By Jim Leach
(Shutterstock)
Each year, we comb through our archives to look back on the biggest stories of the year that is drawing to a close, and we assemble a list of the stories that have had the biggest impact or generated the most discussion locally. To be honest, we could have probably constructed a top ten almost exclusively out of the various ways that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted our lives. But a lot of other things also happened this year.
We dive into the list in more depth on our weekend public affairs show “Podium,” heard on WMAY and our sister stations WNNS (98.7) and WQLZ (97.7), and also available on demand here at wmay.com. But here’s a quick look back at how we viewed and ranked the biggest state and local stories of the year:
Dec 24, 2020 3:59 AM
One of the more popular local bars spent the early days of the pandemic putting the finishing work in on a brand new kitchen. The Main Gate was able to come on as a bar and restaurant shortly after the lockdown, and it’s menu and food have been a big hit ever since. Owner Bill Tinsley spent a few years owning Keeley’s Place, and decided to sell in 2019 and move down the street, buying the old FDR Good Times Saloon and renaming the bar after it’s across the street location from the Illinois State Fair’s Main Gate. we decided to stop in and try the food that people are raving about.
SPRINGFIELD â The Illinois State Fair is excited to announce seven confirmed Illinois Lottery Grandstand acts for 2021.
This is the first time the Illinois State Fair has announced and gone on-sale with grandstand acts prior to the new year. Fairgoers who purchase grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Illinois State Fair from being held.
Toby Keith takes the stage for the fair s Veterans Day on Sunday, August 15. Keith has gone on 11 USO Tours and entertained nearly 256,000 troops in 18 countries. Craig Morgan will open for the two-time Academy of Country Musicâs Entertainer of the Year.
On Tuesday, August 17, Chris Young will take the stage for Agriculture Day. The âRaised on Countryâ singer and songwriter will be accompanied by Ingrid Andress and Payton Smith.
Two Shows Added to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Lineup for 2021 Published on December 16 2020 4:43 pm Last Updated on December 17 2020 6:38 am Written by Greg Sapp
The Illinois State Fair is adding two shows to the 2021 grandstand lineup. Fairgoers who purchase grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Illinois State Fair from being held.
Staind will rock the grandstand on opening night of the 2021 Illinois State Fair. Currently made up of Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, Johnny April and Sal Giancarelli, Staind will be performing hits like “It’s Been a While” and “Something to Remind You” on Thursday, August 12.
WBGZ Radio 12/15/2020 |
By Kim Howard - IIS Radio
It s full steam ahead for the 2021 Illinois State Fair. Planning has been underway with some big announcements coming from the Illinois State Fair, including the grandstand lineup.
Acts include Toby Keith, Badflower, and comedian Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias. State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon teases other new features of the fair include the grandstand s new seating area and the new Jumbo Pass, which offers fairgoers as many trips down the giant slide as they want. Both are on sale now at www.IllinoisStateFair.info
(Copyright WBGZ Radio / www.AltonDailyNews.com)
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