•April 20, 2022•
The U.S. Postal Service today launched USPS Connect — a set of four delivery solutions that leverage ongoing network improvements, new equipment, new pricing and enhanced operational precision to meet evolving business package delivery needs.
“USPS Connect provides businesses of all sizes what they have been asking for — an affordable way to meet consumer demand for fast delivery,” said Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General and CEO. “A pivotal point in our Delivering for America plan, it positions us to more fully leverage our network capacity to increase volume and revenue so we can continue to serve the American people with affordable, reliable mail and package delivery.” Read More
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Obituaries 4-20-2022: Lynda Baker
Lynda Baker
Lynda Diane Baker, 62, of Shelbyville, passed away at 6:37 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2022, at Shelbyville Manor in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, with the Rev. Nathan Woolery officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorials may be given to the Stephen Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund. Read More
Obituaries 4-20-2022: Ladd Ashbrook
Ladd Ashbrook
Ladd Ashbrook, 71, of Sullivan, passed away April 3, 2022, in his home. Read More
The Importance of Eye Health
•April 20, 2022•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator University of Illinois Extension
I have always had terrible vision. I have been wearing glasses and contacts since sixth grade, so I never take my vision for granted. I would like to share this article written by U of I student intern, Anum Paya about eye health and what you can do to preserve it. Anum says: Did you know that the eyes are the only organ in our body most exposed to our external surroundings? Due to this reason, people must understand the importance of taking care of their eyes and what they can do to ensure their vision is not jeopardized. Our sense of sight is vital out of all our senses because about 80% of the things we perceive from our surroundings are through our sight. Awareness of the dangers of the various conditions that can develop in the eyes is key to know about. Tips and techniques about taking care of your eyes will also help prevent these conditions from happening and potentially save a trip to the doctor! Read More
Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association Meets
•April 20, 2022•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met recently at the Smith House in Tuscola. President Jane McKown welcomed members and guests before leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond retired teachers were the host committee.
Jane McKown introduced Dr. Kyle Thompson, Regional Superintendent of Schools as the speaker. Dr. Thompson has been employed by the ROE for nine years, the last three of which he has served as the Superintendent. He spoke about some of the services the ROE provides and the current shortage of teachers, substitutes, bus drivers and other support personnel. He also spoke about the new vocational center, Mattoon Life, which will open in the fall.
The business portion of the meeting began when President McKown introduced the current officers. The minutes of the last meeting, submitted by Carol Glazebrook, were approved with no corrections. Jim Luedke presented the Treasurer’s report and it was filed for audit. Read More
Extension Tests Dial-gauge Pressure Canners
•April 20, 2022•
Pressure canning is a safe way to preserve low-acid vegetables, such as potatoes and green beans, meats, and other foods at home. University of Illinois Extension recommends testing dial-gauge pressure canners each year for accuracy. Over time, the needle on the gauges can move out of place. When canning foods at home, having an accurate gauge means safer canning and lower risk of foodborne illnesses. Read More
Wait on — or for — a Friend?
•April 20, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time for some spring cleaning of my bloated email box.
I’m going to sift through some that aren’t infested with black mold and, by way of apology, publish some reader questions I’ve never gotten around to.
Bulls is in the playoffs?
Dave DeVries had been wrestling with sports team names and whether they should get a singular or plural pronoun.
He teaches a PR/crisis communication class in Northwestern University’s sports management program, which is perhaps why he employed “wrestling” in his question.
“I often correct students’ assignments to indicate a team is ‘it,’ not ‘they,’” he wrote. “My belief is that a team is a single unit, and thus a singular pronoun must be used.” Read More
Remember When? 4-20-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan Elementary School joined with the office of State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka and First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust of Moultrie County to offer the Treasurer’s Bank at School (BAS) program. The program, which was administered by Topinka, linked financial institutions and schools to the BAS program, which was designed to teach children the fundamentals of money management and to build financial skills.
The Sullivan-Bethany Scholastic Bowl team finished its season with two wins and two losses in the Masonic Sectional Tournament in Springfield. The local team defeated Riverton in the first round after a troubled start. The final score was 75-25. Playing for the Redskins were Meredith Cooper, Amanda Edmonds, Jalee Fifer, Ryan Franklin, Jon Loveall, Cris Patrick and Rusty Taylor. The final team record was 30 wins and 20 losses. Read More
Jesse White Announces 18th Annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition
•April 20, 2022•
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that entry forms are available for the 18th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.
“We created the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition to promote creative writing and provide an outlet for talented writers,” White said. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance our lives, and I am looking forward to celebrating talented poets with this year’s competition.” Read More
Sparrows Unlimited Bike Winners 2022

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Sparrows Unlimited Bike Winners
Sparrows Unlimited gave away bikes during the Village of Lovington’s Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 10 at the park. Pictured are some of the winners.
