Corn and Beans started sprouting on Sunday. Today, a little light rain. Man, I hope my farmer friends get the sort of bumper crop this year they always pray for, but seldom see. With this economy, they need an edge if they are going to make any profits after paying off their loans.
Interesting. A friends son is graduating from high school. He’s already got a phenomenal job lined up in the ag sector directly after graduation. Despite this, his parents are required to fill out a FAFSA form around federal student loans or he won’t receive his diploma.
I’m not understanding the logic of this. It’s a state of Illinois requirement.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:40 am:
For the Love of Pete, can we just see the sun on occasion?
- We've never had one before - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:43 am:
I love this type of music, the “texi-mexi-polka”.
I see this tune made it into the Smithsonian. Good for them.
We can better understand all of the cultures in the USA by sharing our music, our food, and our grocery stores.
=== I’m not understanding the logic of this. It’s a state of Illinois requirement. ===
If we were to pick apart everything that is taught in the curriculum based on the individual needs of each child, we would eliminate education entirely.
The reason for adding this element to a curriculum is to ensure all children and parents know how to access higher education. Whether or not the do so is a private decision. But making sure all know how to do so, especially when federal resources require this form be completed prior to attending, is a good thing.
It’s sort of like chemistry class. While most kids will not need it, farmer kids do, right?
H-W,
Appreciate the response. And your points make sense, except for the fact that the college and university system won’t even let you apply for college unless you’ve filled out a FAFSA (which seems more appropriate). Holding a child’s diploma hostage until they submit personal information for a potential loan that they are currently not seeking seems a little too “Big Brother” to me.
All that’s happened since Monday afternoon has made me continue to miss hearing Jim Leach during times of breaking news. And for this breaking news to be heard on 970.
Any chance that Woodward Communications could somehow convince Jim to at least return to WMAY at least part time (while still keeping the day job at IDPH)?
Also, even though WMAY is a shadow of what it used to be during the Ryan and W/Blago years, I hope Woodward decides to move it off 92.7 and back to 970 where it belongs. Then move the simulcast to 97.7 (city of license Petersburg) since 970’s signal, at least at night, has a strong null to the northwest to where it can’t even be heard in Cantrall or Athens–even though you might still be able to see the legendary Spaulding 4 towers’ lights from there.
I’d put it at even odds Woodward moves QLZ back to 92.7 and puts WMAY on 97.7. They can’t go back to 970, though, because that is the signal originating the programming for 102.5 The Lake. Neither 94.7 or 102.5 can originate programming, under FCC rules.
99.7 is scheduled to become WCVS-FM next week, with a format change coming. I’m not sure if it or any of the other stations in the WCM cluster are licensed for HD, which could then be used to have one of those stations feed the 94.7 and/or 102.5 translators.
As far as Jim Leach goes, I would be very surprised if he truly still wants anything to do with radio. But, I could be (and would love to be) wrong about that.
I just got curious recently and found the Thornton Township Trustees’ minutes for the infamous Jan. 28, 2025 meeting.
All it gave at the end were the names of the public commenters, and then this comment in italics: “The Meeting of the Board of Trustees was abruptly ended without adjournment at 7:35pm.”
=I’m not sure if it or any of the other stations in the WCM cluster are licensed for HD, which could then be used to have one of those stations feed the 94.7 and/or 102.5 translators.=
Because of 97.7’s tower being between Petersburg and Springfield (dating back to when it was WLUJ’s original frequency until it moved to 89.7 in early 2002), and only a weaker Class A signal (it can’t increase power due to another 97.7 nearby in Monmouth –WMOI–which would be short-spaced if Springfield 97.7 increases power), what about switch at least one of those Lake frequencies–perhaps 102.5 for the south part of the metro–to simulcast 97.7? And see about moving 94.7 translator to downtown.
Ah. I actually missed that aspect of your comment. I am in agreement with the idea that at this historic moment, requiring all families to upload additional personal information to the federal government is a risk I might not want to make until DOGE is gone for good.
H-W,
LOL. My comment on the overreach of FAFSA was more about why Illinois schools would deem it appropriate to hold a diploma hostage. Thanks for the discourse.
Since I do not have any children or grandchildren in schools your FAFSA post made me think - what!
My first thought was what HW posted, but I did a search and found out there is a way to opt out so your diploma is not held hostage.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
FAFSA Requirement:
Illinois law mandates that all public high school seniors complete the FAFSA.
Alternative Application:
Undocumented students can use the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to qualify for state financial aid.
Non-Participation Option:
Students can opt out of the FAFSA by completing a Nonparticipation Form, which must be submitted to their school. Emancipated minors can request a paper form by emailing fafsa@isbe.net.
Thankfully Woodward didn’t relinquish those legendary calls which have been part of Springfield radio since about 1946 (WCVS was originally on 1450–when it had to change from its original WCBS so New York could have those calls–until about the 1990s when it just became WFMB-AM and then ‘CVS moved to 96.7).
Hopefully the new WCVS-FM could be a wide-reaching oldies format that matches the legendary WCVS Top 40 days (50s-80s music). Probably won’t happen but that would be neat.
The FASFA application process is totally heavy handed big brother snooping.
If a college student does not need a grant or loan, and has cash in hand for tuition, why waste 45 minutes filling out a form that wants to know how much each parent makes, how much they have in savings, their SSN’s etc…. In order to be simply admitted? Even required with a scholarship.
Imagine trying to buy anything else that way with cash in hand.
Because cash in hand is not necessarily a smart option. Why pay full price, when the State of Illinois is willing to give every customer a $5000 MAP Grant, just for applying for a MAP Grant through the FAFSA process? I mean, yeah, you can pay an additional $5000 to avoid filling out the form, but I would rather save $5000 per year.
The FAFSA Form also requires men students to certify that they are registered with the Selective Services. That is a part of the process I struggle with (I am a pacifist, and a veteran).
The FAFSA form also requires students to certify that they have not been convicted of a felony, lest they not be eligible for Federal Grants. I am opposed to that requirement of FAFSA, as I believe some felony convictions should not prevent people from exercising their rights as citizens.
But the generic claim that FAFSA is “heavy handed Big Brother snooping” is a straw horse argument. It sounds like an uninformed “Libertarian” argument that is inconsistent with Libertarianism.
- Chito - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 8:39 am:
As someone who holds passports for both countries, thank you for this song, Rich.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:10 am:
Another good example of why we need to stop making fun of accordions.
Also: JB Pritzker, the Bear Jew: https://forward.com/opinion/716248/jb-pritzker-trump-josh-shapiro/
- H-W - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:21 am:
Corn and Beans started sprouting on Sunday. Today, a little light rain. Man, I hope my farmer friends get the sort of bumper crop this year they always pray for, but seldom see. With this economy, they need an edge if they are going to make any profits after paying off their loans.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:38 am:
Interesting. A friends son is graduating from high school. He’s already got a phenomenal job lined up in the ag sector directly after graduation. Despite this, his parents are required to fill out a FAFSA form around federal student loans or he won’t receive his diploma.
I’m not understanding the logic of this. It’s a state of Illinois requirement.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:40 am:
For the Love of Pete, can we just see the sun on occasion?
- We've never had one before - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 9:43 am:
I love this type of music, the “texi-mexi-polka”.
I see this tune made it into the Smithsonian. Good for them.
We can better understand all of the cultures in the USA by sharing our music, our food, and our grocery stores.
- H-W - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 11:00 am:
@ Downstate
=== I’m not understanding the logic of this. It’s a state of Illinois requirement. ===
If we were to pick apart everything that is taught in the curriculum based on the individual needs of each child, we would eliminate education entirely.
The reason for adding this element to a curriculum is to ensure all children and parents know how to access higher education. Whether or not the do so is a private decision. But making sure all know how to do so, especially when federal resources require this form be completed prior to attending, is a good thing.
It’s sort of like chemistry class. While most kids will not need it, farmer kids do, right?
- Downstate - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 11:19 am:
H-W,
Appreciate the response. And your points make sense, except for the fact that the college and university system won’t even let you apply for college unless you’ve filled out a FAFSA (which seems more appropriate). Holding a child’s diploma hostage until they submit personal information for a potential loan that they are currently not seeking seems a little too “Big Brother” to me.
- Beentheredonethat - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 12:11 pm:
Thanks for the song, Rich. Just ordered the CD, the rhythm made me get up and dance.
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 12:20 pm:
All that’s happened since Monday afternoon has made me continue to miss hearing Jim Leach during times of breaking news. And for this breaking news to be heard on 970.
Any chance that Woodward Communications could somehow convince Jim to at least return to WMAY at least part time (while still keeping the day job at IDPH)?
Also, even though WMAY is a shadow of what it used to be during the Ryan and W/Blago years, I hope Woodward decides to move it off 92.7 and back to 970 where it belongs. Then move the simulcast to 97.7 (city of license Petersburg) since 970’s signal, at least at night, has a strong null to the northwest to where it can’t even be heard in Cantrall or Athens–even though you might still be able to see the legendary Spaulding 4 towers’ lights from there.
- Radio Days - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 12:38 pm:
@Leatherneck
I’d put it at even odds Woodward moves QLZ back to 92.7 and puts WMAY on 97.7. They can’t go back to 970, though, because that is the signal originating the programming for 102.5 The Lake. Neither 94.7 or 102.5 can originate programming, under FCC rules.
99.7 is scheduled to become WCVS-FM next week, with a format change coming. I’m not sure if it or any of the other stations in the WCM cluster are licensed for HD, which could then be used to have one of those stations feed the 94.7 and/or 102.5 translators.
As far as Jim Leach goes, I would be very surprised if he truly still wants anything to do with radio. But, I could be (and would love to be) wrong about that.
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 12:50 pm:
I just got curious recently and found the Thornton Township Trustees’ minutes for the infamous Jan. 28, 2025 meeting.
All it gave at the end were the names of the public commenters, and then this comment in italics: “The Meeting of the Board of Trustees was abruptly ended without adjournment at 7:35pm.”
https://www.thorntontownship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Official-Board-of-Trustees-Meeting-Minutes-1.28.2025.pdf
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 12:57 pm:
=I’m not sure if it or any of the other stations in the WCM cluster are licensed for HD, which could then be used to have one of those stations feed the 94.7 and/or 102.5 translators.=
Because of 97.7’s tower being between Petersburg and Springfield (dating back to when it was WLUJ’s original frequency until it moved to 89.7 in early 2002), and only a weaker Class A signal (it can’t increase power due to another 97.7 nearby in Monmouth –WMOI–which would be short-spaced if Springfield 97.7 increases power), what about switch at least one of those Lake frequencies–perhaps 102.5 for the south part of the metro–to simulcast 97.7? And see about moving 94.7 translator to downtown.
- H-W - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 1:30 pm:
@ Downstate
Ah. I actually missed that aspect of your comment. I am in agreement with the idea that at this historic moment, requiring all families to upload additional personal information to the federal government is a risk I might not want to make until DOGE is gone for good.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 2:12 pm:
H-W,
LOL. My comment on the overreach of FAFSA was more about why Illinois schools would deem it appropriate to hold a diploma hostage. Thanks for the discourse.
- No relation - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 2:29 pm:
Downstate
Since I do not have any children or grandchildren in schools your FAFSA post made me think - what!
My first thought was what HW posted, but I did a search and found out there is a way to opt out so your diploma is not held hostage.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
FAFSA Requirement:
Illinois law mandates that all public high school seniors complete the FAFSA.
Alternative Application:
Undocumented students can use the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to qualify for state financial aid.
Non-Participation Option:
Students can opt out of the FAFSA by completing a Nonparticipation Form, which must be submitted to their school. Emancipated minors can request a paper form by emailing fafsa@isbe.net.
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 3:22 pm:
=99.7 is scheduled to become WCVS-FM next week=
Thankfully Woodward didn’t relinquish those legendary calls which have been part of Springfield radio since about 1946 (WCVS was originally on 1450–when it had to change from its original WCBS so New York could have those calls–until about the 1990s when it just became WFMB-AM and then ‘CVS moved to 96.7).
Hopefully the new WCVS-FM could be a wide-reaching oldies format that matches the legendary WCVS Top 40 days (50s-80s music). Probably won’t happen but that would be neat.
- Whimper - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 4:03 pm:
The FASFA application process is totally heavy handed big brother snooping.
If a college student does not need a grant or loan, and has cash in hand for tuition, why waste 45 minutes filling out a form that wants to know how much each parent makes, how much they have in savings, their SSN’s etc…. In order to be simply admitted? Even required with a scholarship.
Imagine trying to buy anything else that way with cash in hand.
- H-W - Wednesday, Apr 30, 25 @ 4:34 pm:
@ Whimper
Because cash in hand is not necessarily a smart option. Why pay full price, when the State of Illinois is willing to give every customer a $5000 MAP Grant, just for applying for a MAP Grant through the FAFSA process? I mean, yeah, you can pay an additional $5000 to avoid filling out the form, but I would rather save $5000 per year.
The FAFSA Form also requires men students to certify that they are registered with the Selective Services. That is a part of the process I struggle with (I am a pacifist, and a veteran).
The FAFSA form also requires students to certify that they have not been convicted of a felony, lest they not be eligible for Federal Grants. I am opposed to that requirement of FAFSA, as I believe some felony convictions should not prevent people from exercising their rights as citizens.
But the generic claim that FAFSA is “heavy handed Big Brother snooping” is a straw horse argument. It sounds like an uninformed “Libertarian” argument that is inconsistent with Libertarianism.