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C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation recently awarded educational scholarships at their 2015 Annual Board of Directors meeting. Pictured (L-R): Vickie Bowers, board member, Alana Bernardi and Arlene Aschermann, board member.

•August 26, 2015•

A scholarship winner from Moultrie County was recognized at the recent annual C.E.F.S. Board of Directors meeting. Scholarship recipient, Alana Bernardi, received a certificate of recognition and a monetary award to pursue educational training.

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, Board of Directors recently awarded $8,000 in educational scholarships to three individuals who are pursuing post-secondary education. The educational scholarships were made available through funding provided by the Community Services Block Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Bernardi of Arthur is currently enrolled at Lake Land College in Mattoon and is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Bernardi previously owned her own business which in how she became interested in this field. Read More

Photo by RR Best
Illinois National Guard from around the state gathered for logistics training with 550 gathering for exercises at the Sulllivan Middle School and Civic Center on August 15.

•August 26, 2015•

By Nick Fiala

Reporting from Sullivan

For the first time since before 2007, a special training session hosted 550 members of the Illinois National Guard battalion at the Sullivan Middle School and Civic Center Saturday, August 15.

“We’re a logistics battalion,” explained Captain April Hawes. “So we’re supporting other units with fuel and water and food...and medical support…It’s usually just one unit drilling together.”

Over the years, the battalion has not narrowed down such an inclusive schedule. But the opportunity finally came this year, with a date set for last Saturday.

The special training day is a unique opportunity to further develop a wide variety of skills and relationships within the battalion that can prepare them for whatever field experience is in their future.

“Everything that we’re doing today has a direct tie to our actual logistical mission in supporting somebody else,” said Lieutenant Joel Jessup.

“But it’s been built into a competitive game-style environment. It’s an opportunity for everybody to come together who haven’t been together for seven to eight years.  They get to know people they may not interact with everyday and build professional relationships. Now they can go talk directly to their counterparts, whom they didn’t know last night.” Read More