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Moultrie County Clerk Resigns During Meeting

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•July 20, 2022•

by Crystal Reed

NP Writer

Moultrie County Clerk Georgia C. England resigned toward the end of the Thursday, July 14, county board meeting. Prior to the announcement, Ann Wheeler, who works as an election judge, read a letter commending England and her staff. In her letter, which may be found in this week's issue, she said that she was concerned when she heard about accusations made on Facebook and elsewhere of corruption and fraud in the local election. She finds those accusations absurd.
England read her letter of resignation to a standing room only audience and noted that she had during her time with the county navigated it through more than 30 elections. Later in the letter she noted that it is not the position but rather the people who are bringing her clerk tenure to a close several months earlier than planned. "Moultrie County could be so much better than what it has become, but unfortunately, too many people are choosing to emphasize political parties over the best person for the position." Read More

Recent Obituaries: Ruth A. Adcock

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Ruth A. Adcock

Ruth A. Adcock of Hammond, Illinois, passed away at Decatur Memorial Hospital Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 1:12 pm.  

Ruth was born April 3, 1954, in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Charles H. and Doris Jean (Lilley) Brewer. She graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School in 1972 and from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois in 1991. Ruth worked for 20 years for the University of Illinois Office of Extension and Outreach and was a beloved wife to her husband, farmer Mark A. Adcock, for 47 beautiful years.  

Ruth met Mark on July 12, 1974, by chance at a wedding rehearsal party for her lifelong close friend Kay (Dallas) Cameron. Mark and Ruth married on Dec. 14, 1974, after Mark’s army service in Germany ended. They enjoyed exactly 48 years of love and caring.  

Ruth loved camping, needlework, and the family dog, Luke. She always kept family first and her special friends Kay Cameron, Frieda Pantier, and Cathy Cherry. She was a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews and loved her entire family.  

Ruth is survived by her husband, Mark, son Todd A. Adcock, and her daughter Melanie A. Adcock, all of Hammond, Illinois. As well as her brother Darrel Brewer, sisters Glenda Kretzer (Ron), Nancy Sauer (Joe), Janet Dix and her dog Lukie.  

She was preceded in death tragically in 1997 by her parents and sister Bonnie Brewer. The family wishes to thank all of her doctors and health care workers who treated her cancer along with St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur Memorial, and all of those who so valiantly tried to save her life.  

Ruth’s battle with cancer began in August 2020. Her lymphoma returned this year as a small mass in March that exploded in July. She fought so hard and had hope until her last hour. 

On Monday, July 18, 2022, we celebrate Ruth’s life at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL. The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11 am, with the funeral following. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood, IL. Ruth would have wanted everyone to dress comfortably for her farewell.  

In addition to sending flowers to the funeral home, memorials may be directed to the Hammond Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, Illinois. 

Online condolences may be shared via www.hilligossshraderfh.com 

Menu 7-13-2022

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Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

July 18 - Turkey Burger w/Condiments, Pinto Beans with Bacon, Beets, Pineapple, Bun
July 19 - Beef Tips in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Pears, Whole Grain Roll
July 20 - Marinated Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese w/Peas, Broccoli, Tomato Salad
July 21 - Chicken Salad
Vegetable Soup
Cucumber & Onion Salad, Apricots, Whole Grain Bread, Crackers
July 22 - Lasagna, Italian Vegetables - Romaine Salad w/Dressing - Rosy Applesauce, Whole Grain Roll

Lake Land College Adult Education to Host Free BNA Class

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•July 13, 2022•
Lake Land College Adult Education will be hosting a free basic nursing assistant class Fall 2022. The class is an opportunity for those interested in healthcare professions to begin a career in the field.
An orientation for the class will take place July 21 at 4 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center on the Lake Land College campus in Mattoon, Illinois. Read More

Flower Power Workshop to be held in Charleston

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•July 13, 2022•
Do you enjoy fresh-cut flowers but are unsure of how to make them last longer or how to arrange them? University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners invite you to “Flower Power”, a workshop all about cut flowers. Join Master Gardener Christina Edmonds-Behrend for a set of fun and interesting workshops Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, August 6 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Read More

Fourth of July Raffle Winner 2022

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Fourth of July Raffle Winner
The Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development held their 50/50 Fourth of July Raffle. This year’s winner is Kamryn Landreth who received $4,414.50. She is pictured with Grant Wade of the SCED Board of Directors.

Three Local School Districts Awarded School Maintenance Grants

News Progress Posted on by

•July 13, 2022•
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), has distributed the fiscal year 2022 School Maintenance Grants, totaling $30 million in state funding, to over 600 eligible applicants. Grantees will use the money to improve and maintain education infrastructure throughout the state of Illinois.
The School Maintenance Grant Program is a dollar-for-dollar state matching grant open to school districts, cooperative high schools, vocational centers, and special education cooperatives. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to put toward completing proposed maintenance projects.
Sullivan CUSD 300, Okaw Valley CUSD 302 and Windsor CUSD were all awarded grants. Each will receive a $50,000 school maintenance grant.
“By investing in our educational infrastructure, we set Illinois students up for success,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our state’s youth spend a majority of their days inside school buildings. It is our duty to make sure those facilities are safe, clean, well-lit, and adequately ventilated. With this funding, our children will learn and grow in sustainable, healthy environments—as they deserve.” Read More

Ways to Refine Your Co-parental Communication

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•July 13, 2022•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension

Having experienced being a child with divorced parents, I wanted to share this article written by Eastern Illinois University graduate, Kayli Worthey. Kaylie shares that: growing up, my family had my half-sisters every other weekend, but the co-parenting relationship never took a break. I witnessed many different conversations between co-parents on many different topics like schooling, child support, drama, and even discipline. While the conversations were often filled with conflict, there was also supportive and healthy communication. From a very young age, I learned that communicating one’s needs, wants, and concerns with those around you is essential to promote individual and family well-being. Despite the uniqueness of my family structure, one thing remains true for all families: communication is key. Read More

Army Corps of Engineers Warns Most Water Related Accidents and Fatalities Occur in July

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•July 13, 2022•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding the public that more water-related accidents and fatalities occur at its lakes and river projects in July than in any other month.
“July is the month when we normally see the most water-related accidents and fatalities so there is reason to be concerned,” said Pam Doty, USACE National Water Safety Program Manager. “We stress to the recreating public a number of things to be aware of while in, on, or near open water.”
“Park rangers and other staff at our lakes and river projects will be especially vigilant this time of year in looking for and cautioning the public about risky behaviors,” added Doty.
USACE wants you to be aware of these things while in, on, or near open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.): Read More