Families living within the Meridian CUSD #223 school district who have children who will be five by Sept. 1, 2025, are invited to register for Kindergarten Kickoff for the 2025-26 school year at Highland Elementary School. This night is designed to help provide a smooth transition into school […]
The Byron Schools Food Pantry has had a great holiday season of donations that started before Thanksgiving. The BHS National Honor Society collected money from donut sales to purchase their annual turkey dinners for all of the food pantry families. Nikki Yerly pointed out, “This is a […]
On Dec. 18, 2024, Officer Garrett Henderson (to right of flag) was promoted and sworn in as a Sergeant of the Byron Police Department at the City Council meeting. Sergeant Henderson has been with the BPD for seven years and looks forward to his new role as Sergeant, serving […]
By Jodi Baumgartner 4-H PROGRAM COORDINATOR, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION Eighty-nine Ogle County 4-H’ers were honored for their achievements during the 2024 4-H year at club programs. The 4-H Experience Award allows 4-H’ers to be recognized for their work in Project Learning, Participation, Community Service, and Leadership. Three levels […]
With the season of giving upon us, the students of Highland Elementary in Stillman Valley donated an incredible almost 5,000 items to support Monroe Center Community Church’s food pantry, Manna-Fest Ministry. The project required collaboration between the Meridian CUSD 223 district, Monroe Center Community Church, and Fire Dept. Coffee. […]
Stillman Bank held its 13th annual Tree Decorating Contest in conjunction with the Cardinal Community Christmas event in downtown Stillman Valley on Dec. 1. There were 28 groups that participated, including local schools, businesses, and community organizations. Each year, cash prizes are awarded in four categories: Creative/Original Tree, […]
The Meridian Community Unit School District #223 Board of Education named Dr. Michael Plourde as its next superintendent upon approval at their Nov. 25 school board meeting. Dr. Plourde will step into the position on July 1, 2025, leaving his current role as superintendent of Wilmont Union High School […]
By Kaitlyn Adams OGLE JOLLY 4-H CLUB REPORTER The Ogle Jolly 4-H Club met on Nov. 18 for their monthly meeting. The Cloverbud children, ages 5-7, made pumpkin pie in a bag. The 4-H members reviewed old business, including a Veterans Day visit to Double O Saloon […]
The Byron Museum of History unveils the new veteran exhibit called Hell on Wheels, featuring local farmer Everett Jones who served as a medic in Europe during WWII. Everett E. Jones graduated from Leaf River High School in May of 1942, and a little over four months later […]
Byron Lodge #274 AF and AM installed officers for the 2025 year at the Masonic Lodge on Oct. 20. Gerald Zeibert was installed as Master of the Lodge while Michael Thomas was installed as Senior Warden, Christopher Judah as Junior Warden, Ronald Beem as Secretary, Thomas Felker as Treasurer, […]