Bushnell-Prairie City High School's FFA program has another reason to celebrate this summer, thanks to the remarkable achievements of one of its members, Harper Hess.

On August 14th, the father-daughter duo JustUs took the Apex Stage at the Illinois State Fair, delivering a memorable two-hour performance. The band, known for their unique blend of musical styles, showcased their talents to the diverse audience of passersby and dedicated fans.

Downtown Macomb was alive with the sounds of dribbling basketballs and cheering spectators on Saturday, August 10th, as the 2nd Annual 3-on-3 No Take Backs Tournament took over the streets outside Sports Corner Bar.

The picturesque town of Bushnell, nestled in the heart of the Forgottonia region, has witnessed its local florist make a heartwarming transition between generations. After decades of dedicated service, Mary Mendenhall, the beloved owner of The Flower Junction, has passed the torch to a young and passionate entrepreneur, Ashton Chandler.

The first art show of the 2024-25 academic year at Carl Sandburg College will feature Peoria artist Lisa Nelson Raabe's "Prayers of Steel" exhibit, inspired by Carl Sandburg's poem.

Canton native Brent Wheeler will become the Canton Park District's sixth executive director on September 9th, succeeding Jon Johnson, who retired on June 28th after 18 years in the role.

On Saturday, September 21st, 2024, Monmouth will come alive with the joyful sounds of runners, walkers, and wagging tails as the Freedom Ride Animal Rescue hosts its 1st annual 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk & Wag.

As summer transitions to fall, the Bushnell community shifts its focus to preserving a local treasure: the Bushnell Community Pool.

Two members of the Community Services Department at WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) were recognized for earning a service certification at a recent banquet in Springfield, Illinois.

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, what better way to welcome the season than by joining the community for the 3rd Annual Fall Family Fun Day?

After a unanimous decision by the Monmouth College Board of Trustees, Dr. Patricia Draves has officially begun her tenure as the 15th president of the College. Selected from a competitive pool of candidates in a nationwide search, Draves returns to Monmouth with a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the community.

Youth for Christ (YFC) is a transformative organization dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and social well-being of young people in Western Illinois. The organization provides a variety of programs aimed at meeting the diverse needs of students, empowering them to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives.

The Warren County Prime Beef Festival is set to return from August 31st to September 7th, continuing a tradition that celebrates the area's rich agricultural heritage. Established by the Chamber of Commerce in 1948, the Festival has become a key event in Monmouth, showcasing the region's historical prominence in beef production.

The Survival Challenge, an event modeled after the hit CBS television show "Survivor," just concluded its 2024 season. Held in Macomb every summer, The Survivor Challenge is a thrilling test of stamina and cunning, attracting players and spectators from across the nation.

Based out of Galesburg, Rick Collins is leading a restoration effort to preserve the area's architectural heritage. As a master carpenter and structural timber expert, Collins is committed to maintaining the integrity of historic buildings while making them functional for modern use.

The Historic Ellisville Opera House is a hidden gem in the heart of Forgottonia. Ellisville (pop. 90) is a village nestled along the banks of the Spoon River in northwestern Fulton County.

Amid the streets of Monmouth, a significant piece of Old West history is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Jason Robbins, a local entrepreneur with a passion for historical preservation, is leading the restoration of the birthplace of Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman whose name is synonymous with frontier justice.

On August 26, the American Legion in Monmouth, Illinois, will host the 8th annual RileyStrong Color Run. This event honors the memory of Riley Thomas, a brave young girl who passed away only nine days after her 12th birthday following a nearly nine-month battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.

Soil wants to support life. Soil has indeed supported every life form that has ever existed on this Earth. Nothing is anything without soil. Soil has been made out of things that were once living. And while soil is the foundation of life, I find it ironic it also absorbs life to give itself life. It is a beautiful cycle.

What do you think of when you hear the word "Frontier"? The Wild West? Army forts? The Indian Wars? Those may sound like they happened in places far away, but there was a time when Forgottonia was The Wild Frontier.