Throwback Thursday: Prairie farmer newspaper

• Chicago
• agriculture

Founded in 1841 by John S. Wright, the Chicago-based Prairie Farmer is the oldest farm publication in Illinois.

Wright, a businessman and a diligent advocate for Illinois and the welfare of its farmers, founded the paper as a way to connect farmers with the latest farming techniques and issues surrounding crop rotation, fertilization and pest control.

Wright began his endeavor by serving as secretary and general manager of the Union Agricultural Society, for which he began a newspaper, the Union Agriculturist. The merger of the Union Agriculturalist and the Western Prairie Farmer made Wright the owner and the paper’s name was changed to the Prairie Farmer.

The paper featured experts in the field of farming, which was encouraged by Wright. Subscriptions increased exponentially because of the vital information being circulated by the publication.

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Koval Distillery to expand business operations in Illinois

Koval Distillery, the largest craft distiller in Illinois, will quadruple its operation in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood thanks in part to a new state law that enabled it to boost production and make a stronger investment in the local economy.

Koval president Sonat Birnecker Hart told the Chicago Tribune that the distillery is committed to staying in Chicago.

With the purchase of the building Koval has been using on North Ravenswood Avenue, the company will increase its 11,000-square-foot operation to more than 45,000 square feet. This purchase will allow the distillery to combine its multiple locations under one roof and to increase its production from 70,000 gallons to 100,000 gallons each year.

A new state law in Illinois increased the production cap for craft distillers from 35,000 gallons to 100,000.

Koval was established in 2008 and produces organic whiskey and spirits. The company makes its products from scratch, contracting with local farmers to grow their grain and milling it on site. All of Koval’s whiskeys are “single barrel expressions” to ensure a pure flavor. The company has won numerous awards, including a gold medal for its bourbon whiskey at the International Whisky Competition and a platinum award for its rose hip liqueur from the Spirits International Prestige Awards.

Koval employs about 40 workers and expects to hire more after the expansion. It also plans to build a new tasting room to attract tourists and show visitors how spirits are made.

Illinois artist of the month: Chris Devins

• Arts & Culture
• Artist of the month
• Chicago
• Chris Devins
• Murals
• Public art

Chris Devins is an artist/urban planner who creates outdoor art exhibits designed to attract tourists and increase community pride. One of his many projects is the Bronzeville Legends Initiative, which is designed to transform the community with a public art installation that reaffirms its identity. Recently, Devins has been working to create a large outdoor mural of First Lady Michelle Obama that will be installed at Chicago’s Bouchet School, a South Side school the first lady attended as a child.

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Sound mind, sound body: Illinois leading the Midwest in education and park spending

• Investment
• Parks and Recreation
• Education
• Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability

Illinois is leading the Midwest in investments in parks, recreation and education according to the most recent report on national rankings from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

Illinois far outranked fellow Midwestern states in spending on parks and recreation. Illinois ranks third in the nation in overall spending on parks and recreation and fifth on a per capita basis. None of the other Midwestern states broke the top 20 in this category, with Iowa coming in next in the Midwest at 21st on a per capita basis. Indiana and Kentucky rank 50th and 48th respectively. Parks and recreation opportunities in the state enable residents to lead a more healthful and active lifestyle and can spur economic development through tourism.  

The most recent data shows that Illinois is spending above the national average on elementary and secondary education and is leading the Midwest in this category as well. Illinois ranks fifth in the nation for the amount spent on elementary and secondary education. This spending includes both money from the state and property tax revenues. Illinois is followed by Ohio and Michigan, ranked 8th and 10th respectively. By investing in our youth, Illinois is investing in our future.

The Commission publishes several reports each year, including special topic reports that have or could have an impact on the economic well‐being of Illinois. All reports are available on the Commission’s website.

To read the full report, click here.