•December 21, 2022•
The war on Ukraine and supply chain constraints are key drivers of rising energy costs globally and here in Illinois. To keep your home warm this winter and save money by reducing energy costs, the Illinois Commerce Commission is offering a few tips to help homeowners prepare for freezing temperatures.
• Install smart thermostats that automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature settings.
• Check with your utility company about enrolling in time-based electricity rates programs to reduce energy usage during peak hours or to learn about energy efficiency services they may offer.
• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees while you are awake and home, lower at night and when you are away. Read More
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Santa Picture Bingo and Breakfast 2022
Photo by Crystal Reed
Santa Picture Bingo and Breakfast
On Saturday, December 17, Santa Picture Bingo was held at the Sullivan American Legion. The young and the young at heart ate breakfast, played picture bingo and visited with Santa. Proceeds went towards Down Syndrome Awareness.
Facts for Families: Protect Your Holiday Baking Traditions with Food Safety Tips
•December 21, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together. Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind. Extension Educator Susan Glassman has written this helpful article that will come in handy – and not just during the holidays!
Susan says: “Baking and food safety go hand-in-hand. Make sure that your holiday baked goods bring you nothing but deliciousness by taking precautionary measures to prevent foodborne illness.” Raw dough and batters contain raw eggs and flour, two ingredients that can lead to food poisoning if eaten raw. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella bacteria. The harmful bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) can contaminate flour – from its original grain form in the field through the processed stage sold to consumers. Both bacteria can cause mild to severe symptoms of food poisoning. Read More
Department of Human Services Launches Campaign to Help Those with Gambling Problems
•December 21, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched “Are You Really Winning?” - a campaign to build awareness of problem gambling and to promote helpline services for people experiencing gambling problems.
According to research by Health Resources in Action (HRiA), four percent, or nearly 400,000, of Illinois residents have a gambling disorder, and another seven percent, or 700,000, are at risk of developing a gambling disorder.
The “Are You Really Winning?” campaign will reach across the state through TV, radio, social media, and sponsorships to educate the general public on the signs and symptoms of gambling disorder and on the resources available to those in need of support.
The campaign highlights the signs of problem gambling by asking these questions: Read More
Christmas Jingle Time Trial at Civic Center
Photo by Kim Drury
8 & Under Boys: Bryce Badman, Braxton Gilbert, Cody Thompson.
•December 21, 2022•
On Saturday December 10th the Blue Dolphins held a Christmas Jingle Time Trial at the Civic Center. High Point Winners for the day:
8 & Under Girls 1st Kinsley Eads, 2nd Avery Houk, 3rd Scarlett Fayhee BOYS 1st Bryce Badman, 2nd Braxton Gilbert, 3rd Cody Thompson
9-10 Girls 1st Piper Fleener, 2nd Scarlett Perrott, 3rd Michaela Blickensderfer BOYS 1st Tyler Blickensderfer, 2nd Tyson Schmohe, 3rd Eli Crosier
Photo by Kim Drury
13-14 Girls: Emerson Risley, Cadence Schmohe, Emily Crosier
11-12 Girls 1st Lana Cremeens, 2nd Addalyn Hendry, 3rd Claire Standerfer Boys 1st Charles Guyot, 2nd Alex Fultz, 3rd Mitchell Wesselman
13-14 Girls 1st Emily Crosier, 2nd Cadence Schmohe, 3rd Emerson Risley BOYS 1st Liam Donovan, 2nd Johnathan Iacobazzi, 3rd Henry Woolery
Open Girls 1st Zoe Conlin, 2nd Deanna Clark, 3rd Kennedy Fultz Boys 1st Matthew Wesselman, 2nd Miles Kersten, 3rd Isaac Chambers
Pizza Pajamas and Santa
Photos by Crystal Reed
Pizza Pajamas and Santa
Pizza Pajamas and Santa was held at the village hall in Gays on Saturday, December 17. Children were able to visit with Santa, enjoy pizza, cookies and hot chocolate and make crafts. Good will offerings were accepted at the event and all proceeds go towards the Two Story Outhouse Festival 2023.
Conservation Police to Enforce DUI Laws during Holiday Season
•December 21, 2022•
With the holidays in full swing, Illinois Conservation Police officer are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving.
From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” traffic safety campaign. Read More
Expanded Bereavement Leave Rights take Effect Jan. 1
•December 21, 2022•
The Family Bereavement Leave Act will go into effect on January 1, 2023, expanding unpaid leave rights for employees across the State. As the New Year approaches, employers should be aware of the new requirements under the Act.
The Family Bereavement Leave Act (FBLA) is an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act (CBLA) that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility. The FBLA also requires employers to provide leave time after the loss of family members previously not covered by the CBLA, including spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. Read More
Obituaries 12-21-2022: Joyce Shiner
Joyce Shiner
Joyce Shasteen Shiner of Chipita Park, Colorado passed at her home on December 10, 2022 with her 3 children, Sheryl, Diane, and James at her bedside. Joyce was born in1927 and grew up in Sullivan. Her parents were Carl and Goldie Shasteen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Shiner. She is survived by 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Obituaries 12-21-2022: Don Norris
Don Norris
Don Norris, a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Friday December 9, 2022. Read More