Community Corner
🌱 What will a new FOIA request reveal about Olney’s 2025 contracts?
Make time for 3D Printing Exploration on the Olney Patch calendar
Morning Olney! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What will a new FOIA request reveal about Olney’s 2025 contracts?
- How did Olney’s eighth-graders fare against St. Anthony Saturday?
- How Caritas’s youth shelter could help vulnerable kids from the Olney area
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Olneyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Cold; an afternoon flurry, with a high of 33 and low of 30 degrees.
- Friday: Chilly with low clouds, temps: high: 38, low: 23.
- Saturday: Very cold with a little snow, with a high of 25 and low of -2 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
📰 News we're reading
• FOIA request sent to City of Olney regarding new or amended contracts on December 9, 2025 (eastcentralreporter.com) — A media outlet has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the City of Olney seeking details on all new or amended city contracts for public works, technology, and professional services from January through March 2025. The request, tied to a transparency-focused nonprofit, aims to review how Olney is spending public funds, and reporters say they’ll share updates as records are released. 
Find out what's happening in Olneyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• Junior High NTC Seventh-Grade Tourney, Area Boys Basketball Results - Dec. 8 - Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3 (thexradio.com) — Junior high basketball fans will notice Olney’s eighth-graders fell 55–27 to Effingham St. Anthony in Saturday action, with Funk scoring 12 for Olney. The roundup also covers multiple seventh- and eighth-grade games from the NTC tournament and surrounding towns, highlighting standout scorers and how each matchup unfolded across the region.
• New youth emergency shelter created by Caritas Family Solutions supports children in crisis (ibjonline.com) — Olney residents should know that Caritas Family Solutions, which operates an office in Olney, is running a Youth Emergency Shelter program that provides 24/7 care and housing for Illinois children in crisis. The shelter offers private rooms, counseling, education support, and trauma-informed care, serving dozens of youth who have lost foster placements or are between homes.
📸 Around Olney
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Olney
★ Featured events ★
- 3D Printing Exploration
Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St, Olney
4:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Christmas at the Library - Photos, Treats and Crafts Dec. 15th 4-6pm
Olney Public Library , 400 W Main St. , Olney
4:00 pm - 3D Print Lab
Olney Public Library , 400 W Main St. , Olney
4:00 pm
Monday December 15
Thursday December 18
📣 Olney Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- City Council Meeting Dec 11, 2025
Havoline Hall , 715 12th St , Lawrenceville
7:00 pm - HS Boys BKB (H) vs. Newton 5:00pm
North Clay CUSD 25 Louisville, IL 62858 - A Madrigal Feast
Nostalgia Theater , 120 E North Ave , Flora
6:00 pm - City Council Meeting
Newton City Hall , 108 N Van Buren St , Newton
6:00 pm - County Board Meeting
Jasper County Office Building , 204 W Washington St , Newton
6:00 pm - Candle Making Class
Social Events and Rentals , 9 W Main St , Albion
5:30 pm - Mommy + Me Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
Social Events and Rentals , 9 W Main St , Albion
5:30 pm
Thursday December 11
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Tuesday December 16
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Monday December 22
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Illinois Eastern Community Colleges posted a job opening for Nursing Instructor in Olney. Apply here.
- Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores posted a job opening for Retail Customer Service Cashier in Olney. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Olney here.
🗞 Nearby News
Flat Rock
Ok Olney! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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