BREAKING NEWS: As Illinois covid-19 cases skyrocket, the omicron variant begins to spread across the state, and hospitalizations explode, Gov. JB Pritzker admitted that he is looking at stronger restrictions for the state. “We’re looking at everything that has been done over the last few years, always, but what we’re really focused on is making sure that people are following the masking requirements indoors,” Pritzker said during a press conference. “Thank you to all of you who are doing that.” When a reporter pressed Pritzker on stronger restrictions being implemented... Read More

Three Western Illinois University students recently received the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for their work with the Cass-Putman Rescue Squad. Sophomores Elizabeth Markley, a political science major from Smithfield, received the silver award, and Bradley Mercer, a geographic information systems major and Taylor Lester, a fire protection services major, both from Cuba, received the gold award. They were recognized with the service award at a ceremony on Sept. 11 in Cuba. The trio were nominated by Cass-Putman Rescue Squad Chief Bob Schnarr “As I’ve been saving lives... Read More

“Black Nativity” is a gospel song play by American playwright, poet, novelist and fiction writer Langston Hughes who was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri and whose work portrayed Black life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. It’ll be performed this weekend at Playcrafters Barn Theater, 4950 35th Ave., Moline. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. For more info, see HERE.  Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois has zoomed into covid “high alert,” with cases slamming the state, the new omicron variant spreading, and talk of more restrictions on the way including requiring proof of vaccinations to enter certain public spaces and workplaces. The omicron covid variant has invaded Illinois, infecting at least one person in Chicago, prompting fears of a wide spread in the third-largest city in the United States. The Chicagoan infected by the omicron variant was both fully vaccinated with two shots and had gotten their third booster dose. They were tested at the hospital and... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — The Western Illinois University Foundation and the Office of Sponsored Projects have awarded 12 stipends to WIU faculty for Summer 2022. “The WIU Foundation is proud to support our University faculty’s scholarly activity,” said Brad Bainter, executive officer of the WIU Foundation. “Since 1989, the Foundation has provided Summer Stipend Awards so faculty have the opportunity to engage in projects beyond those traditionally pursued during the academic year.” The grants, which total nearly $40,000, provide opportunities for faculty to engage... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: The omicron covid variant has invaded Illinois, infecting at least one person in Chicago, prompting fears of a wide spread in the third-largest city in the United States and throughout Illinois, and spurring some to dread potential new restrictions hinted at by Gov. JB Pritzker, including requiring proof of vaccination to enter certain public spaces or activities. The Chicagoan infected by the omicron variant was both fully vaccinated with two shots and had gotten their third booster dose. They were tested at the hospital and dinged positive but did not require hospitalization and... Read More

One of the world’s largest producers of silicones has selected Group O as a strategic partner to manage the filling, packaging, warehousing, and distribution of their construction silicone products. This complete line of building envelope silicone solutions for roof coating, air and water barriers, architectural coatings, weather sealing, residential glazing, insulating glass, and structural glazing can be found throughout the construction industry. Using the latest German automation, technology and equipment, Group O will receive the bulk product through reusable fluid-bag containers, and... Read More

The Christmas tradition of “Julotta” returns at Bishop Hill State Historic Site. All are welcome to attend a nondenominational church service at 6 a.m. Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25 in the Colony Church. The word Julotta comes from the Swedish words for “yule” and “before dawn.” Christmas morning in Sweden begins with attendance at the Julotta service. Since 1970, the service has been a tradition in Bishop Hill to help reaffirm the community’s Swedish heritage. Constructed in 1848 by Swedish immigrants, the public is invited to attend the worship service at the restored Colony... Read More

The McDonough County Health Department, in cooperation with Western Illinois University, will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinics (including boosters) for WIU faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the general public, in December as the Fall 2021 semester comes to a close. The clinic will be held in the University Union Sandburg Lounge from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available at no cost. NOTE: If the Dec. 7 date at WIU does not work for an individual’s schedule, the McDonough County Health Department will host vaccine... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois covid cases continue to explode, reaching their highest levels in a year, as the omicron variant has spread to 16 states nationwide and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hints at future restrictions for the state. New covid cases statewide have raged over the past two weeks, with over 7,100 cases per day — the highest numbers since December 2020 — according to the Illinois Department of Public Health data. Over 11,000 new cases were reported statewide over the weekend, and Illinois has been reporting more new tests per day than it has at any point during the pandemic,... Read More