Opinion: Columns

Communities that are united and have solidarity are strong communities. Look at what Dixon and Rock Falls have accomplished as one-for-all communities. Sterling could do the same and when they do, the results will be spectacular.

This past week, my husband and I watched “Mission Pluto” on the National Geographic channel.

Considered a hot ticket in the independent music world, Turn Turn Turn will perform Sept. 14 at The Dixon: Historic Theatre.

Examples of grains that go well in salads include brown rice, farro or quinoa. Roasted butternut squash, beets or sweet potatoes also are great for cool weather salads.

The McHenry County Mental Health Board will host its annual Community Connections Summit on Friday, Sept. 13, at McHenry County College.

In all the history of the Dixon area, it’s likely that no other homegrown native has reached such pinnacles of business success as George Ham Page.

Our souls give us the ability to learn, grow, question, study the arts and humanities, science and mathematics – and to find meaning in them – not just as they apply now, but how they have evolved over thousands of generations and numerous civilizations.

The McHenry County Conservation District is helping to reconstruct former prairies, providing new homes for a variety of wildlife species, including the federally endangered rusty-patched bumblebee.

Autumn is written into my bones – so much so that these shifts in the atmosphere that take place each year register deep within my soul.

Opinion: Kishwaukee United Way is preparing to launch a new digital program which will aim to help individuals attain access to basic resources that provide an immediate hand up and not a hand out, writes Michele Vaughn.

A new seminar of GriefShare for the Sauk Valley is beginning from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Sauk Valley Community Church.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, The Dixon: Historic Theatre will again show "Reagan" in the theater that President Reagan used to sit in.

Beyond Trim: Working our body against resistance, whether you use machines, free weights, resistance bands or your own body weight, ensures our muscles will be able to handle the tasks of daily life well into our golden age.

The Methodists were the first to organize in 1837, but the Baptists and Episcopalians would soon follow. All these churches would share the use of Dixon’s first school house, erected in 1837.

Gus Walz showed the world this week what it means to live with embodied heart.

Opinion: A special thank you to all of you who make DeKalb County such a wonderful place. It has been an honor to serve with you, writes outgoing DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory.

Opinion: As a student, I saw Northern Illinois University as an opportunity to learn for my future career, grow outside of my hometown, meet new people and experience new things. Let's help welcome the latest group to DeKalb, writes Anna Wilson of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

What is your favorite thing about being alive?

CGH healthy lifestyles coordinator: Since water is the most important nutrient for humans to consume, it’s good to know that watermelon is over 90% water by weight. What a tasty way to hydrate!

The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Aug. 22 will show the new movie, “Reagan,” on its enormous screen with its state-of-the-art sound system. The film premiered in Los Angeles at the Ronald Reagan Public Library.

Challenge your students to not only improve their attendance from the previous year but also be under a reasonable number of missed days, McHenry County regional schools Superintendent Diana Hartmann writes.

Opinion: Locally, units of government aim for transparency. Some achieve better results than others, but it would be almost impossible without local media, writes DeKalb County Administrator Brian Gregory.

Sterling alderman: Rockford, Sycamore, Mt. Morris, Dixon, Rock Falls, and now Sterling are discussing creating the right incentives to stimulate a stagnant housing development market.

When was the last time you gave your soul a nature bath?

Wadsworth: When did the frontier town of Dixon first “get religion?” What denomination was the first to get established here? How did it happen? Did the town oppose the early religious folks? I researched a variety of sources, such as early church records, to find the answers.

It is an election year, and you know what that means. We are submerged in a sea of soul-depleting negative energy. There seems to be no escape from it.

Endangered Blanding's turtles are getting head-start help from the McHenry County Conservation District.

Richter: Stop by the Meusel’s Dairy Delite in Dixon from 2-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, when 20% of all sales will be donated to United Way of Lee County.

As summer winds down and families gear up for the new school year, Corner Fringe Ministries Dixon, in partnership with Freedom Outreach Center, is here to lend a helping hand with our back-to-school clothing drive.

When Bob Newhart died last week at the age of 94, I felt a personal loss.

July brought new changes to state laws.

What qualities do you look for in a leader? Think about the qualities you appreciate in a boss.

Of all the accolades heaped on the departed ferryman, his most frequently cited virtue was his generosity.

McHenry Alderwoman Chris Bassi shares her thoughts on proposed downtown development.

Soberness is based on availing ourselves to sound clear thinking, and subsequently allowing sound decision making to be afforded in each circumstance.

I believe nature speaks.

The Dixon: Historic Theatre has plans to offer playwriting, sketch writing like Saturday Night Live, acting and auditioning, and for you brave souls, stand-up comedy – all of which will have performances at the theater.

I recently went into St. Stephen Church in Streator for the first time since it was permanently shuttered in October, as a result of structural concerns.

On May 11, 1876, 91-year-old John Dixon followed his routine of walking to the post office from his home in North Dixon (at Jefferson and Bradshaw). But later that day, as the Chicago Tribune reported, he was “struck with palsy," which probably meant that he suffered a stroke.

There’s still time to sign up for the annual run on July 6.

Dietary supplements can mean vitamins but also minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, etc. They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies and powders as well as drinks and energy bars.

This space — managed by the Geneva Park District, City of Geneva, and Forest Preserve District of Kane County — is now home to a new family of Carniolan Honey Bees!

Opinion|Vaughn: Lehan Drugs will host its annual community outreach 5K fundraiser run/walk in partnership with Kishwaukee United Way at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 and all are invited.

You might not be familiar with the term “hold space,” but I guarantee the concept is one from which we all can benefit.

Little runners aged 9 and under can participate for free.

United Way of Lee County also spotlights Franklin Creek Conservation Association, Dixon Community Gardens.

Summertime social gatherings can be triggering for individuals grappling with substance use disorder, writes Leonetta Rizzi, director of the McHenry County Mental Health Board.

Artistic producer: Do you have ideas for bands? Or any other events?

Running the Reagan Run can be more than just a physical challenge for a company. It can foster a sense of community, promote wellness and strengthen team dynamics.

Here I am, nearly 40 years later, often wandering into my own little world in a sea of animated chatter.