This review is going to be biased.

It’s pretty much a sure bet that anything that has the word “phantom” attached to it will draw my attention. So, when I learned that Franc D’Ambrosio was coming to Washington to sing songs from the musical, I purchased a ticket.

Certainty and encouraging words are what some people came to the Pere Marquette for last week.

There was a little of both delivered by U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) and State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington, the newly minted GOP gubernatorial candidate. 

Democrats may rule the state, but at the Pere Marquette March 8, it was the Republicans who dominated.

Leprechauns, shamrocks and the legend of Saint Patrick reinforce in students the heritage of their catholic roots.

At Saint Patrick School in Washington, the day to honor the saint and his Irish heritage comes March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

The deans’ and guidance counselors’ offices have been eerily quiet this year at Washington Community High School.

“In the dean’s office this year, about September, our office and the guidance office were saying, ‘Where are the freshmen?’” said dean of students Karen Stevens.

 Brittany Fischer is the proud caretaker of five chickens: Reba, Disco Chick, K, F and C.
The chickens live in a cozy coop her father built under the stairs in their barn next to their home on Dee-Mack Road in Washington.

“Reba was the only one I could catch when she was a chick, so she lets me hold her and pet her,” the 19-year-old said, holding the gold-feathered hen until it decided it had had enough and started squawking.

Injuries hampered what shaped up as a memorable season for the Washington boys basketball team.

But despite having two key guards sidelined for seven games apiece, the Panthers remained among the area’s elite programs.

Washington was 19-8 on the season and 10-4 in the Mid-Illini Conference, which snapped its streak of five consecutive league championships.

The Panthers were 14-3 in late January, with 12 wins in a 13-game span, then injuries began to take their toll.