Unincorporated Wichert in Kankakee County is where Jack Sikma first fell in love with the game of basketball. Shooting hoops in the barn and a growth spurt elevating him to 6-foot-10 helped him lead his high school team to its first state tournament appearance. He then helped the Seattle SuperSonics to the franchise’s only championship. Sikma reflected on his high school days and induction to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with RFD’s Jim Taylor in this 2019 interview. Read more

As local basketball teams try to make it to state, this time of year brings back fond memories for COUNTRY Financial CEO Jim Jacobs. He scored 2,069 points and grabbed 1,156 rebounds in his stellar career at the former Chenoa High School in McLean County. The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer tells RFD Radio’s Jim Taylor that he learned some valuable lessons while playing interscholastic athletics.     Read more

With March Madness tipping off, it’s time to bring a little agriculture history to the court. Read about a farmer’s invention that changed the game, an NBA champion’s rural roots, get a tour of the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame

Life gets busy, and spring is an especially busy time for farmers. Reflecting on her farm upbringing, Katlyn Post, ag teacher at Herscher High School, shares an important reminder to slow down for things that are important to you.     Read more

Megan Waeltz of Marissa won the national 2023 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. The theme of this year’s contest was “How can agricultural cooperatives stay relevant to future generations?” Read her winning essay.     Read more

 But the causes are much different depending on the location. Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension educator, shares the various causes of fog you might encounter.     Read more