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Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Elliott harbors a past interwoven with chilling tales and spectral encounters. The White Eagle Saloon, with its weeping spirit Rose, and the Shanghai Tunnels' lost mariner souls, stand as eerie landmarks. The murdered Thelma Taylor's screams are said to haunt Cathedral Park, while a spectral presence lurks in the North Portland Library, evading the living amongst the tomes. The Falcon Apartments are home to mysterious fires and the ghost of Mr. Cooke, who makes his presence known through slamming mailboxes and displaced objects. Even the Jantzen Beach Carousel whispers with the laughter of ghostly children from days long gone.

PAXTON — On the first day candidates could file their paperwork to be listed on the March 19 primary election ballot, contested races were already taking shape in Ford County. Day 1 of the filing period came to a close Monday with contests lined up for the position of...

PAXTON – With a 48-31 loss to Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin on Monday, the Paxton-Buckley-Loda varsity girls basketball team fell to a record of 0-6. “The streak continues,” PBL head coach Jeff Sinn said. “It’s a learning experience. I think that’s what this season is going to be about. We’re putting more and more things together so we can eventually get that win and see what that feels like because it hasn’t happened yet this year.”

Nestled in the heart of the village, Fisher's Historic Train Depot stands as a testament to the bygone era of rail travel. Built in 1902, it connected Fisher to the thriving cities of Champaign and Urbana, serving as a central hub for the community. This architectural marvel provided a vital link for commerce and communication, echoing the tales of travelers and townsfolk who once passed through its doors. Today, it remains a cherished icon of Fisher's rich heritage, attracting history buffs and enthusiasts eager to glimpse into the village's storied past.

In the vast landscape of Champaign County, Illinois, the village of Longview stands out for a unique reason: it is the smallest incorporated village in the state. As of 2023, Longview's population is just 110, a slight decrease from the 2020 census count of 112, showcasing its status as a tightly-knit community. Governed by Village President Tyler Clark, this diminutive municipality covers an area of only 0.25 square miles at an elevation of 680 feet above sea level, a testament to its modest footprint.

In the embrace of history, a town established in 1880 continues to captivate the hearts of those who walk its streets. With its foundations laid during a time of burgeoning architectural expression, the town is a living homage to the enduring charm of the 19th century. Its original architectural designs have been lovingly preserved, allowing visitors and residents alike to traverse a landscape steeped in historical significance. The preservation of this aesthetic is more than an act of maintenance—it represents a collective memory, a shared identity, and the spirit of an era that shaped the future.

Le Roy, Illinois, may seem like any other small town, but its streets echo with the sweet legacy of America's beloved Cracker Jack. This quintessential treat, with its molasses-flavored caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, began with the dreams of a German immigrant, Frederick William Rueckheim. His journey from Le Roy to Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871 marked the inception of a snack that would become a symbol of innovation and joy.

Mon)-Meineke Car Care Center in Bourbonnais on Latham Drive offering complete auto repair services. including oil changes, brake repair, exhaust services, & more. (Weds)-Cowboy Up @ LK Tack Shop serving Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana for 34 years on LaGrange Road in Monee. (Thurs)- Copeland’s Bar and Grill, offering lunch and...

CHAMPAIGN – Talk about a speedy recovery. Aidan Laughery, a 2022 Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley graduate who is a redshirt freshman on the University of Illinois football team, played in the final game of the 2023 season for the Illini. He gained 22 yards on three carries. He ran for a...

Once a year, the serene village of Cooksville, Illinois, transforms into a hive of activity with the arrival of the Cooksville Country Fair. This beloved regional spectacle embodies the essence of rural charm, offering a plethora of traditional country games, delectable foods, and foot-tapping music. As a vibrant hub of community and culture, the fair is a testament to the agricultural heritage of Illinois, where family fun and educational experiences intertwine, celebrating the pivotal role of farming and camaraderie in the Midwest.

To subscribe, click here. Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations. On Fridays, we’ll spotlight the men and women serving up cold ones and conversation in our neck of the woods. Let us know about your favorite bartender by emailing ltaylor@news-gazette.com. Shannon...

Tucked away in the serene landscape of McLean County, Illinois, the village of Holder tells a story of perseverance and industrious spirit. Established in 1888, this unassuming community founded by Charles W. Holder, a land developer with a vision, is steeped in a rich history that is often overlooked. The town's strategic location along the Lafayette, Bloomington, and Mississippi Railroad catalyzed its early growth, defying initial expectations by flourishing away from the township's center.

In the heart of rural America, the small town of Cropsey stands as a testament to the haunting power of local folklore. The Cropsey Maniac, a spectral figure that roams the fields at night, has become an emblem of terror and mystery. This ghostly presence, believed to be a farmer who suffered a tragic accident, has been the centerpiece of campfire stories and local legend for generations. Campers and residents whisper of the eerie encounters with the restless spirit, whose laughter and vengeful acts are said to stem from the loss of his family in a fire caused by a careless camper.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will make appearances throughout Champaign County in December to help feed families. The mobile food pantry will first make stops throughout southern Champaign County on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The northern part of the county will get a visit from the Foodmobile […]

Photo from Unsplash and unrelated to the city. For most people, it is a constant necessity of life to manage gas prices. The national average price for a gallon of regular-grade gas on Saturday is $3.259, a week ago the price is $3.320 , according to AAA.

Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations. The 500-plus people who attended this month’s impressive performances of the Living Flag at Mahomet Christian Church did more than enjoy the shows. Their contributions “easily will help one of our veterans for the rest...

MELVIN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Melvin village president said he’s fed up with several issues plaguing the small Ford County community. Austin Fancher has only been in the position for six months, but in that time, he said he’s seen enough to justify resigning. Fancher said that falsified documents, illegal hiring, and redacted facts are […]

In the heart of Champaign County, Illinois, Cunningham Township represents a historical mosaic, with its establishment in 1867 marking it as one of the oldest townships in the region. Named in honor of Judge J.O. Cunningham, a key figure in the area's formative years, the township's history is deeply interwoven with the community's identity. Its commitment to social services and equitable property assessments set it apart in the past, a legacy that lives on through the Supervisor's Office, which continues to support low-income residents today.

In the face of a natural disaster, the small village of Gifford, Illinois, showcased the profound resilience that lies within a tight-knit community. On November 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado ravaged the town, leaving a wake of destruction that could have broken the strongest of spirits. Instead, this calamity forged a unity among the residents, exemplifying the true meaning of 'Gifford Strong.' Volunteers, local churches, and organizations like Habitat for Humanity banded together to rebuild not just the physical structures, but the heart of the community itself.

High school basketball action in Ford County, Illinois is on the schedule today, and info on these matchups is available in this article, if you're searching for how to stream them. Follow high school basketball this season on the NFHS Network! Keep tabs on your family or alma mater and...