•January 18, 2023•
Students begin a new school year hoping to do their best in the classroom. When those hopes are overcome by academic struggles, students may need a little help to get back on track.
Students and their parents must keep in mind that no school year is derailed by a poor performance in the year’s opening months. There’s plenty of time for students to rebound, and the following are some ways for students to get back on strong academic footing.
• Make it a collective effort. Rebounding from a difficult start to the school year may require a collective effort on the part of students, their parents and educators. Concerned parents can reach out to teachers to learn where students are struggling and seek recommendations about what to do to help them rebound. Once those areas are identified, students, parents and educations can work together to devise a plan to help kids improve. Read More
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Bill Guaranteeing Workers Five Days of Paid Leave Will Head to Governor
•January 18, 2023•
One hour of time off would accrue for every 40 hours worked
By Nika Schoonover
Capitol News Illinois
nschoonover@ capitolnewsillinois.com
A bill that would guarantee a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave per year for all Illinois workers passed both chambers of the General Assembly Tuesday and will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker, who says he will sign it.
Under Senate Bill 208, workers begin to earn paid leave on their first day at a rate of one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours of paid leave for the year. They can begin using their leave after 90 days, although an employer may allow them to use it sooner.
Once signed, the measure would take effect on January 1, 2024.
“Paid leave for all is about the dignity of work,” said Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, a lead sponsor on the bill. “It’s about humanizing and honoring the realities that we know that adult workers have in our daily lives and providing a space for folks to just do what it is that we all have the luxury and are so blessed to do.” Read More
Sullivan Blue Dolphins Compete at Seth Dunscomb New Year Opener
Photo Submitted
Sullivan Blue Dolphins Compete at Seth Dunscomb New Year Opener
by Kim Drury
Sullivan Blue Dolphins competed at the Seth Dunscomb New Year Opener meet in Decatur January 6 through 8. The group picture represents part of the 51 swimmers who competed and helped to bring home the 1st place team trophy.
Individual high point winners from the meet were:
8 & Under boys Braxton Gilbert 1st place, Bryce Badman 2nd place
11-12 Girls Lana Cremeens 3rd place
13-14 Girls Emily Crosier 1st place
13-14 Boys Johnathan Iacobazzi 1st place, Nathan Rafferty 2nd place
Open Girls Deanna Clark 3rd place
Open Boys Matthew Wesselman 1st, Ethan Schmohe 2nd
Report Predicts Billions in Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Losses if State Meets EV Goals
Union-tied research group pushes for mileage tax to shore up road-building funds
•January 18, 2023•
By Nika Schoonover
Capitol News Illinois
nschoonover@ capitolnewsillinois.com
Despite Illinois’ efforts to smoothly integrate electric vehicles into the state’s economy, a new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute is warning of a potential steep decline in transportation revenue as the process of electrification accelerates.
The primary issue is motor fuel taxes, which will see a significant drop as more electric vehicles make their way to the road and fewer people fill their cars with gas.
Since motor fuel taxes make up the backbone of state funding for road and bridge projects, ILEPI, which has strong ties to organized labor, warned in its report that new revenue sources will have to be identified to ensure the state’s 10-year capital improvements plan remains on track.
“There’s absolutely a benefit to having EVs but it will ultimately have a strong impact on transportation funding,” Mary Tyler, the author of the report, said in an interview. “It’s something that I don’t think is talked about enough.” Read More
Birkey’s Farm Store Announces New Store Manager In Arthur
•January 18, 2023•
On January 1st Birkey’s Farm Store announced Mike Hugg as the new Store Manager of Birkey’s in Arthur. Mike began his career with Birkey’s in Oakland parts department in 2015, then in 2018 transitioned into the Parts Manager role at Birkey’s in Arthur, and most recently served as a Regional Parts and Service Administrator in 2022. Read More
Birth to Five Illinois is Amplifying Family Voice in Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie & Shelby Counties
•January 18, 2023•
According to the report of the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Funding, “The beating heart of an effective ECEC system is the community, and in order to provide for community input, the Commission urges creation of a formal community and regional infrastructure.”
In response to this recommendation, the State has partnered with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) to build this equity-driven statewide regional system, Birth to Five Illinois, comprised of staff and local Councils that will amplify family, provider, and community voices in the state policy-making process and give local and state leaders a more accurate understanding of the early childhood gaps in each region. Read More
The Discovery Partners Institute and the Illinois Dept. of Public Health Launch Online COVID-19 Tracker
•January 18, 2023•
The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today a new website that tracks the levels of COVID-19 in wastewater samples in Chicago and other cities across Illinois.
The interactive online tool builds on the statistics posted on the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker website and provides more Illinois-specific data in easy-to-understand charts.
“This data is now going to be available to researchers and the public alike, giving everyone as accurate picture as possible for the pandemic,” said Bill Jackson, executive director of DPI. “This is a game-changer in terms of transparency and public health awareness, and we applaud IDPH for partnering with us on this bold step.”
“Wastewater surveillance is a great tool that can help detect and monitor COVID-19, the flu and other pathogens,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH director. “This new website is designed to inform and educate residents of Illinois and will give them the ability to make informed decisions about how to protect themselves.” Read More
Obituaries 1-18-2023: Vickie Cole Thompson
Vickie Cole Thompson
Vickie (Brown) Cole Thompson, 77, of Windsor, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon with her loved ones by her side. Read More
Obituaries 1-18-2023: John Dowling
John Dowling
John A. Dowling, 83, of Okeechobee, Florida, formerly of Sullivan, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Read More
Lake Land College Accepting Nominations
•January 18, 2023•
Lake Land College is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Service Award, Pacesetter Award, Retiree Wall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus Award, Alumnus Achievement Award and Distinguished Alumni Society.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual whose exemplary service and contributions have benefited Lake Land College or its affiliated organizations. Current paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for this award. Read More