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As an automotive enthusiast, we’re sure you’ll agree: there’s nothing more satisfying than a well-organized garage!  When all the tools and tidbits you need for your project car are available front and center, right at your fingertips, it makes tune-ups a breeze.  Since today is National Garage Day, we thought it would be fitting to share some great ideas for organizing your gear to make working your garage feel like a dream. On the top of our list for organization are: Cabinets and toolbox carts, pegboard and magnetic tool holders, extension cord storage, and wall or ceiling racks.  We’ve done our due diligence to provide you with various price points to find the best product to fit your finances and needs! Shelves, Cable/Cord Management, and More We think the Fleximounts Classic 2’x6’ wall shelving system will be a great addition to your garage storage options.  At $150, these powder coated steel shelving pieces will stand the test of time without breaking your bank! Westward offers a great Tool Organizer Panel with magnetic options for holding small tools and specialty small parts!  Each panel is 12”x12”, making it easy for you to customize your space and get as many as you need for your workspace.  You can tile them across the wall vertically or horizontally, or whatever pattern you like!  Made of durable steel and priced at just $46.50. Uline offers a great one-piece steel pegboard that’s fully customizable to whatever tools and materials you need to store. These panels are 48”x24” and at just $58 or buy a 3 pack for a $55/ea bargain deal. The nice thing about this is you will cover a large wall space in one go.  If you prefer to cover an even larger space, you may wish to grab the 96”x48” option for $195. For a cord or cable management option that won’t break the bank, this 13” cord storage reel is under $10 and a great portable holder for cords, hoses, cables and more. Priced under $50 and conveniently designed to keep your cords and cables tangle free, the Cable Wrangler cable management system is a must-have. Toolboxes and Tool Chests Choosing the right toolbox is the first step in getting yourself organized for everything from weekend project car sessions to simple tasks like changing the oil or fixing a flat.  Even if you’ve got a small space, a rolling chest toolbox is going to be the most optimal piece of equipment you’ll purchase for your space.  Measure the dimensions of your garage to make sure the toolbox will fit flush against the wall and clear your ceiling height. The most dependable toolbox designs will be made of metal with locking caster wheels for optimal safety.  Another great option are toolboxes with locking drawers and latches to keep your tools safe and prevent climbing by children, pets, etc.  If you’re short on space, you’ll want one that also offers a workbench space at the top or a fold-out bench to give you some surface area when needed.  Consider also choosing one with coordinating accessories available such as magnetic trays and properly fitting drawer organizers to keep things secure and separate from one another for maximum organization! We’ve selected a few different price range options and styles to get you started on your search.  Once you’ve had a look at what’s out there at different price points, you’ll be able to better choose the right option that best fits your budget. For the budding gearhead or the mobile-mechanic, we love this DieHard Toolbox Roller seat! It’s just $120 and is easy to move around if you’re working in your driveway or carport, or checking out your vehicle before track day. The Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet is just $300 and only ~35” high, perfect for one-car garages and small work areas. We also love the Craftsman 2000 Series Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet at just $450; i t’s great if you’ve got lots of wallspace but not much room for a tall chest of drawers. The Westward Rolling Tool Cabinet is under $600 and is great for small spaces at just ~40” high. If you have less width but more height available in your garage, you’ll love the Husky Standard Duty 16-drawer combination Rolling Tool Chest and Top-Tool Cabinet set for $700! It has 16 drawers and will fit into smaller spaces at just 41in wide compared to the shorter but more horizontal design options. If you’re ready to roll with the big leagues, try this larger set that’s still a fairly budget friendly option on clearance sale at Harbor Freight. The US General Triple-Bank Roller cabinet is a whopping 72” long, with plenty of drawer space for just about anything you can think of, and a convenient workstation on top.  It’s a great deal at just $1300! If you’re already set to go pro, the Husky Professional Duty 20 drawer mobile workbench tool chest is going to be everything you need to start your hobby garage off right.  It’s got a power strip and USB ports built in, plenty of drawers and organizational space, and a gorgeous worktop.  Plus, it comes in several different color options

It’s National Car Care Month, and we’re here with a few helpful tips and reminders to get your car ready for Springtime.  It’s the prime month to get your vehicle in tip-top shape and repair any issues you may have encountered over the winter months, or maintenance you ignored during the chilly weather.  Here’s our recommended service points and cleaning schedule: Clean off the grime, muck, and salt from winter months at a professional car wash service. Washing your car at home or on your own is great, but nothing beats a professional car wash.  Having your vehicle washed, polished, waxed and details ensures that it’s well protected for all of your summer road trips and you’re ahead of the game in preventing rust and paint chipping. Plus, they’ll get all the nooks and crannies and tiny spaces that we tend to overlook on our own.  Consider having any scratches filled in as well so you don’t have to worry about rust or chipping on your travels!  This can take anywhere from a half an hour to 2 hours depending on wait times and your type of vehicle, unless you opt for a full detailing service which may be 2+ hours for the concierge service! Schedule a brake service appointment. With all the driving you’re about to do over spring break and summer vacation months, it’s important to have your brakes fully serviced.  This will include flushing out the brake lines of old fluid and replacing it with new fluid, replacing any worn or damaged brake pads, resurfacing the rotors, cleaning and adjusting the brakes system, and lubricating any parts as necessary.  If you noticed any squeaking or squealing, you should make that appointment sooner rather than later!  This will take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours on average, depending on the vehicle and how much needs to be replaced or cleaned. Perform windshield maintenance. Ensure that your wiper blades have been replaced in time for snowstorms to change over to rain and fog.  Consider applying a hydrophobic coating to your windshield to aid in visibility and reduce scratches. Get any stars or minor cracks repaired or schedule a windshield replacement service.  Refill your windshield wiper fluid or top it off. Do a tire checkup and rotation. Ensure that your car has had a proper alignment and rotate those tires to help them wear evenly. Check your tire tread depth.  Ensure the tires are properly inflated as the weather starts to warm up; check them on a regular basis as every 10 degrees in temperature change can cause the pressure to change. Swap out any winter tires with all-season or summer tires when the weather is appropriate. Got a question about car maintenance and repairs? Give our body shop a call and they’ll point you in the right direction to solve the problem!

We’re back with another edition of our local Community Calendar of Events! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We’ve got a great roundup of entertainment, workshops, events, and other activities to keep you busy through this weekend and all month long!  Whether you’re looking for family bonding fun, or a date night out, or something exciting to enjoy with friends, you’ll find it right here on our list.  And, as always, feel free to leave your own events in the comments below for our readers and followers to check out! At Larsen Marine from 9AM to 1PM on Saturday, March 4th, come on out for the Annual Saturday Seminar Series! Each week, Larsens will host two free seminars on a variety of marine-related topics. March 4th from 6PM to 8PM at ZumBier, join the local Rotary Club of Waukegan for a fun evening of fundraising with a silent auction to help local charities. Looking forward to a night out at the theatre? You’re in luck!  The Three Brothers Theatre is hosting “Desdemona, A play about a handkerchief” starting at 7:30PM on March 4th and March 5th! On March 5th, enjoy an evening of world class music at the Orlin Trapp Auditorium with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert. On March 5th, Lake County’s Stan Dard Jazz Project is playing an evening of classic American Jazz standards from 6PM at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing (the show is free to attend, but feel free to tip the band at the end of the series!) Stop on over to Bertrands Bowling Lanes on Monday March 6th at 6PM til 8PM for an evening of Bingo. On March 7th, grab your latest yarn or fiber craft and head on over to Nighttshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing for a local Yarn and Knitting group! Whether you crochet, weave, hook rugs, cross-stitch or embroiderer, all fiber artist enthusiasts and experience levels are welcome here. Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing is hosting a fantastic night of trivia with drag queen Lola Madison and her friends and prizes go to the winning team! So put your thinking caps on and head on over a t 7PM on March 8th for Drag Queen Trivia Night. The Greenbelt Cultural Center is hosting an incredible outdoor experience for kids on Thursday MArch 9th starting at 10:00AM. From hiking to exploring and connecting with nature, your kids will be having so much fun they won’t even realize it’s an educational excursion! Ballet Folklorico Tayahua: A Night in Mexico will be showing on March 11th at 6PM in Genessee Theatre which celebrates the diversity of Mexican Culture and history, and shares it with the new generation! Grab the whole family and all of your friends and head on over to the Belvidere Cinema Gallery for a free showing of Oliver & Company starting at 4PM on March 18th. ArtWauk is back on Saturday, March 18th from 5PM to 9PM in the Arts and Entertainment district of Waukegan. Dandelion Gallery & Studio is hosting Yoga and Sound Meditation starting on Saturday March 25th at 10:30AM and inclues 45 minutes of beginner yoga with 15 minutes of sound meditation all faciulitated by Calvin Piktail. LCCCA is presenting the Illumine Trio at the Orlin Trapp Auditorium from 3PM to 5:30PM on Sunday March 26th. The Three Brothers Theatre is hosting Masters of Sketch: Spring SKetch Extravaganza from 7:30 to 9PM at Stage 115 for an evening of adult centric comedy.

It’s World Radio Day! Today, we’re going to highlight some great picks for aftermarket upgrades to your car’s stereo/radio and infotainment system.  Perhaps you were being budget conscious when you purchased your new car, or maybe you're looking for an updated system for your pre-owned or older model car.  Here’s some great pointers for selecting a radio and stereo system that are right for you and your car. Sound Quality For those of us who spend a lot of time on the road, music and podcasts can really keep us focused as well as entertained on long drives.  Upgrading your car’s speakers from factory ones can really boost your listening experience.  If your vehicle doesn’t already have a subwoofer, you can add one now for richer, fuller sound.  The choice of radio head unit does have an impact on sound quality and output, so make sure to do your research on which models will have the style of sound you prefer.  You can also use the equalizer settings to further fine tune the sound for your tastes.  Look for options that offer a wide array of customizable settings and multi-channel amplifiers to create fuller sound. Functionality Consider how you’ll be connecting your devices to your car’s infotainment/audio system.  You will want to select an option that fits your streaming/listening style. Current features include: direct streaming of Pandora or Spotify, native SiriusXM radio options, digital playback via thumb drive/USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or physical Aux connection.  If you’re still using physical media such as CDs, you will need to make sure the Head Unit can support this as they do not often come standard in vehicles anymore. Make/Model of Vehicle Before making a purchase, you’ll want to check that the system will fit in your vehicle.  There may be additional installation kits, adapters, or other accessories required to fit the make/model of your car.  Additionally, some systems may need to be professionally installed if you’re looking to add a screen or other accessories. Features and Controls You’ll want to make a list of must-have features, and negotiable ones. Some systems can be controlled by Bluetooth, some by voice commands, and others by touch screen or buttons and dials.  Some receivers have built-in features such as GPS Navigation, HD Radio Tuners, etc. Additionally, some may offer customizable lighting configurations for ambient and mood lighting, or cycling through colors to add some fun to your listening experience. Style Today, a car’s interior is as much a reflection of your personality as its exterior!  You can select a head unit, stereo, and system from aftermarket brands that match your aesthetic and interests. From classic reproductions and retro styled units to modern, sleek appearances to custom colors and lighting, there’s so many options to choose from! Installation Some systems may be able to be swapped out by the average automotive aficionado, but others may require more in-depth customization and need a professional installer.  Make sure you shop around and do some research on installation options and procedures so your Radio and speaker system is properly installed to prevent damage to your vehicle Price Points and Brands There is a wide array of options for every budget and price point, so once you’ve decided on finances you can narrow down your search for brand names.  Common brands include Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion, Kenwood, RetroSound, JVC, and Sony just to name a few. Here are some helpful videos from YouTubers which can help familiarize you with brand names, price points, and other factors:

Today is National Car Insurance Day!  Last month, our Body Shop wrote a great post on how to select and find the right car insurance and get the best coverage.  So for today’s blog, we’re going to share some extra pointers and reminders to expand on their fantastic advice! More Things to Consider When Selecting an Insurance Plan and Coverage Check your local and state guidelines for required insurance coverages. Some regions and states may legally require specific coverage levels or policy types for residents, while others may have more flexibility in coverage. Get quotes from several different insurance companies before selecting your policy, and compare the benefits, perks, and financials of each. You may get better rates at one company over another for the same level of coverage! Consider shopping around for a new policy every few years to make sure you’re getting the best rates!  You may find better rates at a different insurance provider due to age, vehicle type, location, or even driving habit history. Make a list of your must-haves and additional coverage options that would benefit your driving style. Those who are on the road more often, or who may have significant travel for work, may benefit from additional perks such as Roadside Assistance or Rental Car Reimbursement plans.  Likewise, deselect these add-on options before starting your policy if they do not fit your lifestyle and driving needs; it will save you lots of money for features you’re not using. Explore your options for discounts by payment plan style and/or driving history. An insurer may offer you the choice of whether you’d prefer to do single pay, quarterly pay, or monthly pay options. Some insurance companies offer discounts for single pay or quarterly installments, or additional savings breaks if you’ve set your premiums up to be paid automatically. If you’ve got renters or homeowners insurance, or other vehicle insurance such as boat or motorcycle, you may inquire of your provider about bundling your premiums. Many companies will offer significant savings when you select multiple policies options through their umbrella of coverage plans. What about types of coverage? Let’s take a look at the different types of coverage insurers offer, and which may be required policies for residents of specific states. Types of Coverage and Policies Liability Coverage - This type of coverage pays for both property damage you cause to someone else’s property, as well as any bodily injury or harm caused to others resulting from the accident. This may include hospital bills, medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage - This coverage protects you from damages due to the other vehicle/driver’s inadequate or lack of coverages. Some drivers operate vehicles without insurance or with less-than-adequate coverage, and this plan will cover many of those gaps. Personal Injury Protection - This type handles your medical/rehabilitation and hospital costs, any work/wage-loss costs, and funeral/burial expenses. This is sometimes referred to as no-fault insurance, as it covers expenses regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Comprehensive and Collision - Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for accidents and events that are outside of your control, including things like weather, theft, or vandalism, etc but it does not cover hitting another vehicle or object, nor wear-and-tear. .  Collision coverage keeps you protected from collisions with another vehicle or object; some drivers choose to opt out of collision if the cost of premiums overshadow the estimated value of their vehicle. (Ex: if your vehicle is used or older and is worth $1500, but your premiums are $1800, you may not wish to carry collision coverage.)  These policies may be required by your lender if you’re leasing a vehicle or your car is on financing plans.

Welcome to another great edition of Classic Auto Body’s Service Tips!  Today, we’re sharing our advice for great winter weather safety and maintenance.  These seven simple steps will help you if you’re stranded in inclement weather and rapidly dropping temps, as well as seeing you’re prepared for just about anything the season can throw at you. Check it out on today’s blog! Always keep your fuel tank at least halfway full. In the event of an emergency such as breaking down on the side of the road in frigid temps, getting stuck in a snowbank and needing a tow, or other winter-weather emergencies, it’s good to have plenty of fuel in the tank.  You’ll be able to keep yourself insulated with the heat, and be able to keep the lights on for safety without draining the battery. Keep some spare towels, blankets, and winter clothes in your car. You never know when you’re going to run into trouble in the cold weather. You may leave your office and come out to find your car buried in snow, or covered in a thick layer of ice/sleet.  Being able to change into dry, warm clothes can make a difference!  Keep an extra set of dry clothes in a waterproof bag in your trunk or cargo area. If you’re stranded with a non-running vehicle and no heat, these emergency thermal ponchos/blankets can keep you insulated and dry. Always travel with a flashlight and reflectors or flares. With the daylight hours waning earlier and darkness lasting a little longer, and it can make it harder to spot your vehicle on the side of the road. Tools such as a very bright flashligh t and extra batteries or one with a crank rechargeable option. Be sure to carry reflectors, road flares, or an emergency spotlight with you as well to enable service folk to find you when necessary! Carry a small shovel and a bag or small lidded bucket of salt. In the event you’re iced in or perhaps spinning your wheels in slush, a small portable shovel and a bit of salt can go a long way! You might be able to avoid calling roadside assistance if you’re able to just melt your troubles away. Don’t force your key into any locks that may be frozen. Instead, consider adding a de-icer to your emergency bag in the event your locks, hatchback, trunk, or doors are frozen shut!. Change to winter tires if your area calls for it, and maintain consistent tire pressure. In the winter weather, your tires are a key element in ensuring your safety in event of inclement weather or an accident during wintry conditions. Keeping a tire-pressure gauge on hand for monitoring your wheels is a great idea. Protect your windshield wipers from damage. Ensure that your car is fitted with properly working, new wiper blades before the worst of winter weather rolls in.  If you live in an area where there are very low temperature dips at night, or you park outdoors and your vehicle is exposed to icy elements, leave the windshield wipers in a raised position to prevent freezing to your windshield.  Do not use your wiper blades to remove caked-on snow or stuck on ice!  Use your snowbrush and ice scraper for the job to ensure your blades remain efficient and sturdy for driving in bad weather.  Consider also applying a coat of something like RainX, as well..  Adding a a proper de-icer fluid or all-weather or cold-weather wiper fluid can also make a world of difference.

Kia SUVs recognized for value, design, safety features and technology Telluride takes top honors in 3-Row Midsize SUV category for fourth consecutive year Seltos named Best Compact SUV for third year in a row Sportage PHEV wins among Plug-in Hybrid vehicles in its first year of production 2023 Seltos IRVINE, CA, December 16, 2023 – The Kia Telluride, Seltos and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid sport-utility vehicles have been announced as category winners of the 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards. This is the fourth consecutive year that Telluride has been named as Best 3-Row Midsize SUV and the third year in a row that Seltos has been recognized as Best Subcompact SUV. The Sportage PHEV, in its first year of production, has been named the winner of the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles category by the editors of Kelley Blue Book. 2022 Sportage PHEV “The Telluride, Seltos and Sportage PHEV are proof-positive that our brand offers a robust and value-driven portfolio of rugged and capable SUVs that meet the diverse needs of our many customers,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “It is an honor to see three Kia SUVs recognized as category winners – and repeat category winners – by the expert editorial staff at Kelley Blue Book.” 2023 Telluride The editors of Kelley Blue Book acknowledged that the refreshed 2023 Telluride has a "stacked roster of standard safety features and convenience equipment – and it’s an excellent value.” At the same time, the KBB editors said the 2023 Seltos is a “terrific value” thanks to its “low starting price, long list of standard tech and safety features, and impressive fuel economy 1. And last but not least, the first-year Sportage Plug-in Hybrid was given merit for its electrified attributes. “With 34 miles of all-electric range and 84 MPGe, you can enjoy driving the all-new Kia Sportage PHEV in comfort while only occasionally having to stop for gas 2,” according to the KBB editors. Kelley Blue Book editors selected their Best Buy candidates through a process of extensive evaluation of subjective and objective metrics of vehicles on sale in the United States, scrutinizing hundreds of new vehicles for the 2023 model year. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 Seltos EPA estimated fuel economy LX, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; S FWD, 29 city, 35 highway, 31 combined; S AWD, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; EX AWD, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; Nightfall Edition AWD and AWD, 25 city, 30 highway, 27 combined 2 Sportage Plug-in hybrid EPA estimated fuel economy X-Line and X-Line Prestige 35 MPG, 84 MPGe; AER 34 milesPress Release Information Accuracy DisclaimerInformation posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

National Illinois day is celebrated annually to commemorate the Land of Abraham Lincoln, and commemorates the same week that it was officially declared the 21st state (December 3rd, 1818.) In celebration of this exciting day, here’s some fun facts about our state that you may not know about! Illinois has 102 counties and most of them are named in honor of early US leaders. Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the constitution, which abolished slavery on February 1st in 1865. The first modern day skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885 Walt Disney was born in Chicago on December 5th in 1901 Illinois is the third largest producer of popcorn, with 330+ farms and more than 45,000 acres dedicated to the crop Iconic fast food franchises of McDonalds and Dairy Queen both opened their first stores in Illinois Illinois is known as “The Land of Presidents” since it’s the birthplace of eight different US presidents Route 66 was first opened to traffic in Springfield, and has been considered one of the most iconic American Road Trips.  The roadway used to run from Chicago to Los Angeles, and is now considered a scenic byway, with about 432 miles of this roadway still running through Illinois! Metropolis, Illinois has been dubbed the official hometown of DC Superhero Superman as of 1972, and is home to the Super Museum full of Superman Memorabilia, a statue of Superman along the banks of the Ohio River, and is the filming location for the fictional Metropolis in the 1978 film! The Sears Tower in Chicago is the tallest building in America, reaching 1,729 feet all the way up to the tippy top Illinois is home to the world’s largest bottle of ketchup in Collinsville Illinois is the 25th largest state in the US by area Illinois is the top generator of nuclear power than any other US State The Chicago Public Library is the 5th largest library in the US, has 5,949,251 volumes in their collection, and has 81 different locations for library and technology services for native Chicagoans Chicago Deep Dish Pizza was invented in the 1940s by Ike Sewell, founder of Pizzeria Uno Chicago is the third largest city in the US with more than 2.5 million residents You can see four different states from the top of the Willis Tower The Chicago River used to flow in the other direction, but from 1862-1922 it was reversed thanks to a series of highly skilled engineers designing special canals.

Today’s National Mutt Day, so we thought we’d get into the pawliday spirit a little bit with another great gift guide blog!  This time, we’re covering fun and convenient items to make traveling with your furry companions a real dream.  No matter whether you’re traveling across country living that #VanLife, or flying a few states over to visit loved ones, or even just taking a trip to the local dog park, you’ll love our finds for great pet friendly travel items.  We’ve got feeders and carriers and creature comforts galore. Pawfect House has this adorable Personalized Car Sunshade for $35.99 plus free shipping!  You can choose up to 6 pets to feature on the car shade to show your love for your furry friends while keeping the car nice and cool while it’s parked. Mollymutt’s gorgeous Papillon Car Seat Cover measures 56”x56” and fits most vehicles with front and back seat headrests for convenience and comfort!  Forget vacuuming muddy paw prints, fur clumps, and other dust and dirt away!  This will keep your car’s upholstery clean and tidy and be comfortable for your hiking companions. If you’ve got a large and in charge pup who takes up the backseat, we’ve got just the thing for you! This backseat extender with storage option from Orvis is the perfect way to give your dog the space they need to stretch, but not lose any storage space or passenger room!  It’s under $100 and is conveniently portable to stow and store when you don’t need it, making it a real great buy. If you’re constantly on the go exploring the wilderness, running the trails, camping in the great outdoors, or just generally spending time with an active pet, chances are accidents are bound to happen.  Be prepared for just about everything with the Adventure Medical Human and Pet First Aid kit for dogs!  A great gift idea for the person who is always on the move with their canine companion, it’s just $45 on sale at the time of publication. If you’ve ever had to leave your home or hotel due to inclement weather disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, or even tornados, you know that having a go-bag is an essential survival need for evacuations.  Be sure that your pet is prepared, too! The Pet Evac Pak Big Dog Pak Pet Emergency Kit will keep you covered for 72hrs with everything you need right in a handy back pack. It includes drinking water packets, emergency basic dog food rations, portable water bowls and leads, and can keep your pet fed and watered til you can reach safety.  It’s also great for those who travel road trips and long distances, just in case of emergency! Traveling with your pals means bringing their favorite food and special treats along, too! We love the Travel-Tainer by Vittles Vault for taking your pal’s meals safely to your destination.  It’s conveniently portable and you can use the handy attached lids for food and water, too! Taking your small to medium dog with you on an airline?  Need a portable carrier for hotel and RV stays? No problem! The Roverlund Out of Office Pet Carrier is a 3-in-1 design that holds dogs up to 15-25lbs and comes with a bonus leash for easy travel! Doubles as a travel bag for your pet as well as a bed. The Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag comes in four different color and pattern options that make it easy to take all of your pet essentials on the go!  It’s lightweight and built for convenience: 1 large main storage area, mesh side and back pockets, a luggage ID tag, a placemat, 2 collapsible silicone bowls, and 2 carriers for food and treats!  Perfect for picnics, beach days, camping, and visits to grandma's house. The Headrest Back Seat Protector from 3 Dog Pet Supply is made to fit most vehicle’s backseats to provide your dog with comfort and your car with an added layer of protection from grit, grime, and doggy dirt.  Offered in two colors, this easy to clean upholstery protector is a must-have for active pets.

We’re back with another fun and festive edition of our Classic Community Calendar of events!  You’ll find plenty of ideas for families, friends, and even date nights for events happening right here in the Lake County and Greater Chicago area. December 3rd is the GO Waukegan Winter Wonderland Park at the Jack Benny Plaza from 4PM to 5PM.  These outdoor walks are a community effort to encourage folks to socialize and get at least thirty minutes of exercise every day!  Join the Waukegan Parks District for their upcoming events! December 3rd is the Kris Kringle Art Market at Karcher ArtSpace Lofts in Waukegan.  With more than 20 local artists and artisans in two large gallery spaces, you’ll find plenty of unique holiday gift ideas! Shop local, shop small, and support the community. On December 3rd at the Dandelion Gallery and Studio in Waukegan, come on down with Artist Sunny Corba for an intro to epoxy resin crafting and create a molded ornament that’s one of a kind! December 4th is the 2022 Toys for Tots Run from 8AM to 11AM and After Party event taking place from 11AM to 4PM at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. December 6th is the Annual Holiday Open House at the Haines House Museum in Bowen Park! Take a step back in time to Christmases Past in the 1800s with this special seasonal event. Gather your best friends or your date and enjoy a charming Afternoon Tea at Oaken Bistro + Bar in lake Firest from 12PM to 3PM inside the Forester Hotel. On December 7th at the Lake Forest Library, kids K-4th grade can use their Math, engineering, and other skills to create and decorate a personal gingerbread house as part of t he Gingerbread House STEAM challenge event for kids in Lake Forest. On December 9th at the Buena Vibra Plant Shop in Waukegan, bring your friends and kids to enjoy a DIY Handmade Paper Poinsettia Class for just $25/adult and $15/child from 6PM to 8PM. On December 10th head over to the Waukegan Harbor and Marina to join Lake County Audubon Society and Guide Donna Kenski on a bird spotting adventure! Explore the local harbor birds and waterfowl together with friends. Remember to dress warmly and BYO binoculars and camera. December 10th is the perfect time to gather your family and friends to enjoy a youthful craft activity making Snow Globes while enjoying festive seasonal music, holiday cookies, and warm cocoa together at the Dandelion Gallery & Studio. On December 10th at the Village of Mundelein from 12PM to 3PM, come on down for a day of family festivities at Santa’s Cottage! On December 10th, grab breakfast with Santa at Lambs Farm in Libertyville starting 9AM to 12PM. Join the local community toy drive in Gurnee from 12PM to 3PM at 4181 Grove Avenue, and bring a toy for kids ages newborn to 16 years old, or something that adult women may enjoy.  As a special thank you, you’ll get to take a picture with Santa before you go! On December 11th, gear up to meet the big man himself with a Santa Meet and Greet, Pizza Lunch, Games and other fun holiday activities at the Holiday Inn Express Chicago NW-Vernon Hills in Vernon Hills. December 11th from 11AM to 12:30PM, Maggiano’s Little Italy is hosting a charming holiday fun cooking class for kids! On December 17th, catch a special open house and screening as part of #ArtWauk at the Belvidere Cinema inside the Belvidere Discount Mall.  They’ll be showing a screening or two of Batman Returns as part of the Mallrat Movie Cult series from 12PM to 6PM.  Admission and popcorn are both free!

Today is National Mississippi Day, and we’re celebrating with some great places to visit in Mississippi for an unexpected winter vacation destination!  From holiday events to wonderful indoor activities, we’ve got you covered for fast and easy vacation planning.  Take yourself on a winter getaway down south for a unique and memorable road trip through these fantastic areas. JACKSON This is the capital of Mississippi and its largest city! The Mississippi Children’s Museum is such a wonderful place you could get lost in the fun for a whole day.  Families with kids of all ages will enjoy all of the activities and displays that the facility has to offer in STEAM and Health based topics! It’s got plenty of hands-on and engaging interactive exhibits that are so enjoyable your kids will hardly know it’s educational. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is perfect for history buffs. It chronicles the American Civil Rights movement from 1945-1970 through educational stories and documentary materials.  It’s adjacent to the Museum of Mississippi History, which highlights the 15,000 years of state history through its earliest days through the present!  You’ll find live educational programs, interactive exhibits, and hear stories from the people who live in the state. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is the largest museum in the whole state.  This impressive 73,000 square foot facility houses a 100,000 gallon aquarium, houses live reptiles, fish, and amphibians, and has more than 200 living species on display.  Additionally, you’ll find a wall of fossils to examine, and loads of educational science exhibits and greenhouse.  It’s also located inside a state park, getting you up close and personal with nature. The Mississippi Museum of Art is the state’s largest art museum, housing multiple galleries, an outdoor garden,a performance stage, and on-site cafe.  The core of the museum’s permanent collection is free to explore, but there may be small fees for traveling exhibitions. LeFleurs Bluff State Park is a gorgeous 305 acre park that has nature trails, camping, fishing, RV park, and plenty of other recreational opportunities. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1961 to commemorate the achievements of Mississippi native athletes, and its corresponding museum opened in1996.  It honors more than 300 athletes, coaches, and influential legends of the sports industry. GULFPORT This is the second largest city in Mississippi! While you’re exploring Coastal Mississippi, we recommend checking out these great destinations for a refreshing winter vacation: The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is a unique way to connect with local coastal Mississippi culture as well as where we source and gather our food! The Infinity Science Center is more than 70,000 square feet of incredibly interesting and hands-on experiences in STEAM related activities. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a gorgeous facility with more than 1,000 paintings, wood carvings, and ceramic pieces from Walter Anderso and his brothers. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is another must-see destination in the area with contemporary and historic exhibits, featuring the works of George E. Ohr as a focus. In addition, you can also try your hand at creating your own pottery and take two clay pots home! If you’re visiting for the holidays, we recommend the winter festival. Th e Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival runs now through December 31st at Jones Park. With more than 1,200,000 twinkling lights across Jones Park,  it’s an unforgettable family experience.  What started as a smaller event in 2015 by ISland View CAsino & Resort and the City of Gulfport has evolved into a brand new family tradition year after year!  And each season is bigger and better than ever for a one-of-a-kind experience.  Choose from a walkthrough by foot or hitch a ride on a heated trolley.  It’s a can’t miss holiday experience that will make your winter break vacation truly memorable. VICKSBURG This city was the historical site of a key battle in the Civil War. If you’re around for the holidays, we recommend checking out the Walking Holiday Spectacular, beginning at the McRaven House and including an hour-long tour of the home as well as Christmas Stories and plenty of festive decorations and holiday lights! The tours run nightly from now through January 1st 2023 from 6PM to 9PM. The Beidenharn Coca-Cola Museum is a beautifully restored historic building where the iconic American soda was first bottled in 1894. It features a charming vintage soda fountain, and a beautiful exhibit of historic equipment and memorabilia for Coca Cola company. The Old Courthouse Museum is the cultural center of Vicksburg, and the city’s most historic landmark structure. This court house turned historic museum was once host to esteemed guests and presidential figures such as Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, and Booker T Washington to name a few!  You’ll find a beautiful collection of artifacts and research along with very unique architecture and a wonderful view of the river. The Strand Theatre of Vicksburg is dedicated to showcasing screenings, presentations, and other productions about regional life and people of Mississippi and related US history and culture.  It’s also home to special limited showings of cult classic movies as well as seasonal live performances. The Vicksburg Civil War Museum has a wide variety of exhibits including the Civil War, the Black experience of living in the South before, during, and after the war, and the world’s largest collection of civil war gun boat models, and an 8 foot by 20 foot diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg. It’s a great destination for any US history buff!

Telluride, Sportage, K5, Soul and Rio earn J.D. Power awards for having the highest residual value within their respective segments Kia is the most improved mass market brand year over year 2023 Rio IRVINE, Calif., November 21, 2022 – Last week, Kia took home the highest number of model awards – five – in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards. The segment wins by Telluride (Midsize SUVs with 3-row seating), Sportage (Compact SUVs), K5 (Midsize Cars), Soul (Micro SUVs), and Rio (Small Cars), led Kia to the best year-over-year improvement of any mass market brand in the annual evaluation. 2023 Sportage X-Pro “Kia is a brand on the move, with more models predicted to hold their value within their respective segments than any mass market brand,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Resale value is one of the most important purchase considerations, and from rugged and capable SUVs to sporty sedans, the latest J.D. Power U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards are the latest demonstration of the strength and breadth of Kia’s lineup.” The U.S. J.D. Power ALG Residual Value Awards are the automotive industry standard in recognizing vehicle models projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price following a three-year period of ownership. This value retention is a key variable in the lease cost of a vehicle, underscoring an automaker’s success in the areas of long-term quality and design, as well as the overall desirability of automotive brands and their models. “This year’s achievement by Kia speaks volumes about how far the brand has come,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of ALG, thedivision of J.D. Power recognized as the industry benchmark of automotive residual value projections. “The marketplace is acknowledging that Kia has a very strong product lineup in terms of design, quality and residual values. Kia has become a force to be reckoned with.” Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy DisclaimerInformation posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.