•January 1, 2020•
Question: Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card?
Answer: No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It’s best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult — sometimes even impossible — to detect important security features and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incorporate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques, some of which are invisible to the naked eye. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question: How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment with Social Security?
Answer: For many things, you don’t need an appointment to transact business with Social Security. For example, you don’t need an appointment to file for benefits or appeal a disability decision. You can file for the following benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov:
• Retirement;
• Medicare;
• Spouses; and
• Disability. Read More
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Second for ALAH Knight Basketball at St. Teresa Tournament
•January 1, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond boys’ basketball team placed fourth in the Decatur St. Teresa Christmas Tournament, Saturday.
After defeating Heyworth in the first game of the tournament last week, the Knights lost to Riverton last Monday, knocked off Hartsburg-Emden Friday and lost to Mt. Pulaski Saturday.
Against Hartsburg-Emden Friday, ALAH outscored the Stags 9-4 in overtime to win the back-and-forth game 50-45.
The Knights took a six-point lead in the first, but Hartsburg-Emden took the lead in the second with a 16-6 run for a 25-21 halftime score. Read More
All-Tourney Honors for OVHS Girls at Meridian
Photo submitted
Kate Jeffers and Mia Harris earned all-tournament team honors.
•January 1, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team finished runner up to Warrensburg-Latham in the Meridian Holiday Tournament Saturday, and Kate Jeffers and Mia Harris earned all-tournament team honors.
To reach the championship game, the Timberwolves finished pool play with a 3-0 record.
OV defeated Meridian, Martinsville and Blue Ridge.
Friday, the Timberwolves defeated Blue Ridge 43-36 with a strong second-half comeback. Read More
LEtter to the Editor: 1-1-2020
Dear Editor,
I was shopping in the Thrifty Boutique on Dec. 20 and a very nice woman approached me. She handed me a $50 bill and said she was “Christmasing”.
I was shocked at her kindness. I have been going through some tough times and this was very welcome.
I said “Thank you, Merry Christmas” as she disappeared.
I would publicly like to thank my “Christmas Angel”!
Sincerely,
Anonymously grateful!
Obituaries 1-1-2020: Richard Casteel, Jr.
Richard Casteel, Jr.
Richard “Rick” Casteel, Jr., 69, of Lovington got his angel wings at 5:21 p.m. December 23, 2019 at home.
Minister Steve Ingram did the Celebration of Life services at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28th, 2019, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan; visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home in Sullivan. Burial will follow at Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to SIU Alumni Association or Cancer Care Specialist of Decatur; 210 W. McKinley Ave Suite 1, Decatur, IL 62526. Read More
Toy Drive Brings Cheer to Children at SBL
Photo submitted
Leslie Taggart (left) and Haley McQueen (right), accompanied by their seven children and two cousins, delivered toys to the SBL Pediatric Clinic on Monday. The two families also delivered toys for kids in the Women and Children’s Center and the Emergency Department during the holidays.
•January 1, 2020•
Two Sarah Bush Lincoln employees and their families are going the extra mile to bring joy to children receiving care during the holidays.
Physical Therapist Haley McQueen, DPT, and Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Leslie Taggart, APRN, and their children, delivered 160 toys on Monday for girls and boys who are hospitalized in SBL’s Women and Children’s Center or receiving care in the Emergency Department or Pediatric Clinic after hosting an impromptu toy drive.
McQueen and Taggart both serve as home distributors for Matilda Jane Clothing in their free time and they are amazed by the overwhelming response they received when they invited friends and community members to sponsor a Matilda Jane doll at a reduced price to bring joy to a girl in the hospital at Christmas time. In return, McQueen and Taggart agreed to match each doll sponsorship with a toy truck or tractor purchase to provide cheer to a boy receiving care. Read More
Obituaries 1-1-2020: Jean Landers
Jean Landers
Jean Landers, 92 of Sullivan, IL passed away Dec. 26, 2019 in Lake Placid, FL. She was born on May 20,1927 to T. Art and Janie Graven in Sullivan, IL.
She married J.W. Landers on Jan. 14, 1947 in Kentucky. He proceeded her in death. Read More
Sullivan Girls’ Basketball Team Finishes Strong at Knights Classic
Photo by Jason Brown
Jerra Goad (#25) and Avery Still (#11) get into a scrum for the ball against Flanagan/Woodland in the Knights Classic Holiday Tournament in Arthur Friday.
•January 1, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Sullivan girls’ basketball team finished 3-1 in the Knights Classic Holiday Tournament and Emily White was named All-Tournament MVP.
“I thought Emily White played exceptionally well for us once again, and I am proud of her for being nominated All-Tournament MVP,” said Sullivan coach Sheri McCain. “It is well deserved. She has done an amazing job for us both offensively and defensively.”
The Redskins lost to Mt. Zion in the championship game 49-44 Saturday night.
After a first quarter tie at 5-5, Mt. Zion pulled ahead by five points in the second and extended that lead to nine at the end of the third quarter, 42-33.
Sullivan could not cut the lead to less than three in the fourth for a full comeback.
“Mt. Zion outplayed us tonight and wanted it more than we did,” said McCain. “They executed the little things and they played great team defense. Once again, you can’t beat good teams turning the ball over 21 times and shooting 59 percent from the free throw line.”
Emily White recorded a team-high 17 points, seven steals and two assists. Read More
Lovington Pilot Helps Young People Discover Flight
•January 1, 2020•
An area pilot has now given more than 1,500 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the EAA “Young Eagles” program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight. Read More
IDNR Accepting Applications for Park and Recreation Construction Grants
•January 1, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications through Jan. 21, 2020 for the state’s Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) Grant Program. The program will provide grants to eligible local governments for acquisition, development, construction, rehabilitation or other capital improvements to park and recreation facilities in Illinois.
IDNR is anticipating that a total of $25 million in grants will be available through funding provided by the Rebuild Illinois Act. The maximum grant award is $2.5 million. Read More