cinnamon rolls

Bits & Pieces – From games to homemade cinnamon rolls

The holidays are over and the New Year has arrived. School is back in session and most of us have settled down into a routine again. 

My daughter, Tarra, and her son, Mason, came for a few days visit on Dec. 27th. We always have a good time and they usually bring a few games. One of the games we played was Clue, a game I had never played in my life. So, of course, it’s always fun to try to teach the old lady who has to play 100 times before she finally gets it. Obviously, we didn’t play 100 times because I only won one and I think that was by accident. On the other hand, Tarra won most of them with Mason winning a few.

Virginia, IL Logo

Virginia Council holds brief meeting

Virginia City Council met Monday night and held a very brief meeting.

The 2nd reading of a proposal to impose a franchise fee for Casscomm unanimously failed.

Also, a 60-month lease agreement with Watts Copy was approved for a Sharp copier.

Focus on Faith

Focus on Faith – Reflections and directions for 2024

Isaiah 43:18-19 - “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” 

The world that we live in is ever-changing. Some of the challenges we are facing include climate change, wars and military conflicts, global health issues, and poverty to name a few. Each of us face our own personal challenges in life, both individually and as families.

New Year, New Laws: SOS Initiated Laws Take Effect

Several new laws initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias take effect January 1. The initiatives were passed in 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly before being signed into law.

 “I wish all Illinoisans a safe, healthy and happy New Year. The laws going into effect today will make our roads safer, increase voter access and protect our libraries and librarians,” Giannoulias said. “But this is just the beginning. My office has big plans for 2024 as we continue to strive to deliver the best possible results for all Illinoisans.”

Chowder

Pl. Plains set annual Soup & Chili supper

Pleasant Plains Masonic Lodge #700 A.F. & A.M. is continuing its annual February tradition of holding a Soup and Chili Supper on Friday, Feb. 2nd. 

This fundraising event will be at the Pleasant Plains Community Building and serving from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The all-you-can-eat Soup and Chili Supper menu will be vegetable soup or chili, hot dogs, dessert, and coffee, tea or milk. Carry-outs will be available.

State Farm ranks Illinois as #2 in nation for 2023 frozen pipe claims 

With bitterly and dangerous cold temperatures beginning this weekend and extending into next week, now is the time to think about reducing the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold temperatures, there are a variety of simple things homeowners can do to keep their homes safe, including protecting pipes from freezing.

Courthouse News

Courthouse News

Information as recorded at the Cass County Courthouse, Virginia. Marriages: Rubisnel Rivera, Beardstown, and Irma Jasso, Beardstown. Rosa Del Pilar Soler Olivera, Beardstown, and Alexis Sanchez Marinez, Beardstown.

blood donation

Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage 

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Trojans

Boys and girls Triopia Varsity hoops

The Triopia-Meredosia-Virginia basketball programs picked up some much-needed rest following the Lady Tiger Classic and the Waverly Holiday Tournament as the girls played just one game last week and the boys played two, waiting until Thursday to get back into action. The girls suffered a disappointing loss on the road at Rushville/Industry on Tuesday. The boys squeezed in a WIVC win over Pleasant Hill before an opening round win over Carlinville in the Winchester Invitational Tournament on Saturday. 

BJHS Tigers get swept away by Tornados

They played a game at home and a game on the road last week, but the result was the same each time for the Beardstown seventh and eighth grade boys’ basketball teams as they lost all four contests. On Tuesday, at home the Tigers lost to West Central and on Thursday on the road they fell to Griggsville-Perry.