COMMUNITY

Nov 25 2025HEALTH

Kankakee's Riverside Medical Center Expands Mental Health Care

Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee is investing $28 million to revamp its behavioral health department. This two-year project aims to modernize and expand the facility, which currently serves around 60 patients. The hospital plans to keep the department running during construction. Funding for this project comes from various sources, including golf events and char...

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Nov 25 2025OPINION

Pasco's Water Choice: A Step Back for Public Health?

Pasco has recently decided to stop adding fluoride to its water supply. This move is part of a growing trend in North America, where some cities are choosing to do the same. The decision was made by the Pasco City Council on November 17, ending a practice that started in 1998. Science supports the benefits of fluoride in water. It's a simple, cheap way to improve de...

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Nov 25 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Don Jorgensen: A Newsman's Legacy in Sioux Falls

Don Jorgensen, a familiar face in Sioux Falls living rooms for 35 years, is hanging up his microphone. Known for his calm demeanor during crises, like the 1993 plane crash that took Gov. George Mickelson or the 2003 tornado outbreak, Jorgensen has been a steady presence in local news. His award-winning coverage of events like the Zip Feed Tower demolition in 2005 sho...

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Nov 25 2025HEALTH

A Fresh Look at Health Care: UnityPoint Health's New Cancer Center

UnityPoint Health recently gave a tour of their newly renovated cancer center. This upgrade is a big deal for the community. It shows how health care facilities are always trying to improve. The center now has better technology and more comfortable spaces. This is important because cancer treatment can be tough. Patients need a place that feels safe and supportive. ...

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Nov 25 2025OPINION

Finding Hope in Hard Times: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Thanksgiving is a time when many people take a moment to reflect on what they're grateful for. But in a world that often feels overwhelming, it can be challenging to find things to be thankful for. This year, in particular, has been tough for many. Families have been torn apart, essential services have been cut, and there's a growing sense of division and inequality....

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Nov 25 2025SCIENCE

The Tiny Worm That Changed Science

The world of science owes a lot to a tiny, transparent worm called Caenorhabditis elegans. It's not just any worm; it's a superstar in labs worldwide. But what makes it so special? It's not just the worm itself, but the way scientists work together to share resources and information. This teamwork has led to some big discoveries, even Nobel Prize-winning ones. Think...

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Nov 25 2025RELIGION

Bibles Are Selling Like Hotcakes, But Why?

In a world where fewer people are going to church, something interesting is happening. Bible sales are going through the roof. In 2025, over 18 million Bibles have been sold so far. That's a lot of holy books! The most popular ones include the English Standard Bible, the Adventure Bible for kids, and the She Reads Truth Bible. There's even a pink, giant-print King J...

reading time about 2 minutes
Nov 25 2025CRIME

Amish and Law Enforcement: A Unique Partnership

The Amish, known for their simple living and tight-knit communities, are not immune to crime. Both as victims and perpetrators, they interact with law enforcement, albeit differently than the general population. In rural areas like Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and Holmes County, Ohio, authorities are working to build trust and collaboration with Amish communities. ...

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Nov 24 2025BUSINESS

Why Shopping Local This Holiday Season Matters More Than You Think

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the rush to buy gifts. But before you head to the big stores, consider this: shopping local can make a big difference. Small businesses in Batavia are filled with unique gifts and decorations that you won't find anywhere else. By choosing to shop small, you're not just getting special items, you're also helping your commu...

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Nov 24 2025EDUCATION

DeKalb's Leadership Program Marks Four Decades of Shaping Future Leaders

DeKalb County has a program called Leadership DeKalb. It has been around for 40 years. Every year, it picks 60 people from different jobs. These jobs include business, teaching, government, and more. The goal is to help them become better leaders. The latest group is called the Class of 2026. Some well-known people are in this group. For example, there's a police ch...

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