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Ill. workers, retirees worry about pension changes
CHICAGO (AP) — Teachers, welfare specialists and other public employees in Illinois are nervous about pension changes that lawmakers approve ...
State
UPDATED: Dec. 4, 2013 - 11:11 pm
Obama: Income inequality a defining challenge
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama prodded Congress to raise wages and secure the social safety net as he issued an overarching appeal ...
Nation & World
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:42 pm

Stakes now even higher for Detroit retirees
DETROIT (AP) — Shirley Lightsey's phone keeps ringing. As head of a group of Detroit retirees, she's trying to keep up with calls from anxio ...
Nation & World
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:30 pm

Snow day and pancakes
Snow comes with winter the way the receipt comes with groceries. Routine. Except in Baltimore. There, snow comes with winter the way Godzill ...
Food & Drink
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:03 pm

911 calls show anguish and tension in Conn. school
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — As gunfire boomed over and over in the background, a janitor begged a 911 dispatcher to send help, saying, "There's s ...
Nation & World
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:09 pm
Review: Xbox One nearly a set-top box replacement
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Xbox One won't quite replace your TV set-top box, but it comes awfully close.The latest game console from Microsoft t ...
Technology
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:01 pm

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AIDS quilt on display at Sauk
Sauk Valley Community College students walk through the east mall at the school, where three panels of the celebrated AIDS quilt was on display Wednes ...
NEW: Dec. 4, 2013 - 10:58 pm
Christmas Walk to include tree lighting and snowball drop
DIXON – Santa Claus, reindeer, hot chocolate and cookies will be in downtown Dixon on Friday night. ...
UPDATED: Dec. 4, 2013 - 11:06 pm
Dateline Dixon: Strategic planning could resume in 2 months
The city’s strategic planning could restart in about 2 months, the mayor said this week. Dixon Mayor Jim Burke said the discussions with Sikich, a Nap ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:31 pm
Officials: Stray cats pose problem in Polo
POLO – In dealing with stray cats, Polo is getting some cooperation from residents who are feeding them. The city has received complaints about four r ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:20 pm
Red alerts for fire safety raised in Dixon
DIXON – During this time of year, houses all across Dixon have wreaths hanging out front. And the two firehouses are no different. On Tuesday, the Dix ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:32 pm
Rock Falls council sends tax levy back for further study
ROCK FALLS – A first reading of the 2014 tax levy ordinance was pulled from the City Council agenda at Tuesday's meeting and the levy will undergo fur ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:34 pm
Sheley murder trial postponed
MORRISON – The murder trial of twice-convicted killer Nicholas Sheley was postponed Tuesday until May.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:35 pm
Stupor Bowl 2014 set for Feb. 1
DIXON – A day before the Super Bowl, get your trivia on by participating in Stupor Bowl 2014. The annual fundraiser for the Dixon Public Schools Found ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:43 pm
Pensions fix approved; 4 local lawmakers voted 'no'
SPRINGFIELD (AP) – The Illinois Legislature approved a historic plan Tuesday to eliminate the state's $100 billion pension shortfall, a long-delayed d ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:44 pm
Under the Radar: Trustees dress down Coloma supervisor
ROCK FALLS – Coloma Township trustees on Tuesday minced no words to the township's supervisor: Get the finances squared away. No excuses.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:45 pm

Having full team for preseason help Mustangs at Oregon
OREGON – There was a silver lining to Morrison having a rare down year in football.The Mustangs' wre ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 12:30 am
Warriors put it all together after break
STERLING – It was a tale of two different halves Tuesday night at Homer Musgrove Fieldhouse, as Sterling Girls' basketball defeated Sycamore 46-42 in ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 12:29 am
Lambrigtsen scores 20 of her 30 in second half of win
Sam Lambrigtsen poured in 30 points as the Oregon Hawks used a fourth-quarter surge to beat North Boone 64-52 on Tuesday night in Poplar Grove. Lambr ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 12:23 am
Duchesses, Warrior bowlers pick up NIB-12 victories
Margaret Thomas celebrated her 16th birthday in style at Plum Hollow on Tuesday afternoon, rolling the high series and game to lead the Dixon Duchesse ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 12:21 am
Sportshorts for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
The Dixon Dukes and Sterling Golden Warriors were well-represented on the Northern Illinois Big 12 West All-Conference team released on Tuesday.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 12:20 am
Newman senior poised for banner final season
Bryce Ivey likes to live life to the extreme. The former youth motocross state champion hopes last year's state appearance was the kick-start he neede ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 12:25 am
Missiles stand just tall enough
MILLEDGEVILLE – It was a tall order for Milledgeville to venture in amongst Morrison's trees and expect much good to happen.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 12:23 am
Oswalt lifts Comets
Mary Alice Oswalt's runner in the lane with 5 seconds left in overtime lifted Newman to a 50-48 win over Riverdale on Monday in Port Byron.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 12:22 am
Prep wrestling: 2012-13 Three Rivers Conference Capsules
Amboy ClippersCoach: Sam Jones (3rd season)2012 postseason: Placed third among nine teams at 1A Rock ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 12:20 am
Marcos good from start
ASHTON – The Polo Marcos scored the first two buckets against the AFC Raiders Saturday night in the AFC Thanksgiving Tournament.
Dec. 1, 2013 - 11:33 pm

Cathy Landis
ROCK FALLS – Cathy Landis, 63, of rural Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at her home.Visitati ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Paul W. Graehling
POLO – Paul W. Graehling, 98, of Polo, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Sandra J. Compton
ROCK FALLS – Sandra J. Compton, 77, of Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Riverview Nursing Home in East Peoria.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Charles Funderberg
AMBOY – Charles Funderberg, 84, of Dixon, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Amboy Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Alvin L. Burkhart
ASHTON – Alvin L. Burkhart, 94, of Ashton, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, in Franklin Grove.Unger-Horne ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Charles Kent Nusbaum
DIXON – Charles Kent Nusbaum, 84, of Dixon, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, on the family farm. He was a lifetime farmer, retiring in 1994.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Mickey Joe Hahn
MORRISON – Mickey Joe Hahn, 63, of Morrison, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Morrison Community Hospital.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:24 pm
Alfonso Antonio ‘Al’ Cantu Jr.
ELIZABETH – Alfonso Antonio “Al” Cantu Jr., 74, of Mount Carroll, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:17 pm
Charles Kent Nusbaum
DIXON – Charles Kent Nusbaum, 84, of Dixon, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at his home.Preston-Schilling ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:17 pm
Callie Louise Lee
STERLING – Callie Louise Lee, 91, of Sterling, passed away Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:17 pm

Police and fire reports for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:25 pm
Police and fire reports for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:15 pm
Police and fire reports for Monday, Dec. 2, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:32 pm
Police and fire reports for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Nov. 30, 2013 - 12:10 am
Police reports for Friday, Nov. 29, 2013
Sterling PoliceKeith White, 44, of Sterling; 5:08 p.m. Wednesday at Lynn Boulevard and Locust Street ...
Nov. 28, 2013 - 10:48 pm
Information about burglary sought
STERLING – Sterling Police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a burglary that took place during daytime Thursday.
Nov. 28, 2013 - 10:47 pm
Police reports for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:41 am
Police and fire reports for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Nov. 25, 2013 - 10:01 pm
Police and fire reports for Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Nov. 24, 2013 - 9:59 pm
Police and fire reports for Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013
Community Watch: A list of accidents, arrests, fires, and other calls answered by local public safety departments.
Nov. 22, 2013 - 7:58 pm

Most vital fact, consumer cost, was omitted
I generally try not to “shoot the messenger,” complain about the treatment and the lack of reliable and/or a sound perspective in political reporting. ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm
Be prepared for next cougar
He was lean, athletic, and had traveled hundreds of miles, most likely from the Black Hills of south ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm
Turkeys most likely went to taxpayers
I read again SVM reporter Mr. Giuliani’s column (Saturday, Nov. 30) regarding the Thanksgiving basket distribution that, and I quote, “I’m betting tha ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:22 pm
Thank you to those on the ‘other side’
I would like to respond to Don and Sheryl Noble [“Letter writer speaks out, earns respect,” The Reader’s Voice, Nov. 20] and Charles Becker [“Writer e ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:26 pm
Shooting of cougar sad but necessary
It was very sad to see the cougar shot and killed here in Morrison. Such a beautiful and majestic animal. I wish it could have been tranquilized, but ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:26 pm
Five years left till bicentennial; let’s plan for it
Illinois observes its 195th birthday today. It was officially admitted to the union on Dec. 3, 1818. How will Illinois celebrate the big 2-0-0? It’s c ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:51 pm
From our archives: Snappy uniforms needed for military
Note to readers – Sauk Valley Media reprints editorials and articles from the past as a regular Monday feature. The following items appeared in the Te ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 10:35 am
Helping victims: It’s what Americans do
The worst is over. Now let’s get on to the best – rebuilding lives and homes.How many times has it b ...
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:34 pm
After the storms, don’t lose spirit of helping others
The stories of people reaching out and doing wonderful things to benefit the tornado victims could fill this newspaper for a solid week.
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:34 pm
Adults must do their part to report abuse
As the rape crisis center for Lee and Whiteside counties, the YWCA of the Sauk Valley would like to share information because of the area’s recent dis ...
Nov. 30, 2013 - 12:13 am

(Video) Newman dominates Staunton in championship
Newman won 40-13 over Staunton in the Class 2A title game at Northern Illinois University. The Comets added its fifth state championship win on Friday ...
Nov. 29, 2013 - 9:00 pm
Newman Coach Papoccia Talks Staunton
Newman coach Mike Papoccia talks about Staunton quarterback Jake Bruhn, and what he offers the Bulldogs offense, as the Comets approach Friday's 2A fo ...
Nov. 26, 2013 - 6:24 pm
(Video) Comets blank Mercer County to advance to state
The Newman Comets won the 2A semifinal 14-0 on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. Click to see video ...
Nov. 23, 2013 - 5:57 pm
Raw Video: Press Conference by IDNR
Region 1 Commander Robert Frazier leads a press conference, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. Click to see vide ...
Nov. 22, 2013 - 5:05 pm
Football: SVM previews Mercer County at Newman
Sauk Valley Media assistant sports editor Christopher Heimerman and sports correspondent Patrick Petrosky preview Mercer County at Newman in this week ...
Nov. 19, 2013 - 6:12 pm
Four Downs: Quarterfinal Playoffs, H.S. Football Recap
Four Downs: An SVM sports video feature that recaps the previous week's high school football action around the Sauk Valley.
Nov. 19, 2013 - 5:59 pm
Rock Falls natives survive Washington, Ill. twister
Alyssa Valdez and Beau Ebenezer saw a funnel cloud from the balcony of their second-floor apartment in Washington, Ill., late Sunday morning. They had ...
Nov. 18, 2013 - 5:04 pm
(Video) Football: Comets Advance Past Momence
The Newman Comets beat the Momence Redskins 34-33 on Saturday, Nov. 16. Click to see video ...
Nov. 16, 2013 - 10:02 pm
(Video) Football: SVM previews Newman at Momence
Sauk Valley Media assistant sports editor Christopher Heimerman previews Newman at Momence in this week's SVM BLITZ.
Nov. 12, 2013 - 9:42 pm
(Video) Football: TD on First Drive Sets Tone; Comets Tame 'Catz
Perfection has been displayed in many ways throughout the course of human history. A writer might contend that Shakespeare achieved perfection with "H ...
Nov. 9, 2013 - 8:55 pm

An ugly word in our language
Justin Coltrain, who is charged with a hate crime in an August fight in Ogle County, says he is not a racist. But Coltrain, who is white, didn't help ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 4:05 pm
Like what you see on the front page?
What to put on the front page is a big decision every day – one in which readers often disagree. In an email, one woman objected to our lead story, "V ...
Nov. 28, 2013 - 11:05 pm
Day meetings good for working folks?
Last week, the Lee County Board resisted the idea of holding meetings at night – the time most working people can attend. The vote was 12-10 in favor ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 9:10 am
Sure would like to hear from Gene
In his re-election campaign last year, Whiteside County Board member Gene Jacoby pushed for openness. In a statement in our newspaper, he wrote, "As e ...
Nov. 21, 2013 - 4:07 pm
All for choice on helmets, but...
When it comes to helmets and seat belts, I'm on the side of choice and freedom. If you want to ride your bike and let the breeze blow through your hai ...
Nov. 18, 2013 - 4:14 pm
Unnecessarily complex
One of the biggest objections to Obamacare is it'll make health insurance more bureaucratic. I'll leave that debate to others, but let's make one thin ...
Nov. 8, 2013 - 12:21 pm
Rock Falls shoppers help Sterling
Just like everywhere else in Illinois, Cherry Valley residents have to pay property taxes – for schools, township, county, other entities. But not for ...
Nov. 5, 2013 - 3:00 pm
A concern for offenders'' privacy?
In September, we reported on a father-and-son duo who attacked Benjamin Brainerd in Sterling earlier this year. The father, James Velasquez, asked Bra ...
Nov. 1, 2013 - 2:19 pm
No need for bureaucratic middleman
It took years, but government is finally becoming more transparent, thanks to a nonprofit group. The other day, a story from July 2008 caught my eye. ...
Oct. 29, 2013 - 1:12 pm
Too many government agencies?
Slowly but surely over the years, government agencies have been merging around here. The evidence is often seen in the clunky hyphenated names in gove ...
Oct. 25, 2013 - 9:50 am

Wipfli team earns recognition
MILWAUKEE – Wipfli LLP, a professional services firm, announced that its Turnaround and Restructuring Services group was honored with the Turnaround o ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:31 am
Sterling builder attends course
MAZOMANIE, Wis. – Ryan Hartman of Andersen Statewide Buildings LLC of Sterling participated in the 3-day Wick Buildings Builder School refresher cours ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:31 am
Sterling woman joins food sales company
STERLING – Melinda McCarter of Sterling has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc.
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:31 am
Hibbett Sporting Goods now open
DIXON – Hibbett Sporting Goods has opened its newest location in Dixon.The store, 1620 Miller St., w ...
Nov. 30, 2013 - 12:20 am
Local YMCA CEO recently honored
STERLING – Andy Thornton, CEO of Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, received the Illinois Chief Club Award at the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs annua ...
Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:24 am
Bank manager earns promotion
STERLING – Jon Byar, banking center manager at Midland States Bank’s Sterling office, has been promoted to commercial relationship manager.
Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:23 am
Cost Cutters helps fight cancer
STERLING – Cost Cutters hair salons in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin recently donated $3,424 to the southern Wisconsin affiliate for Susan ...
Nov. 22, 2013 - 9:22 am
Urban Outlet likely to move downtown
STERLING – Urban Outlet, a clothing store at Northland Mall, appears to be moving downtown. The stor ...
Nov. 22, 2013 - 7:48 pm
Rochelle announces $1.5 million airport expansion
ROCHELLE – In the mid 1940s, business man, LaVerne Schultz, created a grass runway near his factory on state Route 251 South, first known as Schultz F ...
Nov. 15, 2013 - 9:09 am
Morrison students honored at luncheon
MORRISON – Members of Morrison Rotary Club met October Students of the Month, Brandi Hosford and Cory Brown of Morrison High School, during the Oct. 2 ...
Nov. 15, 2013 - 9:10 am

Lee finance panel changes venue
DIXON – The Lee County Finance Committee’s next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Lee County ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:25 pm
Transit meeting is Dec. 9 in Sterling
STERLING – A summit on transit and transportation services will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 in the kitchen at Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. N ...
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:32 pm
Sign-up open for Alzheimer’s program
ROCHELLE – A program on dealing with seasonal stress while caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Hub C ...
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:32 pm
VietNow tree lighting Saturday
DIXON – The Rock River Valley Chapter of VietNow’s 25th annual POW/MIA Christmas tree lighting and vigil will be held Saturday at Veterans Memorial Pa ...
Dec. 1, 2013 - 10:31 pm
Band, choral to perform at school
PAW PAW – Winter music concerts have been scheduled at Paw Paw schools.The concert for kindergarten ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:09 am
Nominations for leader sought
MORRISON – Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District staff are accepting nominations through 4 p.m. Jan. 6 for the district’s director pos ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:30 am
Honor Rolls
Polo Community High SchoolHigh HonorsFreshmen: Marcus Almasy, Matthew Binkley, Brenner Bushman, Fabi ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:09 am
Food basket website launched
Making the Most of Your Food Basket Donations is a newly-developed website by the University of Illinois Extension that can help.
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:25 am
...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:29 am
Musicians to sing Christmas cantata
LANARK – The Carroll County Singers will present “Appalachian Winter,” a Christmas cantata, at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at Lanark Church of the ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 10:09 am

Review: Xbox One nearly a set-top box replacement
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Xbox One won't quite replace your TV set-top box, but it comes awfully close.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:01 pm
Small toy magnets growing danger to teens and tots
ORLANDO, Fla. — Christin Rivas, 14, was fascinated by the small, round toy magnets that you can sculpt into shapes and use to perform magic tricks.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:21 pm
Netflix sets 'House of Cards' return on Feb. 14
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The second season of Netflix's political thriller, "House of Cards," will debut on Valentine's Day next year.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:23 pm
'Game of Thrones' to be used to promote N. Ireland
LONDON (AP) — "Game of Thrones" has drawn in millions of viewers. Can it bring in tourists, too?Tour ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:22 pm
Study: Oxytocin boosts social acuity in children with autism
LOS ANGELES — Oxytocin, the “cuddle” hormone that makes mothers’ milk flow, men faithful to their mates and even tough negotiators more trusting, also ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 2:34 pm
Snow day and pancakes
Snow comes with winter the way the receipt comes with groceries. Routine. Except in Baltimore. There, snow comes with winter the way Godzilla comes wi ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:03 pm
Capture the benefits of cranberries
Among the fruit group, cranberries are one of the top contenders for richest in health-promoting antioxidants. Cranberries and cranberry juice have lo ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:07 pm
Wine gifts galore for the holidays
You know the type: He or she already has a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, 65 corkscrews, a dozen too-cute wine posters (“Wine a little; you’ll feel better” ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:00 pm
Unhappy woman should just cut her losses
Dear Abby: I have been with my fiance since 2006. We expected to be married in 2008, but my grandmother died a month before my wedding, and then he wa ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:05 pm
Woman saddened by partner who doesn’t want kids
Dear Abby: I am a 38-year-old woman who has been dating a 41-year-old man for 7 months. He's wonderful and treats me magnificently. We have similar va ...
Dec. 2, 2013 - 11:26 pm

Snow day and pancakes
Snow comes with winter the way the receipt comes with groceries. Routine. Except in Baltimore. There, snow comes with winter the way Godzilla comes wi ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:03 pm
Capture the benefits of cranberries
Among the fruit group, cranberries are one of the top contenders for richest in health-promoting antioxidants. Cranberries and cranberry juice have lo ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:07 pm
Wine gifts galore for the holidays
You know the type: He or she already has a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, 65 corkscrews, a dozen too-cute wine posters (“Wine a little; you’ll feel better” ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 9:00 pm
Talkin' turkey with Butterball CEO
NEW YORK (AP) – Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving, says Butterball CEO Rod Brenneman. Whether it's turkey sausage for breakfast, turkey medallions on ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am
Homemade for health and wealth
I was speaking with a friend this week who told me that she asked her kids “What is the one dish you could not do without for Thanksgiving?” After hea ...
Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am
Pot pie perfection
Now is when the menu changes, when pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil retires to also-ran status, when the prospect of gravy makes our mouth water.
Nov. 27, 2013 - 8:47 am
Don’t waste a can of chipotles
Q: A lot of recipes call for a teaspoon or tablespoon of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, but then yo ...
Nov. 19, 2013 - 6:46 pm
Sweet history: Early American desserts connect us deliciously with tradition
Desserts are the sweet stuff of which memories are made, particularly in a holiday season, a time typically so rich with recollections. Salute that sp ...
Nov. 19, 2013 - 9:30 pm
Be selective during holidays
Our first snowfall reminded me that the holidays are quickly approaching. Holidays bring joy, excitement and happiness. They also can bring anxiety, c ...
Nov. 19, 2013 - 6:46 pm
Better health doesn’t come without hard work
Have you ever heard the expression “anything worth having is worth working for”?A lot of people say ...
Nov. 12, 2013 - 7:59 pm

Pension fight could create deeper fiscal hole
SPRINGFIELD (AP) — With the fight over solving Illinois' worst-in-the-nation pension shortfall now headed to the courts, the financially troubled stat ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 5:16 pm
George Lucas donates $25M to Chicago charity
CHICAGO (AP) — The George Lucas Foundation will donate $25 million to an after-school program for children in Chicago over the next five years.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:20 pm
Ill. workers, retirees worry about pension changes
CHICAGO (AP) — Teachers, welfare specialists and other public employees in Illinois are nervous about pension changes that lawmakers approved Tuesday ...
UPDATED: Dec. 4, 2013 - 11:11 pm
Former NBA player gets 8 years in Illinois prison
DANVILLE (AP) — Former NBA player Keon Clark has received an eight-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to two charges.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:04 pm
Post office becomes outpost after tornadoes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The post office in the central Illinois city of Washington is becoming a hub in the tornado-ravaged community as more than 1,400 peo ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:05 pm
Unions vow legal fight as Illinois lawmakers OK pension overhaul
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers narrowly approved a historic, sweeping overhaul of government worker pension systems Tuesday, overcoming years of pol ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 2:33 pm
Pensions fix approved; 4 local lawmakers voted 'no'
SPRINGFIELD (AP) – The Illinois Legislature approved a historic plan Tuesday to eliminate the state's $100 billion pension shortfall, a long-delayed d ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 10:44 pm
Ill. Legislature OKs fix for $100B pension crisis
SPRINGFIELD (AP) — The Illinois Legislature approved a historic plan Tuesday to eliminate the state's $100 billion pension shortfall, with a vote that ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 5:24 pm
Gov. Quinn praises pension legislation
SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn says the people of Illinois have won after lawmakers approved a major overhaul aimed at solving the state's $100 bil ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 5:20 pm
4 Chicago Sun-Times photographers to be rehired
CHICAGO (AP) — The union representing the Chicago Sun-Times photographers who lost their jobs when the entire photography staff was fired this year sa ...
Dec. 3, 2013 - 5:20 pm

Stakes now even higher for Detroit retirees
DETROIT (AP) — Shirley Lightsey's phone keeps ringing. As head of a group of Detroit retirees, she's trying to keep up with calls from anxious pension ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:30 pm
Obama: Income inequality a defining challenge
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama prodded Congress to raise wages and secure the social safety net as he issued an overarching appeal Wednesday ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:42 pm
Hunt on in Mexico for stolen radioactive load
VERACRUZ, Mexico (AP) — A cargo truck hauling extremely dangerous radioactive material from used medical equipment was stolen from a gas station in Me ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:57 pm
Boy pleads not guilty to killing teacher
SALEM, Mass. (AP) — A 14-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery charges Wednesday in the killing of his high sch ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 3:37 pm
Newsweek to start printing again next year
NEW YORK (AP) — Paper copies of Newsweek will again roll off the presses starting next year. Edito ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 3:55 pm
Student debt up in 2012, report finds
WASHINGTON — Seven in 10 students who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 2012 had student loan debt, with an average debt of $29,400, according to a ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 3:42 pm
U.S.-China: Talks but no consensus on air zone row
BEIJING (AP) — In candid, face-to-face talks, Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping traded arguments Wednesday over China's conten ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 2:36 pm
HealthCare.gov sees enrollment jump after website repairs, source says
WASHINGTON — In the clearest sign yet that the federal health insurance website is vastly improved, about 29,000 people enrolled in insurance plans in ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 2:24 pm
USDA announces new plan to combat salmonella
The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a new plan Wednesday to reduce the number of salmonella outbreaks linked to meat and poultry.
Dec. 4, 2013 - 2:23 pm
911 calls show anguish and tension in Conn. school
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — As gunfire boomed over and over in the background, a janitor begged a 911 dispatcher to send help, saying, "There's still shoot ...
Dec. 4, 2013 - 4:09 pm

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