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Master Naturalists Announce Field Day of Learning

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•March 24, 2021•
Submitted by Jenny Lee, Master Gardener/Master
Naturalist Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension Coles County

Local Master Naturalists want to inspire you to get outside and appreciate Illinois’ natural beauty. Join us for our Field Day of Learning on Saturday, April 10, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Come learn about the many species of butterflies found in Coles County, the seventeen varieties of turtles in Illinois, and the many beautiful spring wildflowers that grow in Illinois. Read More

Marrowbone BBQ Competition

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•March 24, 2021•

Ten Bones on the Marrowbone friendly bbq competition will be on Saturday, March 27 starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Bethany. Competition will be KCBS rules and wood source cooking only. $40 entrance fee and blind judging. Vending will be available at the event with live entertainment by Pizzazz. 50% of the proceeds will go to the winner and 50% of proceeds to Bethany Fire Department for rescue equipment. Contact Curt Robinson at 217-521-4920 or Tori Clark at 217-460-0127 to join the competition.

Stay Safe As You Enter The Fields

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•March 24, 2021•
Farm equipment has become more massive and technologically advanced over time. While these welcome improvements help farmers cover more ground in less time, taller equipment and longer extensions may bring added challenges around power lines.
As farmers prepare to enter the fields for planting, Safe Electricity urges everyone working in the agricultural field to be alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines, poles and other electrical equipment.
Cody Conrady’s story
Before you think it could never happen to you, consider electrical accident survivor Cody Conrady’s experience. He shares what happened to him in an effort to help increase power line awareness: Read More

Moultrie County Lincoln Day Dinner

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Lincoln Day Dinner
State Senator Darren Bailey spoke during the Moultrie County Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Sullivan VFW last Tuesday night, March 16. He is a state senator for the 55th district and is running for governor. The event was sponsored by the Moultrie County Republican Central Committee.

Stay Safe On Wet Roadways All Year Long

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Photo furnished

•March 24, 2021•
Weather plays a role in driver safety regardless of what time of year it may be. From wind and rain to snow and ice, travelers routinely navigate roads when conditions are far from ideal.
Wet roadways are a common occurrence. The automotive resource AAA advises that wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Many crashes occur when drivers do not recognize the need to change their driving habits in wet conditions. Mastering driving techniques on slick, water-logged roads can help motorists avoid accidents and injuries.

See and be seen
Before they even get behind the wheel, drivers should inspect all headlights and taillights to ensure they are in working order. Replace any bulbs that have burned out, and clean cloudy lens covers. Read More

Grain Bin Safety Event is March 29 to April 2

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•March 24, 2021•
Each year, more than 20 agricultural workers in the U.S. die in grain bin accidents, and the number of fatalities is increasing. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week https://standup4grainsafety.org/ is an annual event that promotes awareness, education, and training on grain bin safety.
This year, Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place online March 29 through April 2. Daily sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT include video presentations, supplementary materials, and other resources. Read More

Remember When? 3-24-2021

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25 Years Ago This Week

Sullivan native Kathy Best, a Washington correspondent for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, was chosen as Alumna of the Year by Southern Illinois University’s School of Journalism in Carbondale.
Matt Kracht, a Sullivan High School social studies teacher was named the first Teacher of Excellence award winner. As the winner Kracht received a plaque and a check for $1,000 to be used for equipment for his classroom.Kracht also received an additional $582 as part of a mini-grant program sponsored by the Sullivan Community Education Foundation. Read More

Smarter Driving for Foggy Weather

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Photo furnished. Foggy conditions require drivers to use even more caution and attention to the roads.

•March 24, 2021•
Weather patterns can be fickle. One moment it may be chilly and sunny, while the next warm and wet. As a new season arrives, fog may roll in along with it.
Fog occurs during extremely humid conditions. For fog to be present, some type of dust or air pollution also needs to be present in the air so that microscopic water particles can surround it. According to the National Geographic Society, fog occurs when water vapor, or water in its gaseous form, condenses. During condensation, molecules of water vapor combine to make tiny liquid water droplets that hang in the air. You can see fog because of these tiny water droplets.
While fog can be a marvel to behold — completely obscuring landmarks or mountains in some instances — it can make driving challenging. Even seasoned drivers find fog is dangerous and difficult to drive in. The Federal Highway Administration says fog may contribute to more than 500 fatalities each year. Read More