COMMUNITY

Jun 07 2026LIFESTYLE

What smart shoppers should watch for this season

Grocery stores are changing fast this year. Ribeye prices keep climbing while chicken and pork stay cheap, so careful buyers should focus on value. Watermelons taste best from late May to September, but the rest of the year they travel too far to stay fresh. Walmart is swapping paper tags for digita

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Jun 07 2026BUSINESS

From Cleaning Floors to Building Dreams: The Rise of an Española Family Business

In 1994, Eric Quintana, a local resident of Española, got an unexpected opportunity that changed his life. A friend needed a cleaner for their office, and with Christmas approaching, Quintana saw a chance to earn extra money for his two sons' dream gift—a Bigfoot electric truck. Without hesitation,

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Jun 07 2026BUSINESS

Small businesses step up with creative giving after Florida storms

When Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida in 2022, it didn’t just flood homes—it drained hope for many families. Some found themselves staring at concrete floors where their living rooms used to be, stuck in a slow battle with insurance companies that never paid up. Meanwhile, businesses lik

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Jun 07 2026OPINION

Helping Older Homeless Veterans Get Back on Their Feet

The problem of aging veterans losing their homes is growing fast. Many who served in the late 1970s and early 1980s now struggle with PTSD, substance issues, and weak support systems. A shortage of affordable housing and health care access makes things worse. Without stable shelter, these veterans f

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Jun 06 2026POLITICS

Skokie residents to vote on $53 million park upgrades

Skokie is considering letting voters decide in November whether to support a $53 million bond issue for new parks and upgrades. The plan includes creating Channelside Park South on an old industrial site and expanding Sports Park East with better sports fields and facilities. If passed, property tax

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Jun 06 2026POLITICS

New homes coming to Vermont for those in need

Vermont is taking big steps to tackle its growing housing crisis by investing $28 million to build 241 affordable apartments across seven towns. This push comes as the state faces rising construction costs and a sharp increase in homelessness since 2020—both nearly doubling in that time. With demand

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Jun 06 2026BUSINESS

A BBQ truck burns down in Kankakee—here’s how the town is stepping up

A food trailer in downtown Kankakee went up in flames one afternoon, leaving behind a charred shell and a gap in the community. Firefighters arrived quickly and put out the fire before it could spread, but the trailer—used by Brother George’s BBQ—was left badly damaged. The pickup truck attached to

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Jun 06 2026EDUCATION

A Fresh Face Takes Over Bay County’s History Hub

The Bay County Historical Museum has a new leader stepping into the role this summer. Kyle Proctor starts as executive director on June 1, bringing over two decades of experience in running organizations and shaping their direction. His background includes high-level jobs in corporate communications

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Jun 05 2026LIFESTYLE

A Life Full of Family, Fishing and Football

Arthur J. Miller, known as Butch to those close to him, died on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the age of eighty‑eight. He lived in Ashford and was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments, a fitting reflection of the devotion he showed to family throughout his life. Born on November 3, 193

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Jun 05 2026OPINION

Children’s Playground Turns Tragic: A Call for Peace

A shooting happened at a Baltimore school playground, where an 11‑year‑old boy was badly hurt. The attack also injured a 26‑year‑old man who may have been the intended target. Both were taken to the hospital and are now stable. The incident shocked many because it occurred while kids were playing.

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