•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

•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

•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

•July 6, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Unless you are someone who feels the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut a decade ago was an elaborate hoax, you’ll probably accept what I’m about to tell you.
Reader Sue Budak wrote to tell me that “only” isn’t the only modifier that gets misplaced in sentences.
“Allegedly” gives it a run for its money.
She referred to a story about Golden State Warriors coach and dynastic Bull Steve Kerr’s reaction to the May 24 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
A passage reads: “State officials said at least 19 Robb Elementary School students and a teacher allegedly were killed by an 18-year-old gunman.”
“Unfortunately, there is nothing alleged about the death of these victims,” Budak wrote. “What is alleged is who committed the crime.”
Very astute, Sue.
Those 19 students and (now two) teachers indeed were killed. Read More