Southern Illinois Reptile and Exotics Show

Are you looking for a fun, cheap and family-friendly event this weekend? This Sunday, Feb. 23, check out the Southern Illinois Reptile Show in Marion, IL!

The show will include thousands of scaly animals for guests to observe, touch or even adopt! There will be reptiles, amphibians, mammals (including kangaroos) and more. Feeders and pet supplies will be available for those looking to treat their pets at home.

Read more …

Did you know SIU-Carbondale is now a top research school in the U.S.?

• Higher Education
• Education

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has been designated a Research 1, or R1, in the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education. This is a prestigious accomplishment that only 187 schools have met. This represents less than 5% of the almost 4,000 classified educational institutions.

Research 1 Institutions are those that have allocated at least $50 million to research expenditures and grant at least 70 research doctorates. SIU-Carbondale cleared those requirements in 2023. SIU-Carbondale is just one of three public R1 universities in Illinois and the only one located in a rural area.

Read more …

Celebrating Lincolns 216th Birthday

Every year on Feb. 12, Illinoisans and Americans celebrate Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy. Born in 1809 in Kentucky, Lincoln's journey brought him to Illinois, where he built the foundation of his career and developed his character and commitment to democracy. Known as the "Land of Lincoln," Illinois played a crucial role in shaping the leader who would later guide the nation through its most challenging times.

Lincoln's deep Illinois roots shine. Although not born in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln credited the state with shaping his identity. As a young man, he moved to New Salem, where he worked as a surveyor and postmaster before pursuing law in Springfield, his future home.

In Illinois, Lincoln refined his anti-slavery stance, which would define his presidency. His debates with Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 Senate race highlighted his eloquence and conviction. Although he lost the race, the debates thrust him into the national spotlight, leading to his election as the 16th president of the United States in 1860.

Lincoln's enduring legacy and presidency confronted extraordinary challenges as he led the nation through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which moved the country closer to abolishing slavery. His leadership preserved the Union but ultimately cost him his life in April 1865.

Today, his legacy is prominent in Illinois, with sites such as the Lincoln Home in Springfield and the statue in Grant Park, Chicago. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum draws many visitors. Lastly, we cannot forget where it started with the historic New Salem State Park in Petersburg.

On Feb. 12, we honor Abraham Lincoln and the values he embodied: integrity, perseverance and equality. Whether visiting a historic site or reflecting on his contributions, celebrating his birthday reminds us of his significant impact on our nation and his proud Illinois roots.

 Happy birthday, Abe!

Galena Special Olympics - Illinois Winter Games

• Sports

Did you know the Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games are being held in Galena this year? The event is the climactic contest for those participating in alpine skiing and snow shoeing. The Winter Games, held Feb. 11-13 at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, will feature more than 450 athletes who compete over the span of three days.

First held at Soldier Field in July 1968, the Special Olympics was created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to give people with intellectual disabilities an outlet to realize their potential in sports and bring self-confidence to the participants.

The Winter Games features a modified giant slalom time trial and a snowshoeing event. The event also features an athlete parade in Galena, complete with a torch lighting ceremony to signify the beginning of the games. Several events are held over the course of the games and participants are not charged for attending.

Special Olympics Illinois holds events in many sports across the state year-round. Learn more about the organization and the event here.