•April 12, 2023•
Heated debates with referees and trash-talking players is something one may expect when watching professional sports. But such behavior is not expected of parents on the sidelines of youth sporting events. However, unruly parents are on display with increasing frequency at various youth sporting events.
According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials, adult behavior is the reason more than 75 percent of all high school referees quit. About 80 percent of new officials stop after two years on the job. This has led to a shortage of officials across the youth sports landscape. Read More
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Obituaries 4-12-2023
Janet Scheurich
Janet Puyear Scheurich, 85, of Bloomington, Champaign and formerly of Bethany, passed away January 21, 2023, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill. Read More
The Various Educational Paths to Follow in Pursuit of Various Careers in Nursing
•April 12, 2023•
The field of nursing is vast. While providing medical assistance and support to patients is at the heart of any nursing career, the road to becoming a nurse varies.
There are many pathways to becoming a nurse, and each requires a specific amount of education, training and testing. Here’s a deep dive into the various professional degrees associated with nursing, courtesy of NurseJournal.org and Nurse.org.
Certified Nursing Assistant: A certified nursing assistant is how many people first enter the field of nursing. CNAs are not nurses, but they help nurses provide medical care. Becoming a CNA requires completion of a program that can last 12 weeks, a CNA certification exam and state (provincial) licensing. Read More
Gift Ideas for High School Graduates
•April 12, 2023•
The class of 2023 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads.
Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.
Travel accessories Read More
Report Suggests State Spending Will Soon Begin Outpacing Revenues Once Again
•April 12, 2023•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com
While Illinois has recently experienced a prolonged stretch of good financial news, a new state fiscal forecast notes that if spending continues to grow at its recent pace it could lead to future budget deficits. Read More
Bill Aims to Limit Excessive School District Cash Reserves
Some districts could operate for years on money they’ve stashed away
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com
The overall financial health of Illinois school districts has been improving in recent years, according to a recent state report, but a bill moving through the General Assembly seeks to rein in the amount of money some districts are saving.
Senate Bill 1994, which passed unanimously out of the Senate last week and now awaits action in the House, would put a cap on how much money school districts could hold in reserves. Districts that exceed it would be required to file a report with the state.
“They’re kind of like a nonprofit where, you know, money comes in and resources come in, and then it needs to be spent,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, said during an interview. “Like, yes, you need to have savings. Yes, those are good practices. But you can’t just be sitting on all this cash and then not doing anything with it.” Read More
Remember When? 4-12-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
The Moultrie County Board entered into an agreement with the state for the installation of railroad Caution and Do Not Stop on Tracks Signs in four Moultrie County townships. 13 signs were installed on roads crossing the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Dora, Marrowbone, Sullivan and Nelson townships.
The Sullivan boys track team ran away with first place at the Arthur Invitational, finishing 32 points ahead of their closest competition. The team racked up 110 points to take the title easily outdistancing Villa Grove, which was second with 78 points, while Arthur took third with 63. Read More
Sullivan City Council Authorizes Use of ARPA Funds for Construction of Eastview Lift Station
•April 12, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
During Monday’s meeting, the Sullivan City Council authorized the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the construction of the Eastview Lift Station. According to Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, the city received $300,000 last year and were supposed to get another $300,000 at the end of this year. The city has received only half of it. The reason that Eastview Lift Station was chosen is because it is the oldest.
Tia Punches approached the council in regard to money she has raised from Pack the Park the past two years plus money she has earned by making pies. She asked whether it would be possible for her to sign over the money to someone from the city. She noted if the city doesn’t want to use the money for a bandstand, they may use it for something else.
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said that park crews have been mowing, trimming trees, mulching and making a list of trees that need to be taken down in both parks. Read More
Illinois Amish Heritage Center Receives Grant Through Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program
•April 12, 2023•
Illinois Amish Information Exhibits Inc., known as Illinois Amish Heritage Center, has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Designed to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism across the state, Illinois increased the funding available from $15 million to $22.5 million in order to support additional attractions. The additional $7.5 million was secured during the Illinois General Assembly legislative session in early January 2023 and the program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The total project budget projection for the visitor center/museum building is $2 million. The visitor center/museum building for the IAHC will serve as a welcome center, museum, archive, event center and portal to tourist experiences available in the Douglas, Moultrie and Coles County region. The welcome center/museum will provide a place where visitors can begin their exploration through interpretive exhibits, classroom space, archive and theater and gather afterwards for more information and even the opportunity to purchase crafts and goods made by local Amish artisans on site and further into the communities around the site. Read More
Local Boy Scout Builds Flag Retirement Boxes for Eagle Scout Service Project
Photo by Crystal Reed
Standing left to right: Jeff Nichols, Roger Davis, Kent Spencer, Beau Fleming, John Hickox, Bill Hagen, George Read.
•April 12, 2023•
Beau Fleming recently completed his Eagle Scout Community Service Project in which he led the planning, design, construction and completion of the project. With the help from fellow Scouts and Scout leaders from Troop 39, Beau was able to finish his last requirement for his Eagle Scout Rank application. His project included two flag retirement boxes with “How to Properly Fold the American Flag” displays located at the front entrances of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 and VFW Post 6410. The idea for the project was brought to him by the Legion when they said they were looking to replace the old retirement receptacle and he gladly took on the challenge. Read More