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OREGON – The Coliseum Museum is pleased to announce the opening of the Windows to the Soul: Portraits Unveiled Art Exhibit featuring 32 artists with a total of 57 works of art on display from February 1 to March 15.
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Circle of Care offers free training to support families impacted by substance use loss

MATTOON – Circle of Care, a statewide initiative dedicated to supporting families experiencing grief and loss due to substance use related death, is proud to announce the launch of the Threads of Hope Training.

New to the Senate, new to seven committees; Senator Arellano, Jr. to be a busy man

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Li Arellano, Jr (R-Dixon) has been appointed as the Republican Spokesperson for the Illinois Senate’s Public Health Committee.

Rep. Fritts appointed to six committees for 104th G.A.

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) was appointed to serve on six committees for the 104th General Assembly.

Filly, a jaguar from Belize, makes a new home in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) is pleased to announce the safe arrival of Filly, a jaguar transferred from the Belize Zoo. Filly arrived in the evening on Thursday, January 23 after leaving Belize on January 22. She traveled via plane from Belize to the U.S. port in Miami before taking a ground transport straight to Milwaukee.
Obituaries
OBITUARIES
David J. Sprung
La MOILLE – David John Sprung, 39, of La Moille, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family after a valiant four-year battle with cancer, surprising his doctors again and again.
James G. Montavon
Florida – James G. Montavon, 90, of Dixon, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emergency Care and Trauma Center in Florida.
Robert A. Dewey
AMBOY – Robert A. Dewey, 84, of Amboy passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Genet Elaine Anderson
AMBOY – Genet Elaine Anderson passed away peacefully at 84 on January 19, 2025 in Dixon.  
Eugene T. Chandler
AMBOY – Eugene T. Chandler, 76, of Amboy, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 after a brief illness.
Teresa A. Jones
ROCKFORD – Teresa A. Jones, 61, formerly of Amboy, passed away on Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford.
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Community
local news/COMMUNITY
Natalie Pratt chosen as The First National Bank February Student of the Month
AMBOY – Natalie Pratt, daughter of Andy and Katie Pratt and senior at Amboy High School, is The First National Bank in Amboy Student of the Month for February.
Amboy High School Report 2-5-25
As I walk through classrooms this week, I have viewed students reading stories in Spanish followed with a lively debate about the historical accuracy of the films Pocahontas and Christopher Columbus. 
Amboy High School Report 1-29-25
This week, students have been signing up for classes for next year.
WACC’s December Student of the Month
Brooklyn Strub, daughter of Scott and Tammy Strub, has been named the Whiteside Area Career Center’s December of the Month.
Amboy High School Fall 2024 Honor Roll
AMBOY – Amboy High School wrapped up its fall semester in December.
Sports

Wrestling: Olson checks off life goal by becoming wrestling coach

AMBOY – When Michael Olson became the Amboy wrestling coach before the start of the 2024-25 season, he figuratively made a check mark.

Girls Basketball: Lady Clippers win eight straight; streak snapped by Eastland

AMBOY – The Amboy girls basketball team has been on a roll.

Opinion
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Web Extras

Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment

Lamar

The rapper has mastered the delicate balance between commercial success and politically charged music. How far will he push the envelope on one of the world’s biggest stages?

4 Vet-Approved Tips to Show Your Pets Love this Valentine's Day

(Family Features) For pet parents in the U.S., Valentine's Day is another chance to shower their pets with love. This Valentine's Day, consider these vet-recommended ways to show your pets just how much you love them.

Average US salary by state

SoFi examines the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state

Celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025

VRAI examines celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025, including styles, shapes, and settings.