The statistics are troubling—in a typical year, the following number of emergency responders are struck by vehicles at accident scenes and killed: 12 law enforcement officers; five fire and rescue personnel; 60 towing and recovery professionals and numerous transportation professionals from transportation programs. The good news is that volunteers can help prevent such accidents by being part of a Safety... READ MORE >
The first-ever Ruby’s Pantry food distribution went extremely well, with nearly 400 people lining up at School District 166 to take part. The line to register started by the Sawtooth Elementary School gym and wound through the school and nearly out the playground door. No one seems to mind the wait as neighbors visited with one another and new friends... READ MORE >
Would you donate a kidney to help a stranger? It is not something most people think about. Jenna Latz Wagner, not only considered it, she did it. Jenna Wagner, a 2002 Cook County High School graduate now living in Phoenix, Arizona, is a nursing student. When her classmate, Ruth Ann Vallender, posted a Facebook message detailing the desperate search for... READ MORE >
It’s been a busy few weeks for the community, especially for our local schools as they wrap up the school year. It’s been an adventure as Brian Larsen and I struggle to remember when and where all the events are taking place. We’ve been juggling and rearranging schedules to try to be everywhere to get photos. And then, we have... READ MORE >
A Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) graduation ceremony was held Tuesday, May 19. Forty-three students were congratulated for completing the D.A.R.E. program which focuses on not just resisting drugs and alcohol, but also on decision making skills, healthy alternatives to drug use and helping build self-esteem. Sheriff Deputy Ben Hallberg, the community D.A.R.E. officer, welcomed parents and community members... READ MORE >
To earn their Bronze Award, Junior Girl Scouts must complete a community service project. Cook County Girl Scout Troop 4070 decided their Bronze Award project would benefit local animals, especially those in need of forever homes. The fifth-graders organized Trails for Tails, a Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 9, starting and finishing at the Sawtooth Elementary School playground. The Girl... READ MORE >
The Cook County High School gym was filled with excited students, parents and community members for the May 18 Awards and Scholarship Program. Over 40 different scholarships and awards were presented to CCHS students. High School Principal Adam Nelson welcomed everyone and announced that an amazing $40,000 was being given to 2015 graduates in local scholarships alone, from organizations such... READ MORE >
Who inspires you to Move It! Once again during the month of May, nominations will be accepted for awards for a Cook County resident who inspires others to move more. Maybe it’s someone who teaches a well-attended exercise class or a young person that loves to hike. Maybe it’s a senior who keeps on gardening despite physical challenges. There are... READ MORE >
Superintendent Beth Schwarz once again asked the School District 166 school board for direction as she puts together the budget for fiscal year 2016. Schwarz said the budget must be adopted at the June 20, 2015 board meeting. At the Thursday, May 7 meeting, Schwarz provided a spreadsheet with potential budget cuts that would result in a potential deficit of... READ MORE >
Although I’m dead tired the next day, there is a benefit to working past midnight now and then. When that happened a few nights ago, I was one of the fortunate folks who caught the beautiful Northern Lights display. As I stood on my deck, watching the strange green glow dancing between the spruce trees in my back yard, I... READ MORE >
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