(OLNEY) The next Queen of Hearts drawing at the Olney VFW is this Sunday afternoon at 4:00, with tickets on sale up until draw time. This week’s jackpot is worth $9,262 if the winner is present. It’s all open to the public and all are invited to take part in raising funds to support the VFW Post Home on North Walnut Street and its work with local Veterans and their families. The Post will host its annual Member’s Christmas Dinner this Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00, then after the Queen of Hearts drawing, the Post will close at 5:00 for its Post Christmas Party.
(OLNEY) The Heritage House Christmas is coming up this Sunday afternoon, from 1:30 to 4:00, at the corner of Elm Street and Kitchell Avenue in Olney. Always open to the public, there will be plenty of refreshments, live entertainment, and tours. All ages are invited to check it out at the Heritage House in Olney, courtesy of the Richland Heritage Museum Foundation.
(OLNEY) The Olney VFW will host another “taco night” this coming Friday night with serving from 5:30 to 7:30, or until sold out. Along with the great menu, there will also be a bake sale and 50/50 drawing with proceeds to benefit Circle Star Wildlife Rescue & Rehab. Call in orders will be accepted after 4:30 Friday afternoon, at 618-392-4226. Check it out this Friday night.
(NEWTON) It’s the second of three Friday nights in December this weekend with specials and more in downtown Newton. All are invited to join Rauch’s Jewelry and Family this Friday night from 5:00 to 7:00, with this week featuring Santa Claus and Rosie the Reindeer, not to mention downtown Newton shopping specials, free craft activities for children, and much more. It’s all sponsored in part by the Embarras River Tourism Council and various businesses in Newton.
(NEWTON) The next Queen of Hearts drawing at the Newton American Legion Post 20 is this Friday night at 6:30, with the jackpot at $72,880. With serving to start at 5:00, the Queen’s menu includes all you can eat soup with either chicken tortellini or chili to choose from at $6.00 per person. That’s Friday night at 108 East Jourdan Street in Newton. Call ahead at 618-783-2622.
(ALBION) The next area in-person testing session for an Illinois pesticide license is this Friday in Wayne County, at the Extension Office in Fairfield from 10:00 to 1:00 with pre-registration required by visiting the IDOA website or by contacting the Extension Office. The first testing date for Edwards County is a week from Friday, December 19th, at the Farm Bureau Office in Albion. The next in-person testing dates in Richland County is coming up in January and March. For more details contact the Extension Offices in Olney, Albion, or Fairfield.
(OLNEY) Don’t forget to visit the Christmas Lights Display in the Olney City Park, lit up each night at dusk through New Year’s Eve, plus Santa Claus will be available in the Community Building to meet with children this coming Friday night, from 6:00 to 8:00.
(NEWTON) All are encouraged to make plans to visit the Christmas Lights Display in Newton’s Peterson Park, which is now open for public viewing each night from 5:00 to 10:00 through January 4th, 2026. Also for those who would like to volunteer time to spread some Christmas cheer at the end of the display, send a message to the Lights page on Facebook or call 783-9405.