Western Illinois University’s sensory rooms on both campuses have an expanded selection of resources thanks to donations made by the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN,) according to a news release. ASAN’s contribution includes a wide range of books aimed at enhancing the sensory experience for individuals with autism. Alongside the book donation, access to ASAN’s resource library will be granted, providing valuable technical reports, self-advocacy curriculum and additional informative materials. As part of this initiative, books will be allocated for use in sensory rooms and the virtual sensorium.

Lana never found a man who would cherish and protect her, but her connection with her daughter became the strongest and most lasting love in her life. “Cheryl idolized her mother,” says De La Hoz. “In the last 10 years of Lana’s life, they were closer than ever.” When Lana passed away following a three-year bout with throat cancer in 1995, her daughter was at her side. “She just took a breath,” Cheryl said, “and then she was gone.

There’s still time and plenty to see and do at the Mississippi Valley Fair, including some great musical acts that are performing at the grandstands. Tristan and Lindsey stop out at the fair to talk more to the general manager of the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Shawn Loter, about the upcoming performances. ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sMHRqqyanJOewaqx0meaqKVfq7alsc5opKKro57AtLXPqaBmrpGhuabFjJ%2BYoqpdocKlrcKroKxnaG2EdoKVcGY%3D

Yes, both are blonde and both took a controversial stand — but that's about as far as comparisons go between what Meghan Linsey just did and what the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines did in 2003. One could argue both are disrespecting or standing up for America, but the right or wrong of each woman's actions is best left for another forum. Twitter and Facebook seem to be handling the conversation quite nicely — who are we to compete with social galaxies?

The Western Illinois University Office of Human Resources has announced the University’s 2023 Distinguished Service and Community Service award winners. A recognition ceremony for employees was held Wednesday, April 12, in the University Union., according to a news release. Taylor Zeigler, fraternity and sorority life coordinator at WIU, received the Community Service Award; Amanda Silberer, chair of the WIU Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, received the Administrative Recognition and Service Award; and Carrie Lowderman, office manager at Alumni Relations, received the Civil Service Recognition and Service Award.