January 2010

(Note: Susan Odum is University of Illinois Extension CED program coordinator.)

Buy local can’t be a fad, a gimmick or a resolution that we undertake for a short time then discontinue, like so many New Year’s resolutions. For buy local to have an impact on our local economy, it needs to become a way of life for each and every one of us.

While the reasons to buy local are endless, the following are considered to be among the Top Ten:

Local businesses are the lifeblood of the community and, therefore, critical to our community’s survival.

A conservation project announced Tuesday could bring more than $1 million to Union County over the next three years.

The Union County Conservation Partnership Initiative was announced during Ag Appreciation Day activities at the USDA  building in Anna.

Details of the program were outlined by Carlyn Light, chairman of the Union County Soil and Water Conservation board.

A Southern Illinois man will serve time in prison for his part in a home invasion and beating of a Union County resident.

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds announced Tuesday that Tommy E. Reams, 27, of Dowell, will serve 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for his part in the home invasion and beating of Gerald Dziczkowski of 250 Kimber Rd. in rural Dongola.

Dziczkowski was found dead in his home on the evening of Oct. 22, 2009.

The future of a Union County landmark will be the focus of discussion at an upcoming meeting.

The annual meeting of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace membershp is planned Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the welcome center which is located near the Cross of Peace atop Bald Knob Mountain near Alto Pass.

People from throughout the region who are interested in the future of the cross are invited and encouraged to attend next Tuesday's meeting.