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September is National Food Safety Education Month

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Basic precautions with handling and preparing food can help you, your family, and your guests avoid foodborne illnesses.

•September 11, 2024•

By Angela Hogan

Why launch an effort to prevent foodborne illnesses?

In September, the Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) joins the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in recognizing National Food Safety Education Month. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people in the U.S. contract some form of foodborne illness annually. These illnesses often result in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Among those who become ill, 128,000 are hospitalized annually. Moreover, an estimated 3,000 people die each year from causes attributable to foodborne illness.  

How can we help ensure safety in food handling and preparation? Read More

Training for a better future

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•September 11, 2024•

The Okaw Valley School District conducted a mock scenario at the Okaw Valley High School on Friday, August 30th. Included in the training was local, county and neighboring departments, allowing a great training opportunity to all parties including the students and staff of the school. Mock trainings have been getting increasingly popular within school districts with the increasing and equally as devastating fatal situations within a place of learning. Schools have always conducted safety training with students and staff but they have also helped save countless lives in cases like fires or natural disaster. Read More

Remembering Who We Are………..25

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•September 11, 2024•

Power Struggles

By Janet Roney

So, now you know how raccoons helped save Illinois from Canada.  Of course, George Rogers Clark and his small army of Kentuckians, Frenchmen, and a few Kickapoo Indians had something to do with saving Illinois, too.  

I absolutely love the story of George Rogers Clark and his men. What would our nation have done without the territory of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, its “bread basket “? 

Another reason I love the story of George Rogers Clark and his “Long Knives” is that Capt. Joseph Bowman was Clark’s second in command, and Isaac Bowman, Joseph’s younger brother, was  first lieutenant in Joseph’s company. Isaac Bowman was my great-great-great-great grandfather.   Read More

Scholarships available for adults pursuing higher education or vocational training 

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•September 11, 2024•

Ready to pursue your dreams but need financial support to complete a two- or four-year degree, master’s degree, PhD or vocational training? The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is offering individual awards for up to $2,500 per eligible applicant through the Adult Return to Learn scholarship program, helping to fund spring semester 2025 college expenses for residents living in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties.   Read More

A Look Back…9-11-2024

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2014

Okaw Valley homecoming court includes Kaylee Thomas & Nick Tipsword (Junior Attendants), Hayley Carlson & Isaac Vanderlaan, Caity Ohm & Justin Vander Burgh, Paige Harlin & Devon Still, Amanda McClain & Joe Jeffers (all Senior Court), Brianna Creviston & Keith Bone (Sophomore Attendants), Natalie Jeffers & Dylan Holt (Freshmen Attendants)

ALAH homecoming court includes: (Junior Attendants), Liz Shipman and Marcus Vanausdoll (Freshmen Attendants), Kim Davis and Nick Stolte (Sophomore Attendants). Queen candidates are: Elyse Harris, Alyssa McArthur, Jessica Davis and Emily Seegmiller. The king candidates are: Nathan Rose, Tyler Schuring, Kyle Feagin and Jeremy Plank. Read More

Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society to meet

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•September 11, 2024•

A brief history of the Illinois Masonic Home followed by the story of Project 61, the new proprietors of the home east of Sullivan, will be the Thursday, September 19th program at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 S. Hamilton, Sullivan, at 7 p.m.  

David Bowers will give the highlights of the Masonic Home’s history and introduce the new exhibit about the home in the Center’s museum. Jason Beachy, Project 61 Ministry’s Administrator and others will share their exciting plans for the former Mason Point facility. The Hart building in the complex is being restored with a new name, The House of Ruth. The public is invited to attend and hear how Project 61 is following the message in Isaiah 61 as it makes the old Masonic Home new again while giving new life and hope to those in need.