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Back to the Fields for one more season of generational farming

  The sun barely peeked over the horizon in Randolph Township, McLean County, Illinois, casting a golden glow across the frost-kissed fields. This wasn’t just another Wednesday in late March—it was the first day back in the field after a long, quiet winter. The air carried that familiar bite of early spring, a crispness that reminds generational farmers of when they would ride alongside their dad in a rattling old tractor. But today, as he climbed into the cab of his sleek, towering modern Case IH, loaded with GPS precision and climate control, the nostalgia hit differently. The hum of the engine wasn’t the clattering roar of the past; it was a smooth, powerful purr, a sound that bridged decades of memory with the promise of modernity. By noon, the cab’s air conditioning kept the sweat off the brow—a luxury earlier generations never dreamed of. Dust and heat were as much a part of farming as the crops themselves. A paused to sip coffee from a thermos, the same dented one his wife h...
Recent posts

Braydon Laesch - Heyworth Hornets & Andrew Fleming - Le Roy Panthers

   Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Check out all the Best Look in Sports Action photos at www.alanlook.com! See the Alan Look Photography facebook page for current specials. Braydon Laesch -  Andrew Fleming

Brock Holtz - Bloomington High School Purple Raiders!

  Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Brock Holtz - Bloomington High School Purple Raiders!

This day in history (March 23, 2022) - ISU Redbird Baseball shuts down UIC Flames

NORMAL, Ill. — Ryan Cermak powered the Illinois State Redbirds to a 9-5 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames on Sunday, smashing two home runs in a standout performance at Duffy Bass Field. Cermak’s second homer of the game came in a pivotal moment, electrifying the crowd as he leaped onto home plate to complete his trot around the bases. The Redbirds’ offense erupted for nine runs, overwhelming the Flames in a contest that showcased Illinois State’s dominance in the matchup. The win improved Illinois State’s record as they capitalized on a balanced attack against UIC’s pitching. The Flames, despite a late rally, couldn’t close the gap, finishing the game with five runs. The Redbirds’ victory underscored their strong play in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UIC struggled to keep pace. Both teams are set to continue their seasons with upcoming conference games later this week.

This day in history: Stevenson Claims IHSA Class 4A State Title With Victory Over Normal Community

PEORIA, Ill. (March 21, 2015) —  Stevenson captured its first IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship Saturday night, defeating Normal Community at the Carver Center inside the Peoria Civic Center. The Patriots, hailing from Lincolnshire, controlled the game from the outset, using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to keep the Ironmen from finding a consistent rhythm. Stevenson established an early lead and maintained its momentum, capitalizing on key scoring runs and defensive stops. Normal Community, making its bid for a state title, struggled to break through Stevenson’s defensive pressure. Despite flashes of offensive success, the Ironmen were unable to mount a sustained comeback as Stevenson maintained control throughout the contest. With the win, Stevenson secures its place in program history, capping off a dominant season with the school’s first-ever Class 4A state championship. The victory marks a significant achievement for the Patriots, who reached ...

This Day in History - March 19, 2010 Hope College Defeats Rochester 86-75 to Advance to DIII Championship Final

  BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) March 19, 2010 — The Flying Dutch of Hope College punched their ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship final Friday night, defeating the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 86-75 in a hard-fought semifinal at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan. The game featured intense competition, including a moment when Hope’s Philana Greene and Rochester’s Jodie Luther wrestled for a loose ball. Ultimately, the Flying Dutch pulled away with strong offensive play and clutch shooting to secure the victory. Hope College will now advance to the championship game, looking to claim the national title.

This Day in History: Washington University Faces Illinois Wesleyan in NCAA Women's Basketball Matchup

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 18, 2011) — Brittany Hasselbring maneuvered around the top of the key during an NCAA women's basketball game between the Washington University Bears and the Illinois Wesleyan Titans at Shirk Center on Friday. The matchup featured intense competition as both teams fought for a spot in the next round. Hasselbring played a key role in the Titans’ offensive efforts, looking to create opportunities against Washington University's defense. Illinois Wesleyan hosted the game at Shirk Center, drawing a strong home crowd in support of the Titans.