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ALAH District Considers Possibility of Solar Energy in the Future

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Brad McGill presents $1,000 in memory of his son, Brandon

•January 27, 20201•
By Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

Coach Brad McGill, who recently lost his son Brandon McGill, attended the school board meeting to present a check for $1,000 in memory of Brandon. “There are no words that adequately express the love and appreciation from this district and community,” he stated. Brad and his wife also wanted to publicly acknowledge their thankfulness and appreciation of everyone’s prayers, thoughts, support and donations. The $1,000 donation will be used as the #BeStrong and #BeKind Brandon Memorial Award. The $1,000 will be split into $250 awards to anyone who has received special services from the district.
Kyle Loyd of Future Green gave a presentation concerning the possibility of using solar energy in the school district in the future. If the district moves forward with the project, Future Green will lease the space (the roof), and they would give the school power which would be at a “X” discounted rate (15-20% estimate). The district will not have to provide a deposit or money upfront. The lease is for 25 years, and after 20 years, the school will be given a choice whether to renew. After 15 years, the district may decide whether they want to purchase depending on what the cost is at that time. The condition of the roof where the system would be placed is very important before beginning the project. At this time, there is still more work that needs to be done to the roof. Read More

Moultrie County Begins Phase 1B Vaccinations

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•January 27, 20201•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to announce confirmation of additional COVID-19 vaccines. The health department began scheduling phase 1B vaccine appointments for Moultrie County residents aged 65 years and older, as well as Moultrie County critical infrastructure personnel on Monday, January 25, 2021.
“We greatly appreciate the patience of our residents as we work to remain compliant with the IDPH guidance and make this vaccine available for those who qualify in our county,” Moultrie County Health Department Administrator Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH stated, “We are hopeful that our COVID-19 vaccines remain in steady supply. The MCHD will continue to open and schedule clinics as long as vaccines are available.” Read More

Ross Metzger Awarded Degree

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•January 27, 20201•

Ross Metzger of Gays has received a bachelor of science in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama. UA awarded some 2,257 degrees during its fall commencement on Dec 12.

Annual Senior Valentine Luncheon to be Drive-Thru

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•January 27, 20201•
Courtyard Estates of Sullivan, a supportive living community in the Sullivan area, is known for their annual Senior Valentine Luncheon and Poetry Contest. In years past, in collaboration with Mid-Illinois Senior Services, they’ve had nearly 100 seniors from the community participate. Each year seniors in the community look forward to a free homemade meal, conversation with friends, fun giveaways and a chance to read some creative material. Read More

Menu 1-27-2021

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Senior Peace Meal

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

February 1 - BBQ Pork Sandwich, Mini Potato Bakers, Mixed Vegetables, Bun, Fruit Juice
February 2 - Chicken Broccoli Rice, Bake, Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Warm Fruit Combo
February 3 - Savory Sausage Stew w/Beans, Lyonnais Carrots, Biscuits, Scalloped Pineapple

February 4 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Seasoned Peas, Whole Grain Wheat, Overnight Fruit Salad

February 5 - Tuna Noodle Casserole, Green & Wax Beans w/Pimentos, Apricots, Dinner Roll, Raisins

There Will Be No Swearing in This Installment

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•January 20, 20201•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guesdt Writer

I had a friend during the 1980s, whose identity I will not divulge, who was fond of the film “Henry V,” starring Kenneth Branagh as Henry, Prince of Wales.
I loved it, too.
Branagh, who cut his teeth on Shakespeare on stage, took on a big, sweeping production for his first Hollywood directorial effort.
My friend was so enthralled by the battle scenes and a young Branagh that she asked me whether we could rent the prequels.
(cough) Read More

Windsor Jr/Sr High Honor Roll

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•January 20, 20201•

High Honors
7th grade: Leah Kasey, Cameron Carey, Branson Tingley, Patton Voris, Alexis Gee, Seth Rincker, Landon Postlewait
8th grade: Jorja Plummer, Avery Starwalt, Luke Dispennett, Seth Rakestraw
9th grade: Silas Hortenstine, Lillian Cole, Clayton Carey, Brody Hendrickson, Claire Sims, Talon Bridges, Ainslie Eident, Aubree Brown, Billy Evetts Read More

Managing the Winter Blues

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Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator

Winter is upon us and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues.” Throw in a pandemic where we are isolating from others, and I’m afraid we are going to see more people experiencing those blues and maybe worse this season. I have become much more aware recently of the signs of mental health issues having just completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Trauma-Informed Care trainings, and also co-facilitating a youth mental health awareness program called Your Thoughts Matter. I would highly recommend anyone to complete MHFA as the purpose is to help you recognize when someone is having difficulties and be able to respond in a helpful way. And it is very likely that you will need to be there for someone in that circumstance since according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, one in four American adults is diagnosed with a mental disorder in their lifetime and half of those disorders begin by age 14 and three quarters by age 24.
There are many ways to try and prevent those winter blues from sneaking up on us and to maintain positive mental health. Here are just a few tips to get started: Read More

Board Approves Motions for Route 32 and County Hwy 4 Intersection

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•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board approved two motions related to the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection during their meeting Thursday evening. The first item was a cost sharing agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection.
The second item was a Moultrie County Funding resolution regarding the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection in the amount of $2,900. According to County Engineer Jeff Birch, the final cost for the project will be determined by the bid cost. He anticipates that IDOT will take the project for a March bid letting. Read More