I do like the new crossing signs on Illinois Route 38 and Turkington Terrace. Pedestrians can push a button and activate the lights. Then motorists need to stop. In Illinois drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians need to be more aware of crossing at the places where there are stoplights or crossing lights.  

I would still like to see some of those neat yellow crossing lights in key spots on Seventh Street as well. When school is in session I always see middle-schoolers running for their lives at Tenth Avenue. One by the library would be nice too.

*****

Here we are, one year into the COVID crisis.

In case no one has mentioned it, this disease has destroyed families and businesses throughout our land.

On April 17 flags will be raised to full staff following a COVID memorial service in Springfield. Flags have been lowered for the past year as a visual reminder of the deaths this disease has caused.

There should be a COVID Memorial Day, when we take time to remember those who have died because of COVID. The death toll is still rising. Not as quickly, but deaths are still occurring.

COVID-19 was not a hoax, it did not disappear in a month, the crisis did not end with an election. It is still with us. We need to be safe, we need to be smart, we need to do what we can to stop the spread.  

It’s never too late to start.

*****

Like all of you, I have been watching gasoline prices. I have a little book in my car in which I write down prices and mileage. In the summer of 2019, I was paying $2.89 per gallon. This week I filled up for $2.85 per gallon. The kicker is, the station was almost 20 cents a gallon cheaper than other stations in town. Go figure. Isn’t it basically the same gas?

*****

For years a certain person in Springfield prevented amendment proposals from reaching the voters. Term limits and impartial redistricting committees were two of the issues on which we had no voice. We should have.

Whatever party controls the Illinois House redistricts state house and senate seats. Both parties draw them to their party’s advantage, not always what is best for the people.
Congressional districts are also drawn to keep the party in power, in power.

That is a terrible way to govern and needs to change.

Terry Dickow can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com