Flash Newspaper

11/16/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/coming-this-holiday-season-curtain-call-academy-proudly-presents-the-best-christmas-pageant-ever/

COMING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON… CURTAIN CALL ACADEMY PROUDLY PRESENTS: THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

FREEPORT, IL - December 5th and 6th at 7:00 p.m. Matinee: December 6th at 1:00 p.m. Location: Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport, Illinois.

Get ready for a Christmas comedy full of chaos, heart, and holiday cheer!

In this beloved holiday classic, a couple trying to direct their church’s annual Christmas pageant is thrown for a loop when the Herdman kids — the most wild and wonderfully awful kids in town — show up and demand roles. What follows is total mayhem… and one of the most unexpectedly moving Christmas stories you’ll ever see.

With favorite carols, laugh-out-loud moments, and a cast of talented young performers, this show is a holiday treat for the whole family! Bring your kids, your grandparents, your neighbors — and maybe even your Herdmans.

Don’t miss this fun-filled, feel-good holiday event brought to life by the amazing students of Curtain Call Academy.

Mark your calendars and join us for the show that proves “even the worst kids in the world” can teach us the true meaning of Christmas.

Tickets $10 - available online now. www.winneshiekplayers.com.

11/16/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/the-mysterious-closet/

THE MYSTERIOUS CLOSET

by Scott Cernek, pastor of Peace Church in Browntown, Wisconsin

We lived in an old farmhouse when I was a kid. It had all the characteristics of a typical hundred-year-old house. There were drafty windows, uneven floors, leaky roofs and drippy faucets. There were old hot water radiators throughout the house that rattled, creaked and groaned in the wintertime. The upstairs had no heat at all, and that’s where we boys slept each night. We had a huge feather bed that we would lay on top of our blankets, and when we crawled under that thing it was like having a massive cloud of fluffy warmth hugging us tight. I remember lying in bed watching my breath and yet feeling warm and safe under that mountain of goose down.

There were three of us that slept in that big warm bed. Since I had the earliest bedtime Sometimes, I didn’t hear my brothers come to bed. If I ever woke up in the middle of the night though, everyone would be snoring away snug as could be. It was really tough in the morning crawling out of that nice warm nest. It was almost like torture to get the wakeup call for chores. I tried to make it easier in the morning, so the night before I laid out my work clothes on the chair by the wall. When the wake-up call came, I would leap out of bed, grab my clothes and bolt downstairs as fast as my little feet could carry me. When I got to the living room, I would stand up close to those hot water radiators and get dressed quickly. Then it was out to the entrance for my overalls, boots, and coats, finally I ran out the door to the cozy dairy barn where the bossies would be waiting for their morning grain and hay.

One of things about that old house that was most mysterious for a young boy was a deep dark closet at the end of the hallway leading to the stairs. Every night I would sprint by that closet on my way upstairs. The closet actually ran underneath the stairway and my mom hung an old bed sheet across the doorway for neatness’ sake I suppose. To me it looked like a place for monsters to live and I hated it. It was a mystery to me that I never solved because I never looked inside that curtain, not even in the daytime.

The Apostle Paul writes about a mystery that God kept hidden for ages until the resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. Paul says in Colossians 1:25-27 I have become a servant to the church by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul was privileged to share this amazing truth that Jesus Christ can actually live in the heart of a believer to bring him help, comfort and strength each hour of every day. Mysteries are things that can be difficult to understand, but for the believer in Christ this mystery is clearly understood because we know from the Word of God that Christ is living inside our hearts. It is a rich blessing! He stands at our heart’s door waiting for us to open the door. Won’t you let him in? Until next week, God bless.

11/16/2025

11/16/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/illinois-goes-from-f-to-a-on-support-for-survivors-of-human-trafficking/

ILLINOIS GOES FROM “F” TO “A” ON SUPPORT

FOR SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Chicago, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is announcing Illinois has gone from an “F” on the Shared Hope International Just Like Me Report Cards to an “A” due to the recent passage of the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Illinois is one of only three states to receive an “A” grade. ​ The Just Like Me Report Cards grade states based on a Top Ten list of laws focused on human trafficking survivors and addressing its lasting impacts. ​ Illinois is now ranked second in the nation for its policies surrounding human trafficking survivors.

“Illinois is now among the leading states in the fight against human trafficking, and this new ‘A’ ranking from Shared Hope International represents my administration’s enduring commitment to keeping all Illinoisans safe,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. ​ “This year, I proudly signed pivotal legislation that established a coordinated, multi-agency effort to better support survivors of human trafficking. Using trauma-informed strategies to identify and support survivors across Illinois, these imperative measures are helping us protect and empower our most vulnerable.”

Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly passed and Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2323, the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Traffic Act (Act), to provide consistency in the state’s response by creating a uniform service response, policies, agency infrastructure, screening tools, training, and protocols. ​ Much of the act focused on survivors. ​

“Supporting people who have been trafficked, a modern day form of slavery, is a moral imperative that requires a comprehensive framework involving coordination between public and private partners,” said ISP Director and Joint Human Trafficking Work Group Chair Brendan F. Kelly. ​ “By supporting survivors, law enforcement can be more effective in going after traffickers using the information and knowledge survivors are now more comfortable sharing with law enforcement, knowing that resources are available to build a new life.”

The groundwork for the Act was laid by the ISP and Illinois Department of Human Services led Joint Human Trafficking Working Group – an ad hoc working group comprised of several State agencies, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, and more than 60 stakeholders representing human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault advocacy organizations, survivors, local law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, as well as medical, substance use disorder, and behavioral health providers. ​

“This progress reflects the power of community – survivors, advocates, and public servants coming together to build systems rooted in dignity and care,” said Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services and Joint Human Trafficking Working Group Co-Chair , Dulce M. Quintero. ​ “At IDHS, we know healing doesn’t happen in isolation – ​ it grows from connection, from being seen, and from having access to support that honors each person’s experience. This Act strengthens our shared capacity to respond with humanity and purpose.”

The first step to supporting survivors is identifying them. ​ The Act calls for expanded screening of ​ those in the State’s care (Department of Children and Family Services, juvenile justice, corrections) to identify individuals who are being trafficked. ​ The Act also mandates training for state inspectors, investigators, and regulators on signs of human trafficking in industries at high risk for trafficking, such as restaurants, hotel, agriculture, construction, and educational materials on the rights of youth workers. ​ To help law enforcement identify those being trafficked, the Act requires the development of law enforcement curriculum standards and policy guidelines for human trafficking detection, investigation, and response.

Once identified, providing support services to help survivors of human trafficking through a trauma-informed process is essential to promoting recovery, empowerment, and reintegration into society. ​ Collaboration among law enforcement, social workers, the legal system, state agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations strengthens the network of protection and resources available to victims. ​ The Act includes specific provisions to support those who have been trafficked.

• Coordinates several state agencies through a single statewide plan to identify and respond to survivors.

• Creates standards of care for human trafficking service providers.

• Develops curriculum standards and training for human trafficking and other service providers.

• Calls for collaboration with medical and legal associations to provide training for their members working with survivors.

• Requires Children’s Advocacy Centers adopt multidisciplinary team human trafficking task force protocols and facilitate training, standards, and collaboration to ensure a coordinated response to trafficked children.

In alignment with the Act, ISP, partnering with local law enforcement and private partners, recently created the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG) to take its work in combating human trafficking to the next level. ​ ​ Similar to the nine ISP Metropolitan Enforcement Groups and 13 Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces created to combat drug trafficking, ITEG consists of local and state partners focused on fighting human trafficking, while also working with community groups and health organizations to provide trauma-informed support services to individuals who have been trafficked. ​

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are victims of trafficking worldwide, including in the United States and in Illinois. ​ The signs of human trafficking can be subtle. ​ To learn more, visit Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline. ​ If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. ​ For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. ​ You can also email [email protected].

11/16/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/need-extra-cah-whats-it-worth-on-ebay-216/

NEED EXTRA CA$H

WHAT’S IT WORTH ON EBAY?

GALENA, IL - If you have an item and you would like to know what it is worth, send digital pictures with a brief description to [email protected]: or make an appointment to visit me at 201 North Commerce Street, Galena, Illinois. Be sure to check out our website at www.ezsellusa.com.

PERSIN AND ROBBIN RUPY & DIAMOND EARRINGS

The Persin and Robbin Rupy & Diamond Earrings are a stunning pair of fine jewelry crafted for those who appreciate elegance and sophistication. These earrings are meticulously set in 14KT white gold, providing a radiant and durable backdrop for the exquisite gemstones they showcase.

Each earring features a harmonious combination of vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds. The rubies are carefully selected for their rich red hue, while the diamonds are chosen for their brilliance and clarity. The gemstones are expertly set to maximize their beauty and ensure lasting security.

Some people find buying jewelry on eBay a challenge since they may not trust that what they are buying and paying for is real. Trust me when I tell you that there are sellers out there on eBay and enjoy selling knock offs that are not worth the postage to ship them to you. Over the years eBay has taken action to build trust and security into buying items of high value on eBay. When a piece of jewelry sells for over $500.00 eBay requires and will direct the item to be sent to an independent authenticator before it is shipped off to the buyer. This service protects both buyers and sellers in the transaction. Once the item has been authenticated it is then shipped onto the buyer and the funds are then released to the seller.

This set of earrings recently sold on eBay for $1,250.00, a nice price and good value, and yes, they did pass authentication.

11/15/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/idph-issues-reminder-about-potential-hazards-of-consuming-raw-milk/

IDPH ISSUES REMINDER

ABOUT POTENTIAL HAZARDS

OF CONSUMING RAW MILK

CHICAGO, IL - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing a general reminder to the public about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk after at least eleven people were recently sickened by such products. While most milk products sold in the state are pasteurized, meaning they have been treated with heat to kill viruses, germs, and other substances that can cause illness, raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized, making it more likely to be a source of foodborne illness.

“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It helps keep milk and dairy products safe for everyone to enjoy. Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. To help keep everyone in Illinois safe, we encourage people to be cautious and think carefully before choosing to drink raw milk.”

IDPH has so far identified an outbreak of eleven cases of Campylobacter infection that appear to be linked to consumption of raw milk from a common source; the producer is taking steps to notify customers and is cooperating with the investigation. Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. IDPH recommends that anyone who has consumed raw milk and begins to exhibit those symptoms to contact their medical provider.

Illinois raw milk rules require testing for temperature, antibiotics, and certain signs that could indicate infection within the product. However, specific pathogen testing for germs like Campylobacter or other disease-causing agents like E. coli or salmonella is not required.

IDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid illnesses associated with milk consumption:

• Use pasteurized milk and dairy products.

• Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or colder to slow bacterial growth. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours -- or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like in a hot car or at a picnic.

• Throw away expired or spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out.

For more information on raw milk and its potential hazards, go to Raw Milk and Your Health https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/diseases/influenza/h5n1/raw-milk.html.

11/15/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/around-the-northern-hills-274/

Around The Northern Hills

Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau

By Annette Eggers

Did you know that as a Farm Bureau member you can save on John Deere equipment? Check out the savings on the following equipment categories:

Commercial mowing - $200 to $1700 off

Residential mowing - $50 to $150 off

Utility vehicles - $100 to $250 off Tractors - $150 to $250 off

Compact Construction - $550 to $1400 off

Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau today to register! To be eligible for this discount, you must be a member for 30 days and need to have a valid email address.

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I have had a couple of people ask me recently if we still collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City. The simple answer is, YES! We are happy to support a worthwhile cause that has benefited people from our area that have doctored in Iowa City.

If you have pop tabs that you would like to donate, please drop them off in any kind of container to the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau office Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Family Farm Signs. As we are getting closer to the Christmas season, I’ve got a great gift idea for that farmer on your list. “This is a Family Farm” signs are the perfect way to show pride in a farm. The signs are 17.5” X 23” and cost $40. Stop by our office and pick one up.

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Don’t forget to take advantage of the member discounts from local businesses. Just show your membership card at the business to claim your discount. For a full listing of local benefits, visit our website at jodaviesscfb.com. Go to membership, then local discounts.

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Farm Fun Fact: In 2024, American Farmers produced 210 million turkeys.

11/15/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/mistletoe-walk-and-holiday-activities-come-to-downtown-freeport/

MISTLETOE WALK AND HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

COME TO DOWNTOWN FREEPORT

Freeport, IL - The holiday shopping season begins in Downtown Freeport this weekend, November 22nd, continuing the tradition of Mistletoe Walk. In one very special day, experience all the shopping, dining, and holiday cheer the stores and businesses have to offer.

Dozens of businesses, shops and boutiques open their doors with holiday music, treats and shopping specials on Saturday. Special live music appearances are scheduled throughout downtown with community carolers walking the streets to spread festive tunes. Horse-drawn carriage rides are free to all attendees sponsored by Honeywell from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy the action of Living Windows in select downtown storefronts from 4:00-5:00 p.m. The Holiday Tree lighting will take place at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Stephenson County Courthouse. All are invited to countdown the lights with the Big Guy in red – Santa! The activities, entertainment, and decor could not be possible without the help of amazing and generous sponsors. Thank you to our Jolly Sponsors Loescher HVAC and Freidag & Associates for supporting a festive holiday season for all to enjoy.

Stop by to see Santa, drop off your letter, and warm up by the fire with the Smores Station at Karcher Block Pocket Park (15 West Stephenson Street). For more detailed information on the timing of each activity and specials being offered in each location, visit greaterfreeport.com/events.

“Mistletoe Walk is a great opportunity to kick off the gift-giving season with local shopping options. Activities, great music, and fantastic specials make the day even more enjoyable and put you in the holiday spirit. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 22nd for our kickoff to the most joyful time of the year,” said Greater Freeport Partnership Main Street Manager Katie Gentz.

Mistletoe Walk is hosted by the Greater Freeport Partnership to promote local shopping and community engagement in Freeport and Stephenson County. The Partnership is a catalyst for dynamic economic growth fostering an inclusive environment where businesses thrive, and the community prospers. We are dedicated to nurturing new opportunities while enriching the fabric of Freeport and Stephenson County.

For more information, please visit greaterfreeport.com, or call 815-233-6301.

11/15/2025

https://theflashonline.com/site/illinois-state-museum-featuring-personal-route-66-stories-for-mother-roads-100th-anniversary-in-2026/

ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM FEATURING PERSONAL ROUTE 66

STORIES FOR MOTHER ROAD’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026

SPRINGFIELD, IL - In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of legendary Route 66 in 2026, the Illinois State Museum (ISM) has launched an online database of 100 oral histories about the Mother Road.

ISM’s Route 66 Oral History Project database includes video-recorded interviews, as well as world-searchable written transcriptions. Contributors include people who lived, worked and traveled along Route 66 during its pre-interstate heyday, as well as people who currently promote, preserve and interpret the road for current and future generations.

“These interviews provide a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to travel Route 66 back in the day, as well as perspectives from people who are working to promote the road today,” said Erika Holst, ISM curator of history and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program co-organizer. “We know that Route 66 students and enthusiasts are going to learn so much from these interviews. There are so many details to be found that you just can’t find in books.”

Route 66 was commissioned in 1926. At the time it was advertised as the shortest, best and most scenic route between Chicago and Los Angeles. It was the major thoroughfare to the West Coast for decades until the creation of the federal interstate system. The route stretched about 300 miles through Illinois, following roughly the same path as what became Interstate 55 from Chicago to St. Louis.

After a revival of interest in the late 20th century, Route 66 has evolved into a popular road trip route drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year.

“The interviews run the gamut from childhood memories of traveling the road on family vacations to a state trooper patrolling the road at night,” said Amanda Bryden, ISM registrar of history and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program co-organizer. “They range from humorous and hopeful to tragic and tense. We are honored to be stewards of these stories and are excited to share them with the public.”

This project was made possible through the support of the Illinois State Museum Society and a grant from the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

About the Illinois

State Museum

Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is a dynamic institution that inspires the exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources. Headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport, ISM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a proud member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.