The Pantagraph Bloomington, IL

Evergreen Lake Survey Reveals Plenty of Brutes

HUDSON -- Big fish swim in Evergreen Lake in northern McLean County that could write a lucky angler's name in the record book. A recent netting survey spanning three nights for saugeye and muskies snared at least three saugeye that would better the Illinois record of 9 pounds, 10.88 ounces caught there in December, 2001.

Expensive Ring Reported Stolen

SAYBROOK -- A ring valued at nearly $21,000 was stolen from a Saybrook home, a McLean County sheriff's police report said. The ring, which is a marquis diamond surrounded by diamonds, is 3.25 carats, with a value of $20,900. It was stolen between March 27 and Sunday, police said. The loss was reported to police Wednesday.

Nchs Bats Come Alive at Lincoln

Casey Seibert collected four hits, and Kayla Kindred contributed three hits and four RBI Wednesday to power the Normal Community High School softball team to an 11-0 nonconference victory at Lincoln The Ironmen had 13 hits overall in improving to 7-0. Lincoln dropped to 2-6.

Atlantic City Skates to Win Over Peoria

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies built a 3-1 lead and held on to defeat the Peoria Rivermen, 3-2, Wednesday night in the opening game of an East Coast Hockey League first- round playoff series. Nick Parillo, Ian Walterson and Preston Mizzi scored goals for the defending Kelly Cup champion Bullies. Peoria received a goal from Marty Johnson in the first period and Joe Pereira in the third period.

New Iwu President Will Build On Previous Success

Newly named Illinois Wesleyan University President Richard F. Wilson has big shoes to fill when he steps into the void left by the death of Minor Myers Jr., who served as IWU's leader for 14 years. However, based on Wilson's background in 26 years at the University of Illinois and descriptions of him as inspirational, decisive and a problem-solver, Wilson seems up to the task.

Doctors Make Health Care Accessible to All

On behalf of the Community Health Care Clinic, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those physicians in our community who volunteer their time and service for our patients. Without these physicians' support, the health of these individuals, and our community, would suffer. This past week, many organizations recognized Doctor's Day. I would like to take this opportunity to join others in conveying our appreciation for the work of our local physicians.

When Will Retaliation Come to America?

When you look at the destruction that we have brought to Iraq since 1991 you can't help but wonder when will retaliation come to America. The Christian Science Monitor quoted a 3rd Infantry Division soldier saying "for lack of a better word, I feel almost guilty about the massacre. We wasted a lot of people. ... We won, but at what cost?"

Praise Politicians for Normal Center Funds

We should applaud, not criticize, the actions of Congressmen Johnson and Weller in obtaining funds for Normal's downtown transportation center, ("Discretionary spending out of control in Washington," OurViews, March 31). We should also be thankful that Sens. Durbin and Fitzgerald have supported this project. To imply this is a purely local project shows a lack of understanding. This is an interstate transportation project with local attributes and deserving of federal funding.

Artist's Conception ; Bloomington-Bred Comic Book Artist Branches Out Into Film

When "The Punisher" begins doling out justice in movie theaters next weekend, our appetite forrevenge will likely have been whetted by former Bloomington denizen Tim Bradstreet. And with good reason.

Twin Cities Not Using Software

BLOOMINGTON -- Many Twin City business officials vaguely know about software aimed at detecting plagiarism. They just can't find a reason to use it. And most believe the software presents more questions than answers.

Demonstrators Are Motivated by Concern

A recent letter characterized the March 19 demonstrators in downtown Bloomington as full of fear and hate, ("Coverage of protesters needed to be buried," YourViews, March 29). I was one of the participants and experienced neither. In fact, I am personally acquainted with several of the demonstrators and know them to be courageous and loving people who dedicate lots of time and effort to a broad range of community activities that benefit the lives of others.

U of I Should Keep Proud Chief Illiniwek

I am writing this article in response to the article "U of I students support Illiniwek" that was on Page A3 on March 19. The symbol of Chief Illiniwek and the dance of Chief Illiniwek should be kept at the University of Illinois. Chief Illiniwek reminds us of the honorable, original inhabitants of Illinois -- the Illini. Chief Illiniwek is not a racist mascot toward the Native American people.

True-Blue Comic Hero ; Del Toro, Perlman Faithful to Source Material in 'Hellboy'

Hellboy Director: Guillermo Del Toro

Star of Screen, If Not Stage ; Dancer's Wedding Plays Role in Film of Joffrey Ballet

At a glance Event: The Joffrey Ballet

An Oval Art Form

HUDSON -- Kelly Graeber decorates Easter eggs, but they look nothing like the ones the rest of us dye and hide. Graeber practices pysanky, an ancient Ukrainian folk art of decorating eggs using beeswax and dyes.

Pysanky No Yolk for Pupils

HUDSON -- Kylie Harp carefully etched her egg with wavy lines, finishing with dots and hearts. The raw egg was dipped into green, blue and, finally, purple dye. Before long, she had an egg decorated in a Ukrainian style called pysanky.

Rutherford Posts Governor's Plan

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinoisans anxious about paying higher state fees can get a peek at what Gov. Rod Blagojevich has in store for them through a new Web site. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, unveiled a site this week that details more than 200 proposed fee increases in Blagojevich's budget plan.

Areacalendar

Today Community

Isu's Anderson Valley Golfer of the Week

NORMAL -- Senior Brian Anderson has been named Missouri Valley Conference golfer of the week for the second week in a row after placing second in the Branson Creek Invitational. Anderson shaved two strokes off of his previous best by firing a 210 for 54 holes on the par-71, 7,015-yard Branson Creek Course in Hollister, Mo.

Stephens in Control for West ; Junior's Five-Hitter Keys Wildcats Past Olympia

STANFORD -- Effective but fair minded, Normal West High School pitcher Drew Stephens rationed out one hit per inning over the first five innings Wednesday. Stephens clamped off Olympia's trickle of hits over the final two innings as West secured a 7-0 nonconference baseball victory over the Spartans.