Page 9 - Jane Lethlean News Today

Jane Lethlean Special to the Journal-Standard FREEPORT — Get ready for the big screen and the bold sound of cinema on April 15 when the Lindo Theatre reopens for business in downtown Freeport. Chris Johnson, CEO of Classic Cinemas, said the Downers Grove-run business is following health standards established by experts. “We are excited," Johnson said. "It has been a long year, and this is good news for us and for the people who long to return to the magic of movies on the big screen. �...

I’ll admit it. I have been venturing out, getting back to some sense of normalcy as things begin to reopen after a year of almost living in the COVID bubble.

Jane Lethlean Special to the Journal-Standard FREEPORT — As a recent graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in civil engineering, Gene Nott of Freeport got his first job with Civil, now called the Helm Group, in 1971. It was a dream come true for the up-and-coming field engineer, only to find himself drafted into the Army Reserve two months later. After serving his country for six months, Nott returned to Freeport, walked through the doors of then Civil and asked if he still had a...

Freeport man pens story of his life with second book Jane Lethlean Special to the Journal-Standard FREEPORT — In his 80 years of life, Bob Hendrickson has written two books that deal with his family. The second one is the story of his own life, a memoir for him, his children, and grandchildren. Published in February, Hendrickson titled his book, “Going With God: My Life Story.” Hendrickson started his memoir 11 years ago, but shelved it to write his first book about his familys rich histo...

Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — In March 2020, Stacy Cain of Freeport opened the door to J & S Studio to give children and adults a place to tap into their artistic side. COVID-19 had Cain closing her door not long after she opened. Two weeks ago, she held a children’s paint party and is ready to get back to the business that brings people together. “I wanted to have an art studio for children and adults as a place to be able to express themselves through art,...

Olga Gize Carlile, longtime Journal-Standard journalist, dies at 94 Former colleagues and the community remember Olga Gize Carlile Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — Olga Gize Carliles name is synonymous with being the biggest cheerleader for the community of Freeport. For nearly 60 years, she simply was The Journal-Standard, with a career that was filled with numerous awards from The Associated Press, the Woman’s Press Association and the Illinois Press Associatio...

Freeport martial arts studio teaches womens self-defense Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — As one of a minority of female truck drivers working in the United States, Angie Rosemeier of Freeport said she has had her share of inappropriate moments on the road. She takes extra precautions when she parks her truck at rest areas, making sure she has things taken care of to hole up safely in her truck at night. Rosemeier has her dog for protection on the road but felt the ne...

Stephenson County Democrats hold drive for veterans Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — Leading up to the General Election held in November, Stephenson County Democrats focused on getting people out to vote. Following the election, many in the local party wanted to turn their attention to giving back to the community. On the last week of January and into February, the local political organization held a Veterans Gratitude Drive to collect food and personal items for local...

Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — Always a seamstress for her children and grandchildren, Sharon Mockridge of Freeport took on a new passion in 2017 when a friend gave her a pattern to make mission dresses for young girls in third world countries. Since then, Mockridge has partnered with three missions to make and send the dresses for young girls each year. To date, she had made 257 dresses, with hopes of topping her yearly goal of more than 40 dresses. Her dresses have...

Jane Lethlean Special to The Journal-Standard FREEPORT — It has not been easy lately for Winneshiek Playhouse. The last production of “Witness for the Prosecution” was performed a week before the 2020 pandemic shutdown. While the theater remained empty for almost a year, Stacey Sammul, president of the board, said she remains cautiously optimistic for 2021 but isn’t ready to tackle the uncertainty for 2021. “We will be following what is being done on a broad spectrum before we make a ...