From the editor’s desk
It’s kind of been a whirlwind week at the Bureau County Republican. The official closing on the Putnam County Record and The Tonica News took place Friday morning, so Shaw Media is the official owner now of these two newspapers. Former owners Elin and Cliff Arnold poured their hearts and souls into these two products, and as the new editor of both of these newspapers, I have promised the Arnolds we won’t disappoint them.
Both the Putnam County Record and The Tonica News hold differences yet many similarities to the BCR, so I’m looking forward to working with the new staff at both locations and making some changes that will help these newspapers to flourish. Thanks for all your kind words and remarks about this acquisition.
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What’s the BigDeal? Every week, the BCR offers readers the opportunity to save some cash with local merchants in our BigDeals! promotions. You can find our BigDeals! on our website at www.bcrnews.com. Following is this week’s BigDeal!:
• Tired of cooking? No time to get to the grocery store? The Red Brick Cafe in LaMoille is offering $20 of delicious home-cooked food for only $10. That’s a great deal! You might even want to check our their Sunday lunches, which include an entree, soup, salad bar, a drink and dessert. Wow!
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Watch for it! In your Saturday BCR, you’ll want to watch for our special section, “A Homemade Holiday,” which includes all the recipes many of you contributed to this fun section of holiday goodies. I’ve been checking out many of the recipes as they have come in, and wow ... Bureau County is filled with some great cooks who have some wonderful recipes. This section will be a keeper that you’ll want to refer to year after years.
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Have any plans on Saturday? If you have a few extra hours Saturday afternoon, I’d like to personally invite you to attend Festival 56’s “it’s a Wonderful Life,” at the Grace Performing Arts Center on Princeton’s South Main Street. This live radio show will be broadcast on WZOE if you can’t come and see it in person, however if possible, I hope you’ll reserve a seat for this fun-filled show. For more information, check out the cast of local characters who will be appearing; you can see them on the back page of today’s BCR. If you’ve never attended one of these live radio shows, I know you’ll enjoy it.
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Last weekend, I had the distinct opportunity to attend an open house/sale/auction at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton, which was featuring the art of long-time artist/educator Mary Win Walter Norris. Wow! Along with some of my other favorite local artists — Dana Collins, Denny Elliott, Kenny Stoner, Mary Win’s work has always captured my attention. This sale was phenomenal, and all the proceeds went to help with her care.
One of my first interviews many years ago was with Mary Win. A green reporter, I went to her home and planned on spending an hour. Five hours later, I was still sitting at the table, while she stood before an easel and painted and talked. It was one of those interviews I will never forget. What a talent!
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I understand the Princeton Moose Lodge hosted its 32nd annual dinner for area seniors on Sunday. I heard the food was great, and the entertainment ... well, how can you go wrong with the Generics Goodies Band? Applause, applause and more applause to the Princeton Moose Lodge.
This is the time of year when a variety of organizations host many events. Some are fundraisers; some are not. A lot of people put in a lot of time on these events. Please attend when possible.
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What a busy time of the year! Through the chaos, please take time for you and those you love. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.
