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A Handful of What?

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•April 5, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Your child, metaphorically speaking, might always be a handful, whether that child is an infant who fits in the palm of your hand or, well, Will Smith.
The range of behaviors or traits that makes someone a “handful” can be very broad and might be different for different people.
Now, when you consider the other less metaphorical definition of “handful” — namely a small number or amount of something — the scope narrows.
Sure, you can have a handful of shampoo, a handful of paper or a handful of rope (all amounts rather than numbers) or you could have a handful of ball bearings, a handful of TicTacs or a handful of baseball cards (either an actual handful or a small number).
But then things go off the rails. Read More

Remember When? 4-5-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

As many as a dozen tornadoes, accompanied by thunderstorms and giant hail stones, ripped through Central Illinois, bringing wide-spread damage and at least four injuries to Moultrie County. Funnel clouds were spotted in Shelby, Douglas, Effingham, as well as Moultrie County. Numerous downed power lines caused power outages throughout the region. The disaster came less than two weeks following a tornado that cut a path through Mattoon, smashing buildings but causing no deaths. Read More

Senator McClure Visits Local Schools

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•April 5, 2023•
Senator Steve McClure is a new legislator to Shelby and Moultrie Counties, and his willingness to learn about the region was evident as he went back to school last week. During a break in the state senate, Senator McClure spent a day visiting schools with Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson.
Their road trip began with introductions at Shelbyville Bridges, an alternative school led by Thompson’s Regional Office of Education #11. Dr. Zakry Standerfer provided Senator McClure with an overview of safe schools and how the program serves students in grades 6-12 who find success in the alternative education sites. Read More

Grand Opening Held for Moultrie County History Center

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Photo by Crystal Reed
The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band played during the grand opening for the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum and Library on Saturday, April 1. The band is out of Bloomington. The music they played is rooted in the small town “cornet band” of the 19th century and included quicksteps, marches, ballads, polkas and overtures. Their re-created uniforms were sewn from natural wool fibers and are authentic in every detail, patterned from specimens worn by Civil War soldiers.

•April 5, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society held the grand opening for the Moultrie County History Center on Saturday, April 1. The opening allowed the public to see the efforts put in by society members and volunteers after renovations of the new location on South Hamilton Street. There are exhibits on the Little Theatre On The Square, the Titus Home, quilts, military history and much more.
Museum Director Pam Wood said that around 300 people attended the open house. “It took over a year to get the building completely renovated,” she said “The library and research area was the first to open and then we finished the museum area.” Read More

Clayton Receives Scholarship

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•April 5, 2023•

Lakeview College of Nursing in Danville and Charleston, announced numerous scholarship awards for the Spring 2023 semester.
Dakota Clayton, of Sullivan, received the LCN Transfer Need-Based Scholarship. Clayton attends classes on Lakeview’s Charleston campus.
Lakeview College of Nursing Scholarships are made possible by generous donations to the College’s scholarship endowment fund. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria established by the donor and each applicant’s financial need and/or academic merit.
Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution specializing in nursing education in the Danville, IL, area since 1894. Lakeview began offering the program in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

Quarter Madness

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•April 5, 2023•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their April Quarter Auction on Wednesday, April 12. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Habitat for Humanity is the charity of the month. Vendors at the event could include: direct sales such as Avon, Scentsy, JBloom Jewelry, Thirty-One, Tastefully Simple, Paper Pei (formerly Usborne Books), Pampered Chef, plus different craft vendors, hair bows, boutique clothing, shoes, accessories and more. Come shop the vendors and stay for the quarter auction. Bring your quarters for charity item and extra bidding. All-In paddle will be $20. Doors open at 6 pm and quarter auction begins at 6:30 pm. All ages are welcome to attend. Food will be available for purchase through Highway Heartburn food truck in the Legion parking lot. Drink purchases can be made through the Legion. For more information visit Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness Facebook page.

Upcoming Blood Drives

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•April 5, 2023•

The Cadwell community will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals, on Tuesday, April 18 from 3 to 7 pm at 1533 CR 1900 N, Cadwell, the donor bus will be parked by M&E Woodcrafts. To donate contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 70636 to locate the drive. Appointments are required. Agri-Fab Inc. will also host a blood drive with Impact Life on Friday, April 21 from 9 am to 2 pm at 809 S. Hamilton Street, inside the meeting room. To donate contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71025 to locate the drive. Appointments are required.

C.E.F.S. Announces Assistance for Youth Summer Activities

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•March 29, 2023•
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is offering support to low-income families wishing for their child/children to participate in a summer activity of their choice. Activities need to promote physical health, safety, or learning. Examples of activities C.E.F.S. can pay for include science camp, art class, swim lessons, 4-H camp, summer sports, and acting class. Families need to contact their local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office for an application and inquiries. Read More

Windsor American Legion Recognizes 50 Year Members

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Windsor American Legion Recognizes 50 Year Members
Windsor Garrett-Baldridge American Legion and Auxiliary members celebrated the American Legion’s 104th birthday with a potluck and ceremony at the Legion on Sunday, March 26. Three Legion members received 50 year membership certificates. Auxiliary member, Linda Voris, also shared a brief history of the American Legion. Those presented 50 year membership certificates were Larry Shafer (left) and Linn Voris (right). Presenting the certificates was Post Commander Jack Johnson (center). Not pictured: Joe Hester.