Announcing the next scheduled operating session of Mike Schafer’s Illinois & St. Louis (some still call it the Insolvent & Still Losing). Doors open at noon or so (feel free to pick up lunch on the way and eat it in the commissary where we’ll have plenty of soft drinks on hand), and the clock goes on at 1 p.m.

I’m 25 minutes south of the Rockford city limits if you come down on I-39. Take the Steward exit (next exit after the I-88 interchange at Rochelle); head east on Perry Road about three miles to the Lutheran church (north side of road) and turn right on County Line Road. Head south into Lee and take the SECOND left AFTER the 4-way stop with flashing light.