A poll taken after the first presidential debate showed that by two to one, viewers thought Biden had won. The President's bullying made a travesty of the debate. His constant interruptions prevented Biden from describing his views, policies and plans. And the President's rants and insults were a way to avoid talking about anything. So distraction may have been the point. Only days earlier, the New York Times ran an article detailing 18 years of the President's personal and corporate tax returns

Former mayor John McNamara, who led Rockford for eight years in the 1980s, died last week at 81. He was both a leader and a humble man. I'd always call him Mayor when I saw him because he earned it after all. However, he’d usually correct me and ask me to call him “John.”

Former mayor John McNamara, who led Rockford for eight years in the 1980s, died last week at 81. He was both a leader and a humble man. I'd always call him Mayor when I saw him because he earned it after all. However, he’d usually correct me and ask me to call him “John.” He was the keynote speaker some years ago at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce leadership luncheon, which celebrates the graduates of the Chamber’s Leadership Rockford program. What stunned me most that day was not just the

The DeKalb High School Marching Barbs prepared a field show this year, even with COVID-19 restrictions. Their show, “The Wall,” allows for social distanced marching and playing. Last week, the Barbs performed the entire show live to a small audience.

The DeKalb High School Marching Barbs prepared a field show this year, even with COVID-19 restrictions. Their show, “The Wall,” allows for social distanced marching and playing. Last week, the Barbs performed the entire show live to a small audience. The show begins with Ronald Reagan’s voice saying, “Let us ask ourselves, 'What kind of people do we think we are?' And let us answer, 'Free people, worthy of freedom and determined not only to remain so but to help others gain their freedom as well

Events of the past week reminded me of the poem “Pity the Nation” written by Lawrence Ferlinghetti 13 years ago. I believe it captures much of our current America.

Events of the past week reminded me of the poem “Pity the Nation” written by Lawrence Ferlinghetti 13 years ago. I believe it captures much of our current America. Pity the nation whose people are sheep, and whose shepherds mislead them. Pity the nation whose leaders are liars, whose sages are silenced, and whose bigots haunt the airwaves. Pity the nation that raises not its voice, except to praise conquerors and acclaim the bully as hero and aims to rule the world with force and by torture.

When you visit Princeton, Illinois these days you’re likely to see a mural on Main Street that says “Be Like Lovejoy,” and you might wonder… what it’s all about?

When you visit Princeton, Illinois these days you’re likely to see a mural on Main Street that says “Be Like Lovejoy,” and you might wonder… what it’s all about? It’s about a preacher, lawyer and Congressman named Owen Lovejoy. From the 1830s to the 1860s he was a tireless advocate for the abolition of slavery. In fact, he may have accomplished as much as Abraham Lincoln did on behalf of those who suffered through slavery. He risked his life for them. The Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton was a

Do you ever joke about what’s NOT on your imaginary “2020 Bingo Card?” I’d never have thought to include a global pandemic that would sweep in and virtually shut down civilization.