There’s a great deal riding on James Gunn’s Superman. Not only is this the initial entry of what promises to be a revitalized, expansive cinematic universe featuring the DC Comics’ characters, but it is also an opportunity to remind people what the Man of Steel represents. Gunn has stated the timing couldn’t be better for […]
Newsletter – Event
Posted inFood & Drink
Cool beans for warm days
Growing up in the Midwest, I had to attend many potlucks. These communal gatherings often featured dishes that, to modern tastes, seem pretty bewildering. My mother, by her own admission a poor cook, regularly contributed a solid block of Philadelphia cream cheese, generously blanketed with Sau-See Shrimp Cocktail – tiny shrimp swimming in a bland, […]
Posted inMusic
Jumpin’ July music
Bring it on, I say, as we power on through July with more music happening than you could shake several sticks at, if that was something you wanted to do. We’re right in the thick of it, so let’s go find something to keep us rocking and a-rolling along. First up, since it’s the second […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Grease at The Legacy: It’s electrifying!
The current run of Grease at The Legacy Theatre glows with happy memories and non-stop grins. Director and producer Scott Richardson said, “I only saw Grease once, at the 1994 London production with Debbie Gibson, and it was a trip.” The show is brightly entertaining with resounding energy, especially in its iconic song-and-dance numbers choreographed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Morgan County Fair
Need to get to a county fair? The Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville will fill the bill. Enjoy some of what Morgan County has to offer from thrilling carnival rides and games to livestock shows and agricultural exhibits. Savor delicious fair food, watch exciting events at the grandstand such as the demolition derby and tractor […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jurassic World; Rebirth and M3GAN 2.0 both solid sequels, Heads of State all action, no plot
Rebirth may be familiar, but it still has bite Do we need another Jurassic Park movie? I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’d reply in the affirmative to that question, other than the executives at Universal Pictures. While the studio has had their share of misses at the box office over the last year, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Visit Illinois Beach State Park
East from Illinois Beach State Park, Lake Michigan glistens and beckons anyone seeking summer fun in the sun. Plenty of beach lovers answer the call, if packed parking lots on the weekends are any indication. Tucked into the far northeastern part of the state, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities four hours from […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Council tackles property blight, hears plea for youth mental health support
Vacant and neglected properties dominated the council’s attention this week: updates on the long-delayed demolition at South Grand and Wheeler, legal hurdles with apartments at Old Towne and West Washington, new concerns about the abandoned Hardee’s on Toronto Road and a stalled project at MacArthur and Laurel. Frustration is mounting as overgrown grass, safety issues […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bring on the brats
We’ve been on a bratwurst kick in my house lately. It’s high season around here with summer theater and sports and way too much garden to look after, so simple meals that yield easy leftovers have been on regular rotation. Brats, once eschewed by my kids, have suddenly become the new favorite. I’ve taken to […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Student support efforts and Brighter Futures grant results
The board opened with a somber moment, reflecting on the recent loss of a student and a renewed commitment to student support — especially after a difficult year for local high schools. Key updates from the meeting: – Summer meal programs, back-to-school events, and reminders for families to get physicals and immunizations done early. – […]
Posted inMusic
Music for the 4th and more
With June done, we’re basically halfway through 2025, hitting our summertime stride with plenty of hot outdoor activities, but keeping it cool with indoor fun stuff as well. As our Independence Day falls on a Friday, it’s an extended weekend for many and that means more music made and more time to go experience said […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Prom at the Hoogland is an inspiration
In 2010, a controversy erupted in the Itawamba County School District in Indiana. A lesbian student wanted to bring her girlfriend to the school prom and the school refused, choosing instead to cancel the prom for all students. A second prom was scheduled which was also canceled, a lawsuit was filed with the ACLU, a […]
