•July 6, 2022•
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is sharing tips to beat the heat because July is Extreme Heat Safety Month. “We’ve already had 100 °+ temperatures for several days in June, and it’s clear that extreme heat is dangerous,” said IEMA Deputy Director Scott Swinford. “Take precautions and reduce your risk to avoid heat exhaustion by staying cool and well hydrated.”
High temperatures paired with significant humidity can lead to increased risks of heat cramps, heat illness, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.
Take breaks in the shade
Drink plenty of water Read More
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Birth to Five Illinois Leadership Team Continues to Grow
•July 6, 2022•
Birth to Five Illinois, a new statewide regional and community system comprised of state and local staff and Councils, hired eight new Regional Council Managers charged with operationalizing equity, particularly racial equity, in early childhood. According to the Illinois Commission on Early Childhood Education and Care Funding report primer, “ Illinois can lead the nation in programs serving children from birth through age five by embracing principles of community ownership, racial equity, and parent voice.” These eight new Regional Council Managers will joined us on June 13, 2022, following the May 2022 onboarding of 17 Regional Council Managers: Region 1-B-B Tiffany Draine, West Cook County; Region 1-B-C Ashonti Jackson, South Cook County; Region 11 Tammy Helm, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby; Region 24 Sharkisha Jones, Grundy & Kendall Counties; Region 33 Roy Van Meter, Henderson, Knox, Mercer & Warren Counties; Region 35 Becky Eager Marshall, LaSalle & Putnam Counties; Region 40 Keppen Clanton, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey & Macoupin Counties; Region 54 Tammy Pollitt, Vermilion County. Read More
Illinois DCFS Increases Monthly Financial Support for Foster
•July 6, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is increasing the financial support provided to foster parents, caregivers and older youth in care to help offset the recent increases in cost of living expenses experienced by families throughout the state.
DCFS had already planned on providing these families and youth a 3 percent cost of living adjustment in the new fiscal year. The new, additional support of $14.6 million is supported by a decrease in youth coming into DCFS care and reuniting youth with their biological families.
“Foster parents and foster youth deserve our state’s investment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As living costs continue to increase throughout the nation, Illinois is working to provide needed resources to these vulnerable children. By increasing financial support to foster parents, caregivers, and young adults in care, we are standing up for our most vulnerable youth, and we will continue to do so.” Read More
LLC to Host Introductory Court Reporting Class
•July 6, 2022•
Lake Land College will host a court reporting First Steps class on July 19 from 6-9 p.m. in Webb Hall, room 081. The class is a free three-hour introductory course and is open to anyone interested in learning about the court reporting profession.
Attendees will learn about the career opportunities available to court reporters, as well as have the opportunity to gain experience on the industry-standard steno machine.
The class will also allow attendees to ask questions and explore the possibility of pursuing a career in court reporting.
“One-third of our court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which means we will likely have to replace more than 400 employees in the next 10-15 years,” Tammy Bumgarner, the director of court reporting services in Springfield, said.
Those interested in attending the First Steps class are asked to register at ilcrs.com/firststeps/register. Read More
LLC to Host Introductory Court Reporting Class
•July 6, 2022•
Lake Land College will host a court reporting First Steps class on July 19 from 6-9 p.m. in Webb Hall, room 081. The class is a free three-hour introductory course and is open to anyone interested in learning about the court reporting profession.
Attendees will learn about the career opportunities available to court reporters, as well as have the opportunity to gain experience on the industry-standard steno machine.
The class will also allow attendees to ask questions and explore the possibility of pursuing a career in court reporting.
“One-third of our court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which means we will likely have to replace more than 400 employees in the next 10-15 years,” Tammy Bumgarner, the director of court reporting services in Springfield, said.
Those interested in attending the First Steps class are asked to register at ilcrs.com/firststeps/register. Read More
Facts for Families: Eight tips for a successful summer
•July 6, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
With the lazy days of summer upon us, Extension Educator Karla Belzer has a great article about how to make it more successful and enjoyable with our kids. Karla says: around my house, summer is a cherished time of year. Routines are more relaxed, the pace is slower, and the “rules” are bent a little. Even though everyone in my is enjoying a little more freedom from the frantic school year, we’re equally ready for a little more “normal.”
What does having a successful summer mean to you? Fulfilled kids, relaxing days, a break from the norm? Have you ever thought about what a successful summer looks like? While each family may have its definition of a successful summer, I think it’s safe to say that most parents want their children and family to enjoy all that summer brings.
Before long, the chorus of “I’m bored” rings through my house. To prevent that, I thought it would be helpful to share a few tips on how to have a successful summer with kids. Read More
Obituaries 7-6-2022: Cynthia Wiseley
Cynthia Wiseley
Cynthia M. Wiseley, 60, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 5:47 a.m., July 2, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her family in Mount Vernon. She was born June 11, 1962, in Dekalb, Illinois to Eugene Creek and Linda Breedlove. Cynthia married Steven Wiseley May 11, 1981, in Sullivan, Illinois. Read More
Obituaries 7-6-2022: Doris Bartanen
Doris Bartanen
Doris Ann Bartanen, loving wife of Ronald Dale Bartanen, went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2022.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 6, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Highway Church of Christ in Sullivan. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Re-enforcing Value of Illinois High School Diploma
•July 6, 2022•
Governor JB Pritzker signed SB3792 into law, amending the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to high school equivalency certificates to State of Illinois High School Diplomas. This change recognizes the equal value of a State of Illinois High School Diploma and will aid Illinois graduates in establishing reciprocity with educational requirements in other states.
“Graduates of Illinois schools should never have to start their post-secondary career or schooling at a disadvantage,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This legislation reflects the high standards to which we hold our high school students and protects graduates from unfair misconceptions, both in our state and in others.” Read More
State Fair and 4-H County Fair Poultry Shows Offer Virtual Opportunities
•July 6, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced both junior and open live shows at the Illinois State Fair will be cancelled for 2022 to protect from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Illinois State Fair junior poultry exhibitors will continue to have an opportunity to receive recognition and premiums through a virtual poster competition. Rules and entry requirements will be available at www.illinoisstatefair.info. To allow time for junior poultry exhibitors to adapt to the new format the Illinois State Fair will extend the entry deadline to July 15, 2022. Read More