•June 9, 2021•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that automobile insurance verification will be conducted electronically. This upgrade to the state’s mandatory insurance verification program will begin enforcement on July 1, 2021. The program requires insurance companies to work in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s office to confirm electronically that motorists have automobile insurance. This program follows national standards established by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration and is expected to reduce the number of Illinois motorists driving while uninsured. Read More
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First Friday Concert
Photo by Crystal Reed.
First Friday Concert
The Little Theatre On The Square held its the first concert in their First Friday Concert Series last Friday in front of the theatre. The concert was Lexie Dorsett Sharp featuring Jordan Cyphert and John Stephens. The next concert will be held on Friday, July 2 at 7:30 pm and will be Heather J. Beck featuring Colleen Johnson and Amanda Bonner Church. Pictured above: Jordan Cyphert, John Stevens and Lexie Dorsett Sharp.
Millikin University Online Summer Immersion Courses Open For Enrollment
•June 9, 2021•
Millikin University 2021 Online Summer Immersion courses are still open for enrollment with discounted tuition offerings. Registration for students may be completed in person at the Registrar’s Office (Gorin Hall, Room 16), by fax at 217.420.6789, online or by phone at 217.424.6217. Students can also register by using the immersion registration form available at millikin.edu/immersion.
Immersion courses at Millikin University are a very convenient way for current students, high school students, or community members to take courses that can result in new skills, knowledge, or a way to build up college credit in a short amount of time.
This summer, Millikin is offering several online courses to make it easy for students not in the central Illinois area to have access to a top-quality Millikin education. Read More
Millikin University Announces New Multimedia Communication Degree Program
•June 9, 2021•
In today’s multimedia age, it is essential for professional communicators to engage in all sides of the publishing process, crafting messages from the written word to web design, video and audio media to be an effective storyteller.
To help prepare creative multimedia professionals, Millikin University’s College of Fine Arts is pleased to announce a new Multimedia Communication major, offered through the Arts Technology & Administration Department, that will allow students to use a multitude of platforms and technologies to creatively communicate to audiences. The new major will be offered starting in fall 2021.
Central to the Multimedia Communication major is the art of storytelling, digital publishing and media production. The major is grounded in theory and practice with multimedia production opportunities throughout. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Issues Guidelines for Illinois Reopening on Friday, June 11
•June 9, 2021•
Following weeks of steady decreases in new positive COVID-19 cases and with over 67% of residents age 18 and older receiving their first vaccine dose, Governor JB Pritzker is releasing guidelines for Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, which will go into effect on June 11th and marks a full reopening of all businesses and activities. This guidance will mean businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and seated-spectator venues, among others, will be able to operate at full capacity for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State is also lifting the outdoor mask requirement in schools in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
This guidance comes as Illinois has recently reached a test positivity rate of less than 2 percent, more than half of the population has been fully vaccinated, and key hospitalization metrics have been declining since early May. Read More
St. Jude Dash and Bash 2021
Photo by Crystal Reed.
Kids Bags Tournament
The Kids Bags Tournament at the St. Jude Dash and Bash this past Saturday attracted several competitors. From left to right: Kaley Herschberger, Caysen Dringenberg, Rhett Lehman and Kaden Herschberger.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Duck Derby
St. Jude Dash and Bash Duck Derby was held on Saturday afternoon at Wyman Lake.
Photo by Crystal Reed
5k Run/Walk
The 5k run/walk was held bright and early at Wyman Park on Saturday morning for the St Jude Dash and Bash. The top two finishers were Ailey Mitchell, age 19, and Antonio Chavez, age 22. In addition to the 5k run/walk there was also a 1 mile run/walk and a tot trot. Pictured above are runners on the course at Wyman Park.
Village Of Bethany To Make Water System Upgrades
•June 9, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Village of Bethany has plans to make upgrades to their water plant, water tower and water lines. According to Village President Jonathan Book the project is estimated at $3.6 million.
Book said that the project is being funded by the United States Department of Agriculture rural development program that will be part grant and part loan. The village is currently awaiting their award letter to find out how much will be grant and how much will be loan. Read More
Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Golf Outing
Photo submitted by Timmy Valentine
Golf Outing
The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development winning team was Agri-Fab. From left to right: Bob Schlechte, Dan Frerichs, Kerri Frerichs, Chad Frerichs.
Photo submitted by Timmy Valentine
Sullivan Chamber and Economic
Development Golf Outing
The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development held their annual golf outing last Friday. Pictured from left to right are Stacey Uphoff, Laurie Minor, Director of the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development, Sullivan mayor Richard Glazebrook and Matt Forcum, owner of Shelby Realty.
Lovington Townwide Cleanup Days
•June 9, 2021•
The Village of Lovington will have their townwide cleanup days on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. Dumpsters will be located behind Mechling’s Backhoe. Things that will not be accepted are paint, appliances, dimensional lumber, tires and electronics.
Revered Illinois Alumna’s $45M ‘Visionary Gift’ Lifts Connection to a New Level
•June 9, 2021•
Strengthening families and communities through gathering and connection have been important themes throughout Doris Kelley Christopher’s life and career. Now, a $45 million gift from the University of Illinois alumna will support the creation of an engagement-rich center located in the Arboretum on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Read More