Lohr: Despite our country’s great successes, the U.S. democracy is far from flawless. For example, the President we elect has not always won the popular vote, an indication that everyone’s vote does not count equally.

Benesh: On behalf of the AOP Board and Committee, I would like to sincerely thank our local support services, sponsors, and volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the Autumn on Parade Festival held on Oct. 4 and 5, 2025.

Last week, the brother of a member of our Ogle County community was taken by ICE during a raid in Chicago, then was swiftly transported to a detention facility in Louisiana, far away from his wife and three children.

Charles Danyus of Round Lake Beach writes a letter to the editor.

A conversation with a physician can provide clarity on the benefits and potential risks of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for those with underlying health conditions or concerns about side effects.

A friendly reminder from Autumn on Parade and the City of Oregon: We are about to have a huge influx of people who may have never been to Oregon. They don’t know our roads, our businesses, or our lifestyle.

LARSON: I know something about martyrdom. It is part of the history of the church. Church historians will tell you that the foundation of the church is built upon the blood of the martyrs.

So, are we descended from apes or made in the image of God?  Are we the product of evolution or a six-day explosion of creative will?

I am concerned that the Trump administration has established a pilot program to use artificial intelligence (AI) to make prior approval decisions for patients using traditional Medicare.

Dickson: The United States is not a democracy, although it appears Mr. Harris would prefer mob rule over rule by law.

A healthy democracy leads to healthy communities.  A high voter turnout encourages elected officials to be more accountable. 

TIDEMAN: Several strategies can slow erosion and get food and farm systems back on a sustainable track. By keeping roots in ground year-round, cover crops help keep soil in place and maximize water-holding ability, making it more resistant to floods and droughts.

Charles Danyus of Round Lake Beach writes a letter to the editor.

During early European and American exploration of American and Canadian prairies (semi-arid), this region was thought unsuitable for European-style agriculture.

Anne Holmes Urban of Grayslake writes a letter to the editor.

The Good Place. Within a day’s drive of Ogle County, you can visit five different examples of utopian communities, all established between 1839 and 1857.

Charles Danyus of Round Lake Beach writes a letter to the editor.

The chairperson of the Rock River Garden Club Parade Float Committee, is thanking individuals and businesses who contributed time and materials to the construction of this year’s Petunia Festival Parade float.

Phil Melin, executive director of Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, writes a letter to the editor.

Dr. Luis Salazar writes a letter to the editor.

Man thank everyone who helped him after he fell while riding an escalator.

The Bible says all nations exist equally, so America qualifies as a nation under God. Now if we just acted like one.

Charles Danyus of Round Lake Beach writes a letter to the editor.

As Los Angeles burned for days on end, scientists made an announcement that 2024 was the hottest year on record

Carl Zegan of Grayslake writes a letter to the editor.

Aaron Weiner of Lake Forest writes a letter to the editor.

How can Kankakee County avoid falling into the snare which Benjamin Orange Flower warned about in his article titled “Fostering the Savage in the Young?”

A great way to reduce air pollution that causes climate change is to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. There is support across the political spectrum for “carbon pricing,” whereby fees are charged to producers and importers of crude oil, natural gas, and coal.

What makes people play tricks on others? Have you ever played a trick on someone? Did you enjoy doing it?

Have you ever feared the dark? Did you ever hesitate or get a chill when the lights suddenly would go out?

Have you ever swept anything under the rug? Hurrying to hide one’s dirty dishes on the closet floor when your guests arrive early is the same as sweeping something under the rug.

Don’t you think that when anyone says “I’m sorry,” those two words always are sincere and heartfelt

As I read about the colossal failure of the Secret Service to guard the life of candidate Donald Trump, my heart sinks

Are raccoons something to beware of? Yes, they are! They can carry rabies

Stuff usually is associated with a person’s belongings and also describes matter, materials or articles. Many people collect too much stuff.

Being a dab of a romantic could be considered a light romantic who would plan a small candlelight dinner with cocktails for two. Nothing extra would be included other than words that describe caring feelings and the possibility of love expressed with sincerity.

Would you agree that some people will not experience self-growth?

These two types of people sit in the same boat

Do you consider yourself frugal or cheap? There are people who will spend plenty of money to get what they want. Many people feel money is no object, yet many are financially limited.

Are you motivated? Do you think that if you are, you also would be disciplined?

Holding on to a negative thought or hurt creates an internal feeling of discomfort that lingers inside the body and sits up straight in the mind.

Knowing that your friendly dog doesn’t bite is only an opinion; even a friendly dog could bite if the dog’s ear is pulled, or if being teased, or not feeling well

Children start the art of pretending somewhere between 18 months to 2 years after birth. Children create and design their very own imaginary friends. They enjoy conducting pretend tea parties and at times will even talk with their deceased relatives.

A huge cluster of people claim to be spiritual. Does the word “spiritual” mean of the spirit? If so, what spirit? There is nothing simple about being spiritual. It has several definitions.

All people are not certain how to go about making a decision. Some people have to struggle and even will ask friends for advice. The big concern to some is if it will be the right or wrong decision.

We experience times when we encounter passersby. Many people will smile, say hello or just nod their heads to acknowledge others going past them. Do all who pass by others return the amiable gesture? The answer is no

Are you opposed to tipping for services rendered? There are different views on tipping.

The law of attraction has been written about, studied and also practiced. According to metaphysics, it has claimed that attitude can attract situations to match attitude.

The should and shouldn’t words, even without being spoken, are directors of actions to be or not to be taken.

Michael Peck of Mundelein writes a letter to the editor.