618creative

marks

Awareness | Mark’s Remarks

I won’t lie to you: I’m aware many people read this column and I’m aware that many enjoy reading it. There are times I really must give myself an ego…

Prairie du Rocher continues Twelfth Night Ball tradition

The pre-colonial tradition of celebrating the Twelfth Night of Christmas was observed Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Prairie du Rocher — a couple of weekends later than originally…

Best of 2013 Winners

We want to extend a BIG thank you to everyone that participated in the first annual Republic-Times Best of 2013 contest. We also want to congratulate all of the winners…

Surviving the Snowpocalypse | Planet Ryan

Last week was a doozy, wasn’t it? Record-breaking temperatures and snowfall. Most of us haven’t seen that kind of bitter, bone-chilling cold more than a handful of times, and though…

marks

Cabin fever and experiments | Mark’s Remarks

It’s rather amazing what happens when you are forced to just stay home. Inside. For several hours. Days. I think first you feel a great surge of energy. You are…

Waterloo schools receive state technology loan

The Illinois State Board of Education announced last week the selection of 22 school districts from across Illinois, including Waterloo, to receive  funds from the School Technology Revolving Loan Program.…

Waterloo grad making a name for herself in music

What started as a passion for creative writing has morphed into something beautiful for Waterloo High School graduate Lexi Krekorian. Krekorian, known by her artist name “Alexandra Kay,” has found…

New book sheds light on the 140-year-old Saxtown murders

The bloody massacre of an entire household occurred nearly 140 years ago in the countryside not far from Waterloo, almost right on the St. Clair-Monroe County line. A new book…

Polar Bear fun

It has become a local tradition for some, to brave the freezing temperatures on New Years Day — a way to usher in the new year and to help raise…