Data centers have moved into rural America. So have the concerns.
Data centers have moved into rural America. So have the concerns. by Lauren Cross, Investigate Midwest, Investigate Midwest July 7, 2026 Data center construction is shifting toward rural America. At the same time, rural residents report greater concern than urban…
Norsk Museum and Cleng Peerson Lodge to Host Free Rosemaling Workshop July 19
Norsk Museum and Cleng Peerson Lodge to Host Free Rosemaling Workshop July 19 SHERIDAN, IL — The Cleng Peerson Lodge of Sons of Norway and the Norsk Museum invite the public to attend a free Rosemaling Workshop on Sunday, July…
American agriculture deeply rooted in nation’s 250-year-old history
American agriculture deeply rooted in nation’s 250-year-old history By PHILIP NELSON Illinois Farm Bureau President There is perhaps nothing more quintessentially American than our great nation’s agricultural heritage. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence, we should stop…
Public advised to remain alert for pavement failures during heat wave
Public advised to remain alert for pavement failures during heat wave IDOT closely monitoring road conditions; on standby for emergency repairs SPRINGFIELD – With extremely high temperatures and humidity impacting the entire state, the Illinois Department of Transportation is cautioning the public…
Local youth take center stage at Livingston County 4-H Show
Local youth take center stage at Livingston County 4-H Show PONTIAC, Ill. – The Livingston County 4-H Show continues to be a cherished community tradition, offering community members the chance to attend and support our 4-H members while celebrating their accomplishments. The…
Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat
Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat Heat can be dangerous for anyone. Stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. June 26, 2026 — Experts are warning that dangerously high temperatures are headed to the Illinois Region over…
Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for July 10
Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for July 10 July 10, 2026 In this issue: New state laws took effect on July 1 Illinois’ unemployment rate holds steady Nominations open for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Drive safely around the tall…
Historic Highway Hustle Crosses the Finish Line in Dwight for Route 66 Centennial Finale
Historic Highway Hustle Crosses the Finish Line in Dwight for Route 66 Centennial Finale DWIGHT, IL — The finish line is in sight for one of Illinois’ most unique Route 66 celebrations. The Wilmington Park District is excited to welcome…
Enger Invitational Tournament – July 9, 10, 11, and 12
Dwight, IL — July 10, 2026 — The excitement of youth sports takes center stage this weekend as Dwight Youth Baseball & Softball kicks off the annual Jim Enger Invitational Tournament. Held at Florence W. Garrett Park, the highly anticipated…
Dwight’s ‘Mr. Baseball’ Jim Enger Has Field Named After Him
Editor Note: The story below was originally posted on May 7, 2018. Dwight’s ‘Mr. Baseball’ Jim Enger Has Field Named After Him Dwight Youth Baseball League Field 1 was named for Jim Enger in a surprise ceremony that featured his…
Parents Urged to Do Their Homework Before Buying an E-Bike for Their Children
Giannoulias Urges Parents to Do Their Homework Before Buying an E-Bike for Their Children New PSA and Online Buying Guide Help Families Choose Safe, Age-Appropriate Devices View the public service announcement. As electric bikes become increasingly popular, Illinois Secretary of…
Dwight Police Calls July 9, 2026
Dwight Police Call 7.9.26 Dwight Police Call 7.2.26 Dwight Police Call 6.25.26 Dwight Police Call 6.18.26 Dwight Police Call 6.11.26 Dwight Police Call 6.4.26 Dwight Police Call 5.21.26 Dwight Police Call 5.14.26 Dwight Police Call 5.7.26 Dwight Police Call 4.30.26…
Livingston County Board Vacancy
Pursuant to the requirements of 10 ILCS 5/25-11, James Carley, Chairperson of the Livingston County Board is announcing that there is a vacancy in Livingston County Board District #1 with the resignation of County Board Member James Blackard effective July…
Pritzker signs bills on environmental standards, in-state tuition
Pritzker signs bills on environmental standards, in-state tuition by Ben Szalinski and Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois June 29, 2026 Article Summary JB Pritzker signed more than 60 bills into law since Friday. They require diaper packaging to list ingredients,…
Connect Transit and Heartland Community College partner for new service to link Pontiac and Normal
Connect Transit and Heartland Community College partner for new service to link Pontiac and Normal NORMAL, IL (Jul. 7, 2026) – Connect Transit has partnered with Heartland Community College to provide transportation access for students along the path from Pontiac to…
Illinois State Police Releases Video of Crash Involving Trooper
Illinois State Police Releases Video of Crash Involving Trooper JULY 8, 2026 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is releasing video of a fatal crash involving an ISP Trooper. On April 25, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a Trooper was…
Temperature Recap for the week …..
Thank you to the Village of Dwight Water Treatment Plant Crew for reporting these numbers to The Paper:
Obituary – Linda “Joyce” Grotevant, Pontiac
Linda “Joyce” Grotevant, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria. Services for Joyce will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Pontiac United Methodist Church, 219 N Chicago Street, Pontiac, IL…
Dwight Police Department Receives Universal Pet Microchip Reader from Subies of the Corn
Dwight Police Department Receives Universal Pet Microchip Reader from Subies of the Corn DWIGHT, IL – The Dwight Police Department was one of three Illinois law enforcement agencies to receive a universal pet microchip reader from Subies of the Corn…
Obituary – James Gerald Phelan (“Jim”), Kinsman
James Gerald Phelan (“Jim”)August 30, 1947 – June 28, 2026James Gerald Phelan, affectionately known as Jim, was born on August 30, 1947, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to Hugh E. (Ed) and Geraldine Phelan. He was raised on the family farm…
GEDC HOSTS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES IN GRUNDY COUNTY
GEDC HOSTS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES IN GRUNDY COUNTY The Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC) was proud to welcome the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Energy Academy Peer Exchange to Morris from June 30 to July 2. The event…
Recap – Special Joint Meeting of Dwight Boards of Education – June 24
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARDS OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #232 AND DWIGHT TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #230 Held in the Dwight Township High School Library On June 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Board President Jaime Mallaney…
Gas Prices Continue to Drop – Week of July 6
**Editor’s Note: If you find the story here of value, consider clicking one of the Google ads embedded in the story. It costs you nothing but Google will give the website owner a few cents. This is a…
Summer fun continues at Prairie Creek Public Library
Summer fun continues at Prairie Creek Public Library Prairie Creek Public Library in Dwight has planned several events in July to keep members of our community busy, entertained, and learning. These events are free and open to the public. However,…
Illinois State Police Arrests Suspects in Lake Mattoon Death Investigation
Illinois State Police Arrests Suspects in Lake Mattoon Death Investigation July 2, 2026 LAKE MATTOON – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation arrested two suspects as part of a death investigation after human remains were found in Lake Mattoon….
