[05-24-2013] Our hearts are broken by the devastation and loss of life due to the tornadoes in Shawnee and Moore. The Red Cross is currently helping those affected by the Oklahoma City tornado by providing shelter, food, relief supplies and a shoulder to lean on. For the latest news and updates about the Red Cross response to these tragedies and the weekend’s storms, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or follow http://www.twitter.com/redcross. ... (Read More)

[05-24-2013] Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) voted in the House Wednesday for legislation that would enable construction of the Keystone XL pipeline (HR 3), which would bring North American crude oil to the Midwest and Gulf Coast refineries. “The Administration is holding up this project that would create 20,000 direct jobs with its construction and thousands of additional spinoff jobs. This bill takes the President out of the decision making and allows the project to move forward,” Shimkus said. “A ... (Read More)

[05-24-2013] A girls basketball camp will be held at Kaskaskia College in Centralia the week of June 17th and 18th. The camp is for girls entering kindergarten through eighth grade and will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost for the camp is $30.00 and includes a camp t-shirt. The camp will be instructed by Kaskaskia College Women’s Basketball Coach Shane Larson and current players. The camp will give individual instruction on the fundamentals of the game of basketball. Pre‑registration is required. ... (Read More)

[05-23-2013] The Office of Continuing/Community Education at Kaskaskia College would like to announce the schedule for KICK classes to be held in Centralia in June. It’s a Bug’s Life - Are insects driving you buggy? Scientists say that, at any given time, about 10 quintillion insects inhabit Earth. Why not take some time, as summer days -- and swarms of insects descend upon us -- to learn about these tiny animals. This class will be held Tuesday and Thursday, June 11 and 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The ... (Read More)

[05-23-2013] (By Scott Reeder) - Shortly before World War II, Norman Rockwell painted an image depicting a working man standing to speak at a government meeting. Surrounded by men in suits, he stood there in a flannel shirt and a laborer’s jacket with an agenda stuck in it pocket. The message was clear. We are a nation where the freedom to petition one’s government isn’t limited to a privileged class. Not so much in Springfield. Springfield insiders eat ordinary folks for lunch. I’ve seen it time and time again ... (Read More)

[05-23-2013] President Obama has proclaimed June as National Great Outdoors Month! The President’s proclamation urges all Americans to spend time in the great outdoors and to uphold our nation’s legacy of conserving our lands for future generations. With school out and summer just around the corner, there's no better time to take your family outdoors for some active adventures! Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range ... (Read More)