As I sit and shiver through the rest of winter, I know it will be only a few weeks into the distance that Spring planting season will be upon us. I’m sure in machine sheds across the corn belt that many farmers have already begun the process of getting equipment ready for the season. That means one thing for sure: Plenty of busted knuckles.

Loaves & Fish Food Pantry would like to thank the community for your continued support. With your help, we were able to provide food to an average of 152 families, 376 individuals each month in 2023.

I am writing in support of Dan Janes' candidacy for Ogle County Board Member from District 5 in the upcoming March 19 Republican Primary Election district. I believe Dan is an exceptional candidate for this position because of his experience, leadership and dedication to serving his community.

Finding and affording labor are among the top challenges Illinois farmers, suppliers and processors tell me they face in 2024.

On behalf of the Floski family, I want to extend our sincerest thanks to Stan Asp, Stan Ballard and other members of the Oregon VFW Post 8739 who organized/formed the detail for military rights for the funeral of my dad, World War II U.S. Navy Pharmacist’s Mate Frank Floski Jr.

One of the primary issues on farmers’ minds in 2024 will be reauthorization of the federal farm bill. We all depend on agriculture’s success, so it’s important for farmers and ranchers to be supported by strong farm programs as they face weather disasters, high supply costs and inflationary pressure. America’s public investment in agriculture through farm bill programs helps secure our food supply and keep our country strong with sustainable food, fiber and renewable fuel.

Lowell Harp's article last week was on the hunger for civility. Civility may seem waning, but it resides with every one of us waiting to be expressed. In evidence of its current existence, I wish to extend a public thank you to John Dobbs who stopped on Illinois Route 64 Friday night to assist with a flat tire.

I would like to urge the voters in County Board District #5 to vote for and return Dan Janes to the Ogle County Board.

Too many of our politicians have lost sight of what the real problems are for the majority of the citizens of this great country. The evening news and newspaper headlines are missing what is keeping lower- and middle-class families up at night.

Recently, the NUIC voted against a proposed girls sports co-op for Freeport Aquin and Orangeville. Considering they are the smallest schools in the conference and co-op in other sports, something seemed amiss.

I am writing to lend my support to Chad Horner for Ogle County Coroner. first met Chad through his wife, Dionne. Dionne became employed by me as a freelance court reporter, and we worked together for nearly 12 years. During that time, I got to know them on both a professional and personal level.

I fully endorse Dan Janes for the Ogle County Board seat in District 5 for the upcoming March 19 Republican Primary election.

It was a good week to be a Dixon Duke, Polo basketball coach Matt Messer and bowler Trevor Anifer of Lemont. 

There’s a hunger in America for civility. I hear it again and again from people who follow this column. They mourn its decline because they understand a crucial fact: Democracy dies when civility disappears.

The Forrestville Valley School District would like to take this opportunity to say, "thank you" to our bus drivers for ensuring the safe transport of students.

With weather knocking out high-school sports this past weekend, there isn’t much to report on. However, a couple items in the Rockford area caught my attention.

Recently, I was invited by Jim Hess of Byron to view some sports scrapbooks and other artifacts he has accumulated over many decades. It was a lot of fun reading stories not just about Byron, but others schools around the county.

Having practiced law in Ogle County since 1980 and served as Ogle County Resident Circuit for over 14 years, including three years as the Chief Judge of the 15th Circuit, my wife and I wish to endorse Chad Horner for Ogle County coroner. Chad has the experience and credentials we want in a public officer.

The Ogle County Life is implementing a new political letter policy.

It was off to Dixon last week for some girls basketball, as Stillman Valley faced Rock Island Alleman in the championship game of one of the longest-running tourneys in the state at 45 years. Remember, the first IHSA girls title game wasn’t until 1977, with Sterling winning it.

Over the next five years, millions of dollars could be funneled into efforts to help farmers rotate their crops, preserve their soil, improve how their animals are fed and, along the way, significantly reduce the 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that come from agriculture.

The IHSA announced winter sports assignments and there will be some tough roads to follow in northwest Illinois for boys and girls basketball.

As I write it is Christmas Day. Mine and my family’s best to you and yours for a glorious Christmas and may the Good Lord bring you bountiful blessings as we celebrate the birth of his son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

2023 is now in the rearview mirror. I’m looking forward to 2024 because for some reason, with no scientific basis, I believe the number 24 to be my lucky number. In 365 more days I’ll be able to tell you if that proves true or not.

Walking to the Las Vegas airport to catch a flight, I ran across a few members of the Indiana Pacers. Ironically, we both had basketball on our minds, as they were in Vegas to play the Lakers in the championship of a new-fangled NBA tournament, while I was on my way to Utah to see my granddaughters play.