Today in Morton - March 27

By Nathan Domenighini

Morton Times-News

Mon Mar 09, 2009, 12:37 PM CDT

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Morton, Ill. -

Did I curse the weather?

I am feeling a tad guilty. When I wrote "Spring is in the Air," (you can read it below) I was not intending for there to be an actual snow event following its publication. Sure enough - click here.

This scares me, though. Does this mean some of my predictions for 2009 will come true?! I sure hope not.

I apologize, nonetheless, if I am responsible for the impending snowfall. I will leave that for you to decide...

Benefit April 4 for young Morton girl

Tess Swearingen, daughter of Spencer and Libby, grand‐daughter of Bill and Cindy Wiedman of Morton, was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma in January. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Memphis, TN at St. Jude. The family also has 3 other children, Avery, 5, Bennett, 2 ½, and Sam, 6 months.

Pulled Pork Dinner
Saturday, April 4th noon-??
Morton VFW

Bad Government special feature this week

In this week's Morton Times-News, expect a package of stories regarding local and state government. The editorial staff at TimesNewspapers put a lot of effort into these stories that focus on the current state of politics and government in Illinois. The package focuses on a hot topic lately — corruption.

We will take a look at Illinois' past, present and what to expect in the future. And, we're all looking for someone to which our fingers can point. Let's face it, Illinois' beloved former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is not the only one who deserves a spotlight. Perhaps this week's Bad Government package will give readers an idea of who is to blame.

Spring is in the Air!

The buds of trees begin to show and the once-dead yellow grass regains its green luster. It is a tell-tale sign of spring.

As we make the transition from winter to summer, we slowly remember all the little things about the outdoors that make us appreciate where we live.

My windows are open and the stale winter scent in my home is starting to dissipate.

I wake up every morning wondering if I will need a jacket or not.

My vehicle starts on the first try. I don’t need to scrape any frost off my windows. I don’t need heat or air conditioning, as the weather outside is comfortable as is.

Sure, it might be a little early to get in the spring spirit. I’ve seen snow events in April in my lifetime. But, I know it is just temporary. I know what awaits — the pleasant outdoors.

The time is nearing, however, to do what we have to as Mortonites to clean up the trash once buried in snow.

Last year, we focused on the efforts of Mortonites picking up the trash and debris left over from the winter. Residents throughout town seem to get in the mood.

This year, we want to continue where we left off. And, we want to know what Mortonites are doing to counter winter’s ugly residue.

If your class, organization or church group is planning to be a part of the anti-litter effort this year, we want to know.

I am hoping Mortonites will share their efforts with the rest of the community as a way to show the positive impact of working together to keep Morton beautiful.

There are no doubts in my mind that hundreds of Mortonites do this every year. I saw it last year.

Be creative — encourage your friends and family to join you. Take pictures and send them to me at ndomenighini@timestoday.com. If you want, invite me out to document your efforts. I have a camera that is dying to get out in some warm weather.

I will feature your photos on our Web site and in the paper. I am excited to see what my fellow Mortonites are up to.

So, grab your trash bags and poking sticks. It is time to begin a new season.