Best of The Gazette, March 10: Guns, a plastic hand and a damaged dam
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The Gazette publishes a lot of news in a week. Combine that with all the distractions a weekend brings, and that means there's a good chance you might have missed some important stories. Here's a look at of some of The Gazette's best content from the last week or so:
NEWS
Ag-what? Officials turning agriculture into tourism
What exactly is ag tourism? Around here, agriculture is synonymous with work. Milking cows, scraping barns and harvesting fields come to mind. But in northern Illinois, ag is a novelty. “People in northern Illinois love the idea of a farm experience,” said Christine Rebout, executive director of the Janesville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It's really exciting to them.”
With 3-D printer, Evansville dad gives son a little plastic, a lot of love
An Evansville family is working to 3-D print a prosthetic hand for 3-year-old Liam Schmit. The technology will allow Schmit to scale the hand as Liam grows and print larger ones on his home 3-D printer. “The neat thing for Liam is that he's going to be able to see a lot of new technology come out as he grows up that will help him a lot,” said Nathan Patterson, who is helping with the project.
SPORTS
Tim Seeman: Major League Soccer returns
The Gazette's Tim Seeman has renewed his vow to keep Janesville and the surrounding area in the know when it comes to professional soccer. With the season kicking off Friday, here's what to expect this year.
Ted Peck: A case for concealed-carry reciprocity
A concealed carry permit should be like a driver's license—universally recognized, Outdoors columnist Ted Peck writes. Look no further than the Mall of America in Minneapolis to understand why.
OPINION
Our Views: Seriously consider Janesville's Monterey Dam for removal
In the wake of a DNR order, Janesville's Monterey Dam faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs. If the city repairs the dam now, it can count on spending more to fix it in future years. The insidious flow of water forever erodes the structure. That's why now's the time to seriously consider the dam's removal, The Gazette Editorial Board writes.
Editor's Views: Reflections on 36 years lead to heart of newspaper
As Gazette Editor Scott Angus prepares to leave after 36 years at this newspaper and 25 years as editor, he has much to reflect on and be satisfied about, he writes. His proudest achievement? The level of caring and the earnest, honest effort Gazette staffers put forth every day. This newsroom has heart, Angus writes.
FEATURES
Second City workshop teaches attendees the art of improv
Chicago's The Second City comedy troupe, which has produced entertainers the likes of John Belushi, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey and Gilda Radner, came to JPAC Saturday. But one lucky group got more than just a show out of the group's visit.
Joan Neeno: Rockford diner's strength is cooking, not ambience
What's to love about Chef Paul Sletten's restaurants? Fresh, local ingredients served creatively and excellent service. With PK Diner, he's delivering once again, although the rather spartan atmosphere is not as warm and cozy as his other places, restaurant reviewer Joan Neeno writes.
BLOGS
ProjectLab: Use foam to fix holes (but don't skip the gloves)
Spray foam can be just the ticket for fixing drafty house holes, DIY columnist Nick Crow writes. But if you try it, don't skip the gloves.
Ask a Poultry Farmer: How do I build a home for my chicks?
You don't have to spend a lot of money to build new digs for baby chicks, poultry blogger Dale Wheelock writes. A cardboard box will do just fine.
VIDEO
World Famous Bargain Barn more than just a motorcycle parts store, owner says
If you need an oil filter for your late-model motorcycle, plenty of stores can sell you one. But if you need something more specific, say an oil tank for a 1970s-era Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster, then you have a tougher search ahead. That's where Edgerton's World Famous Bargain Barn comes in.
Glen Loyd Videos: Peering through fog, frost on Rock River
Glen Loyd offers viewers some picturesque views of the foggy Rock River in his latest video. He even manages to track down another eagle, this one managing to hang on to a frosty tree branch.