BHS Youth Volleyball Camp announced

New Beardstown High School Volleyball Coach Micah Guijosa has announced a summer youth volleyball camp in July. The volleyball team will offer a summer camp for students in grades 3-8, with plans to deliver a well-rounded experience that encompasses basic volleyball skills, competitive game play, and supplementary learning experiences.

Beardstown Softball All-Stars selected

The Beardstown Baseball-Softball Association has announced the selection of the 2025 Softball All Star Teams for the 9- and 10-year-old and the 11- and 12-year-old levels. Named to the 9- and 10-year-old team were Rosalee Paul, Brailey Hager, Isadora Sanchez, Davidson Pate, Ellie Whitehead, Sofia Figueroa, Abigail Massie, Finnley Cook, Jeimy Orbe Figueroe, Korynn Angelo, Kyndal Gebhardt, and Gemma Rhodes.

Beardstown Baseball All-Stars selected

The Beardstown Baseball-Softball Association has announced the selection of the 2025 Baseball All Star Teams for the 9- and 10-year-old and the 11- and 12-year-old levels. Named to the 9- and 10-year-old team for the Tigers were Drew Alloway, Asher Dawson, Kannon Maltby, Athan Martinez, Quinn Richards, Gage Cooper, Jackson Looker, Grayson French, Vinny Mercedes, Alain Mwimbi, Keelan Pilger and Reed Whitehead.

Area youth baseball roundup

With the Little League Baseball regular season having drawn to a close, there was only one game to report on last week. The JAM Ink Tigers knocked off the Brown County Bulldogs in a thriller 10 to 9.

Virginia FFA honored at State Convention

Members of the Virginia FFA chapter attended the 97th annual Illinois FFA State Convention June 10-12 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2025 theme of “The Final Mission,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.

Silent, slimy pests of the shade: Slugs

If you have noticed ragged, irregular holes in your hostas or other broad-leaf garden plants, you may be dealing with garden slugs. These soft-bodied pests can be found in shady, moist gardens, and although small, they can cause significant damage.

Pet of the Week

Hardy was born in October 2022 and came to the shelter on February 19, 2023. He is very lovable and gets along great with other cats.

Treasures found while cleaning drawers

Since I only work two and a half days a week, I should get a lot done at home, right? I wish! Even though I’ve been officially retired since 2014, it wasn’t long before I started getting antsy. Don’t get me wrong, I love retirement.

What is the summer solstice and what's notable about this day?

June is a month to look forward to for a number of reasons. June is home to Father's Day; the end of the school year in many locales; vacations often take place in June; and the summer solstice occurs for people living in the northern hemisphere.

Water recreation safety tips

Fun in the sun often involves playing in the water. Whether you're soaking up some rays in a backyard pool, catching some ocean waves on a surfboard or sliding your way across a Slip 'N Slide, there's no shortage of ways to incorporate water into warm weather recreation.