Opinion: Columns

Unfortunately, oversalting sidewalks, parking lots and roadways in an effort to reduce ice-related injuries is also causing chloride toxicity in our waterways and impacts aquatic life, soil and human health, writes Julie Jesmer of DeKalb's Citizens' Environmental Commission.

This past week was a reminder of those times and that awful place

It can be difficult to stay positive

There is nothing like making a good decision and being reminded how good it was

More than two decades ago, a popular show called “The Bachelor” debuted on television.

Opinion|Vaughn: Kicking off 2025, Kishwaukee United Way teamed up with DeKalb High School for an electrifying gym rally designed to motivate students and staff to finish the academic school year on a high note.

In 1939, Ronald Reagan, now a movie star, urged his brother Neil to visit him in Hollywood and tour Warner Brothers studios. At the same time, Ronald arranged for Neil to take a screen test. The audition was so successful, Neil left his radio job and moved to California in 1940.

A brutal cold snap with several inches of snow hit Springfield as we were finishing the work of the previous Legislature and starting the new one this month

Sitting in a lake house made up of glass windows surrounded by tall, bare trees and flurries of snow, I felt like I was inside a snow globe

Where did January go? Here we are, the last weekend of the month. So much has happened already. With another week to go, it is scary to think what else could happen. And what else we could needlessly worry about

When the Manteno fire whistle sounded in the late afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 30, 1951, volunteer firefighter Paul Maisonneuve was donating a pint of blood at the Red Cross blood bank

So, is that the craziest title yet on my articles? Well, hang on.

The blessed virgin Mary is an intricate part of my life.

Many people feel they can’t have the life they want because of their past limitations or failures

Mark your calendars for Jan. 31, the next time Stowaway Bay takes over Knack Brewing and Fermentations

A man walks to the top of his hotel and finds a bar with several tables. He chooses one and sits down. After a couple of drinks, he says hello to the man seated at the next table

The year 1958 was one that 14 Kankakee boys would remember for the rest of their lives. It was the year that they came within one game of becoming the Little League World Champions

How do your eyes look at the world around you?

This column will reveal some of the surprising details about Neil "Moon" Reagan, Ronald Reagan’s older brother by two years.

Sometimes, life feels so busy I dream of having one more day in the week. How great would that be?

"The new year brings an abundance of opportunities for those in our county to access needed services," writes guest columnist Leonetta Rizzi of the McHenry County Mental Health Board.

I see so many incredible people — many I’m lucky to call friends — doing things day in and day out to make this community stronger.

Even with the best science and technology and the most skilled and experienced human resources, that is not always enough. It truly takes a village.

Aviation has always been interesting to me

The century from 1860 to 1960 saw much change in the Village of Bourbonnais

If there were a popularity poll for “Least likely to use TikTok,” I would be a strong contender.

One place I learned about recently that I’d love to visit is The Coral Castle in Florida

The story of the year is not supposed to happen on the first day of the year

In early August 1958, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Patterson, of Bourbonnais, received a telegram from Commander William Anderson, captain of the USS Nautilus

January can be a tough month.

After the legendary Charles R. Walgreen died at 66 in 1939, you might think that the connection between Dixon and the Walgreens would begin to fade. But the Walgreen connection to Dixon actually increased.

Let this be the year you face your battles, big or small, with the same fearless resolve

Opinion|Vaughn: This year, Kishwaukee United Way partnered with CST Industries for a second time to match employees with 32 families to give gifts, including winter clothing, educational toys, monetary gift cards and extra toys.

As this year closes, I can’t help but wax melancholic about where we are and the uncertainty of where we are headed, as individuals, communities and a nation.

During my childhood, Christmas was magic.

What kind of man was Charles R. Walgreen? What kind of personality could build an empire from nothing to almost 500 stores throughout the country?

Column: While the holidays bring about lots of exciting celebrations, we know this season can also bring an undue amount of stress – whether mental, emotional or financial. Here are some DeKalb County organizations that can help, writes Emily Martinez.

Bielema: Rita Crundwell's commutation was a miscarriage of justice and she should have had to the pay the full price in the name of fairness to her victims – the same ones she stole from year, after year, after year.

Sterling councilman: The issue of homelessness transcends communities, social services, organizations, agencies and all levels of government.

As a Gen-X kid, sitcoms and soap operas were my thing in the 70s and 80s.

"Our culture emphasizes the joys of gatherings, gifts and celebrations. However, the holiday season can be quite challenging for many individuals," writes guest columnist Leonetta Rizzi.

One of the beautiful aspects of poetry is that a single poem can carry a thousand meanings, depending on the reader and the circumstances under which it is read.

Most Dixonites know about the connection between the Walgreen family and Hazelwood, also known as the Walgreen Estate. Another prominent Dixon landmark connected with the Walgreens is Charles R. Walgreen Field at the Dixon Municipal Airport.

"I often refer to Giving Tuesday as the “Hallmark Holiday” for nonprofits. While it’s meant to be a day of generosity, nonprofits feel pressured to capitalize on it," writes Amy Hernon, executive director of The Community Foundation for McHenry County.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, let’s talk about gratitude.

Kishwaukee United Way has partnered with the Old Navy store in DeKalb to launch a Winter donation drive, a community effort aimed at keeping local families warm throughout the winter months, writes Michele Vaughn. Here's how to help.

In 1904, Charles Walgreen chose his hometown of Dixon as the site for his second drugstore, the Walgreen-Davis Drug Store, located at 105 W. First St. By the end of 1929, the Walgreens empire comprised 397 stores in 87 cities.

Endorphins are natural brain chemicals that can improve your sense of well-being. One of the ways to stimulate the release of endorphins is by engaging in physical activity.

Although the calendar says we still have a month to go, we are beginning our long descent into winter, literally and metaphorically.

Opinion: This year, charming downtown Sycamore is bustling with excitement, offering residents and visitors a slate of enchanting events designed to create lasting memories and celebrate the magic of the season, writes Shelby Crackel of the Sycamore Chamber.