This week, the Ag Food Science class partnered with FCCLA’s Foods 2 class to visit Janie’s Mill in Ashkum, IL. During our visit, we learned the inspiring story behind how Janie’s Mill came to be. The company began as a project by Harold and Sandy Wilken to honor the memory of their daughter, Janie, who tragically passed away in a car accident. Following this loss, Harold was offered the opportunity to begin farming organically, which led to the creation of Janie’s Mill. Today, the Wilkens provide meaningful employment in a small rural community while producing and distributing fresh, organic flour and grain products to customers around the world. To a passerby, it might be hard to imagine the dedication and hard work that goes into their business, but the pride and care of their team are evident in everything they do. We are so grateful to Sandy Wilken for welcoming us and sharing both her story and Janie’s memory with our class.
IW FFA Reporter Peyton Howe

Congrats to the 7 winners of the JJC's 2025 Red Ribbon Week Door Decorating Contest! We will be contacting you all soon to arrange for delivery of the prizes you've earned by our mascot Ollie the Owl. Thanks to all who took part and helped to encourage youth in our community to live drug-free!
Please note that EVERY SINGLE PERSON who helped decorate a door that was entered in the contest will receive a sweet treat! We loved seeing all of the creative entries and were thrilled to hear how the door designs inspired important conversations! Although Red Ribbon Week has ended, let's keep these conversations going in our community and continue to encourage our youth to make positive choices!

On Friday, November 7 the students at Gilman Elementary school were treated to an opera performance. A quartet of singers and a pianist from Opera for the Young worked with 16 2nd, and 3rd graders to entertain all the students in attendance that day. They performed an opera called The Elixir of Love that was written specifically to be performed for students. All of the students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade learned 4 songs from the opera during music classes with Mrs. Muench and got to sing along during the show. Sixteen students were chosen to be in the official opera chorus and performed up front with the opera singers. The members of this year’s opera chorus were Adalyn Ziemainski, Melea Siwinski, Marcelo Martinez, Layla Barney, Sophie Vargas, Beau Wheeler, Dominic Lopez, Stephanie Melgoza, Jane Keigher, Kenna Rushbrook, Bella Jenkins, Easton Canada, Colton Borchers, Aidan Gomez, Izzy Buchsath, and Ryker Tvrdik. This visit from Opera for the Young was sponsored by Sugar Creek Opera.

Looking for entries for the Onarga American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Tree Lane! Let us know if you're interested in joining in on the fun!

Mark your calendar! Come enjoy a fun event while supporting your Onarga American Legion Auxiliary and spending time with family and friends!

Iroquois West FFA had a great time at Tri-Point High School last night! A huge thank-you to everyone who helped organize the Food Science CDE. Congratulations to Logan Wagner (12th place) and Alivia Albrecht (19th place) for leading the team to an impressive 5th place finish! Well done to all who competed, and best of luck to those advancing to State!
IW FFA Reporter Peyton Howe