The beginning of March means that the worst of winter should be behind us and warmer temperatures are on the way.

If you and your family are looking to make memories outdoors this spring and summer, then make sure to visit Illinois Beach State Park.

Known for its stunning beauty, the park stretches 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan’s shore in northern Illinois. It has 650 species of plants, including many colorful wildflowers, as well as vast marshes, dunes and vegetation that will leave outdoor enthusiasts in awe.

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.

Yvonne Ham is a contemporary realist portrait and landscape artist. Ham was born in Peoria in 1962 and currently lives and works in rural Elmwood.

Ham’s artwork reflects her fondness for family and interest in her local community. She is drawn to the people and events in everyday life. Impressions of events can be forgotten, and she hopes that through touching brush to canvas she stirs an emotional memory for the viewer.

Ham, an award winning artist, is a member of the Portrait Society of America. She is an associate member of Oil Painters of America, The Peoria Art Guild, Illinois Art League, Contemporary Art Center and the Galesburg Civic Art Center. She worked as the president of the Illinois Art League serving from 2005 through 2007.

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.

The snow may be coming down, and the cold may be keeping you in doors. Perhaps you are starting to feel a bit stir crazy all cooped up inside, and the fresh glow of the fire place doesn’t seem to shine as bright. Well, winter doesn’t have to feel so blue. Illinois is filled with fun and exciting things to do despite that snowy, cold weather.

 
Here are just a handful of ideas.