Neighbors: Amid a backdrop of cornfields, Klinker helps build a high-tech world in Jacksonville
David Blanchette, Journal-Courier
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Army veteran Rich Klinker is operations manager at CCK Automations, where the U.S. and armed services flags hang from the factory ceiling.David Blanchette | Journal-CourierShow MoreShow Less
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Rich Klinker was amazed by what he found when he first walked inside the Jacksonville industrial building.
“I had never heard of the company, but it blew me away when I walked in,” Klinker said. “It’s really something that we as a community should be proud to be able to have here.”
Mardi Graf-ton parade planned on the riverfront
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GRAFTON Let the good times roll on the river at the second annual Mardi Gras-fton and parade.
Revelers can stand or stroll along Main Street and check out unique shops, wineries, bars and restaurants, many of which will join the celebration with specials and giveaways. A Bangin’ Noise Parade parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Drifters, 1505 W. Main St.
“We’ve been in contact with IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) and IDOT’s Joe Monroe said to be safe and be smart,” Grafton Mayor Rick Eberlin said. “It’s masks up and keep your distance. If people are fearful, they won’t be there.”
He looks odd, smells bad, but this turkey vulture rules the roost in Dow
David Blanchette, Journal-Courier
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Isaac Newton, a turkey vulture elected Critter of the Year at TreeHouse Wildlife Center, surveys his domain. Along with an unusual look, the bird has a unique odor.David Blanchette | Journal-CourierShow MoreShow Less
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TreeHouse Wildlife Center in rural Dow displays some of the cards sent with Critter of the Year votes for its turkey vulture, Isaac Newton.David Blanchette | Journal-CourierShow MoreShow Less
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DOW Voting for the 2020 Critter of the Year brought a surprise winner from a field of much more popular, more photogenic and less-stinky candidates.
Neighbors: In Ward s hollow, thousands of happy little trees dot the land
David Blanchette, Journal-Courier
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Pat Ward by his favorite tree, the paper bark maple.David Blanchette | Journal-CourierShow MoreShow Less
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Barb and Pat Ward at the “sugar shack,” where they produce maple syrup.David Blanchette | Journal-CourierShow MoreShow Less
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Johnny Appleseed, meet Pat Ward.
The 73-year-old Ward, well-known throughout the Midwest as a tree expert, conservatively estimates that he has planted between 100,000 and 200,000 trees in his lifetime and he is showing no signs of letting up.
“I pretty much became the local tree guy,” Ward said. “As time goes by I’ll see a tree I planted years ago and think, ‘how old am I, because that tree is now so big!’“
Photo by David Blanchette The historic Elijah Iles House at Seventh and Cook streets may soon become part of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site may soon be larger and tell more of Springfield s history if several local organizations are successful in their efforts to expand the site s boundaries to encompass the old and the new. The Elijah Iles House Foundation Board on Dec. 29 passed a resolution encouraging the National Park Service to expand the historic site boundary to include the Iles House at Seventh and Cook streets and the soon-to-be-reconstructed Lincoln Cottage on Eighth Street, across the alley from the Iles House.