Mascot Madness Illinois Style

We’ve got spirit, yes we do …

There are two Pretzels, the Ironmen are Normal, the Shoes are Wooden and the Farmers beat the Cornjerkers.

Welcome to Mascot Madness, Illinois style.

The IHSA partnered with CSN and CSNChicago for a “March Madness”-style bracket challenge to let the fans and fanatics decide the most unique mascots in the state. The original field of 64 was announced earlier this month. Weekly online voting already narrowed the field to the sweet 16.

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Illinois reformer made history on this day in 1924

Florence Fifer Bohrer, a resident of Bloomington, made history on this day in 1924 by announcing her candidacy to the state senate, an election she would win, making her the first woman elected to the Illinois State Senate. Bohrer was born in 1877 and was the daughter of Illinois Governor Joseph Fifer, who served from 1889 until 1893.

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Did You Know? Today is National Popcorn Day

In honor of National Popcorn Day, today we highlight Mason County, Illinois. Mason County fields include nearly 20,000 acres of land dedicated towards producing popcorn, more than any other county nationwide.

Located in Central Illinois between Peoria and Springfield, Mason County is located in what many call the “Imperial Valley of the Midwest.” In contrast to other farming areas around the state, Mason County fields include a large amount of sand in their soil. With modern irrigation technology, the fields have become plentiful for crops not commonly found in Illinois, including popcorn.

Learn more:
Happy National Popcorn Day: Fun Facts About the Popular Snack
Nation’s top popcorn-producing county in Illinois (AgriNews)

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. through service

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to advancing civil rights and justice for African-Americans and other marginalized groups throughout the United States. On Monday, the country will pause to honor his legacy with events scheduled from coast to coast.

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