, from Julio S. Gonzalez.

Apple, the tabby cat

Pet of the Week

Apple is a one year old female. She is a sweet girl who is very affectionate. She is playful and silly. This beautiful girl, along with all other animals at SCHS (Schuyler County Humane Society) will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before adoption. You can meet Apple and all pets at Schuyler County Humane Society, 17000 County Farm Road in Rushville. Visitor hours are Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon, and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. You can also make an appointment by calling (217) 322-2220. Applications are available online at https://schuylerhs.com/adopt/application/.

One busy lady! Mylee Tracy set the Triopia-Meredosia-Virginia Softball single season strikeout record one day after competing in the 200 and 400 meters at the IHSA State Track Meet.

Ducks stun Lady Trojans

It looked like the Triopia-Meredosia-Virginia softball team had Havana right where they wanted them and would get sweet revenge for a post season loss to the Ducks last year. Unfortunately, a five-run seventh inning by the Ducks stunned the Trojans and gave Havana a 5 to 2 Regional Championship victory last Friday night.